Final thoughts - The Forwards
This is my personal assessment of the forwards at the end of the season, including a letter grade and where I see them in the future with the team.
Connor Bleackley - (C+) - He got upgraded from AP status to roster player near the end of the season. His conditioning needs some work, but he can skate when he needs to, has a heck of a wrist shot, and he knows where to put the puck to score. I think this is a player that is capable of having a breakout season next season.
Turner Elson (B+) - He caught more than a few defensemen off-guard with his speed and hustle in the last half. Overall, injuries limited him to 55 games on the season, but he played a lot of minutes in those 55 games due to the bench being so short. I would like to see him back next season, but I do believe that he will crack the Abbotsford lineup.
Cory Millette (B-) - His production backed off a little in the second half, but there was a lot more being asked of him due to the circumstances. I think that he has become one of the better guys at winning board battles, and though he wasn't always filling the net, he was still getting his chances. If he continues to improve into next season, he will likely feature on the second line.
Colton Mayor (A-) - His season was cut short by injury, but he was one of two players that I felt really elevated their games in the face of adversity this season. When a lot of the team leadership and scoring went down with injury, he stepped up and replaced it. He should feature on the top line next season.
Charles Inglis (A-) - Besides bringing a lot of character to the team, battles hard every shift, finishes all of his checks, and is quite a character off the ice. He hits the other team's blueline hard every time he has the puck, and caused a lot of chaos by doing so. Not sure if it was due to him being off for so long, or learning new systems/teammates, but he misses a lot of the passes from his own end to him in the neutral zone. Really the only knock I have on him. He should return for his overage season next season, and he should be one of the better overage players that they have had for a long time.
John Persson (A-) - He was a big, physical force this season, and managed to put up similar numbers, despite having less support (ie: no RNH). He has such great hockey sense, I think if his first few strides were a little better, he would probably be a lock for the AHL next season. The Islanders don't have to sign him to retain his rights, so they could potentially see him return for his final WHL season next season. Would be great to see him back!
Joel Hamilton (C+) - He showed some great penalty killing skill, and is great on the boards. Hard to say if he will ever emerge as a scoring threat, but you can't question his defensive game. Would be great to see him get a little bigger/stronger He should be a 2nd or 3rd liner next season if he bounces back well from that bad season-ending injury.
Chad Robinson (B-) - He finished up the season as one of the few plus players on the team, while putting up a respectable 36 points. He doesn't have a great shot, or extraordinary hands, but he does have good speed, and a fantastic work ethic. Hard not to cheer for a kid like that! He should be a 2nd line/penalty killing specialist moving forward to next season.
Mason Burr (C+) - The most improved Rebel by a country mile. This is not to say that he is ever going to put up huge numbers at the WHL level, but he has certainly looked a ton better defensively and has had his share of scoring chances. Rounding into a WHL forward by the start of your 18yo season is not a stable place to be on this squad with at most likely one forward not returning for next season, and another two or three youngsters that are a lock. I think he is going to have to beat one of these kids out in training camp next season.
Brooks Maxwell (C+) - Probably the fastest skater on the team, at least without the puck. This is a great tool for penalty killing, and he managed to generate a few scoring chances with it as well. If he continues to improve next season, I think he could find himself on the second line by it's conclusion.
Dexter Bricker (B-) - Remember this name, because you are going to hear a lot of fans from other teams complaining about him for the next 2 or 3 seasons. This kid is only 16, and just built like a TANK. Think Derek Dorsett 2.0, but maybe a little greasier, at least at 16. All the solid hits and edginess aside, he also has a bit of a nose for the net! I think his style may shave 15 or more games off each season due to injury and suspensions, but buckle up, because this kid is going to be entertaining to watch the next few seasons!
Tyson Ness (B+) - The second half of the aformentioned two players that I felt really stepped up their game when the team was at it's lowest point as far as injuries go. He scored a bunch of clutch goals, and finished up the season with 34 points. Depending on what is returned for overage players next season, I think that he could fit in on the 1st or second line.
Adam Kambeitz (A-) - When he played, he was good. Unfortunately, he only managed to dress for 45 games, and clearly played injured in about a dozen of those games. He still struggled out a respectable 31 points in 45 games however. He should be one of the returning overage players next season, lets all hope for a 'healthier' year for him!
Marc McCoy (C+) - He continued to improve, slowly. He is a player that doesn't always make the most of his ice time, but elevates his game a bit when he is given more ice time. He didn't really seem to develop consistently in the second half, and he could be another forward that is battling some of the highly-touted rookies in training camp.
Marc MacKenzie (C+) - He is big, he is gritty, and he has some hands. He is the real wildcard going into next season. He is clearly a late bloomer, but he skates very well, and has a lot of confidence for one with so little WHL experience.
