Player Watchlist: Western Canada Hockey Exposure Camp
Don't sleep on the Western Canada Hockey Exposure Camp...Yep, that's the tweet.
12 evenly blended and just as hungry to impress teams will begin to hit the ice today at Seven Chiefs Sportsplex on Tsuut'ina Nation for the seventh straight year. A weekend showcase event, the camp will consist of both 2006 and '07-born prospects from the western regions of Canada. Each will be looking to put their own individual touches on the camp. But the real jewel that is the WCHEC, is it's importance to kids from lesser known programs, those who may be starved of playing time and to those who are just starting off on a journey in organised hockey. The WCHEC creates a pathway to gain exposure to the bigger programs, WHL scouts and other forms of front office staff; something that is more so available at selects camps around the western provinces.Read more
WHL Bantam Draft: December Top 22 - #5 - #1
It's The Final Countdown!!!!
No, you haven't accidentally clicked a lyrics page add and been directed to an eighties anthem, it's DubNetwork Scouting's LAST REVEAL for our December Top 22 - WHL Bantam Draft prospect breakdown.
Hold onto your britches and jockstraps, as we've got one name here sure to keep you talking for at least a while, maybe an omission that will do the same? Only one way to find out friends.
Before you dive in, as a team we thank you for your readership and support. We are set to launch into 2021 continuing to bring you only the best coverage available! Pretty good deal huh?
Enjoy our final five, I know you will.
#5. Jordan Gavin - St George's School U15 Prep
Zach says: "Jordan Gavin is an elite scoring winger. Dangerous off scrambles, from the top of the circle, off the wall, and on the rush (especially as the trail). Jordan is one of, if not, the purest sniper in the upcoming draft. He can manipulate the release point, explode a quick snapshot with his weight transfer, all while being absurdly accurate."
https://youtu.be/SpHriMAVLWY
"A steady and typically reliable player off of the puck, Jordan is patient in finding his opportunities. Something he is working on adding to his game is adding a dimension to his offensive skillset, now that defenders expect and know him as the shooter, he is mixing in the ability to distribute a pass low to an open teammate for a high-quality chance. Becoming a true dual-threat from the left wall should be a priority for him to ensure defenders at the next level are kept on their toes."
"Gavin shows subtle and mature plays when he gets possession in his own zone. Whether it be slowing up to set up the breakout or identifying a quick opportunity for an exit and rush. His off-the-puck play rarely screams urgency, but he is typically reliable and consistent in his positioning and support. These clips demonstrate calm and cool decisions with the puck as well as his strong stride and ability to be an effective forechecker at times."
"It is clear Gavin has no issues processing the game and typically makes a simple, heads-up play with the puck. These plays are typical of a more mature player. He is at his best when facilitating the offense and capitalizing on the many opportunities he finds himself in by finding space and having an innate ability to find and bury pucks near the net. He won't wow you with his stickhandling or dynamic skating off the rush at this point, but his game is already suited to being a steady winger at the next level and an elite finisher. We are excited to see him add new elements to his toolbox to become an all situations winger and not only a shooting threat, but a passing threat as well."
#4. Seth Tansem - Rink Hockey Academy Kelowna U15 Prep
Ash Says: "You can't help but watch Seth and appreciate the athleticism, but what has my interests peaked the most is what he'll be in three to four seasons time. From the last half of the previous season to now, I don't believe anyone in this class has shown the improvements that he has. The reasoning for Tansem being rewarded as our top defender on our list is evident at least to DUBNetwork Scouting."
"His skating ability and offensive generation separate himself from any other defenseman in this class. Technically his skating is very sound. From his posture, dorsiflexion, and edge work; Tansem's capacity to create plays with his feet and vision is peerless. His top-end speed is still coming along as he's still growing, but the quick bursts to separate in a straight line or cut and create space is impressive. He displays a proficient crossover ability both forward and backwards."
"His anticipation and acumen in all three zones are also very impressive. Offensively he can drive the bus in transition or provide fantastic support off the rush. His vision for space is stellar, he is always around the puck and uses his skills to get creative on most possessions."
"Seth is a also proficient playmaker running the point on the powerplay and implements himself into the cycle on many occasions with good results. Tansem has good-to-very good stickhandling skills and is able to combine that with his skating to shake free defensive pressure to advance further into the offensive zone. One of my favourite traits though is his passing. Tansem sees and stretches the ice well, although sometimes the pace isn't always consistent, his timing on most of his passes see him break lines and find dangerous areas often. He is a great exponent of passing teammates open, slicing through layers of defence."
"Defensively Tansem is also very sound. He may not be the biggest amongst his peers but he does have deceptive strength. Also, his ability to cut down angles and control his gaps aid him in battles against bigger peers. He has a good defensive stick and uses all of his 5'8"/150lbs to leverage oncoming attackers to the boards. Under pressure in his own zone, he has good awareness of what's around him and has shown in good samples that he's able to negate the forecheck by skating through the pressure and releasing quick exit passes. Something imperative to future success being a smaller defender. Tansem can at times tend to get a bit cute with the puck under pressure, you could say explorative. Given his proven ability to break forecheck containment in much simpler, conventional ways I don't think it's going to be a huge issue moving forward. He does show a sound understanding of schemes and is continuing to build on positioning consistency."
"Tansem doesn't boast an overly heavy shot, but that's never going to be his calling card. He does however get a lot of shots on the net from distance. He has a profound skill of finding ways to gain shooting lanes, mostly with his feet and deft deceptive puck movement. He is more adept at shooting off the rush, in the medium/high slot, and from around the circles. He has very fast hands and good extension in his shooting action that generates good pace and elevation. He's a head-up shooter who can pick his spots too."
"We've only seen a paucity so far in the CSSHL this season and to be fair, Tansem and his Rink Kelowna team haven't truly been tested yet. Both the subtle and major improvements in his game, however, are tested and true; points are irrelevant. Tansem has a great trajectory as a prolific offensive defenceman who is going to be very reliable in his own end. With added strength and some cleaning up of rather simple errors as he develops, he will turn heads."
#3. Gavin Garland - Delta Hockey Academy U15 Prep
Zach says: "Elite speed, physically gifted centerman. Has most of the physical tools to be a force at the next level. Blows past defenders in the neutral zone and can backcheck in a flash when engaged. A controlled exit/entry machine. Gavin has good hands and will make you pay when given space, and he is not afraid to make difficult passes through traffic. Used in all situations, an effective penalty killer that powerplays have to account for as he can easily get a takeaway or block and make you pay."
"His physical tools make him difficult to contain on the rush and in transition. Given his abilities, to be successful at the next level he will have to be comfortable and willing to attack the middle of the ice. This heatmap courtesy of InStat suggests that Gavin might be doing himself a disservice by keeping to the perimeter with his speed at times."
"This clip shows his ability to gain the zone and the respect the opposition gives his speed, however, he settles for the low-quality shot. Adding a stop as he gains the zone to give teammates an opportunity to jump into the play (and literally catch up) will better leverage his raw ability to transition the puck into the offensive zone. He will need to be a triple threat when carrying the puck down the wing, being able to drive wide, stop and survey, as well as attack down the gut. When Gavin is on and at his most difficult to handle for his opponents is when he attacks the middle of the ice. In this clip, he is also 1-on-3 but has more real estate and attacks the defenders down the middle forcing them into a precarious position and creating the potential to draw a penalty or get a high-quality opportunity. Afterward, he takes a quick look and is able to get a pass to a teammate in the home plate area for an opportunity on net."
"In limited games this season, he has displayed speed and explosiveness that few possess. Last season, he displayed an intelligent and mature game few see from a first-year in the Prep division. This season, he is the horse Delta Green relies upon in tough minutes against top competition. He is doing a better job in his own zone to help his defencemen down low, however, at times he is not always making himself available for a pass as he either comes too close to the puck carrier, positions himself on the opposite side of traffic, or swoops across the open lane making it harder for his teammates to time passes. To be successful at the next level, as a centerman, he will need to be more focused on making himself available by creating lanes with pivots, stop-starts, and then using his explosiveness to beat the opposition as opposed to trying to maintain speed and "swoop" around his own zone to pick up the puck. There is a lot to like and a lot of opportunities for him to improve further and become more dynamic which is very exciting."
#2. Macklin Celebrini - Shattuck St. Marys 14U AAA
Kaden says: "A cerebral assassin on the ice, Celebrini has an elite hockey IQ and an elite toolset to compliment that. Macklin mixes elite skating (very good edges, elite agility, and very good separation speed) with a high-end top speed to make him one of the most elusive skaters in the draft. He has very good hands and he is very deceptive with his body movement and quick hands to throw off defenders. He has very good hands in tight areas, especially, around the net to capitalize on chances down low."
"Celebrini also displays great vision with the puck and when in the cycle shows great poise and feeds passes into dangerous areas with regularity and with good touch."
"Celebrini can catch and receive passes whether in-front of or behind him in stride is elite, as he can corral a poor pass without skipping a beat. Celebrini’s shot is quick and accurate with a bit of steam behind it, making it especially difficult for goalies. Celebrini is a relentless player who chases pucks and wins puck battles. On the defensive side of the game, Macklin has a good stick, getting in passing lanes and breaking up plays deep in the zone. A center that is quick to help out his defenders and provide support to clear pucks and transition the play up the ice. Celebrini is a high IQ player with a high skill set that controls the game when on the ice and sets the tempo with his relentless motor and his ability to control the play. Celebrini should have no problem transitioning his game as a high-impact player from one level to the next."
#1 Berkly Catton - Saskatoon Contacts U18 AAA
Layne says: "Catton is probably the most hyped prospect to come out of Saskatchewan since Jared Stoll and is sure to apply for exceptional status. Catton's skating ability and strong edges allow him to battle much bigger competition the last couple of seasons, including this year as he is playing Midget AAA for the Saskatoon Contacts. Catton is a cerebral offensive player that is an exceptional playmaker who also possesses a quick and lethal release. He is a creative player who uses his quick hands to create time and space for himself. Catton played one game with the Contacts last year as a double underage and did not look out of place, even scoring a goal. There aren't any holes in Catton's game and the offense almost always runs through him. Even with all his offensive tools, he is often the hardest working player on ice causing turnovers in all three zones. He is considered a strong leader by example from his teammates."
Zach says: "Cerebral player with exceptional anticipation yet is one of the most responsible players in the draft. His decisions are all calculated and he exploits open space like no other player in the draft. Good on the walls for his size, and enjoys playing tough minutes and offensive minutes all the same. Willing to take punishment and fight through sticks and checks to make plays and is great at winning those battles. As complete an undersized center as I've seen at this age. His skating is solid and he utilizes a wide base to protect the puck, maintain balance, and use leverage. He is one of those players that is noticeable and makes an impact every single shift. The following video displays much of his tremendous offensive skill, but also a couple of shifts that demonstrate his battle on the walls and work ethic on the penalty kill. Towards the end of his penalty-killing shift, watch him maintain responsible positioning until he sees the defenceman whiff on the puck and he is gone (1:28). Elite."
https://youtu.be/I6qE84C_ik0
Done And...Dusted!
Top 22 complete, now to move on to more reports and evaluations for the page as we continue to build our final lists.
Again, thank you for your followership, and be sure to share and discuss as always.
It's 2021 and we just came in with a bang!
WHL Bantam Draft: December Top 22 - #16 to #11
The Countdown Continues!
Welcome to part three of DubNetwork Scouting's 'WHL Bantam Draft: December Top 22', where we reveal ranked prospects #16 through to #11.
As we sneak toward revealing #1, we feel that this would be 'third tier' is a group that is closing the skill and ceiling gap to those ranked within the top five. It's a group with a unique blend of skill, compete and most importantly, we believe in the upside and translatable skill-set these individuals possess.
16. Gabriel Guilbault - Burnaby Winter Club Prep
Kaden says: "Guilbault is a high IQ defender who reads the game at a high level. He’s got a strong two-way game but excels on the defensive side more as he’s got a smart stick; taking away passing lanes and disrupting plays. Gabriel’s positioning is very good, he’s got good gap control and uses his body to take away shooting lanes."
"Guilbault’s skating is good, he’s got very good backwards skating and good separation speed. Working on his top speed and lateral movements is key moving forward, but for now, it doesn’t hinder his game by any means. Guilbault has a calm demeanor to his game he doesn’t panic and makes smart passes. He's got great transitional passing as his breakouts are clean and accurate. Guilbault’s offensive side to his game is good, as mentioned before, his IQ is very high. He makes incredibly smart pinches, holds the line well, makes good passes from the point to generate a cycle, and create offense."
"Guilbault’s shot has weight, from the point he is able to get it through traffic but he just needs to work on hitting the net to improve his offensive efficiency. Gabriel’s calm high IQ game makes him a rock on the back end for BWC. They rely on him in a lot of situations and he steps up. Guilbault’s skating has room for improvement to become a high-end transitional defender to complement his already stellar defensive game and good offensive instincts."
15. Jacob Goudreau - St. Albert Sabres U15 AAA
Zach says: "A unique prospect in any draft class, Jacob Goudreau plays a mature and intense game. A strong skater with great balance and good acceleration. What really separates Jacob from his peers is his tireless work ethic and motor as he plays a straight line two-way game. He simply wins races and space in all areas of the ice, even at the tail end of long shifts."
"Good on the walls and strong puck protection allow him the ability to drive off the wall after winning a battle and protect the puck through traffic. His relentless approach forces the opposition to consistently be on their toes or face the consequences."
"A human bulldozer at times, Jacob uses his strong base effectively to punish the opposition without taking a bad penalty. Whether he separates his man from the puck or delivers a momentum-changing hit, Jacob does things with a purpose. Notice how he explodes towards the wall and then glides in and establishes his firm base to avoid a charging call."
"While his offensive skill set isn't as dynamic as some of his peers in this area of the draft, his nose for the net and his release make him a fantastic finisher. He thinks the game effectively and utilizes his legs and strength to get generate scoring chances that he frequently capitalizes on."
"Most players in the first round boast an elite attribute or high-end ceiling. Jacob's motor and compete are presently at an elite level and should translate to effective development over the next couple of years. He won't often dazzle you on the TSN Top 10, but more often than not he will be involved in the TSN Turning Point of the game. Combine that with his above-average hockey IQ and ability to finish and you could find yourself a very solid and versatile forward at the next level."
14. William McIsaac - St. George's Hockey Academy U15 Prep
Ash says: "McIsaac is a big mobile defender who displays a solid 200-foot game. McIsaac is the Saint's Mr. Reliable and sees heavy deployment in all situations. McIsaac's vision and awareness are his biggest assets both offensively and defensively. Defensively he has sound positioning, suffocating attacks by way of closing his gaps, good stick discipline and using his 6'2" frame to separate the puck and create turnovers. His lateral mobility and speed blended with his size makes him very difficult to gain the zone against. He seals the walls regularly and stands player's up at the blue-line, forcing poor angle changes constantly. When on the puck in the defensive zone he's able to make smart yet quick reads and delivers crisp exit passes with regularity. McIsaac is proficient in supporting the rush and provides a fantastic secondary option for the first wave of attack, creeping into attacking areas looking to find shooting lanes and pinching down to support his attackers. McIsaac has also shown in spurts that he's capable of playing an aggressive style in the cycle and he has the overall capacity to grow into a powerplay quarterback at higher levels."
"McIsaac plays a very professional style game for his age. He plays with a pronounced physical edge, great three-zone awareness and vision. He also boasts as the necessary skills and skating ability needed to excel as he develops."
13. Spencer Claerhout - Red Deer Rebels U15 AAA
Ash says: "One of the better yet undervalued defensemen in the class, Claerhout is a kid you can throw into any situation and see great results. Defensively he reads the play superbly and has a very cool, calm approach to his play. He isn't afraid to jump pucks and often forces pressure on oncoming attackers with his angles and superb defensive stick. He is a puck hound who works relentlessly, he simply doesn’t quit."
"He plays above his size and sets a physical tempo for his team, often getting into the corners and to the net-front against much bigger opponents. Claerhout simply excels in one-on-one battles, works well below his own goal-line and his vision and puck skills allow him to find clean exits either by pass or foot from the defensive zone. Claerhout offensively has shown an ability to be damaging in transition but he's much more at home running the cycle from the point, a focal point in the Rebels' offense and how they set-up."
"He has a good accurate shot from the point, although not overly powerful, his hand extension and timing on the puck suggest with some added strength it'll become a weapon over time. Claerhout shows flashes of good north/south speed when in possession and his stride is well balanced and technically sound. As he continues to add some muscle to his frame, he'll get more explosive and that will only aid his ability to stretch the ice offensively."
12. Dryden Kuramoto - Burnaby Winter Club U15 Prep
Kaden says: "Kuramoto is an elite four-way skater with elite agility and edges as well as very good top speed. He can skate around opponents in the blink of an eye if they are caught flat-footed. His hands are very good as he is able to deceive and go through defenders with his stickhandling, mix that with his ability to use his body feints to throw off defenders then go the other way makes him a big threat with the puck. One example of this is coming down on a defender he’ll fake outside with his head then cut inside on a dime tossing the defender up and breaking loose. Dryden has very good vision mixed with his skating and hands makes him a phenomenal playmaker, he always knows where guys are on the ice and he does a tremendous job creating time and space with the puck on his stick."
"Dryden’s shot is good, it’s a threat as it’s accurate but could have more of a punch. This will come with time as Kuramoto is still a small player with room to grow and put muscle on. Despite this, he is a feisty player with high compete as he wins puck battles and is reliable on both sides of the puck. Kuramoto is a flexible player, playing center and winger, he kills penalties, runs a powerplay off the half wall, and does more when called upon for his team. Kuramoto screams Brayden Point in his draft year, a small shifty player with high-end offensive upside, elite skating, and an edge to his game."
11. Keith McInnis - Yale Hockey Academy U15 Prep
Zach says: "An extremely effective, two-way defenceman that has a penchant for the physical play. Plays both sides quite effectively, though a left shot. Strong four-way mobility that allows him to act as a safety net of sorts through the neutral zone, not letting pucks get past him, and keeps him on the right side of the attackers. Plays a very steady and efficient game, prioritizing puck possession and facilitating offense through breakouts, transition, and even from the point at times. Poise and patience with the puck, making difficult passes through traffic at times because he is confident in his ability."
"Heavy shot at times, though inconsistent in that regard. He likes to step up and eliminate the opposition when the opportunity arises and he is capable of getting a little nasty defending his net. He demonstrates solid gap control and uses his stick effectively to dispossess attackers and take away lanes. Supports the play really well and demonstrates high-end hockey IQ and spatial awareness. Overall, a very well-rounded defenceman that projects as a top-pair guy at the next level, similar to a Quinn Schmiemann."
That's All Folks.. For This Week!
DUBNetwork Scouting thanks you for reading part three of our December Top 22 countdown, prospects #16 - #11. As always, please discuss and share as we'd love your feedback.
Part four, prospects #10 - #6 will be live on the page Monday the 28th December, so mark that down.
Thank you to:
Zach Moffat (@MoffatZach)
Kaden Moore (@kmoore910)
Ash Glover (myself) (@AshGloverHockey)
For contributing toward this #16 - #11 segment.
We will see you after Christmas! Happy holidays and stay safe!
WHL Bantam Draft: December Top 22 - #22 to #17
The Countdown Begins!
You've most probably read our 'Honorable Mentions' section already, but now it's time to get to the net-front and get a little nasty.
The 'December Top 22' is here!
Starting at #22 and ending with #1, this five-part release is intended to be informative, instructional, and borderline controversial; but in a good way! This is just the beginning of our major 2020/21 coverage, IT ONLY GETS BETTER FROM HERE!
Our scouts have done a fantastic job in constructing what is a very thought out and well presented piece of work. Most importantly, the quality and care in each evaluation is evident. Something that DubNetwork Scouting prides itself on; this is our passion after all.
But enough talking, let's start off at #22 with Kaden's report on Burnaby's 'Mr. Reliable', Diego Buttazzoni.
22. Diego Buttazzoni #90 - Burnaby Winter Club
Kaden: "Buttazzoni is a very good two way forward who does all the little things right. He’s reliable and inserts himself in all areas of the game. Buttazzoni has a high IQ, reading, and anticipating plays exceptionally well. He makes his line-mates better by creating room on the ice with all the little unnoticed things he does extremely well. Buttazzoni has a good shot with the ability to finish when given the opportunity. He also has good vision and a smart clean passing ability to set teammates up. His skating is good as he has good speed and agility but can work on his separation speed to take his skating to the next level. Diego is one of those players who does everything well. He’s reliable and you will always know what you will get from him shift-to-shift. Buttazzoni is an all-around strong player who is good-to-very-good in most areas, he at times goes under the radar in games because he isn’t a flashy player but by no means does that mean he isn’t producing or helping his team out."
"Look for Diego Buttazzoni to take some parts of his game to a higher level to become more of a threat as he is already a very complete and reliable player on both ends of the ice."
21. Ollie Josephson #17 - Pacific Coast Hockey Academy
Zach: "One of the most sure-footed skaters in the draft. Ollie displays exceptional balance and power in his skating and easily creates separation from his peers."
"His high hockey IQ makes him an effective two-way center, although his anticipation and speed occasionally have him heading up ice ahead of the play. Not afraid to attack defenders or attack down the middle in traffic. He displays great spatial awareness, finding open spots in all areas of the ice, and presenting passing lanes for teammates."
"He has a very solid release and is able to get shots off rather quickly and accurately. Steady puck skills and stick handles at speed with relative ease, though there is room for development here as he could be more deceptive and manipulate his release points to be more effective. Currently, one of the more under-appreciated prospects in the class."
20. Gavin Hodnett #20 - Rink Hockey Academy Winnipeg
Brayden: "Gavin Hodnett is the imaginative two-way forward who likes to control the game with the puck on his stick. He is a team-first forward who has great vision, finding his teammates open and in scoring positions while feeding them with high-quality, easy to control passes. Hodnett has really developed his physical play in the past season and now effectively takes the body separating the opposing player away from the puck. Gavin is an elite two-way player with how he reads the play, transitioning effectively from defence to offence and vice-versa. He is the type of player that is always involved, like a fly that never leaves you alone, Hodnett is always doing something to make an impact on the game. He explodes through the neutral zone and can lose players in his first few strides with great acceleration. His mobility is efficient and he can stop/start on a dime."
"Gavin Hodnett is a full-ice magician who can create opportunities that you don't expect to see develop, taking advantage of his powerful skating, elite vision, and great hockey sense."
19. Carson Wetsch #9 - Burnaby Winter Club
Kaden: "Wetsch is a premier power forward with a very good raw skill-set to go with that role. Wetsch is an explosive bruising winger who isn’t afraid to use his body to block a shot, space the ice, or make a guy pay with a big hit. Wetsch has a very explosive first couple of strides. Although there is room for improvement with his agility and top speed to become a more dynamic skater. Wetsch’s shot is powerful and creates problems for goalies. His accuracy could use some work as he relies on his power to blow pucks by goalies. If he works on his puck placement and release, Wetsch will have a lethal shot at the higher levels. Wetsch’s vision on the ice is good, although he doesn’t have the highest IQ among his peers he puts himself in good spots to utilize his size capitalizing on opportunities; although at times he lacks that killer instinct to jump on those opportunities and finish on them."
"Wetsch has a raw skill-set with loads of potential. If he can become more consistent and learn how to fully take advantage of his explosive capabilities as well as refine his skating he will become an absolute force on the ice on both sides of the puck."
18. Dylan Duzan #20 - Notre Dame Hounds
Ash: "One of my personal favourites in this class, someone that I feel is criminally undervalued by other sources. Duzan is a promising young centre who is building a solid two-way base. Duzan positionally does everything required as a centre, he's malleable and plays a fantastic three-zone supportive role. Duzan works hard in his own zone, often battling below the goal line and around the net front for pucks. This is the very base that is the platform for his success as when he's in possession in his own zone, Duzan has the stickhandling and awareness to find the space to restart the rush. Duzan at this stage isn't a prolific north/south skater as he does have some work to do on his stride, so he's more inclined to pass out of the zone and trail the play working in space behind the first wave; this is where Duzan also shines. He has a great release and requires little space or time to get a clean shot off on net. Although he isn't a burner on his skates his timing and efforts to find space as a trailer are quite impressive. Even if he finds the space closing, Duzan is really clean on the puck and utilizes subtle trickery to create shooting lanes. He's also shown a great ability to use the boards and the corners to find space, something that I really like from a young player. He isn't afraid to back himself in to initiate contact and use his physical maturity and puck skills to find space under duress."
"One of the slights on his game at this stage is that often his hands get too far out in front of his body and is prone to having pucks roll on him. On a few occasions, I'd noticed that his posture and hands were way ahead of his foot movements. Again, this is attributed to the lack of explosiveness in his stride and his base seems narrow. Shouldn't take too much to fix with some coaching and maturation."
"Duzan is a perfect example of an upside pick. He is a player with a multitude of translatable skills, some are still yet to flourish. It's of my opinion that once he gets his feet moving at the pace of his hands, more plays in transition will open up for him. Couple that with his shot and 200-foot awareness you're going to have one hell of a player."
17. Cayden Lindstrom #22 - Delta Hockey Academy
Ash: "A physically mature forward with a good blend of speed, great scoring touch, and skill on the puck. Lindstrom isn't by any means a play driver, but what he does do well is use his frame and puck skills to complement playmaking forwards. He's hard on both the backcheck and forecheck and uses his reach and size through the neutral zone to disrupt passing lanes and to force attackers to the walls. Lindstrom has a subtleness to his offensive craft that can't be ignored. The ability to create in little space and his deft little head fakes and hip movements freeze defenders just long enough that he can stickhandle by them and get a good look on the net. Lindstrom also provides what you would call more so a typical power forward game. He gets into the corners and the dirty areas often but the advantage Lindstrom has is that he's not only more physical than a lot of his peers, but he's also more skilled too. He is able to retrieve and separate the puck from his direct opponent nearly at will and uses his sharp processing to make smart passes into the slot or back the point to restart the cycle. He has a good active stick in all three zones and defensively takes a lot of responsibility around the net-front and in the shooting lanes."
"Overall, there's a bunch of positives with Cayden. He's a big powerful kid who can skate, score and make physical plays. He has a great motor and never quits on plays, always seeking the puck out. For me though, he needs to work on being involved on the puck more often. Having someone like Gavin Garland spacing the ice for you is a massive bonus, I want to see him take over games and show consistently and confidently that he can blend all of his skills into a greater playmaking package."
That's All Folks.... Until Monday!
Thanks for reading part one of our countdown to revealing our Top #5, and ultimately #1 ranked prospect for 2020/21.
Ranked prospects #16 - #11 will be live on the page this Monday, the 21st of December.
We hope you enjoyed the first part of our countdown! Don't be afraid to share and discuss!
WHL Bantam Draft: December Top 22 - Honorable Mentions
Disclaimer: These rankings are based on the players we have viewed sufficiently both live and on tape. This draft class currently has a large number of players worthy of first-round consideration and some of those we, unfortunately, have not been able to view enough given the current climate. Perceived omissions are not a slight at any draft-eligible prospects or programs. We look forward to 2021 when these players can hit the ice again to develop and chase their dreams.
Pandemic and difficulties aside, our scouting team has knuckled down and produced this beauty!
Given the number of games played within the current format, we felt more comfortable producing a top 22 with honorable mentions as to this day, sample sizes and viewings are limited. In fairness to the respective competitions, their teams and players; critiquing hundreds of players based on small workloads isn't simply fair at this stage. However, we do feel confident in this list as we have sufficient viewings both live and on tape of the players mentioned. We feel these players at this stage have produced consistently and have shown fantastic growth from previous seasons, earning their place within the Top 22. We are going to release more comprehensive rankings closer to the draft; with videos, reports and data! DUBNetwork Scouting's goal is to deliver the best coverage at the appropriate time.
Our December Top 22 will be released over five parts, released on Mondays and Fridays, eventually finishing with our top five prospects; a bit of anticipation never hurt anyone after all!
This edition will include the "Honorable Mentions." Prospects that are well and truly knocking on the door of first-round consideration that couldn't squeeze in and are solid late first/early second talents.
Honorable Mentions:
Logan Henley - Fort Saskatchewan Rangers U15 AAA
Ash Glover: "A mature bodied defenseman, Henley showcases superb elusiveness in transition. He is able to generate speed by way of linear crossovers and by leg strength alone, seeing him create separation with minimal effort."
"He has a great change of pace and his edgework is competent. Some dorsiflexion work and time spent elongating his stride will aid in more consistent movements across his shifts. Henley has a great read as to where the spaces are around him and displays a good understanding of how to use both his skating and size to force himself through holes through middle-ice and along the wall."
"Henley plays well in the cycle and when zone entries don't present themselves plays an effective dump and chase, making use of his frame and speed getting in deep. Shows good stickhandling when in space and has clean hands around the net front. He possesses a good wrist shot, his slap shot and control from range is still developing. Good gap control and effective stick discipline allow him to keep attackers to the outside. Has a good nose for sniffing out passing lanes, anticipating entry angles and closing attackers down."
"Does show some indecision under duress below the goal-line, doesn't utilize the boards as much as he should and can be prone to pushing pucks into the slot areas."
"Overall Henley is a very raw talent but he has a very intriguing skill-set that will only improve as he matures. Defensive prospects who combine good skating, play a physical brand of hockey and are a legitimate scoring danger don't come along too often. Keep you're on him as the season goes."
Roger McQueen - Saskatoon Stallions U15 AA
Zach Moffat: "Unique blend of size, mobility, and versatility. A fluid mover that is deployed in all situations by his team. Operates the point or half-wall on the powerplay. He has a layer of skill that few his size has at this age and he appears comfortable in his frame despite the sudden growth spurt. Good hockey IQ in his reads and ability to support down low as he is not afraid to come below the goal line to win a battle and get into transition quickly. Decent puck skills, especially in stride for a prospect of his height."
"There is a strong foundation here to develop a solid all-around player at the next level. It will be interesting to see how his game changes as he fills out and will need to better utilize his size in a more physically demanding environment. Opportunity for improvement with his start/stop as he tends to circle away from the puck to maintain positioning, forcing him to turn his back on the play at times which also limits the effectiveness of his reads. He’s ahead of the game being a late birthday and already this comfortable in his frame."
Ryder Ritchie - Rink Hockey Academy (Kelowna) U15 Prep
Kaden Moore: "Ritchie is a highly-skilled forward with high compete levels and battles tremendously hard finding ways to win puck battles. Ritchie has very good senses on both sides of the puck as is developing a nice two-way style. He uses his offensive acumen combined with a really good set of hands in-tight and a quick release to get himself in good areas to get the puck and capitalize."
"This makes Ritchie an offensive threat at all times as he’s deceptive with the puck, pulling it into his body to move around a defender then shooting it mid-move, throwing both defender and goalie off."
"Ritchie's shot and hands aren’t his only threat as he has good vision setting guys up to score. Ritchie's skating is at a good level. He's small, slippery with good north/south skating and good separation speed, as well as very good movements east/west. Ritchie uses his hips and edges to get under and around guys to leverage his way around the ice and create space with the puck. Ritchie's defensive game is good as he’s reliable and hard-working, never giving up on a play. Ritchie has put size on since last season and will only continue to grow. He’s yet to fill into his body and adding that strength will make him an elite difference-maker on the ice."
Landon Cowper - Rink Hockey Academy (Kelowna) U15 Prep
Kaden Moore: "Cowper is not a sexy defenseman by any means but he gets the job done super effectively, think Evan Bouchard. Cowper’s skating is very good with a good north/south speed but at this stage is still lacking a separation ability. He has very good east/west skating ability with edge work that allows him to throw off and evade opposing players with ease, allowing him to create space for himself somewhat offsetting his speed within his first strides."
"Cowper passing ability is high-end; he makes great tape-to-tape break out passes and can thread the puck through small seams to create offensive chances."
"Cowper’s shot from the point has a way of getting through traffic and finding its way onto the net, creating scoring chances. Cowper has a good stick and makes smart pinches to keep plays alive. Cowper’s spacing and anticipation on the ice are very good and uses it to his advantage on both sides of the puck. Cowper's strengths however are more so offensive; he works well in the offensive zone and can run the powerplay. Cowper’s defensive abilities aren’t a hindrance to his team as he pulls his weight in his own end, but by no means is he a shutdown defender. He does however skate into lanes and proves disruptive in the neutral zone, often generating offence."
"Cowper’s tool-set makes him an effective offensive defender with tremendous transitional abilities who can run your powerplay and drive offensive."
Jonas Woo - Winnipeg Warriors U15 AAA
Brayden Abbott: "Jonas Woo is the heads up offensive defenceman that teams go crazy for. He accelerates through the neutral zone and deceives the opposing defenders by utilizing his mobility through quick cuts and shoulder fakes. Woo plays hard through each shift and is always looking to make an impact on the play, whether it is with a pass, a bit hit, or a goal."
"Woo has very mature positioning for his age, he pinches at the right time and rarely gets caught trying to cheat up ice. Playing a team-first game Woo keeps his head on a swivel trying to find the best option rather than rushing a play that isn't there."
"In the defensive zone, Jonas covers the slot well and is quite scrappy on the walls battling to win loose pucks. Woo is the all-around defensive package as he takes advantage of his elusive skating, physical play, and vision to become a threat in every aspect of the game."
Linden Burrett - Burnaby Winter Club U15 Prep
Ash Glover: "A skillful defender, Burrett excels as being a great first option and link-up player from the back-end. Evasive in all three zones, Burrett proves to be a handful for forecheckers, back checkers and can have it his own way in transition. He provides great momentum from the back-end by way of crisp exit passes or by his ability to evade oncoming forecheckers and start the rush. He works well in the cycle and can maneuver in tight spaces, extending play for his teammates."
"Burrett has good senses when to pinch and jumps deep into the offensive zone regularly. He has the ability to control the pace of the game in the cycle and isn't limited to being stuck to one side of the ice. Burrett has a good nose for creating space on the boards and generating offence off of it."
"Burrett is a good skater who has good edges and good technique. Whilst he may lack elite top-end speed, he has a fluid stride and can move laterally well with power and his backwards skating is impressive. Defensively he positions himself well and skates square-on to oncoming attackers."
"One of the areas I'd like to see improvement in is his physicality and ability to cope with bigger bodies. Burrett senses pressures and often rushes his possessions, leading to errors."
"He also struggles at times with angles and how he attacks defenders, often cramping himself for room. Burrett is a reliable puck mover who in time can become a more reliable two-way player."
Full Steam Ahead
Thanks for reading part one of our December Top 22 featuring some of the best U15 prospects of this year's draft class. We hope you come back this Friday to check out numbers 22 through 17. We look forward to sharing more content featuring video and media to give you better insights into these promising young players! Like these players, we are going to do our best with what this season gives us and we are happy to have you be a part of our journey.
A Second Welcome, From The Assistant Director of Scouting
G'day Mates!
Who would have thought, a 31-year old guy from Australia helping lead a team of scouts on the west coast of North America? Welcome to 2020!
Firsty, I am very grateful for this opportunity. I look forward to helping in implementing the increase of publications and overseeing the continual growth of our scouting services and content on the platform that is 'DUBNetwork Scouting'.
Why did I choose DUB? There is an obvious need for a thorough service dedicated to covering Bantam age prospects. DUBNetwork Scouting WILL BE the go-to resource that is so desperately and deservedly needed. I couldn't resist being a part of something special.
With the team that we have, there is a great platform in which to launch from; it's a passionate group with roots embedded deep within the hockey community. I am excited to see the quality of work that is to come from them and the content produced is going to be an invaluable resource for many.
Now, I'm not going to go into any novel length text here. I am however going to touch on what I am aiming to add to the team and what my content will look like.
My Focus And Goals
My main focus will be to add a little extra on top of what we view as traditional reporting.
- More clips to accompany reports: It's great reading scouting text, but having supporting video to go with it really helps what is written come to life with visual understanding and context.
- Tracking data on selected Bantam age players: This data will help with identifying individual strengths and weaknesses relative to peers.
These are the main components that I'll be focusing on. And yes, this is in addition to game reports, rankings and progressive reports. Due to the cancellations in various provinces, series formats and uncertainties surrounding the season; sample sizes may vary and be smaller than ideal.
Pandemic aside, I can't wait to start sharing my insights and information with you all.
This is going to be a pretty fun ride, mates.