CHICAGO, IL - EHK Sports Enterprises is proud to announce the 2005 Pre-Draft Showcase was an absolute success in every sense as players had the opportunity to compete in an environment against premier competition across the Midget AAA, Prep School, High School, Junior B, and Junior A ranks.  Players were showcased and provided maximum exposure over a three day period, playing before scouts representing numerous Junior A and B leagues across North America, elite Midget AAA coaches, player representatives, and yes – even many collegiate programs.

Over the course of the weekend, the various scouts were questioned regarding the players skating before them and asked to highlight some of the participants who had caught their eye.  In no particular order, here are some of the names mentioned several times among the scouts…

Goalies

Ian Wilson (1987, Cincinnati Cobras Jr. B) – Wilson had an outstanding weekend, providing numerous memorable moments with his athleticism.  While not big in stature, Wilson tracked the puck well and exhibited strong hand-eye coordination.

Clark Oliver (1987, San Diego Gulls AAA) – Oliver, MVP of the 2004 Challenge Cup, was a consistent performer game in and game out.  His angles were sound, and he used his size accordingly.  Aggressive and focused, Oliver was solid all-around.

Nick Krauss (1987, LA Selects AAA) – Krauss was coming off a memorable finish to a season which saw him backstop the LA Selects to a second-place finish at the National Championships.  Always there when his team needed him, Krauss handles the puck well and displayed good patience with opposing shooters.

Stephen Caple (1987, Shattuck St. Mary’s Prep) – Having spent the season guarding the cage of one of the country’s most dominant teams, Caple displayed good lateral movement and recovered well during goalmouth scrambles.  One can’t deny the type of shooters he’s faced all season during his time at Shattuck.

Dan Meyers (1985, Green Mountain Glades EJHL) – One of the older players at the event, Meyers size and quickness intrigued most even though inconsistent at times.

Mike Devoney (1987, Sante Fe Roadrunners Jr. A) – While not an imposing figure in the crease, Devoney had an exceptional weekend shutting the door on many shooters, especially during the breakaway portion of the games.

Honorable mention:  Scott Darling (1988, Quad City Express Jr. B), Mike Robinson (1988, Chelmsford Chieftains Sr. Elite), Charles Long (1986, Cleveland Jacks Jr. B).

Defense

Drew Baker (1986, Akwesasne Wolves Jr. B) – Possessing a lean and quick 6’1” frame, Baker jumped into the rush often and unleashed a big shot numerous times.

Greg Thocker (1988, Victory Honda AAA) – Thocker participated as one of the younger players in the PDS, but showed flashes of good things to come.  Good size, feet, and a nasty streak to boot 

Doug Wilson (1986, Dallas Stars AAA) – Wilson was very noticeable all over the ice, sometimes trying to do too much but was generally very effective.  The defensive MVP from the 2004 Challenge Cup – Wilson will be a good catch for a junior club.

Josh Watson (1987, Team Ohio AAA) – Great size but skating needs some work.  Did a lot of good things in the corners and in front of his own goal on the defensive side of things.

Michael Sturdevant (1987, Capital Centre Pride AAA) – A great weekend here.  Distributed the puck effectively and rarely caught out of position.  Could be a sleeper pick for some lucky team

Vincent Scudieri (1986, Dallas Titans AAA) – Average sized defender who skates very well.  Made a lot of good first passes out of the zone.  Needs to engage opponents in close quarters a bit more.

Matt Ryder (1987, Ohio Prospects AAA) – Quietly went about his weekend.  Did not make many mistakes and competed well.  Not flashy but effective.

David Adams (1987, Shattuck St. Mary’s AAA) – Great passer, poised with the puck.  Moves laterally quite well but needs to continue work under pressure in his own zone.  Good with the puck at the offensive blue line.

Josh Loomis (1988, Shattuck St. Mary’s AAA) – Played with more intensity than most all weekend.  Does everything with force, whether that be finishing checks, making passes, etc.  Plays a junior style of game already.

Andrew Taranto (1988, Barrington Red Wings AA) – A truck.  Played forward a lot but most scouts saw him as a defenseman at the next level.  Tough along the wall and strong on his feet.  Could be a real prize with advanced coaching and opposition.

Nick Tabisz (1987, Pittsburgh Hornets AAA) – After taking his Midget team to a final four appearance at Nationals, Tabisz was among the most skilled puckhandlers at his position at the PDS.  Played within himself, some scouts believe he was a bit conservative and expect more from him.  Talent-laden player though…

Nick Dupuis (1987, Northfield Mt. Hermon Prep) – A true talent in every sense of the word.  Competed in every zone, and displayed enormous skill with and without the puck.  Going to be an impact player down the line.

Chris Kinder (1988, Ft. Wayne Komets AAA) – A raw talent with lots of tools to work with.  Needs to play on a bigger stage to make that next step.

Chris Waterstradt (1987, Oklahoma Bazooka Blues Jr. B) – Great size and exceptional skater.  Was involved in all aspects of his team’s play, could be a late bloomer.

Jarit Busse (1987, Hutchison High School MN) – Headsy player who read the game well.  Got better with each game he played was quick to recover from any mistakes he made.

Jordan Yindiphol (1987, Indy Checkers AAA) – Made a lot of solid breakout passes, reading and reacting to what the game gave him. Will be a solid addition to help bolster a club’s depth along the blueline.

Ryan Peterson (1988, Wisconsin AAA) – Lots of room for improvement here and that’s what makes him so intriguing to most.  Good size and made simple, effective decisions.

Vincent LoVerde (1989, Chicago Young Americans AAA) – Saving the best for last?  Played with the maturity, strength, and skill well beyond his age.  A blue-chip prospect with lots of pro potential.

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