Calgary Hitmen Draft Overview

Calgary Hitmen

We like the direction that Calgary took in this year’s draft class as they really added a good mix of prospects with some big frame defenders and some power forwards. They also took a shot at two goalies this year, one coming from American in Trey Hirschfield who is already sitting at 6’3. In the upper rounded they really added some size but also skill with Korzcak in the second round, towards the middle it looks like they went with more of a two-way type of players with the forward bringing a physical presence and players who are going to be real tough to play against. Don’t see anyone in their class committing to the college route, too relatively safe picks.

1st Round Selection

Luke Prokop (7th Overall) – Standing at 6’3 with a big right handed shot, it’s hard to miss on a player like Prokop. He really impressed at the AB Cup and has been relatively consistent all season long with POE Academy. He plays a two-way game with strong defensive abilities and a good first pass, he has the ability to make simple plays in his own zone to relieve pressure and is someone who we see being put in defensive situations immediately entering the WHL. The big thing we want to see is how he will develop his quickness + offensive tools in his 15-year-old season, you saw a lot at the AB how is confidence in his offensive abilities grew and he really was able to drive the offense from the backend.

Notable Picks

Ryder Korczak (29th Overall) – The younger brother of last year’s first round pick Kaedan Korczak. Ryder is a well-rounded offensive threat who has good skill + play making abilities, as well as a bit off aggressiveness in his game. He posted 83 points this past year and was a point per game player at the midget level as an affiliate. No doubt he will someday be a top six forward on the Hitmen’s roster.

Sheldon Kwiatkowski (66th Overall) – A big framed shooting power forward with a two-way game, creative offensively. He was the offensive catalyst of his Grande Prairie Storm team and was heavily relied on in all situations. Sheldon grew a bunch since playing at the AA level and we believe he will be a solid third liner at the next level who brings depth size + scoring.

Riley Fiddler-Schultz (148th Overall) – One of the most improved players this year up in Northern Alberta, Fiddler-Schultz was over a point per game this past season and was able to become a key piece of Fort Sask’s success. He is a power-forward with a great release in stride. He is strong and hard to knock off the puck. Really interesting to see him progress and where he tops off at.

Conclusion

I would like to have seen more risk taken maybe in the middle rounds or possibly moving up to take a guy. I like the crop they are bringing in but don’t see a whole lot of high ceiling prospects. I think they played it safe and at the end of the day it works. Peters has the potential to be a good goalie at the next level but has a long road to get there as well as some of their later picks, are in the same situation. I’m excited to see how two big defenders in Prokop and van de Leest will anchor that blue line, I think they added size and depth up front as well, with some size on their back end and players who play simple and more reliable games.