Not many players who are ninth round picks in the previous year’s bantam draft get into 60-plus games in their 16-year-old season. It’s not that undrafted or players drafted in lower rounds do not have impactful WHL careers. It’s just that they are not normally granted the opportunity to play […]
NHL draft profiles
Almeida capitalizing on opportunity
By Matthew Gourlie Justin Almeida learned the value of opportunities early in his hockey career. The 18-year-old Moose Jaw Warriors centre is making the most of the opportunity to play a big role on the high-flying top-ranked team in the Western Hockey League. Almeida has been one of the breakout […]
Draft Profile: Kyle Topping, Kelowna Rockets
When one gives the Kelowna Rockets roster a thorough glance, it is easy to notice a few of the Western Hockey League’s elite players. Dillon Dube: Calgary Flames second round pick in 2016. Cal Foote: Tampa Bay Lightning first round pick in 2017. Kole Lind: Vancouver Canucks second round pick in 2017. […]
2018 NHL Draft Profiles: Mark Kastelic
Mark Kastelic doesn’t want to hear about his chances in the upcoming National Hockey League Entry Draft. It is the furthest thing from the 18-year-old’s mind as he goes through the grind of his third season with the Calgary Hitmen. “I honestly haven’t thought about it that much compared to […]
2018 NHL draft profiles: Ryan Chyzowski
Hockey was all around Medicine Hat Tigers left wing Ryan Chyzowski growing up. His Father, Dave, was drafted second overall by the New York Islanders back in 1989. He ended up playing in 126 NHL games, piling up 31 points. The earliest memories that Ryan has are of his Dad […]
Woo hoping to wow scouts with complete game
By Matthew Gourlie A name like Jett Woo’s doesn’t lend itself to mediocrity. Fortunately for the 17-year-old Moose Jaw Warriors defenceman, he has the talent to go with his superhero-sounding name. While Woo’s name grabbed attention when he was drafted, his talent has been opening eyes ever since. Woo has […]
2018 NHL draft profiles: Michael Farren
Michael Farren’s destiny in playing for the Saskatoon Blades was not always set in stone. It took some work on both ends of the relationship for the 5-foot-10, 168-pound forward to end up playing for the Bridge City Bunch. “I was listed in midget and then I got brought into […]
Hartje hoping to cap impressive rookie season in draft
By Matthew Gourlie Bemidji, Minnesota is home to some mythical men. A statue of Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox stands on the edge of town. Pro Football Hall of Famer Bronko Nagurski went to Bemidji High. Still, Bemidji is hockey country and Moose Jaw Warriors rookie Chase Hartje […]
Burzan focused on being a well-rounded player
By Matthew Gourlie Luka Burzan has always been able to put up points. Eighty goals and 131 points in 62 games in bantam, 47 points in 29 games as a midget rookie, followed by 17 points in seven playoff games. Last year Burzan netted 14 goals and 27 points in […]
2018 NHL draft profiles: Chase Wouters
When the Saskatoon Blades took Chase Wouters with the 19th overall pick in the WHL Bantam Draft, a factor in why they picked him could very well have been his history of being on successful teams. Wouters played both bantam and midget in Lloydminster, Alberta and at both levels his […]