Last night, I was lucky enough to attend the CHL top prospects game at the Saddledome in Calgary, and I have to say it was a really fun night. No doubt some great hockey took place, as the top draft eligible players from the CHL showed off their skills to the numerous NHL scouts in attendance. First, a quick shout out to former Flames player Craig Conroy. I saw Conroy walking around the dome, chatting with kids, signing memorabilia and taking photos with eager fans. It's a pleasure and a treat to see such a classy individual, well done Craig. Now let's take a look at the game!
This afternoon, I watched the game for a second time on PVR to get some more detailed notes and info. Team Cherry completely owned the first period, controlling the pace for the most part, and quite handily at that. In the second, Team Orr played themselves back into the game. The third was a lot closer, with some solid end to end hockey. Did anyone count how many posts were hit during the game?! I'm thinking from 5 to 10, which is pretty crazy. Anyways, here are some notable performers from the night.
Team Cherry
Haydn Fleury, the big defenseman from the WHL, had an excellent night, progressing as the game went on. He had some solid shots, a few big plays on the PK, and he manned the point with skill on the PP. Fleury is obviously a big, strong guy and it really showed. He displayed excellent instincts and seemed to be involved in the play all night, showing how active he can be.
Conner Bleackley, teammate of Fleury in the WHL, was a little quiet offensively, but what I noticed is that he comes to play hard. He was battling all night and winning the majority of board play. I loved his savvy and work ethic. He also had a nice opportunity driving into the slot. A very hard nosed kid.
Michael Dal Colle really shined at times, looking polished and using his great release on several occasions, including a nifty top corner goal and a crossbar later on. I can see why he belongs in the upper echelon of this draft class. Interestingly, Dal Colle showed significant chemistry with Reinhart at times.
Nikolay Goldobin started out okay but really progressed well. While not the best skater, his passing ability and patience were on display all night. He set up a goal and scored one himself, using his offensive instincts all night. He even had a penalty shot, and you guessed it... hit the post. Regardless, Goldobin was one of the best players on the ice.
Sam Reinhart, team captain, showed that he has what it takes to go first overall. He obviously has a through the roof hockey I.Q. and I can see he has that extra level that will make him an elite player at the next level. Skating isn't his strength, but his vision and hockey sense/timing are phenomenal, as is his passing ability. Reinhart has the tendency to glide in while looking for the pass, which worked for him at the World Juniors and continued in Calgary. He was setting up line mates and creating chances all night, resulting in a goal to show for it.
My favourite player of the night was Nikita Scherbak, the young Russian with massive feet. Size 13 to be exact, and that's SKATE size, not shoe size, which is usually larger. He's gone though five pairs of skates this year. Jeez. Scherbak is listed as being pretty small and slight but he appears much larger on the ice. I loved the way he read the play all night and he has a beautiful swooping stride. He has quick hands and bang on timing. He had several breakaways and was one of the most dangerous forwards all night. He has a bit of filling in to do but he's gonna be a real player.
Lastly for Team Cherry I thought the net minder Ty Edmonds had a solid half game, making some solid glove saves and battling hard in the crease.
Team Orr
Heading into this game I was curious about Blake Clarke, as I voiced on Twitter. He's had a miserable season so far, apparently largely due to injuries. At first he seemed a little passive, but then he showed a flash of brilliance. That goal on the PP, when he walked in from the top of the circle and wired it top corner, was a pure goal scorers goal. I immediately realized why he receives so much attention despite posting some pretty bad numbers. That kid can shoot.
Leon Draisaitl had an above average game, showing how strong and poised he is, but it wasn't his best game. For sure one of the top players in this draft class, but it wasn't an AMAZING showing by any means.
Nikolaj Ehlers was great in the little playing time that he received, I really liked the way he controlled the puck.
Ho-Sang was electric. His edges were great and he seemed very agile and hard to contain in tight spaces. His hands and hand-eye put on a clinic, exemplified by his amazing mid air goal. Probably Team Orr's best forward.
Brendan Perlini really impressed me. The big forward showed some blazing wheels, getting off a few big shots and winning battles for the puck. His stock is going nowhere but up. Point and Lemieux also had nice games, showing that they can be real gamers when it gets down to it.
Jared McCann was relatively quiet for most of the night except for one or two shots, until the third period where he picked up a Ho-Sang pass near the blue line and fired a laser into the net for the game winning goal. I liked his character and his shot is a big plus.
Aaron Ekblad had a good game. He plays like a man against boys out there; calm, composed and smart. He was excellent on the point and generated several quality scoring opportunities, while not giving up much in his own end. If he weren't a D he'd be going first overall, but since he is a D, we'll have to wait and see.
Julius Honka (best name ever) played like the WJC gold medal winner that he is. The Finnish rearguard racked up 2 assists, a few loose chicklets, and all in all just looked smart and confident out there. He also proved to be quite the warrior. Alex Peters had a few moments where he displayed his big man strength, and he played some solid angles as the night went on.
Mason McDonald, the towering goaltender, was the best goalie of the night. Always square to the shooter, nice reflexes and overall just really solid.
From both teams, a few guys like Virtanen, Ritchie and McKeown didn't have the showings they would have preferred, but I don't think anyone really lowered all that much in the rankings.
Thanks for reading, have a good day! -Johannes
@JohannesHockey
This afternoon, I watched the game for a second time on PVR to get some more detailed notes and info. Team Cherry completely owned the first period, controlling the pace for the most part, and quite handily at that. In the second, Team Orr played themselves back into the game. The third was a lot closer, with some solid end to end hockey. Did anyone count how many posts were hit during the game?! I'm thinking from 5 to 10, which is pretty crazy. Anyways, here are some notable performers from the night.
Team Cherry
Haydn Fleury, the big defenseman from the WHL, had an excellent night, progressing as the game went on. He had some solid shots, a few big plays on the PK, and he manned the point with skill on the PP. Fleury is obviously a big, strong guy and it really showed. He displayed excellent instincts and seemed to be involved in the play all night, showing how active he can be.
Conner Bleackley, teammate of Fleury in the WHL, was a little quiet offensively, but what I noticed is that he comes to play hard. He was battling all night and winning the majority of board play. I loved his savvy and work ethic. He also had a nice opportunity driving into the slot. A very hard nosed kid.
Michael Dal Colle really shined at times, looking polished and using his great release on several occasions, including a nifty top corner goal and a crossbar later on. I can see why he belongs in the upper echelon of this draft class. Interestingly, Dal Colle showed significant chemistry with Reinhart at times.
Nikolay Goldobin started out okay but really progressed well. While not the best skater, his passing ability and patience were on display all night. He set up a goal and scored one himself, using his offensive instincts all night. He even had a penalty shot, and you guessed it... hit the post. Regardless, Goldobin was one of the best players on the ice.
Sam Reinhart, team captain, showed that he has what it takes to go first overall. He obviously has a through the roof hockey I.Q. and I can see he has that extra level that will make him an elite player at the next level. Skating isn't his strength, but his vision and hockey sense/timing are phenomenal, as is his passing ability. Reinhart has the tendency to glide in while looking for the pass, which worked for him at the World Juniors and continued in Calgary. He was setting up line mates and creating chances all night, resulting in a goal to show for it.
My favourite player of the night was Nikita Scherbak, the young Russian with massive feet. Size 13 to be exact, and that's SKATE size, not shoe size, which is usually larger. He's gone though five pairs of skates this year. Jeez. Scherbak is listed as being pretty small and slight but he appears much larger on the ice. I loved the way he read the play all night and he has a beautiful swooping stride. He has quick hands and bang on timing. He had several breakaways and was one of the most dangerous forwards all night. He has a bit of filling in to do but he's gonna be a real player.
Lastly for Team Cherry I thought the net minder Ty Edmonds had a solid half game, making some solid glove saves and battling hard in the crease.
Team Orr
Heading into this game I was curious about Blake Clarke, as I voiced on Twitter. He's had a miserable season so far, apparently largely due to injuries. At first he seemed a little passive, but then he showed a flash of brilliance. That goal on the PP, when he walked in from the top of the circle and wired it top corner, was a pure goal scorers goal. I immediately realized why he receives so much attention despite posting some pretty bad numbers. That kid can shoot.
Leon Draisaitl had an above average game, showing how strong and poised he is, but it wasn't his best game. For sure one of the top players in this draft class, but it wasn't an AMAZING showing by any means.
Nikolaj Ehlers was great in the little playing time that he received, I really liked the way he controlled the puck.
Ho-Sang was electric. His edges were great and he seemed very agile and hard to contain in tight spaces. His hands and hand-eye put on a clinic, exemplified by his amazing mid air goal. Probably Team Orr's best forward.
Brendan Perlini really impressed me. The big forward showed some blazing wheels, getting off a few big shots and winning battles for the puck. His stock is going nowhere but up. Point and Lemieux also had nice games, showing that they can be real gamers when it gets down to it.
Jared McCann was relatively quiet for most of the night except for one or two shots, until the third period where he picked up a Ho-Sang pass near the blue line and fired a laser into the net for the game winning goal. I liked his character and his shot is a big plus.
Aaron Ekblad had a good game. He plays like a man against boys out there; calm, composed and smart. He was excellent on the point and generated several quality scoring opportunities, while not giving up much in his own end. If he weren't a D he'd be going first overall, but since he is a D, we'll have to wait and see.
Julius Honka (best name ever) played like the WJC gold medal winner that he is. The Finnish rearguard racked up 2 assists, a few loose chicklets, and all in all just looked smart and confident out there. He also proved to be quite the warrior. Alex Peters had a few moments where he displayed his big man strength, and he played some solid angles as the night went on.
Mason McDonald, the towering goaltender, was the best goalie of the night. Always square to the shooter, nice reflexes and overall just really solid.
From both teams, a few guys like Virtanen, Ritchie and McKeown didn't have the showings they would have preferred, but I don't think anyone really lowered all that much in the rankings.
Thanks for reading, have a good day! -Johannes
@JohannesHockey