The Hurricanes Rookie Camp featuring 15 and 16-year old players wound up this morning with the final game between the Blues and Whites. Carson Dyck’s “roofer” in the shootout was the difference in the 2-1 White victory.
With the conclusion of the play for the Hurricane draft picks, invitees and walk-ons, the focus will be on who gets invited to stay and who gets to go home (with improvement and development) on their minds.
My disclaimer is that I have never been a scout! Just a fan who loves the game! With that in mind, a few players caught my eye. You certainly have the right to agree or disagree with my views.
Let’s get the easiest one out of the way. Dylan Cozens (16 yrs) played 12 playoff games with the Canes last season and showed right away he belonged. Playing within his peer group it was like a man playing against boys. He is fast, handles the puck extremely well, loves to go to the net, and has a touch around the net. But the big thing which is a huge quality looked for in the WHL is his responsible defensive play. The Whitehorse forward stood out and for good reason.
Have the Canes found another Stuart Skinner? Ok that might be a rather premature, but watching Bryan Thomson play in three games over the last 2 days, I could only imagine. The 6’2” 159 lbs goaltender (with room to grow) looks like a younger version of the Canes’ #76. Bryan plays his angles very well, has fluid lateral movement, takes up a lot of net, and controls his rebounds. He appears to be very confident. Without seeing the list of 3 teams for the main camp, I would be shocked not to see his name on it. I would bet he stays around until Skinner gets back from pro camp. As of right now, the 2nd round pick from the Notre Dames Hounds, looks like a solid move.
Carson Dyck whose rights were traded for via Swift Current, is another forward who plays excellent two-way hockey. His father and coach Mike Dyck always stressed that during his WHL coaching and it is obvious Carson gets the same message. Carson has skill, speed, sees the ice well, goes to the net, and has a good shot. Would he look good in a Hurricane uniform? Most certainly! However, the situation is overshadowed by one question. Can the Canes sign him?
Couple of other eye catchers include forward Drew Englot from Yorkton and the Notre Dame Hounds. Englot was the Canes 76th pick in this year’s draft. Drew is 6’2” 166 lbs and he uses his size very well. He is a pain to play against, enjoys getting to the net, and let’s opponents know he won’t be easy to move. Gritty for sure, but with skill. Coach Kisio’s kind of player.
Defenseman Alex Cotton (16yrs) from Langley and the Yale Hockey Academy is a solid defenseman. The 5th round pick in the 2016 draft, has good foot speed, is tough to play against, moves the puck well and has an offensive touch. Whispers at the Enmax suggest he may have moved up in the Hurricanes’ defensive depth chart.
There are obviously others that I have overlooked and will be in the main camp. There is up and coming talent for sure. Head scout Rob MacLachlan, Bob Bartlett Senior Scout and their staff have assembled the talent. It’s up to General Manager Peter Anholt and Head Coach Brent Kisio to sort them out.
On a lighter note: the best hockey name at rookie camp? Jett Jones of Airdrie!
The three team lists were made up this afternoon, and went through practice sessions. Sunday morning there will be three 45-minute games starting at 9:00am. Play will resume at 4:00pm.
