Hockey Prospects, NHL Draft, Hockey Scouting,OHL Draft

For Immediate Release
Wednesday June 29, 2011

Toronto, ON – The Canadian Hockey League today announced the final results of the 2011 CHL Import Draft.

The two rounds included a total of 62 players selected from 10 different countries.

The OHL’s London Knights made a trade with the Barrie Colts to acquire the first overall pick which they used to select Finnish defenceman Olli Maatta, a 16-year-old eligible for the 2012 NHL Entry Draft.  After a trade with the QMJHL’s Rouyn-Noranda Huskies, the Quebec Remparts selected 2012 NHL Entry Draft prospect Russian forward Mikhail Grigorenko.  The WHL’s Calgary Hitmen maintained the third overall pick and selected Swedish forward Victor Rask who was also chosen by the Carolina Hurricanes in the second round 42^nd overall in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft June 25 in Minnesota.

Each team in the CHL is permitted to carry two European Import players each season.  These players are selected annually at the Import Draft, with the order of selection rotating through each of the three leagues in the CHL using an inverse order of their final regular season standings from the 2010-11 season.

Draft Picks by Country:

Czech Republic – 15

Russia – 11

Sweden – 9

Slovakia – 7

Germany – 5

Switzerland – 5

Norway – 4

Latvia – 3

Finland – 2

Belarus – 1

Draft Picks by Position:

Forward – 42

Defence – 12

Goaltender – 8

Draft Picks by NHL Status:

2010 Drafted – 5

2011 Drafted – 7

2012 Eligible – 47

2013 Eligible - 3

Last season the Prince George Cougars used the first overall pick to select Edmonton Oilers prospect Martin Marincin, before the Sarnia Sting selected this year’s OHL and CHL Rookie of the Year and 2012 NHL Entry Draft prospect Nail Yakupov.  With the third overall pick the Halifax Mooseheads selected 2012 NHL Entry Draft prospect and Czech Republic National Junior Team member Martin Frk.

A total of 18 CHL players were selected in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft that are products of the Import Draft including five players chosen in the first round of the 2011 NHL Entry Draft on June 24 in Minnesota including Gabriel Landeskog of the Kitchener Rangers who went second overall to the Colorado Avalanche, Sven Bartschi of the Portland Winterhawks who went 13^th overall to the Calgary Flames, Vladislav Namestnikov of the London Knights who was picked 27^th overall by the Tampa Bay Lightning, Nicklas Jensen of the Oshawa Generals who was chosen 29^th overall by the Vancouver Canucks, and Rickard Rakell of the Plymouth Whalers who was chosen 30^th overall by the Anaheim Ducks.

The 2011 CHL Import Draft results are listed online along with a seven-year historical recap of the draft which can be viewed at http://www.chl.ca/draft/chl

The Saint John Sea Dogs became 2011 MasterCard Memorial Cup Champions after a hard fought 3-1 victory over the Mississauga St. Michael’s Majors this past Sunday May 29th. HockeyProspect.com looks at the team from a prospective point of view, as the Sea Dogs have several players eligible for the 2011 NHL Entry Draft.

#5 - RD - Gabriel Bourret

Bourret is rated to go in the 6th round by HockeyProspect.com. We were happy with his play, as Gabriel appeared steady for the Sea Dogs. He generally kept his game safe when called upon, and make the smart simple plays for the Dogs’. He isn’t a defenseman that will wow you with his skill level, but was fairly physical for a QMJHL defenseman with average size. All in all Bourret was a positive contributor for Saint John.

#7 - RC - Zach Phillips

Phillips was a bit of a surprise for us. We were wondering if he would show us that he deserved to be ranked inside the top 30, rather than just outside of in, where he finished with HockeyProspect.com, but he really didn’t show much in terms of being a game breaker. Zach showed a tendency to pass the puck up, much more than take opportunities to shoot it, which is not something you commonly see out of a 38 goal scorer during the regular season. Phillips however did get one goal in the tournament, which just happened to be the championship winning goal. The goal, set up by a turnover by Michael Kirkpatrick, sent over the Jonathan Huberdeau, who quickly fed Phillips for the goal, and the early 2-0 lead.
When asked what the difference between the Majors and the Sea Dogs in the MasterCard Memorial Cup Championship game Phillips said “We both worked really hard, they were all over us, we had a great effort, and we were able to bury on our chances.”

#11 - LW/C - Jonathan Huberdeau

Huberdeau has showed time and time again through the CHL playoffs, and into the MasterCard Memorial Cup, that he is a clutch performer, and one of those few players who not only have top end skill, but a knack to come through for his team when they need a big goal. Huberdeau not only secured his spot at #3, but also made himself a legitimate argument to be worthy of the 2nd or even 1st pick in this year’s draft. Jonathan was great in front of the opposing net, willing to take punishment and using his outstanding hand/eye co-ordination making life difficult for the goaltenders, he works hard in every area of the ice, and he reads the play so incredibly well.

HP asked Jonathan Huberdeau about his cup clinching goal with 3:43 left in the 3rd period.

“It was unbelievable I knew the goal was very important, we were dominated in our zone at the moment, but our goaltender did great under pressure”

We then asked Jonathan “NHL Entry Draft going 1st, 2nd, 3rd, etc, does it matter to you?”

“Nope, doesn’t matter I feel like my game has improved all season, and I did what I did, and now we will see what NHL team takes me”

#13 - RW - Tomas Jurco

Jurco continued his outstanding playoff by finishing tied for 1st in goals in the MasterCard Memorial Cup. Jurco made it clear right from his first shift he was going to be an impact player, scoring an outstanding goal to open the tournament. Jurco shows outstanding puck handling abilities, and speed. He can control the play when the puck is on his stick, and is very difficult to contain. He’s not afraid of a little physicality either. During the season Jurco saw his stock drop with some right out of the first round, but he has proven with his playoff performance, and his showing at the MasterCard Memorial Cup, that he is worthy of a first round selection.

#15 - LW - Scott Oke

Oke didn’t really impress or disappoint at the MasterCard Memorial Cup. He received limited ice time, and was decent in applying forecheck pressure, as well as defending his own zone, but he really didn’t show off any standout skill. Oke is a very tough player to gauge going forward due to his lack of ice, despite the amount of games he has played.

#19 - LW - Ryan Tesink

Tesink got limited ice time for Saint John, but appeared to make the most of it, forcing turnovers, and applying good pressure in the offensive zone. Ryan showed good energy throughout the tournament. Ryan is the one player that we would probably move higher in the rankings if we were to update our NHL Draft Guide post Memorial Cup. Ryan is a smart hockey player that showed very good skills and awareness. We like his big upside. He plays bigger than his slight frame would have you believe.

#22 - LW - Aidan Kelly

Kelly was used sparingly either as a 12th forward, or a healthy scratch. Aidan, when given ice showed good work ethic, and battled hard and tried to make his shifts count.

#28 - LD - Nathan Beaulieu

Nathan was certainly not playing up to his potential to start the tournament. Beaulieu admitted post game, that the nerves were effecting him early on, which played a part in several misplays with the puck, but he, and his team were able to settle in. Nathan played 3 more games, and improved greatly in every outing, to the point where he was playing a big positive factor in Saint John’s success. Considered a top 10 pick by HockeyProspect; Nathan is a very offensively capable defenseman, who rushes the puck up the ice well, and has an excellent point shot. Nathan isn’t afraid to play physical either.

#2 - RD - Dylan DeMelo

Dylan is starting to show the potential he’s hinted at all season. Obviously limited ice time has been a factor, but his ice time has grown as the Majors’ have become more confident with his skills and maturity. DeMelo is deceptively strong, and did well when battling for the puck. He was effective in his own zone, and moved the puck well. Although not called upon as much as some other defensemen for the Majors, if anything DeMelo proved he is ready for an expanded role next year.

#5 - RD - Stuart Percy

Stuart did absolutely nothing.. to change our minds or make us second guess where we have him ranked. When looking at HockeyProspect’s rankings, Stuart Percy’s 19th overall ranking is one of the most drastic jumps from NHL Central Scouting for any prospect in the draft. But Stuart proved this, by playing a critical role in shutting down the opposition, while also setting up a number of goals for his team, finishing 2nd in scoring for the Majors during the MasterCard Memorial Cup. His composure and maturity is astonishing considering he is the youngest player on the Majors’ roster. He has been effective, and a standout in our mind at both ends of the ice, he simply just needs to get stronger and fill out his already 6’1” frame. We were able to speak to Stuart after their 3-1 victory over Kootenay. Here’s what he had to say.

When asked to describe the type of player he is, Percy replied

“I’m a solid defensive defenceman that can shut down opposing teams top forwards, and I also bring some offense to the table, moving the puck well, and contributing on the power play occasionally.”

When asked if there‘s something Stuart wants to work on this off-season he replied.

“I want to work on my strength, and speed, and my shot as well, and just becoming quicker out there, and being more physical.“

#16 - LC - Joseph Cramarossa

We felt Cramarossa would be a solid 2nd round selection in this year’s draft, and despite not putting up any points during the MasterCard Memorial Cup, he showed that he is one of the safer picks in the draft due to his 6’1” frame, and his willingness to be physical, and take whatever punishment is necessary to help the team succeed. Cramarossa plays primarily a bottom six role with the Majors, despite likely being a 2nd liner on most other CHL teams. Joseph is durable, being able to play both centre and wing, and worked hard night in and night out through the tournament. When the Majors were gaining pressure in the 3rd period of the Championship game, Joseph was a key factor in keeping the momentum rolling with his physical play, and smart puck decisions. Expect Joseph to take on a much bigger role with the Majors next year.

Photo: Terry Wilson CHL Images

Matt Dumba was selected 4th Overall by the Red Deer Rebels in the 2009 WHL Bantam Draft. He landed close to home coming from the Calgary Bronks AAA program. Dumba joined Edge prep school, before getting a taste of what the WHL has to offer with 8 games, two being playoff match-up’s as a 15 year old. In 2010-2011 Dumba got full time ice with the Red Deer Rebels, and faired very well. Mathew also excelled at the World U17 Hockey Challenge, where he finished the tournament as the leading scorer, playing for team Pacific. Dumba put up more goals than assists this past season, not a very common feat by a defenceman. Dumba possesses great skating ability, the technique needs a little adjustment, but the overall package is very solid. He gets a quick jump, and is able to generate a good top speed, particularly when skating down the wings. He really looks like a forward when driving down the wing with the puck on his stick, and has a quick and accurate release on his wrist shot.

Dumba also has a solid point shot, which he is able to release fairly quickly. He moves the puck with respectable ability, and appears to choose the right times to take his shot. One of the biggest standout features about Mathew Dumba’s play is his physicality. He is a very punishing defenceman, who despite being listed at only 165lbs. Has thrown some huge hits on some bigger opponents. He is equally effective throwing hits in open ice and along the boards. However he will occasionally leave his feet, and regularly put himself out of defensive positioning in order to connect with some of these hits. To go along with his physical play, he has shown complete willingness to drop the gloves whenever necessary, and has shown very well against guys bigger and stronger than him. Dumba is already built solid, going into next season he will hopefully add to his frame, and get even stronger. Also his defensive play will need to improve, he jumps out of position either for a high risk play, or to deliver a hit too many times. Dumba will need to try and control this a little in favour of remaining a steady presence in his own zone while continuing to improve his offensive contributions. Expect to see Dumba’s role with the team increase greatly, and to be a leader and key contributor from the blueline. Mathew is a potential top 10 pick in this year’s NHL Entry Draft, and is a player we see a great deal of upside in.

Bignell is a slightly undersized defenceman from the Kitchener-Waterloo area. He was selected out of Culver Academy in his OHL Draft year, and was taken in the 5th round of the OHL Draft. Bignell quickly turned out to be a huge steal for the Belleville Bulls. He contributed right away showing his maturity and hockey sense, particularly in the defensive zone. Bignell has great awareness of the play going on around him. He’s a smooth skater technically speaking, and was one of the better 16 year olds last year.

One of the biggest question mark’s for Bignell is his size considering his style of play. He is only listed at 5’11” 162lb. There are other listings that place him bigger than that, and it is still possible for him to grow. Regardless he was very effective in 1 on 1 situations, and surprised us with his ability to protect his own net. He has a good understanding of when to pinch and when to get back into defensive positioning, holding the line at appropriate times, but he didn’t come off as a player with a ton of offensive upside. However with an increased role, that could change. He has the skating ability, body positioning and core strength to handle bigger stronger forwards. There will be plenty of question marks out there for the young Bignell. Will he grow? If so how much? How much ice will he receive in Belleville? Belleville had a number of solid defencemen, and will again this year, not to mention the newest Subban, Jordan. Bignell appeared to grab top 4 minutes at times during his stronger games, but will need to fight for those minutes again.

Belleville in itself is a tough situation to predict. Although their defense is stacked up fairly well, they appear to require more firepower up front. The Bulls already moved defenceman Alex Basso, but brought in another in Brady Austin. The transactions may not stop for Belleville, and we may see them move out another defenceman before their season starts on September 23rd. Although ice time will be an important factor, Adam impressed us every time we saw him this season, and remain confident that he will establish himself as an attractive prospect for teams in the middle rounds of the 2012 NHL Entry Draft.

WHL’s Mike Winther, Tim Bozon, and Branden Troock added to event rosters

For Immediate Release
Wednesday January 18, 2012

Toronto, ON – The Canadian Hockey League in association with the Western Hockey League Kelowna Rockets Hockey Club and Home Hardware Stores Limited today announced that three players have been added to rosters for the 2012 Home Hardware CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game to be played February 1 at Prospera Place in Kelowna, BC.

Mike Winther of the Prince Albert Raiders, and Tim Bozon of the Kamloops Blazers have been added to the Team Cherry roster while Branden Troock of the Seattle Thunderbirds will suit up for Team Orr.  The three players replace Nail Yakupov of the Sarnia Sting, Jarrod Maidens of the Owen Sound Attack, and Matia Marcantuoni of the Kitchener Rangers who are all unable to participate due to injury.

Winther, an 18-year-old from Trochu, AB, is playing in his second WHL season with the Raiders.  The 5’11’’, 170lb forward was ranked 26^th among North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting in their recent midterm rankings.  In 45 games so far this season he has 39 points including a team-high 22 goals.

Bozon, a 17-year-old rookie from Lugano, Switzerland, is ranked 39^th by NHL Central Scouting.  At 6’1’’, 178lbs, the Blazers’ forward is tied for first among WHL rookies in scoring with 22 goals and 22 assists for 44 points in 44 games.

Troock, a 17-year-old Edmonton, AB, native is playing in his first full WHL season with the Thunderbirds.  The big 6’3’’, 203lb power forward has 14 points in 34 games so far this season and was ranked 90^th by NHL Central Scouting in their midterm rankings for the 2012 NHL Entry Draft.

The 2012 Home Hardware CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game is supported by title sponsor Home Hardware for the 13^th straight year with associate sponsors Bank of Montreal, Subway, and CCM.

The game will be broadcast live to a national audience on Sportsnet and TVA Sports in Quebec beginning at 7:00 pm Pacific and available online through Sportsnet 590 The FAN.

The 2012 Home Hardware CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game will mark the 17^th annual showcase of the CHL’s top-40 NHL draft eligible players.  The two-day event also features a skills competition and three-on-three challenge taking place on Tuesday January 31, 2012.  Ticket packages are still available for the two-day event and can be purchased at http://www.selectyourtickets.com/prospects.php or by calling 250-762-5050.

For more information including rosters and historical stats please visit www.homehardwaretopprospectsgame.com

About Home Hardware Stores Limited

100% Canadian owned and operated, Home Hardware Stores Limited has a presence in every Canadian province and territory and is the country’s largest independent, Dealer-owned hardware, lumber, building materials and furniture cooperative. Founded on January 1, 1964 by 122 independent hardware Dealers, the cooperative now includes more than 1,080 stores, under the Home Hardware, Home Building Centre, Home Hardware Building Centre and Home Furniture banners, with annual collective retail sales of more than $5 billion. Home Hardware’s independent Dealer-Owners, recognized by the North American Retail Hardware Association as Canada’s best-trained Dealer group, have access to 100,000 quality brand name and private label products, a world-class distribution system and draw upon the power of Home Hardware’s network to provide their local communities with top quality products and services at competitive prices.