Slater Koekkoek had an impressive rookie season while playing on a last place team in Peterborough.  Although the team success wasn't there, this may have actually been a blessing in disguise for the 16 year old defenseman as he was able to get ample ice time and play in every situation.  By logging over 25 minutes a night, Koekkoek was pushed to play defensively against opposing teams top lines, as well as given free range to use his creativity when it comes to his offensive game.  Koekkoek is a smooth skating defenseman that uses his frame and strength to his advantage.  He loves to join the rush and can be counted on to use his hockey IQ in knowing when to jump up or stay back.  His shot is quick and accurate which makes him even more of a threat when he decides to wheel with the puck.
If Koekkoek continues to improve his footwork and outlet passing, he will be that much more of a threat as opposition will begin to think twice about dumping the puck into his corner.  One of the underrated areas of Koekkoek's game is the fact that he has experience not only playing in high pressure games but excelling in these games; a quality that a lot of players in the 2012 draft don't have.  Off the ice, Koekkoek is a laid back individual who is keen to listen which makes him very coachable; something that NHL teams view as extremely important if a prospect wants to make the jump to the next level sooner rather than later.  By maintaining a great work ethic, there's no reason why Koekkoek won't be a high selection in the 2012 draft which is very deep when it comes to defensemen.

Career Highlights

Slater Koekkoek has witnessed the highs and lows during his young career which serves as an important learning lesson for any young prospect.  Beginning with winning the Telus Cup as the National Midget Championship with Notre Dame in 2010, Koekkoek captured the title of MVP in the final game tacking up a goal and an assist.  This capped off a season where the 15 year old collected 43 points (16 Goals and 27 Assists) and 91 penalty minutes in 44 games.  Koekkoek's play led to the Peterborough Petes selecting him 7th overall in the 2010 OHL priority draft.  Early in 2011, Koekkoek was named to Team Ontario to play in the World U-17 Hockey Challenge where he collected 3 points (1 goal and 2 assists) and 8 penalty minutes in 5 games on the way to winning the gold medal in a game where he assisted on the game winning goal.  After the Pete's season came to an end, Koekkoek's season didn't, as he was picked as an underage player for Team Canada at the IIHF U-18 Tournament where he recorded 2 points (1 goal and 1 assist) in 7 games while just finishing out of the medal round.

Zemgus Girgensons is a top rated 2012 NHL Draft prospect who is currently playing in the USHL for the Dubuque Fighting Saints. HockeyProspect.com spoke to Zemgus a couple of times recently including this conversation Steve Fitzsimmons had with Girgensons today. Zemgus was highly touted on the HP pre-season rankings and showed nothing to make our scouts waver on their opinion of him at the recent USHL Fall Classic in Sioux City, Iowa.  HP's Mark Edwards has moved Zemgus up the #2 spot on his current personal rankings right behind Nail Yakupov of the Sarnia Sting.

Girgensons chats about his style of play and the decision to play in North America.

There has been a surge of top end prospects recently making the long journey from Switzerland to the WHL. Names like Sven Baertschi and Nino Niederreiter stick out, and one of the rising prospects out of Switzerland and in the WHL this year is Kamloops's Tim Bozon (the son of former NHL'er Philippe Bozon). Born in Lugano, Switzerland, Bozon is a 6'1, left shooting forward who was selected 27th overall in the 2011 CHL Import Draft. He is scoring at a point per game pace so far in this WHL season and has consistently impressed HockeyProspect.com scouts. Bozon is a smart hockey player with good size and playmaking abilities.  Before coming to the WHL, Bozon suited up for the highly touted Lugano team in the Swiss under-20 league.

HP: How has your season in Kamloops gone so far?

TB: Well, I had a good start of the season. Every game I feel better on the ice. I'm adjusting to the North American hockey style. I know I can play better, I'm not playing at my highest level right now, but it's only the beginning of the season so I know it is coming.

HP: What has been the toughest adjustment so far from Switzerland to the WHL?

TB: Well, the biggest adjustment for sure is the smaller ice. For every Euro hockey player when they come here it's the smaller ice and the players being bigger and faster. You get less time to make a play. Outside of hockey, I feel great in the change and the organization because they trust me. For sure miss my family, but I can always call them.

HP: Did you talk to any other Swiss players before coming to the WHL:

TB: Sure, I talk a lot with Dave Sutter from Seattle. He is a good friend of mine and I played two years with him in Geneva. I talked a little bit with Sven Baertschi from Portland and Nino Niederreiter a little bit. But, I talk very often with Sutter and he told me good things about the league and gave me some good things to do here.

HP: How would you describe your style of play?

TB: I try to do my best every game. I work hard on the ice and off the ice. On the ice I have good skills. I like to control the game and the puck and be a playmaker. I think I am a good skater too. I just try to play my game every time and every shift. I try to get better in the defensive zone, but my style is more offensive.

HP: Are there any NHL players you like to model your game after?

TB: Well I like watching the new NHL prospects like Magnus Svensson Pääjärvi and Jordan Eberle.  In terms of NHL veterans, I like Ales Hemsky from Edmonton and learn from him by watching NHL games and highlights.

HP: Are you an Edmonton Oilers fan, or do you just see a lot them now that you're in Western Canada?

TB: Yeah, I'm an Oilers fan because I really like the players that play for them. But I also really like Datsyuk from the Red wings for example.

HP: What is your favorite part about playing in the WHL?

TB: It's really different. The hockey is different, I get more games here then I did in Switzerland. We have more fans. Like last year we played just in front of a 100 people but now it can be as much as 5,000. I really like that. It is like a professional league and I think it is a good fit for me.

HP: What are your goals for this season in the WHL?

TB: I am just trying to play good and hard every game. I know that there are a lot of games and sometimes I won't be successful, so just try to work hard in the moment and don't concentrate on the stats. For sure I like to score goals, but I got to work on each game.

HP: Have you had many thoughts about the draft?

TB: For sure. I think about that, but I don't want to think too much about the future before the present. I want to think about how I can be better on the ice and my team. The draft is coming later on.

HP: How come you decided to come from Europe to the WHL?

TB: Well a good example is Niederreiter. It just kind of worked like him, As a young person I played with the older guys so I saw a lot of him and then his success in the WHL and now in the NHL. I followed him a lot on the internet. This year was my opportunity to come over here as a 17 year old so I wanted to take the chance because it gives me a better chance to play one day in the NHL.

HP: What advice would you give a European player that is coming to play Major Junior hockey in Canada?

TB: For sure I'd say it's hard. It's far away in Canada so it's hard but I'm living my dream right now. For me it's incredible to play here because it's professional. You have to know it's your chance to prove that you are a good player and can play in the NHL. The real hockey is here and I want to get my chance.

We are happy to announce the release of something new this season. In the Spring of 2012 we will be releasing Draft Year: Brendan Gaunce. Brendan, along with his family and agent, have been kind enough to allow us to follow along as the top prospect makes his way through his NHL Draft season. The journey begins this past summer and continues following Brendan all season long as June and NHL Draft day in Pittsburgh approaches. As we make our way towards June, we will occasionally post some outtakes from the book. Here is a our first preview from lead author John Matisz:

In a season with a million and one expectations, 17-year-old draft eligible forward was named an assistant captain of the Belleville Bulls prior to season puck-drop.

When asked whether he felt any additional weight on his shoulders with the official leadership role, Gaunce opened up about said role.

"Before I got the 'A,' one of my goals this year was to be a better leader. As a rookie (in 2010-11), you can kind of say stuff but you could be stepping on guys' toes because you're only 16 while some guys are 20 years old. And, if you're trying to give them advice, it's a little awkward on your end, just because you don't know how they're going to take it. It's kind of like your younger brother giving you advice - which no one likes. Overall though, I was planning on being a better leader this year. The letter on my jersey just adds some extra motivation."

The book will be available in May 2012 on Amazon.com, Amazon.ca and in digital format. More details will be available as release date approaches. Check back often for more previews!

Hope was drafted out of the Detroit Honeybaked system; the same system that saw the Windsor Spitfires select Grant Webermin in the 1st round. The Sting chose to select Hope in the 3rd round of the 2010 OHL Priority Selection. Easily one of the best goaltenders available, the pick was seen by some as a little risky, due to strong pushes from NCAA recruiters, due to Brandon's ability both on the ice and in the classroom. The gamble payed off, as it took a little while but they were able to convince Hope to join the OHL's Sarnia Sting. Entering camp, Hope was facing two veteran goaltenders, however with Shayne Campbell being traded near the end of camp, Brandon was able to grab up the back-up position for the Sarnia Sting, en route to playing more minutes than any other 1994 born goaltender in the entire CHL.

Brandon first and foremost has excellent leg movement. He is able to throw the pad out at a quick rate, and above the learning curve for goaltenders his age. The balance he possesses with the movement allows him to recover strong, and allows him to reset himself quicker than the average junior goaltender. His reflexes; particularly in his glove hand are also ahead of the curve, and he has thrown it out there to steal a sure goal more than once. His angles are strong, however earlier on in the season he appeared to get a little lazy by the 3rd period, but he appears to have shaken this habit, and maintains solid positioning in general throughout the game. Not being a big net minder, it's important for Hope to come out and appear bigger to shooters, and he appears to does this with good positioning. One of the few negatives against Brandon, due to his size, is his ability to see the puck through traffic at times. This would improve with a bit of a growth spurt, but his awareness helps him out, and he follows the play very well. The mentality in the net that Hope displays is strong. He has let in his share of bad goals, which will hopefully disappear through development, but Hope was not a goaltender who's game was affected by this, he seemed to shake this fairly well and, generally you wouldn't see this happen again. He displays a positive demeanor, and is a well liked player in the dressing room. Another skill that you don't see in goaltenders very often is Hope's ability to drop the gloves, or should we say glove and blocker. At a game in Niagara, Hope threw down with Dalton McGrath. Hope actually had trouble getting his one arm loose, McGrath used this opportunity to try and get the jump on Hope a little, and it didn't turn out well. Needless to say, it's become a popular you tube video, and Hope has proven he can stand up for himself when needed. Going forward there aren't a lot of holes in Hope's game, he just needs to continue to gain experience. One thing that gave him some issues at times, was rebound control, but you really need to break down Brandon's game to pick out areas of improvement.

In order to fully benefit from his draft year he will need to excel when called upon; due to shared ice time with overage net minder Brandon Maxwell. However Jacques Beaulieu has made several adjustments to the team this year, and if Hope excels in training camp, it wouldn't be a surprise to see Hope get more than 50% of the starts. He is one, in a group of 4 goaltenders who all show great potential in the OHL with Matthew Murray (Sault Ste. Marie), Malcolm Subban (Belleville), and Jake Paterson (Saginaw). Being able to see all 4 goaltenders in multiple starts, has left me believing the 2012 goaltending crop out of the OHL looks solid. Although Subban is the highest regarded goaltender available in the OHL right now, I would be shocked if by the end of the year Brandon Hope is at the top of a lot of lists in that area.

Patrick Sieloff’s Twitter photo displays him sending Michigan Wolverines’ sophomore Derek DeBlois crashing to the ice with a big open-ice check, one of many bone-crunching hits the future University of Miami (Ohio) RedHawk has delivered to unfortunate opponents this season.

Though he stands at a relatively modest 6-foot, 194 pounds, Sieloff plays much bigger than his size and as DeBlois can attest, he packs a wallop.

“I don’t go out and look for [big hits], but when an opportunity is there I make sure that they feel it,” Sieloff says matter-of-factly.

Sieloff has developed a reputation for being a punisher this year and it’s a role he enjoys, although Sieloff admits that showing discipline as a physical player is important.

“Over the years I’ve learned that you don’t want to go out and look for the big hit, it’s more about timing,” Sieloff says. “Because the more you go out looking for it, the more you get caught out of position. I just learned to pick and choose my spots and when I go in, I make sure that I’m going to come out on top, get the puck and take the body.”

Other than as a fearsome physical player, Sieloff is perhaps best known as the defensive partner of potential top-five selection Jacob Trouba, with whom he’s been paired for the better part of the last six years.

The duo first met as members of Compuware and sure enough Sieloff followed Trouba to the U.S. National Team Development Program, which happens to be located just 15 minutes away from Sieloff’s Ann Arbor home.

It turned out to be the perfect situation for Sieloff, who has appreciated the extra comfort of living in a familiar environment.

“It’s a wonderful experience,” Sieloff says. “Two years have flown by. I think it’s partly because I didn’t have to adjust like lot of the other kids – I still live at home with my family and that’s helped me out a lot.”

Sieloff and Trouba form a shutdown duo for the USNTDP and although it’s Trouba that has drawn more attention from the hockey world, Sieloff has plenty of appeal as well.

Sieloff has become a solid defensive defenseman and impressed HP’s Director of Scouting Mark Edwards from the start.

“I liked him the first time I watched him and liked him more with each viewing,” Edwards says. “He plays a very smart steady game from the back end and moves the puck, making good decisions. Not an overly huge kid, but played plenty big. He has been a physical, steady presence whenever I have seen him. Patrick was one of our biggest risers in the fall."

The tandem of Sieloff and Trouba has been together for an eternity in youth hockey terms, but though Sieloff admits that he simply feels more comfortable with Trouba, he’s been able to adapt to different situations in the past without a problem.

Though part of that is surely a result of Sieloff’s willingness to stay at home, Sieloff insists that he’s not afraid to join the rush from his blueline position. But with just eight points (three goals, five assists) on the season, it’s obvious that the attack zone isn’t his area of expertise. (For his part, Sieloff is self-deprecating about his offensive limitations, writing on his Twitter profile: “Offensive defenseman in practice but come game time slightly change my role!”)

And rather than try to do too much on his own, Sieloff prefers to let the development team’s impressive crop of forwards handle the offensive load.

“I don’t like rushing the puck as much as I like giving it to the forwards and letting them do the work,” Sieloff says. “I know my role and it’s not going to be scoring a lot of goals.”

Sieloff figures that makes the most sense for helping his team, which is what he’s concerned with first and foremost.

“If the team plays well together, your individual skill will come out and people will see that,” Sieloff says.

Besides which, Sieloff knows that by watching the play develop coming towards him he’ll have a better chance to dish out one of his trademark blasts that “at times that can change the momentum of the game.”

We first told you about Zach Hall of the Barrie Colts back in March of of 2009. We were high on Zach leading up to the OHL Draft. Zach was eventually selected in the 2nd round by the Barrie Colts, right behind their first rounder, Ryan Strome. It was 25 months before his potential NHL draft day in Minnesota. We profiled Zach in our 'look ahead' section on the 2011 NHL Draft in our 2010 NHL Draft Guide. In early October we included Zach in our 'NHL Prospects' book. The book profiled multiple players and we interviewed them months before draft day in June.

If you had told me back in October of that year that Zach Hall would go undrafted, I would have said you were crazy. Previous to 2010/2011 I have watched Zach up close in his OHL Draft year, as well as in Junior A in 2009/2010 and as a Colts call up. His talents were obvious. Even as a player with only 5 games with the Colts powerhouse team that season, he showed what he could do. He even played some second line Centre as a call up.

The 2010/2011 season got underway with a new coach in Barrie and Zach scored in his first game of the season. Zach suffered an injury shortly after and was sidelined until late November. I watched the Colts numerous times last season, especially in the first half. Hall got limited ice at times which is the only explanation I can give for him sliding through the 2011 Draft.

Fast forward to this season and as of October 8th 2011, he sits 2nd in the league in scoring with 6 goals and 9 assists in 6 games. He is also a +5 if you are a fan of that stat.  It's early, but Zach is en route to showing NHL Scouts what he can do in the OHL this season.

Below is the NHL Prospects book interview and our profile on Zach from our 2010 NHL Draft guide.

2010 NHL Draft Guide '2011 Draft Prospects watch' (released May 2010)

We didn't want to just throw the top ten 2011 draft prospects at you in this section of the book. While we have obviously mentioned some high end and well known players, we also wanted  to tell you about a few players who might start out being down the rankings in some of  the pre-season NHL draft lists.

Zach Hall blew us away leading up to the OHL Draft in 2009. He is an elite playmaker and scorer, who works his tail off shift after shift. If not for a powerhouse Barrie team, he would have played in the OHL all season. He did chip in with a goal and an assist with limited ice in 5 games with the Colts.

Hall played Junior 'A' for the Couchiching Terriers and finished second on his team in scoring behind former OHL 1st rounder Matt Smyth.  Hall's numbers were sick for a rookie: 71 pts in 44 games, including 26 goals. He will get plenty of ice time next season in Barrie. His slight build needs to improve.

2010 NHL Prospects book interview (released October 2010)

Zach Hall is both a playmaker and scorer, who works hard shift after shift  If not for a Barrie team that was pushing for a memorial cup berth last season, he would have played in the OHL last year.

Hall was a member of the Couchiching Terriers last season and finished second on his team in scoring.  Hall's numbers were impressive for a rookie: 71 pts in 44 games, including 26 goals.  Hall will get plenty of ice this season but wins will be harder to find in his NHL draft year with the Colts rebuilding.

The Interview:

HP: How did your season go with Couchiching?

ZH: It was really good. I thought I got really good coaching and we had a pretty good team as well .

HP: How did you go about choosing hockey, any family influences in the situation?

ZH: Everyone in my family played or plays hockey. My dad played for the Bulls (a junior B team) and my brother got drafted to Peterborough in 2006, and I just always have been playing. I first got on the ice when I was two and I've loved the game since.

HP: We believed you were talented enough to spend the season with Barrie, was it frustrating not to play for them?

ZH I knew we, the Colts, had a very good team and that I also was quite young. So, I took it on a positive note, and worked extra hard in Couchiching with the Terriers. I would say that it motivated me because I could so clearly see the end goal of playing with the Colts staring me in the face. Also, it was great to get to play in some games in the end.

HP: How did that small sampling with Barrie go?

ZH: It was very good. I was excited for every game and it was thrilling to play. The playoff and regular season games were both exciting and it was a great experience.

HP: What were some of the bigger differences between playing in Couchiching and Barrie?

ZH: It was a lot more high paced in Barrie. Obviously, the players were better from top to bottom. More guys competed and wanted the puck in the OHL then Junior A. it was also a lot more high tempo.

HP: How do you think having such a successful year in Couchiching will help you next season?
ZH: It was good because I got the opportunity to play a lot. I got to play on the first line, and my line-mate had tons of points, and he really helped me out a lot and gave me some great pointers.

HP: If you were scouting yourself, what would you describe as your strengths?  What about some weaknesses?

ZH: My strengths are skating, vision of the ice, and my shot.

HP: What about some weaknesses you want to improve on?

ZH: I've been working on my defense and playing the body more.

HP: Where would you say you are most productive on the ice, be it in the corners, in front of the net, in transition etc…

ZH: I would say probably in transition is where I get most of my opportunities. However, I also get them in the corners as well because I find the open spot well.

HP: You mentioned that you think your strengths are your speed and shot. Do you think that is why you are so productive in the open ice?

HP: What would you say has improved most about your game this season?

ZH: Well at the beginning of the year, I kept finding myself ahead of the play; my timing just wasn't right compared to AAA hockey. I like to pride myself on being in the right place at the right time, and from the start of the season, I just wasn't content with my timing. For example, I'd be too far ahead in the breakout. But, as the season went on I think I got my timing right and adjusted better.

HP: So, it took some time to adjust to the new league so you could again work on being in the right position?

ZH: Yeah, that's correct.

HP: What has been the most memorable moment of your playing career?

ZH: So far I would have to say finally cracking my OHL team was pretty memorable.

HP: What are your goals for the upcoming season?

ZH:  I'm looking forward to trying to put up 50 points or more. It's a tough question because I want to improve on everything. I guess specifically defense would be something I need to improve on.

HP: Who are some players you like to watch either in major juniors, NCAA, or NHL?

ZH: Yeah, for the last couple years I've watched Zach Parise of the New Jersey Devils. I have watched him really closely. I like watching him play because he's not the biggest guy out there but never backs down from anyone. He could be going up against Zdeno Chara and won't back down.

HP: Have you had any nerves regarding the 2011 NHL Draft?

ZH: Yeah, but only good ones. It's such an exciting thought to think that I could get drafted.

HP: So, fast forward to the 2011 draft, if a scout is telling a GM to draft you, what is he saying to convince him? What about your game sticks out the most?

ZH: I would say most likely my speed, shot, and vision. Hopefully he likes that I can always find the right spot on the ice.
HP: What is the best piece of advice you have received from a coach?

ZH: I would say not to ever think too far ahead; take everything day by day whether it's practice, a game, or working out. Pretty much don't look too far ahead or too far behind.

Scott Kosmachuk is a member of the Guelph Storm. The 5'11" 182 pound forward is finishing up the regular season in his NHL Draft year. HP's Melissa Perri recently had a chance to speak to the former Toronto Marlboro about his season thus far.

Trevor Carrick is a 6'2" D-man for the Mississauga St. Michaels Majors. He is also younger brother of Sam and Jake and the older brother of 1996 born Josh. Trevor has posted 5 goals and 10 assists so far in his NHL Draft year and has been on a recent hot streak. Trevor has scored 4 of his 5 goals in consecutive games from February 24th to March 2nd. HP's Melissa Perri spoke to Trevor about his recent goal scoring streak and his OHL season.