The Next Ones: 2011

Saturday, December 31, 2011

World Juniors Player Spotlight: Evgeny Kuznestsov | The Hockey Writers

World Juniors Player Spotlight: Evgeny Kuznestsov | The Hockey Writers:

The Hockey Surgeon

"Team Latvia’s goaltender Elvis Merzlikins, after making some superb saves in the first period, must have felt like he was on Russian forward Evgeny (Yevgeni) Kuznetsov’s operating table last night. There were points in the game where he must have prayed for some sort of anaesthetic cocktail to help relieve the suffering.

His defensemen were continuously under siege and were unable to offer much resistance against the Russian nuclear arsenal of weapons amongst the forward ranks.

To say Kuznetsov has a great set of hands, in the hockey sense, is somewhat of an understatement. With a little help from his friends (i.e. team-mates), he absolutely dissected Team Latvia notching three goals and six assists en route to a 14-nil victory over Latvia on Thursday night.

His nine point performance was the second highest total in the history of the world junior hockey championship.

Sweden’s Peter Forsberg had an astounding three goals and seven assists for 10 points in a 20-1 win over Japan on December 30th, 1992, which was the 1993 World Juniors."

Read full article at The Hockey Writers:
http://thehockeywriters.com/world-juniors-player-spotlight-evgeny-kuznestsov/

'via Blog this'

Tuesday, December 27, 2011

World Juniors Team Slovakia Preview: Puck Magician Jurco Key To Success | The Hockey Writers

World Juniors Team Slovakia Preview: Puck Magician Jurco Key To Success | The Hockey Writers:

"Slovakia in their 2012 World Juniors medal quest may feel like they are skating uphill on a Red Bull Crashed Ice track with perennial powerful hockey nations Canada, Russia, Sweden, USA and Finland obstructing their path. While their likelihood of seeing semi-final action in Calgary’s Saddledome is highly improbable, with talented players like Tomas Jurco, Marek Tverdon, Martin Marincin and Martin Gernat, they could prove anything but a pushover should a team take them too lightly."

Read the full article here:

http://thehockeywriters.com/world-juniors-team-slovakia-preview-puck-magician-jurco-key-to-success/
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World Juniors Team Latvia Preview: Zemgus Girgensons And Beyond | The Hockey Writers

World Juniors Team Latvia Preview: Zemgus Girgensons And Beyond | The Hockey Writers:

"While Latvia may not conjure up images of a hockey super power, when I do think of Latvia and hockey I quickly think of three things – Arturs Irbe, Sandis Ozolinsh and passionate hockey fans. After this tournament and definitely after the 2012 NHL draft, you can, at the very least easily, add a fourth item to that list – Zemgus Girgensons. Stay tuned and read on below for more on Zemgus.

Latvian Hockey History

Earlier this month, the Latvian Hockey Federation celebrated 80 years of existence. As IIHF.com reported:"

Read full article by following this link:

http://thehockeywriters.com/world-juniors-team-latvia-preview-zemgus-girgensons-and-beyond/

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Thursday, December 22, 2011

2012 World Junior Championship Viewers Guide | The Hockey Writers

2012 World Junior Championship Viewers Guide | The Hockey Writers:

worldjrsmainpage2003

"It’s definitely one the most wonderful times of the year.

Hockey fans look forward to Christmas; Die hard hockey fans look even more forward to Boxing Day and the start of the World Junior Championships!

This is hockey at its finest. Players playing with that youthful passion for the game and that sense of national pride that one can only imagine they get when donning their country’s colours. Fans cannot help but get caught up in the emotion evoked by the intense and exciting action that naturally ensues.

Many of the players do not yet possess professional contracts. Some have not yet been drafted. All involved want to make the ultimate positive impact to help in their quest to play at even higher levels. For some, this will be the pinnacle of their hockey careers. But at the forefront and focus of all is the crest on the front of the jersey – there are dreams of a Gold Christmas. Of course, some nations would be quite ecstatic to have a Silver or Bronze Christmas when the tournament reaches its climax."

This page will serve as THW’s “Home Page” for WJC coverage. Bookmark and check back often as more articles will be added highlighting team previews, players to watch, predictions and other unique and exclusive coverage. Click on the respective link to be taken to the full article.

***

Follow us on Twitter for plenty of updates leading up to and during the tournament:

Link for the full World Juniors 2012 Preview Guide at The Hockey Writers:
http://thehockeywriters.com/2012-world-junior-championship-viewers-guide/

Sweden Hockey Prospect Oscar Milton Behind The Net Trick Shot

Saturday, December 3, 2011

#25 Mikhail Grigorenko hat trick vs Saint John (2011-11-22)

&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Mik

Emelin Drills Pavelski w/SlowMo 12/1/2011 [HD]

Emelin Drills Pavelski w/SlowMo 12/1/2011 [HD]

Saturday, October 29, 2011

New York Islanders top prospect Ryan Strome goal versus Brampton Battalion

Friday, October 28, 2011

Evgeni Malkin shootout goal 10/27/11

Saturday, October 22, 2011

Matt Dumba Highlights 2009-2010

Ryan Nugent-Hopkins 1st hat trick 10/15/11

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

KHL crash coverage: News, video, interviews - sportsnet.ca

KHL crash coverage: News, video, interviews - sportsnet.ca

The Star: Canadian coach McCrimmon among 43 dead in Russian plane crash

TheStar Canadian coach McCrimmon among 43 dead in Russian plane crash

Other links:

1. CNN

2. Video from RussiaToday

Karel Rachunek, Ruslan Salei and Karlis Skrastins, as well as forwards Pavol Demitra and Josef Vasicek, as well the team's head coach, Brad McCrimmon were amongst the victims. Alexander Vasyunov, Igor Korolev and Alexander Karpovtsev
were also on the plane, amongst others.

There were two survivors, one being Alexander Galimov.

How many tragedies can the hockey world face this offseason?

Sunday, September 4, 2011

LeafsTV's Wade Belak Tribute

Carrie Underwood & Mike Fisher - "Do It For Daron"

D.I.F.D. - Tie Domi and Mark Wahlberg's Message

Wednesday, August 31, 2011

The Hockey News: Rory Boylen's Column: Boylen: Panthers must send Huberdeau back to junior

The Hockey News: Rory Boylen's Column: Boylen: Panthers must send Huberdeau back to junior

Saturday, August 20, 2011

Nail Yakupov 2010/2011 Season Higlights

2011 NHL R&D Camp - Nail Yakupov

Mathew Campagna R&D Shootout Move

Thursday, August 18, 2011

Andreas Athanasiou NHL R&D Shootout Move

Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Sam Lofquist Shootout Goal (July 17 2011)

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

2011 Alberta Cup - Tyler Mrkonjic Profile

Monday, July 18, 2011

Ryan Strome amazing shootout goal at New York Islanders prospect camp

Saturday, July 9, 2011

The Next Ones – Nikita Kucherov – NHL 2011 Draft Prospect Profile: The Russian Rifle | The Hockey Writers

Read Full article @ The Next Ones – Nikita Kucherov – NHL 2011 Draft Prospect Profile: The Russian Rifle | The Hockey Writers:

Nikita Kucherov
Date of birth: Maikop, RUS
Place of birth: June 17, 1993
Ht: 5-10.5 Wt: 171
Shoots: L

Position: RW
NHL Draft Eligibility: 2011

One-Timer:

"Kucherov is an electric, explosive and dynamic offensive force with elite level speed. He possesses an absolute rifle of a shot and has adroit offensive creativity.

His talent came to the forefront to even the casual of hockey fans after his brilliant and record-breaking performance at this year’s World Junior U18 Championships. He was an absolute domineering force, establishing a tournament record 21 points in seven games.

He also fared well at the recent scouting combine. While he is not a physical force, he does not shy away from the dirty areas and is not content with playing a perimeter game."

The Next Ones – Tyler Biggs – NHL 2011 Draft Prospect Profile: Leafs Next Power Forward | The Hockey Writers

(For Full Article:) The Next Ones – Tyler Biggs – NHL 2011 Draft Prospect Profile: Leafs Next Power Forward | The Hockey Writers:

Tyler Biggs
Date of birth: April 30, 1993
Place of birth: Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
Ht: 6-2 Wt: 200
Shoots: R

Position: Right Wing
NHL Draft Eligibility: 2011

One-Timer:

Admittedly, I question the power forward’s upside especially in terms of offense, but his work ethic is unflappable and he is a safe pick in terms of filling out your bottom two forward lines. He could be quite the disruptor as a third or fourth line power forward, and has top six forward upside."

Wednesday, July 6, 2011

via THN: Gary Roberts: The importance of nutrition in hockey

Given my primary profession as a Clinical Pharmacist in a Pain Clinic, this special feature article by fitness and nutrition guru especially caught my attention. I do wish that it was more in depth, but fantastic to see different aspects of the sport being covered. I also relate to Roberts even more than most given chronic neck problems that I also have to endure.

The Hockey News: Special Features: Gary Roberts: The importance of nutrition in hockey

Here is a brief excerpt {check out the above link for the full article @ THN}:

Eating well sets the tone for a player’s performance both on the ice and in life. Sounds simple enough right? While that common sense advice has been around forever, many in the hockey world only began taking proper nutrition seriously in the past five-to-10 years.

Personally, it took me too long to figure out that what I ate affected my performance. Unfortunately, I had to retire first. At 30 years old, after I lost my career to two neck surgeries, I started to take an active interest in nutrition and training. I realized just how much the food I ate affected the way I performed.

Now it’s become a lifestyle for me to eat healthy. I realize how important it is to my energy levels. As an athlete, it’s all about preparation.

Saturday, June 25, 2011

E-Mac's 2011 NHL Entry Draft Top 120

Introducing...E-Mac's Top 120 Prospects for the 2011 NHL Entry Draft:

I am starting at 110 to leave room for any prospect that my do really well during the Memorial Cup that I don’t already have ranked.

These postings are the writings of one hockey fan for other hockey fans with the intention of making them memorable enough so that a casual reader has a chance of remembering the prospect’s name when it comes up at the draft in June. Some will be successful, some will not - however, I am hoping for a better success rate than the 19% chance the NHL teams currently have in selecting an NHL player in the fourth round.

In looking back at the 2003 to 2005 entry drafts, it is interesting to note the success rate for each of the rounds. By my calculations (players that are NHL regulars for the most part - your list could be slightly different), here are the figures:

01-15 – 82% (03-93%; 04-73%; 05-80%)
16-30 – 76% (03-93%; 04-67%; 05-67%)
31-45 – 33% (03-33%; 04- 7%; 05-60%)
46-60 – 24% (03-33%; 04-33%; 05- 7%)
61-90 - 24% (03-33%; 04-20%; 05-20%)91-120 - 19% (03-10%; 04-30%; 05-17%)
120-150 - 11% (03-10%; 04-13%; 05-10%)
151-180 - 9% (03-13%; 04-13%; 05- 0%)
181-210 - 10% (03-17%; 04- 3%; 05-10%)
Over 210 - 12% (03-13%; 04-10%; 05-15%)
Overall - 23% (03-25%; 04-20%; 05-23%)

Notes:

*Here are the rankings so far and will be updated regularly as they are released leading up the draft. All profiles can be found under the author's main link: Eldon MacDonald

**To easily find the full profile of each prospect, simply click on name (hyperlink) and/or go to the "Index" on the right-hand side of the site.
***You have to go to each individual profile to find out E-Mac's unique nickname given to each and every player! (I have included some of the them as teasers.)

Here's an excerpt of E-Mac's profile on his #23 ranked prospect Nikita "Mr. Game-breaker" Kucherov:

What kind of player is Nikita Kucherov??? Game-breaker would be the easy answer or heart breaker if you are playing for the other side. Nikita has an impressive arrange of advanced weapons in his arsenal. First of all, his one-timer is so good that he could live of that alone. Secondly, his speed is so devasting that he can back up defenders and use his sublime passing skills to finish the play. Thirdly, he is prepared to be aggressive on the forecheck and pounce on loose pucks. Fourthly, add vision, determination and an elite finishing ability and you have one elite hockey player.

Are there any negatives to Nikita Kucherov? The biggest negative and one that will affect when he gets drafted is the fact that he is Russian and appears to be committed for two more years playing in Russia. Maybe that is not all bad because it will allow him some time to correct his second biggest weakness which is size and strength.

Here's an excerpt of E-Mac's profile on his #110 ranked prospect Jean-Gabriel Pageau:

At the end of the playoffs, Jean-Gabriel stood third in playoff scoring with 28 points in 23 games and a +9 when going against the league’s best. Maybe now you can start to see why even the recalcitrant are coming around. So, if you are looking for a Claude Giroux like guy (without the irritability) who can play center or right wing and you want someone who always comes up big in critical situations you might give a thought to the petit dragon slayer, Jean-Gabriel Pageau.

E-Man's Rankings: (Click on prospect's name for detailed profile)

Tomas Mr. Youtube Jurco - Photo by EliteProspects

Marek "Titanium Guy" Tvrdon

Xavier "Mr. Chameleon" Ouellet - Photo by Benoit Lefebvre

Justin Thomas #91
Alexei Marchenko #92
Klas Dahlbeck #93
Matej Machovsky #94
Kale Kessy #95
Tadeas Galansky #96
Andrei Pedan #97
Alexandre Grenier #98
Troy Vance #99
Brennan Serville #100
Blake Coleman #101
William Karlsson #102
Joshua Leivo #103
Martin Gernat #104
Joseph Cramarossa #105
Jesse Forsberg #106
Tyler Wotherspoon #108
Adam Reid #109
Jean-Gabriel Pageau #110
Joel Lowry #111
Jordan Binnington #112
Chase Balisy #113
Johan Sundstrom #114
David Honzik #115
Andrej Stastny #116
Michael Mersch #117
Tobias Rieder #118
Zac Larraza #119
Harrison Ruopp #120

E-Mac's 2011 NHL Entry Draft Top 120: 111 to 120

By Eldon MacDonald

Well, I don’t have time to do a proper write-up on these guys (111 to 120 in the rankings) as day two of the draft is fast approaching. However, I did put together a few words on all of them to give you some idea of who they are.

111. Joel Lowry - “The Twofer” - LW - Canada

Vitals: Size - 6’2”, 185 lb.; Shoots left; Born: 15-Nov-91 - Calgary, AB
Team: Victoria, BCHL
2010-11Stats: 42-24-43-67-35 + BCHL playoffs 12-5-12-17-6
Rankings:
111 - E-Mac's 2011 NHL Entry Draft Top 120
124 - NHL Central Scouting's Final Rankings (95th North American skater)

Draft result:
140 - Los Angeles Kings

Yes, Joel Lowry is Adam Lowry’s older brother and Dave Lowry’s son. Playing in the BCHL, he simply wasn’t good enough last year to be drafted. However, a year later and after leading the Victoria Grizzlies in points in the playoff (2nd in the regular season) there is every reason to believe that his luck will change this year. Could there be a twofer with with his brother???

Joel is likely to be a third-line power forward type of guy, will grind it out, go to the net, all the things you expect from a Lowry. And yes, he can drop em too.

112. Jordan Binnington - “The Goalie” - G - Canada

Vitals: Size - 6’2”, 158 lb.; Shoots left; Born: 11-Jul-93 - Richmond Hill, ON
Team: Owen Sound, OHL
2010-11Stats: 46-1-3.05-.899 + OHL playoffs 7-0-3.21-.894 + Memorial Cup 4-1-1.42-.951
Rankings:
84 - NHL Central Scouting's Final Rankings (3rd North American goalie)
112 - E-Mac's 2011 NHL Entry Draft Top 120

Draft result:
88 - St. Louis Blues

Hmm, yes, I love humble pie, it is my favourite. And I have been eating it every since I said that NHL Central Scouting did not know what they were doing in rating this guy so high, 3rd best North American goalie. After all, he had a lousy season (.899 save percentage) and his playoff numbers didn’t look too hot either (.894 save percentage) but they put him in for the last two games of the OHL playoffs and he played so well that Owen Sound became the OHL champions. And then came the Memorial Cup and Jordan played even better. He was unbelieveable and there were high expectations for him in the semi-final game against Mississauga, a rematch of the OHL finals. How did he do? He did nothing because they didn’t play him in one of the most incomprehensible moves I have seen in junior hockey. By the way, Owen Sound lost that game, big time, and were knocked out of the Memorial Cup.

Jordan just has that look and feel of an NHL goalie and I am sure he is going to be one someday.

113. Chase Balisy - “Ballsy” - LW - USA

Vitals: Size - 6’0”, 171 lb.; Shoots left; Born: 2-Feb-92 - Fullerton, CA
Team: Western Michigan, CCHA
2010-11Stats: 37-12-17-29-8-(+4)
Rankings:
113 - E-Mac's 2011 NHL Entry Draft Top 120
Unranked - NHL Central Scouting's Final Rankings

Draft result:
170 - Nashville Predators

Once highly regarded, he was passed over last year as he was distracted by some off ice things in his life. However, those distractions appear to be behind him and he had an excellent freshman year at Western Michigan.

Chase is not particularly big, not particularly strong, not particularly fast but he is good at protecting the puck and passing it of to his teammates. He is also an intelligent player and can put up the points.

114. Johan Sundstrom - “Godzilla” - C - Sweden

Vitals: Size - 6’3”, 196 lb.; Shoots right; Born: 21-Sep-92 - Göteborg, SWE
Team: Frölunda, Swedish Elite League (Elitserien)
2010-11Stats: 41-1-0-1-10 + J20 playoffs 7-8-7-15-2
Rankings:
HM - Bob MacKenzie's June Poll of Scouts (HM’s rank 61 to 85)
68 - ISS's Final Listing per TSN
74 - The Hockey News's List per TSN
84 - The Scouting Report's Top 100
114 - E-Mac's 2011 NHL Entry Draft Top 120
151 - NHL Central Scouting's Final Rankings (24th European skater)

Draft result:
50 - New York Islanders

Well, he didn’t have a good year in the Swedish Elite League, just one goal in 41 games. So, they let play him play with his age group for the playoffs and it was like releasing Godzilla in downtown Manhattan, chaos, he cleaned up and had 15 points in 7 games.

Johan is a power forward who will drive to the net. He has a decent top speed but his gears and turns are not top notch. He is likely to end up as a defensive forward if he makes it to the NHL and at 6’3’’, 196 lb., there is a chance that will happen.

115. David Honzik - “The Czech Goalie” - G - Czech Republic

Vitals: Size - 6’3”, 194 lb.; Shoots right; Born: 9-Aug-93 - Karlovy Vary, CZE
Team: Victoriaville, QMJHL
2010-11Stats: 36-1-3.54-.884 + QMJHL playoffs 9-0-3.28-.919
Rankings:
43 - Kirk Luedeke's Top 50
55 - Bob MacKenzie's June Poll of Scouts
115 - E-Mac's 2011 NHL Entry Draft Top 120
131 - Christopher Ralph's Top 210
213 - NHL Central Scouting's Final Rankings (8th North American goalie)

Draft result:
71 - Vancouver Canucks

A Czech goalie with size who played in the QMJHL for Victoriaville. Not too good in the regular season (.884 save percentage), he stepped it up in the playoffs (.919 save percentage) and converted quite a few of the naysayers.

116. Andrej Stastny - “Mr. Happy” - C - Slovakia

Vitals: Size - 6’4”, 215 lb.; Shoots left; Born: 24-Jan-91 - Povazska Bystrica, SVK
Team: Vancouver, WHL
2010-11Stats: 32-10-20-30-40-(+2) + WHL playoffs 4-0-0-0-11-(-5) + U20 6-1-1-2-0-(-1)
Rankings:
116 - E-Mac's 2011 NHL Entry Draft Top 120
247 - NHL Central Scouting's Final Rankings (185th North American skater)

Draft result:
Undrafted

Mr. Happy (Stastny in English means happy) is a 6’4’’, 215 lb. center from Slovakia who played for the Vancouver Giants in the WHL in the second half of the season. Showed flashes of why he should be drafted (after going undrafted the last two years) and at his size I think someone will take chance on him.

117. Michael Mersch - “Badger Mike” - LW - USA

Vitals: Size - 6’1”, 196 lb.; Shoots left; Born: 2-Oct-92 - Park Ridge, IL
Team: University of Wisconsin, WCHA
2010-11Stats: 39-8-10-18-30-(+23)
Rankings:
HM - Bob MacKenzie's June Poll of Scouts (HM’s rank 61 to 85)
HM - Kirk Luedeke's Top 50 (HM’s rank 51 to 58)
71 - The Hockey News's List per TSN
85 - Christopher Ralph's Top 210
97 - Cory Pronman's Top 100
108 - ISS's Final Listing per TSN
109 - NHL Central Scouting's Final Rankings (83rd North American skater)
117 - E-Mac's 2011 NHL Entry Draft Top 120

Draft result:
110 - Los Angeles Kings

Solid guy, does all the little things, can pass, can score but and I mean but, he is slow. Can some skating instructor do a Brian Boyle remake on him, if so, you have second line talent.

118. Tobias Rieder - “The German Roadrunner” - C/W - Germany

Vitals: Size - 5’10”, 180 lb.; Shoots left; Born: 10-Jan-93 - Landshut, GER
Team: Kitchener, OHL
2010-11Stats: 65-23-236-49-35-(+9) + OHL playoffs 7-0-2-2-4-(-1) + U20 6-1-1-2-0-(-1)
Rankings:
70 - Cory Pronman's Top 100
78 - The Scouting Report's Top 100
94 - NHL Central Scouting's Final Rankings (73rd North American skater)
97 - Christopher Ralph's Top 210
118 - E-Mac's 2011 NHL Entry Draft Top 120

Draft result:
114 - Edmonton Oilers

Small guy, not strong, has the speed and the hands. Started the season afire and then the embers just went out as he faded big time in the stretch. However, some still like what he did early in the season and believe he is still a player who can develop.

119. Zac Larraza - “Mr. Upside” - LW - USA

Vitals: Size - 6’2”, 194 lb.; Shoots left; Born: 25-Feb-93 - Scottsdale, AZ
Team: US NDP U18, USHL
2010-11Stats: 49-8-5-13-20 + U18’s 6-1-4-5-4-(+4)
Rankings:
90 - NHL Central Scouting's Final Rankings (70th North American skater)
91 - The Scouting Report's Top 100
106 - Christopher Ralph's Top 210
119 - E-Mac's 2011 NHL Entry Draft Top 120

Draft result:
196 - Phoenix Coyotes

Has the size and skating that make a lot of people believe that this guy has a lot of upside that we have yet to see. His offensive game hasn’t taken off in spite of appearing to have a decent skill set to make it happen.

120. Harrison Ruopp - “Uopp” - D - Canada

Vitals: Size - 6’2”, 193 lb.; Shoots right; Born: 17-Mar-93 - Zehner, SK
Team: Prince Albert, WHL
2010-11Stats: 54-0-9-9-98-(+8)+ WHL playoffs 6-0-0-0-9-(-7)
Rankings:
120 - E-Mac's 2011 NHL Entry Draft Top 120
134 - NHL Central Scouting's Final Rankings (102nd North American skater)
178 - Christopher Ralph's Top 210

Draft result:
84 - Phoenix Coyotes

Uopp me once, shame on you; Uopp we twice, shame on me. Most WHL payers were smart enough not to get uopped twice. If you don’t believe me just ask Duncan Siemens for a reference. Uopp is a big Saskatchewan farm boy who is a horse in the backfield and doesn’t allow anyone to plough through to his goalie. Although you won’t see much offense from him, he can skate reasonably well, has a decent shot and can make a decent pass. However, it is that physical, intimidating presence that will be “the sell” for scouts.

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