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Monday, May 08, 2006
2006 EHK Sports Pre-Draft Showcase Review:
Forwards EHK Sports Enterprises News Exclusive |
■ Joey Bakosh - Two-way forward was a top performer for the Phoenix Polar Bears all season and one of their top prospects for the junior level. 5'10 165 lbs., '87 birthdate.
■ Mike Pao A solid 60, 190 lbs who as much of a power forward as they come. Strong on the puck and physical all over the ice he caused a lot of grief for opposing players with his grit a speed. Will be an invaluable asset to any team for the role he plays.
■ Chris Zaremba - Only 5'7 145, but a true competitor on the ice with all his energy. Zaremba was one of coach Andrew Sherman's top players for a young Colorado Rampage team, which should be a strong competitor for the Colorado AAA State crown next season. Zaremba helped this organization improve its reputation all year and should be a contributing player at the junior level next season. '87 birthdate.
■ AJ Shiverdecker - One of the Ohio Jr. Blue Jackets' top forwards this past season, was ok here. Needs to show up and be an impact guy in camps like this to get the attention he deserves, but he can play at the junior level after being coach Ed Gingher's top centerman all season. 5'10 180 lbs., '87.
■ Andrew Doherty An intriguing player. Incredible size at 64, 220 lbs., Doherty needs to gain a step before he can make an impact at the Jr. A level. Work on that aspect and he could be an imposing presence as a crash and bang forward.
■ Brendan Farley - Talented right shot forward from the Chicago Force (CSHL) has the ability to play at the "A" level and put up points. Needs to win one on one battles and add strength. Only a high school junior right now, '89 5'10 170 lbs.
■ Josh Faulkner - Played last season for coach John Bowkus' Capital Centre Pride AAA team last year. Here, he was a talented right shot winger capable of adding scoring punch to a top three line at the junior level. Late '87 at 5'10 180lbs.
■ Jeremy Gates - The Grand Rapids Jr. Owls product (CSHL) was a top performer here. At 6'2 195 lbs., the late '87 born Gates was one of the top forwards in the league this season and should contribute at the junior A level. Gates posses size, strength, goal scoring ability, and toughness to be a quality power forward next season.
■ Jacob Hauswirth - The huge 6'4 195 lb'er was one of the most talked about players at the event. This season, played for the Ojibwa Eagles AAA club and was their top prospect coming into the EHK Showcase. Hauswirth followed up a strong season with a great performance here which earned the big centerman a tender offer from the brand new expansion team, the Marquette Rangers of the NAHL. The native of Houghton, Michigan quickly agreed.
■ Ricky Baldasti While not considered a top prospect when considering the talent pool what the diminutive Floridian does possess is the versatility to play both forward and defense and both effectively. A smart, quick player, the 56, 160 lbs. Baldasti would be a good depth player among teams in the AJHL or CSHL with the potential to surprise many.
■ Kyle Tejechma - Kyle provided one of the most interesting moments at the Showcase when he fought and battled a much bigger competitor from Team 6 (6'4 240). The Grand Rapids Owl (CSHL) showed a desire and drive that should earn him a chance at a junior "A" spot despite his lack of size. 5'6 155 lbs., late '87.
■ Matt Tinordi - Tough winger from the Washington Capitals Jr. B club could provide a young developing power forward to a junior "A" team. Son of former NHL defenseman Mark Tinordi. 5'11 185 lbs., late '89.
■ Joey Demeria - Another young right shot physical forward from the Jr. B Washington Capitals. Demaria is certainly one to watch for those who like to build their offense around power forwards. Late '89, 6'0 195 lbs.
■ Jared McIntosh - 5'9 170 lbs. '87 born center, played last season for the San Jose Jr. Sharks AAA program. McIntosh was his team's top skill centerman and showed creativity and productivity all year. Should move on to the junior level and should add some scoring depth to a team.
■ Dalton Speelman - A top youngster to watch over the next few seasons. Speelman has the talent to be one of the next top young Californians that have been contributing at the junior and college hockey levels. Played last season for the San Jose Jr. Sharks AAA club for head coach Derek Eisler, expected to return there and be an impact player in 2006-2007. 5'9 165 lbs. - 1990.
■ Ryan King - Philadelphia Jr. Flyers winger played solid two way game and showed a physical edge and earned a tender from the NAHL's Alpena Ice Diggers. An '88 at 6'0 195 lbs.
■ Jordan Hacker Hacker played last season with the Detroit Trackers, helping them to emerge as a legitimate threat in the ultra competitive state of Michigan. Here, he was a force, displaying great offensive flair while dancing through numerous defenders. At 60, 170 lbs he could be the un-pronounced scorer that many teams are looking for.
■ Seth Newton The Ventura Mariners winger moved about his games well, finishing some nice plays and garnering the attention of several teams including the MN Ice Hawks, a nationally dominant Jr. B club. A solid 510, 175 lbs. Newton could offer some great depth to a Junior team in need of speed and honest players.
■ Tyler Peters Another Ventura Mariner, Peters is a smart player who is relentless on the puck, forcing many turnovers on the weekend. The 510, 160 lbs. center is responsible defensively, but will need continued work on his strength.
■ Grant Highley - Ohio Jr. Blue Jackets' forward has attractive size and skill, needs to show up and play a more physical game in order to advance to the junior game. Only a late '88, but stands 6'4 185 lbs.
■ Shaun Mathur Mathur, 59, 175 lbs. is one of those players that catches your eye due to his inspired play in every zone. A simple north/south winger, hes got power and toughness to back it up. As long as he keeps it simple, he can be very effective.
■ Jake Hutt - Another San Jose Jr. Sharks' AAA product, Hutt was the Sharks top two way centerman this year. An '88, Hutt comes in at 5'9 170 lbs., but plays a much more physical game than most that are larger. A gritty competitor, will move onto the junior level this year.
■ Alex Rasmussen - Solid young prospect from North Dakota. The left shot winger played for the Omaha Energy midget minor team. Alex was scoring machine, not only generating offense at all times, but also playing with energy and finishing all his checks. One to watch this season. A 5'10 170 lbs., '89 born.
■ Jeff Sanders - Big winger looks like a player, but needs to produce at a consistent level to step up at the junior level. Played for the San Jose Jr. Sharks AAA team where at times he showed flashes of being a top forward. Late '88 at 6'2 175 lbs.
■ Derek Thocker - Competitive forward has a few seasons of AAA experience under his belt and can help at the junior level. Played last year for the Capital Centre Pride AAA team and coach John Bowkus. '87 at 5'10 180 lbs.
■ Garrett Blumberg The 89 LA Jr. Kings forward took a bit to look comfortable on the ice with the older players, but once in the groove the 510, 160 lbs. started to carry the puck with more confidence. Should be a solid winger at the Major level next season.
■ Kevin Medina The St. Paul Lakers Jr. B 87 forward made some interesting things happen on the ice. He distributed the puck well and read the ice accordingly.
He may push for a job at the next level this season at try-outs if he uses his 60 frame accordingly.
■ Rick Delecke Deleckes play got stronger as the games progressed. The 61, 180 lbs. forward has a heavy shot, and needs to be assertive every time he gets on the ice to be attractive to Junior A clubs.
■ Brandon Blandina - One of the top forward prospects here for the junior and college level. Blandina was a solid right shot forward that appeared to be quite a goal scorer here. Has received attention here, last summer at Select 16's, and this season for head coach Andrew Sherman's Colorado Rampage club. 5'11 175 lbs. '89.
■ John Bobb - Late '88 winger has a good upside if he puts it all together. One of the most talked about forwards here, played last season for the Phoenix Firebirds AAA team. Left shot at 6'1 180 lbs. could play at the junior level, but may be better served becoming a more consistent threat and impact player with another year of AAA under his belt as the go to guy.
■ Soren Jonzzon This little waterbug displayed quickness, and the ability to handle the puck under pressure and make things happen. Jonzzon will be hard pressed not to make the San Jose Jr. Sharks AAA Major squad, as he has attracted the interest of the USNTDP as well. AT 58, 150 lbs., he persevered against bigger and stronger opponents still generating scoring chances.
■ Daniel Hammond One of the most gifted players at the event, this UK resident played in the British Elite league this past season with players over twice his age with professional experience. A National Team member, the 511, 180 lbs. 89 forward is a talented puckhandler whos hockey sense was second to none. A strong skater, he will be a highly sought after import after a year of North American hockey under his belt. He has committed to play for Ed Ginghers Ohio Blue Jackets AAA Major team next season and should be their go to guy.
■ Kyle Rowe An 87 who played for the Ojibwa Eagles AAA last season, the 511, 180 lbs. forward was stellar making numerous big hits, and showing a nice touch around the goal. He should be playing Juniors next season and adapt quickly.
■ Brett Prechel The 88 Phoenix Firebird forward had a reasonable outing, but seemed frustrated at times when he couldnt find a handle in tight. Still, the 88 should be able to find a home where he could provide some punch up front.
■ Anthony Brown Another member of the Pride AAA program, this feisty 510, 180 lbs. winger was relentless in his forechecking angling opposing defenders very well. A speedy character, Brown was not scared of taking the puck hard to the net either, showing flashes of strength driving opposing defenders back into their own goal. He should draw some Junior Interest this season.
■ Steve Klug Klug is a shifty player with good hands, who just needs to find that extra gear. At 511, 185 lbs., this 87 can be effective in certain systems as he can move the puck well on top of his shooting abilities. His abilities may lend him towards being a solid DIII player a year from now.
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