The following are capsule summaries of the top prospects for Saturday's NHL entry draft at National Car Rental Center in Sunrise, Fla.:
Colby Armstrong
RW Ht: 6-1½ Wt: 180 DOB: 11/23/82 Team: Red Deer (WHL)
72 GP, 36 G, 42 A, 78 PTS, 156 PIM
Jumped seven spots to eighth among North American prospects by
NHL Central Scouting. Helped Red Deer capture the Memorial Cup
after finishing fourth on the team in scoring and sixth in the
Western Hockey League with a plus-44. Had a goal and an assist
in the Top Prospects Game. Described by scouts as a complete
player, he saw a lot of action on the power play. Junior coach
Brent Sutter, a former NHLer, described him as someone "that
plays with a lot of bite in his game." Increased his
goal-scoring by 23 in his second year of major junior hockey.
Feisty, as evidenced by his 156 penalty minutes. Also a good
skater with solid lateral mobility who can handle the puck.
Brendan Bell
D Ht: 6-1 Wt: 198 DOB: 3/31/83 Team: Ottawa (OHL)
68 GP, 7 G, 32 A, 39 PTS, 59 PIM
Rose four spots to finish the season at the 15th-ranked North
American prospect, according to NHL Central Scouting. Helped
Ottawa win the Ontario Hockey League championship, finishing
seventh on the team in scoring. Was an alternate captain for
Canada's gold medal entry at the 2000 Four Nations tournament.
Good skater with superior acceleration, he can join the rush and
is a fixture on the power play. Possesses a heavy shot. Not
tremendously physical but shows maturity and poise and can make
the first pass out of the defensive zone.
Edward Caron
C 6-2.5 214 4/30/82 Phillips-Exeter (USHS)
17 GP, 30 G, 20 A, 50 PTS, 42 PIM
Captain of his high school team finished the season rated 29th
among North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting after
ranking 39th at midseason. Played in 2000 Hockey Night in
Boston Showcase and was named All-Scholastic MVP. Chose not to
enter 2000 NHL draft after he was ranked 125th at midseason.
New Hampshire native possesses good size but also uses his
strong skating ability to get by defenders. Physical player is
difficult to move from the front of the net. Scouts like his
work ethic and patience.
Stanislav Chistov
W 5-10 169 4/17/83 Omsk (RUS)
24 GP, 4 G, 8 A, 12 PTS, 12 PIM
NHL Central Scouting's third-ranked European prospect led Russia
in scoring at the 2001 World Junior Championships with five
goals and an assist in seven games. Moved up to the Russian
Senior League this past season and had four goals and eight
assists in 24 games. Helped Russia win a gold medal at the 2000
Five Nations Cup in Salt Lake City, where he again led the team
with 12 points. Selected 12th overall by London in the 2000
Ontario Hockey League draft but decided to stay in Russia.
Possesses above-average skating ability and agility. Has been
described by scouts as a scoring threat every time he is on the
ice. Lacks size but works hard.
Carlo Colaiacovo
D 6-1 184 1/27/83 Erie (OHL)
62 GP, 12 G, 27 A, 39 PTS, 59 PIM
Set an Erie team record for goals by a defenseman with 12 and
participated in the 2001 CHL All-Star Game. Also picked up an
assist in the Top Prospects Game, where he won the puck control
event at the skills competition. Was second in the Ontario
Hockey League with a plus-46 rating and was voted best defensive
defenseman in the OHL's Western Conference in a poll of coaches.
Tenth-ranked North American prospect has a twin brother, Paulo,
who is rated among the top draft-eligible goaltending hopefuls.
Does not hesitate to join the play, although he is very sound in
his own zone. Likes to throw his body around. Scouts like his
poise and intelligence and Erie coach Dave McQueen praised him
for his "great hockey sense." Said McQueen, "He goes out every
night and plays with passion."
Drew Fata
6-1 211 7/28/83 St. Michael's (OHL)
58 GP, 5 G, 15 A, 20 PTS, 134 PIM
Younger brother of Calgary Flames prospect Rico Fata, a 1998
first-round draft pick. Dropped nine spots to finish the season
as the 27th-ranked North American prospect, according to NHL
Central Scouting. Was 11th on St. Michael's in scoring in his
first season of major junior hockey. Like his brother, he is a
solid skater with above-average acceleration and lateral
movement. Possesses a solid shot from the point and has the
size to work well along the boards and in the corners. Not
afraid to clear opponents from the front of the net and is quick
to jump to the aid of teammates. "He's very comfortable in the
finesse game of puckhandling and skating, but he doesn't shy
away from the physical game," St. Michael's coach Dave Cameron
said.
Tim Gleason
D 6-0.5 199 1/29/83 Windsor (OHL)
47 GP, 8 G, 28 A, 36 PTS, 124 PIM
Michigan native was ranked 12th among North American prospects
by NHL Central Scouting. Named top defenseman on his junior
team and helped Windsor reach the Ontario Hockey League
playoffs. Picked up one assist in seven games for the United
States at the 2001 World Junior Championships. Missed the Top
Prospects Game due to injury but was runner-up as best skater in
the OHL's Western Conference and was a finalist for fastest
skater in the league in a poll of coaches. Worked hard between
his first and second seasons in juniors to develop strength and
stamina. It paid off, according to Windsor coach Tom Webster,
a former NHL coach who said, "He's our go-to guy in every
situation -- power play, penalty-killing, 4-on-4 and even
strength." His junior B coach said he has two speeds -- "fast
and see you later." Impressed scouts with his power, balance,
speed and mobility. Plays aggressively, as evidenced by his 124
penalty minutes.
Marcel Goc
C 6-1 187 8/24/83 Schwenningen (GER)
58 GP, 13 G, 28 A, 41 PTS, 12 PIM
Rated 12th among European prospects by NHL Central Scouting
after ranking 17th at midseason. Younger brother of New Jersey
Devils prospect Sascha Goc, he played for Germany at the 2000
and 2001 World Junior Championships. Said his brother, "He is
more talented than me. I think he will have a very good career
in North America." Only 17, he already has played two seasons
in Germany's top professional league. The last 16-year-old to
play at that level was Marco Sturm of the San Jose Sharks. A
faceoff specialist, he is hard to knock off his feet and works
well in traffic, along the boards and in the corners. Former
NHLer Rich Chernomaz, his coach with Schwenningen, said, "He is
by far the best young player I have seen in my life. And that
includes my time in Canada."
Dan Hamhuis
D 6-0.5 195 12/13/82 Prince George (WHL)
62 GP, 13 G, 46 A, 59 PTS, 125 PIM
NHL Central Scouting's second-ranked North American prospect was
a team captain at the Top Prospects Game. He won a bronze medal
with Canada at the 2001 World Junior Championships. Was an
alternate captain in his third season with Prince George of the
Western Hockey League and was eighth in scoring among WHL
defensemen. Had five points in six playoff games. Attending
the College of New Caledonia, he was his team's scholastic
player of the year in 1999 and 2000. Prince George coach Ed
Dempsey describes him as "the complete package," adding,
"There's not one thing that he does better than something else,
but he's good in all areas of the game." Quarterbacks the power
play and is a solid open-ice hitter. Possesses better than
average speed, good stamina and a solid work ethic.
Jay Harrison
D 6-3 200 11/3/82 Brampton (OHL)
53 GP, 4 G, 15 A, 112 PIM
Fell 11 spots to finish the season as NHL Central Scouting's
18th-rated North American prospect. In his third season of
major junior hockey, he helped Brampton reach the Ontario Hockey
League playoffs. Was runner-up last season as top defensive
defenseman in the OHL's Western Conference after earning
all-Rookie honors the year before. Does most of his work in his
own zone. Aspires to play "mean and big." Played in the Top
Prospects Game. Like Brendan Shanahan of the Detroit Red Wings,
he is an accomplished lacrosse player who won a national
championship in 1996. Possesses exceptional quickness for a
player his size but also has shown the ability to overpower
opponents.
Ales Hemsky
RW 6-0 170 8/13/83 Hull (QMJHL)
68 GP, 36 G, 64 A, 100 PTS, 67 PIM
Coach's son who spent the 1999-00 season in his native Czech
Republic before making the jump to North American junior hockey.
Ranked ninth among North American prospects by NHL Central
Scouting, he recorded a pair of hat tricks and had points
streaks of 12 and nine games this past season for Hull of the
Quebec Major Junior League. Missed the Top Prospects Game due
to injury. Led his team in playoff scoring with two goals and
three assists in five games. Good skater with outstanding
acceleration. He is a creative playmaker and natural
goal-scorer who is not afraid to get physical. Saw a lot of
time on the power play and was described by Hull coach Guy
Lalonde as "very shifty."
Tim Jackman
RW 6-2.5 190 11/14/81 Mankato St (WCHA)
35 GP, 11 G, 14 A, 25 PTS, 86 PIM
Was named "Mr. Hockey" in Minnesota in 2000 after scoring 34
goals in 19 games for Park Center High School. Ranked fifth
among WCHA freshmen in scoring and twice was named WCHA Rookie
of the Week at Minnesota-Mankato. Saw time on the first line
and the power play in his first college season and was fourth
on the team in scoring with 11 goals and 14 assists in 35 games.
Described by scouts as "highly motivated," he plays hard at both
ends of the rink. Ranked 21st among North American prospects by
NHL Central Scouting, up two spots from midseason.
Aaron Johnson
D 6-0.5 186 4/30/83 Rimouski (QMJHL)
64 GP, 12 G, 41 A, 53 PTS, 128 PIM
Is trying to follow another Nova Scotia native, Al MacInnis, to
the NHL. Jumped 12 spots to finish the season as the 17th-rated
North American prospect by NHL Central Scouting. Was 10th among
defensemen in the Quebec Major Junior League in scoring with 12
goals and 41 assists in 64 games. As a rookie, he helped
Rimouski captured the first Memorial Cup in team history.
Strong skater who anticipates the play well, he often was moved
up front on the power play. Adroit with his stick, he wields a
heavy wrist shot and a hard slap shot. Used in all situations
this past season, has been described by scouts as "very honest"
and "hard-working."
Colt King
LW 6-2.5 221 3/4/83 Guelph (OHL)
65 GP, 25 G, 27 A, 52 PTS, 129 PIM
Slipped three spots to 27th among North American prospects,
according to NHL Central Scouting. Was sixth on his junior team
in scoring with 25 goals and 27 assists in 65 games. Played in
the Top Prospects Game. Was runner-up as most improved player
in the Western Conference in a poll of Ontario Hockey League
coaches. Strong on his skates and tough to move off the puck,
he also possesses a quick, hard wrist shot. Saw extensive time
on the power play. Has the size but needs to use it more,
particularly in tight spots.
Igor Knyazev
D 6-0 191 1/27/83 Spartak (RUS)
43 GP, 6 G, 3 A, 9 PTS, 66 PIM
Captained Russia's gold medal-winning entry at the 2001 Under-18
World Championship, where he led the tournament in plus-minus
with a plus-13. Jumped six spots to finish the season as NHL
Central Scouting's seventh-ranked European prospect. Strong
skater and offensive-minded defenseman is expected to make the
jump to the Russian senior league next season. Primarily a
finesse player but does not shy away from contact. Dependable
player who already has shown leadership qualities.
Chuck Kobasew
RW 5-11 195 4/17/82 Boston College (HE)
43 GP, 27 G, 22 A, 49 PTS, 38 PIM
Became only the third first-year player to win MVP honors in the
Hockey East Conference tournament, joining Brian Leetch (1987)
and Scott Lagrand (1990). Led all Hockey East freshmen with 27
goals and helped Boston College capture the NCAA championship.
Unanimous selection as Hockey East Rookie of the Year. Also
named outstanding player at the Frozen Four. Native of British
Columbia attended Canada's training camp for the 2001 World
Junior Championships. Good skater with outstanding
acceleration, he possesses a strong, accurate shot and is
particularly dangerous around the net. Saw extensive time on
the power-play and penalty-killing units as a freshman. Does
not hestitate to play the body, which makes him effective in
the corners. Finished the season as NHL Central Scouting's
20th-ranked North American prospect.
Mikko Koivu
C 6-2 178 3/12/83 TPS (FIN)
30 GP, 11 G, 38 A, 49 PTS, 34 PIM
Younger brother of Montreal Canadiens captain Saku Koivu is NHL
Central Scouting's fourth-rated European prospect. Won a silver
medal with Finland at the 2001 World Junior Championships after
captaining his team's entry at the 2001 Under-18 World
Championship. Has more size than his playmaking brother and
split this past season between the Finnish junior and senior
leagues. A finesse player, he works well in traffic and is not
afraid to take the body. "Mikko's style of play is very much
the same as his brother's," said Goran Stubb of the European
Scouting Service. "He is an excellent playmaker and likes to
hold onto the puck. His overall skill level is extremely high.
A bonus is that he's much bigger than his brother."
Kiril Koltsov
D 5-11 183 2/1/83 Omsk (RUS)
39 GP, 1 G, 0 A, 1 PTS, 20 PIM
Soared 23 spots to finish the season as the sixth-rated European
prospect, according to NHL Central Scouting, which described him
as a "very colorful and confident player." Had just one assist
in 39 games in his first season in the Russian senior league.
But he won a gold medal at the 2001 Under-18 World Championship,
where he led all defensemen with a goal and six assists in six
games. Scouts say he is offensive-minded and plays a primarily
finesse game. While he is a hard worker, he needs to devote
more time to the defensive aspects of his game.
Mike Komisarek
D 6-4 232 1/19/82 Michigan (CCHA)
34 GP, 4 G, 9 A, 13 PTS, 71 PIM
Long Island native already has the size to play in the NHL,
although he plans to will return for his final three years at
the University of Michigan. Moved up five spots to finish the
season as NHL Central Scouting's fourth-ranked North American
prospect. A member of the CCHA All-Rookie team, he helped the
Wolverines reach the Frozen Four. Loves to throw his body
around and has been described as "a punishing hitter who has an
intimidating presence on the ice." Said Michigan coach Red
Berenson, a former NHL player, "For his size, his lateral
movement and agility is excellent. He plays 1-on-1s as well as
anyone. He passes the puck like a pro and shoots like a pro. I
mean, the kid has really got it together." The son of Polish
immigrants, he played for the United States at the 2001 World
Junior Championships.
Ilja Kovalchuk
W 6-2 202 4/15/83 Spartak (RUS)
40GP, 28 G, 18 A, 46 PTS, 78 PIM
Top-ranked European prospect could go first overall or second
behind Jason Spezza. Was less than awe-inspiring at the 2001
World Junior Championships, finishing second on his team and
14th in the tournament in scoring with four goals and two
assists in seven games. Was more impressive at the 2000 Five
Nations Cup tournament, where he led Russia to the gold medal
with four goals and three assists in four games. Also led the
tournament in scoring at the 2001 Under-18 World Championship
with 11 goals and four assists in six games. Wears uniform No.
17 in honor of late Soviet hockey star Valeri Kharlamov. NHL
Central Scouting described him as someone who already has "shown
the potential to be a franchise player." "Ilja has all the
physical and technical qualities to become a top-class player,
and he's a strong character," said Evgeni Zimin, a former Soviet
hockey player and commentator. "Kovalchuk leads any team he's
on and never gives up." Outstanding playmaker and puckhandler,
he's also strong and possesses excellent hockey sense.
Lukas Krajicek
D 6-1.5 183 3/11/83 Peterborough (OHL)
61 GP, 8 G, 27 A, 35 PTS, 53 PIM
Native of the Czech Republic completed his second season in
North America and first in major junior hockey. Finalist for
best skater honors in a poll of Ontario Hockey League coaches.
Was named to the OHL All-Rookie Team after finishing eight on
Peterborough in scoring with eight goals and 27 assists in 61
games. While playing in North American Hockey League in
1999-00, he roomed with Atlanta Thrashers' 2000 draft pick Libor
Ustrnul. Older brother Jan plays in the Czech Elite League.
Played in the Top Prospects Game. Outstanding skater with great
skill who can carry the puck and join the rush. Reacts well
positionally and constantly works to improve his game. Finished
the season as NHL Central Scouting's sixth-rated North American
prospect.
Doug Lynch
D 6-3 205 4/4/83 Red Deer (WHL)
72 GP, 12 G, 37 A, 49 PTS, 181 PIM
Moved up 15 spots to finish the season as NHL Central Scouting's
23rd-rated North American prospect. Picked up an assist in the
Top Prospects Game. Was seventh on his junior team in scoring
and helped Red Deer reach the Memorial Cup. Often used on the
power play because of his accurate, low point shot. While he
has been known to join the rush, scouts say he is always
responsible defensively. Described as "driven and determined,"
he takes advantage of his size along the boards and in front of
the net.
Jay McClement
C 6-1.5 193 3/2/83 Brampton (OHL)
66 GP, 30 G, 19 A, 49 PTS, 61 PIM
Hard worker plays a solid two-way game, although he dropped
eight spots to finish the season as NHL Central Scouting's
28th-rated North American Prospect. Tied a team record by
scoring four times for Brampton on January 4. Strong skater has
a quick wrist shot. He is particularly adept in front of the
net, getting to rebounds and deflecting shots. Solid defensive
player also is used in most penalty-killing situations. Plays
fearlessly and was an alternate captain for his provincial team
at the 2000 Under-17 World Hockey Challenge.
Kiel McLeod
C 6-5 211 12/30/82 Kelowna (WHL)
65 GP, 38 G, 28, 66 PTS, 94 PIM
Led his junior team with 38 goals and jumped 12 places to become
NHL Central Scouting's 24th-ranked North American prospect.
Older brother Gavin was taken by Ottawa in the fifth round of
the 1998 draft. Picked up an assist in the Top Prospects Game.
Because of his size, he is very effective in front of the net.
Described by scouts as a "hard worker" and "tough competitor."
Uses his impressive reach when puckhandling and checking.
"On the power play, he's the guy who stands in front of the net
at all times," said Kelowna Rockets general manager Bruce
Hamilton. "He has great hands and if there's an opportunity,
he's most likely going to score. ... He's a real presence."
Duncan Milroy
RW 6-0 175 2/8/83 Swift Current (WHL)
66 GP, 38 G, 54 A, 92 PTS, 51 PIM
Seventh-ranked North American prospect, he dropped two spots
from NHL Central Scouting's midseason rating. Was second on his
junior team in scoring with 38 goals and 54 assists in 66 games.
Also scored the winning goal in the decisive seventh game of the
second round of the Western Hockey League playoffs. Totaled
nine goals and 12 assists in 19 games as Swift Current reached
the third round. Talented badminton player was ranked second in
Canada for boy's singles in 1998-99. Was juvenile national
badminton champion in boy's singles and doubles in 1998 and
1999. Two older brothers are professional badminton players.
Elusive skater works well in traffic. Scouts say he is a
scoring threat every time he is on the ice. Has a quick,
accurate shot and performs well along the boards and in traffic.
Played in the Top Prospects Game.
Alexander Perejougin
W 5-11 178 8/10/83 Omsk (RUS)
N/A GP, N/A G, N/A A, N/A PTS, N/A PIM
Fell two spots to become the 10th-ranked European prospect,
according to NHL Central Scouting. Spent most of the season in
the Russian junior league, but moved up to the senior league for
the playoffs. Was fourth in scoring on gold medal-winning
Russian squad at the 2001 Under-18 World Championship with four
goals and three assists in six games. Can score with a variety
of shots but must improve his overall strength. Solid playmaker
and puckhandler.
Alexander Polushin
W 6-2 187 5/8/83 Tver (RUS)
38 GP, 10 G, 5 A, 15 PTS, 10 PIM
Is NHL Central Scouting's eighth-rated European prospect, up two
spots from midseason ranking. Had 10 goals and five assists for
Tver in Russian league while on loan from the Dynamo Moscow
organization. Scored three goals in six games to help Russia
win the gold medal at the 2001 Under-18 World Championship. Has
impressive size and strength and plays an aggressive game.
Likes to drive to the net. Strong skater with above-average
balance and speed.
Jason Pominville
RW 5-11.5 174 11/30/82 Shawinigan (QMJHL)
71 GP, 46 G, 67 A, 113 PTS, 24 PIM
Soared 23 spots to finish the season as NHL Central Scouting's
22nd-rated North American prospect. Recorded a pair of hat
tricks during the season and collected 12 goals and 23 assists
during a 19-game points streak from mid-September to early
November. Compiled an 18-game streak from December 17-February
17. Was third on his team and 10h in the Quebec Major Junior
League in scoring with 46 goals and 67 assists in 71 games. As
a rookie, scored only four goals in 60 games. Usually attracts
plenty of attention on the ice, but that leaves more room for
teammates. Works well in traffic and always seems to be around
the puck. Good passer with a quick shot, he's offensive-minded.
But he also pays attention to play in his own zone.
Mark Popovic
D 6-1.5 194 10/11/82 St. Michael's (OHL)
61 GP, 7 G, 35 A, 42 PTS, 54 PIM
Won the 60-foot dash event at the Top Prospects Skills
Competition. Captured a bronze medal with Canada at the 2001
World Junior Championships and captained his junior team this
past season. Was 10th in scoring among Ontario Hockey League
defensemen with seven goals and 35 assists in 61 games. Named
St. Michael's top defenseman and top player each of the last two
seasons. Is studying commerce at the University of Toronto and
hopes to pursue a law degree. Fast, agile skater, he plays a
sound defensive game and usually makes the right decisions.
Logs a lot of ice time and displays leadership qualities on and
off the ice. Not overly physical but can take his opponent out
of the play. Sault Ste. Marie coach Dave Cameron said, "I think
his greatest strength is the fact that he has no glaring
weaknesses. He's a very adequate defensive defenseman, but he's
creative offensively, too, and his skating allows him to join
the rush. I think he plays a solid all-around game." Ranked
11th among North American prospects by NHL Central Scouting,
down three spots from midseason.
Derek Roy
C 5-8.5 187 5/4/83 Kitchener (OHL)
65 GP, 42 G, 39 A, 81 PTS, 114 PIM
Had a goal and an assist and was named his team's MVP at the Top
Prospects Game. Had points streaks of seven and eight games
during his second season of major junior hockey. Was sixth in
the Ontario Hockey League with 42 goals and second with 22 on
the power play. Led Kitchener in all three major offensive
categories this past season. Was a finalist in a poll of OHL
coaches in both best shot and most dangerous player around the
net. Was named 2000 OHL Rookie of the Year after leading his
team with 87 points in 66 games. Excellent leg strength makes
him an exceptional skater. A faceoff specialist, he is an
offensive threat whenever he is on the ice. Fierce competitor
never stops working and saw time on the penalty-killing unit.
Has deceptive strength for his size and usually is the first
player on the puck. Said Kitchener coach Jeff Snyder, "Derek
has no fear. He's not built on a tall frame, but he's tough to
knock down and is a lot stronger than what a lot of people
think." Ranked 25th among North American prospects by NHL
Central Scouting.
Tuomo Ruutu
C-W 6-2 196 2/16/83 Jokerit (FIN)
47 GP, 11 G, 11 A, 22 PTS, 38 PIM
Younger brother of left wing Jarkko Ruutu, who just completed
his rookie season with the Vancouver Canucks. Was the youngest
player in the Finnish Elite League this season and is a linemate
of older brother Mikko, who was taken by the Ottawa Senators in
the 1999 draft. Won a silver medal with Finland at the 2001
World Junior Championships. Captured a gold medal at the 2000
Under-18 World Championship, where he led his team in scoring
with six goals and two assists in seven games. Good skater with
above-average quickness, he likes to play a physical game and is
solid in his own zone. Described by scouts as an unselfish hard
worker with a great attitude. "He is as tough and aggressive as
his older brothers but much more talented," said Goran Stubb of
the European Scouting Service. "He is very strong and likes a
physical game with lots of open-ice hitting." Ranked fifth
among European prospects by NHL Central Scouting, down two spots
from midseason.
Fredrik Sjostrom
W 6-0 198 3/6/83 Frolunda (SWE)
31GP, 2 G, 3 A, 5 PTS, 6 PIM
Was Sweden's youngest player at the 2001 World Junior
Championships, collecting a goal and two assists in seven games.
Started the season in juniors but moved up to Frolund of the
Swedish Elite League. Smooth skater with good speed and
balance, he also is a tireless worker who does not hesitate to
go into the corners or along the boards. Describes by scouts as
as "character" player, he does his best work in the offensive
zone, although his 2000-01 statistics do not reflect that.
Ranked ninth among European prospects by NHL Central Scouting.
Jason Spezza
C 6-2 214 6/13/83 Windsor (OHL)
56 GP, 43 G, 73 A, 116 PTA, 42 PIM
Top-ranked North American prospect could slip to No. 2 if a team
opts for Russia's Ilja Kovalchuk. Was second in the Ontario
Hockey League in scoring with 43 goals and 73 assists in 56
games. Was voted top playmaker in the Western Conference in a
poll of OHL coaches, was runner-up for best stickhandler and
hardest shot and was a finalist for smartest player. Finished
third in balloting for OHL's most outstanding player. Won a
bronze medal with Canada at the 2001 World Junior Championships,
where he was third on the team in scoring with three goals and
two assists in seven games. Traded from last-place Mississauga
Ice Dogs to Windsor Spitfires last November and was named an
alternate captain in one of the biggest deals in junior hockey
history. One of four players to represent Canada at the World
Junior Championships at the age of 16. Wayne Gretzky and Eric
Lindros are two of the others. Was runner-up for 2000 OHL
Rookie of the Year honors. In 1999, he became the youngest
player to appear in the OHL All-Star Game (15). Powerful skater
with deceptive speed, he is expected to be an offensive force.
Possesses a hard, accurate shot and is strong in 1-on-1
situations. Can create room for linemates and dominate a game.
Plays his best in big situations. Described by scouts as a
"potential franchise player."
David Steckel
C 6-5 200 3/15/82 Ohio State (CCHA)
30 GP, 16 G, 16 A, 32 PTS, 72 PIM
Milwaukee native played for the United States at the 2001 World
Junior Championships and had an assist in seven games. Scored
two goals in his first college game at Ohio State and twice was
named CCHA Rookie of the Week. Was third on the Buckeyes in
scoring and third among CCHA freshmen with 16 goals and 16
assists in 30 games. Had a 15-game points streak from November
4-February 2. Also represented the U.S. at the 2000 Under-18
World Championship and led the team in scoring with two goals
and five assists in six games. Deceptively fast skater who
forces turnovers with dogged puck pursuit. Has a good feel in
the slot area and likes to drive to the net. Described by
scouts as a "smart decision-maker" and an "aggressive and
tenacious forechecker." Said Ohio State coach John Markell, a
former NHLer, "Dave is a very conscientious hockey player. He
is probably the most cerebral player we've had here. As only a
freshman, he already is emerging as a leader for our hockey
club." Jumped nine spots to finish the season as the NHL
Central Scouting's 16th-ranked North American prospect.
Cory Stillman
C 6-2 204 3/2/83 Kingston (OHL)
68 GP, 29 G, 27 A, 56 PTS, 39 PIM
Second cousin to St. Louis Blues left wing of the same name.
Jumped 11 spots to become 19th-ranked North American prospect,
according to NHL Central Scouting. Collected two assists in Top
Prospects Game. Was fifth on his junior team in scoring this
past season with 29 goals and 27 assists in 68 games. Named
Scholastic Player of the Year on his junior team, one season
after winning Rookie of the Year honors. Smooth skater with
deceptive speed and acceleration. Scouts say he has sound
offensive skills and hockey sense. Patient passer who looks
for the right chance. Possesses a heavy shot with a quick
release. Can carry the puck from end-to-end. Often used on the
power play but needs to take more advantage of his impressive
size. "Stillman possesses a great shot, soft hands and skill
for a big man," Kingston assistant coach Greg Bignell said.
"He's a character guy on the ice and in the dressing room."
Alexander Svitov
C 6-3 198 11/3/82 Omsk (RUS)
39 GP, 8 G, 6 A, 14 PTS, 115 PIM
NHL Central Scouting's second-ranked European prospect, he spent
the last two seasons in the Russian senior league. Had just one
assist in seven games at the 2001 World Junior Championships but
was second on the team in scoring at the 2000 Under-18 World
Championship. Considered a hard-nosed player, he also possesses
world-class skills. Played on a line with Egor Shastin, the
13th-rated European prospect. Good skater and strong
puckhandler, he has been used in all game situations. Has
impressive size and a good work ethic and can raise the game of
his teammates. He is at his best in a physical setting.
Chris Thorburn
C 6-2.5 190 6/3/83 North Bay (OHL)
66 GP, 22 G, 32 A, 54 PTS, 64 PIM
Fell 13 spots to 26th in NHL Central Scouting's ratings of North
American prospects. Collected six goals and 11 assists during
an 11-game points streak from September 29-October 27. Finished
fourth on his junior team in scoring with 22 goals and 32
assists in 66 games. Won a gold medal with Canada at the 2000
Four Nations tournament. Effortless skater with deceptive
outside speed. Good puckhandler, he is at his best in front of
the opponents' net. Has a knack for deflecting shots. Boasts
a hard, accurate wrist shot and a good backhand. Used often on
both the power-play and penalty-killing units. Is aware of his
defensive responsibilities and is effective at blocking shots.
R.J. Umberger
C 6-2 198 5/3/82 Ohio State (CCHA)
29 GP, 14 G, 20 A, 34 PTS, 16 PIM
Pittsburgh native is NHL Central Scouting's fifth-ranked North
American prospect and the top-rated U.S. hopeful. Picked up two
goals and two assists in seven games for the United States at
the 2001 World Junior Championships. Led his team and was
second in scoring among CCHA freshman with 14 goals and 20
assists in 29 games at Ohio State. Won CCHA Rookie of the Year
honors. A graduate of USA Hockey's National Team Development
Program. Played junior hockey in the USHL last season and
recorded a pair of hat tricks as a 17-year-old. Opted out of
the 2000 NHL draft after he was rated 25th at midseason by NHL
Central Scouting. Smooth skating center dominates 1-on-1
situations. Confident puck-carrier who works well in traffic,
he also has a heavy wrist shot with a quick release.
Outstanding on faceoffs and was used in all situations as a
freshman. "Obviously, Umberger is our No. 1 centerman," Ohio
State assistant coach Steve Brent said. "He is a big, strong
kid that has the strength to keep guys off the puck. Umberger
is strong along the wall. He can dominate in the offensive
zone."
Greg Watson
C 6-1.5 200 3/2/83 Prince Albert (WHL)
71 GP, 22 G, 28 A, 50 PTS, 72 PIM
Captured MVP honors at the Top Prospects Game after collecting
two goals and an assist. Was third on his junior team in
scoring this past season with 22 goals and 28 assists in 71
games. Was fourth overall pick in the 1998 Western Hockey
League bantam draft. Balanced skater has a deceptive change of
pace. Puckhandles and passes well and can play both center and
left wing. Often used for key faceoffs, he also has a quick,
accurate wrist shot. Saw time on both the power-play and
penalty-killing units. Solid two-way player who uses his size
to his advantage along the boards. "He's a very skilled player
who's tough in the corners," Prince Albert coach Donn Clark
said. "He skates really well and has a prolific shot. He has
all the tools to be a solid pro player." Finished the season as
NHL Central Scouting's 14th-ranked North American prospect.
Stephen Weiss
C 5-11.5 178 4/3/83 Plymouth (OHL)
52 GP, 40 G, 47 A, 87 PTS, 45 PIM
Slipped one spot to third among North American prospects,
according to NHL Central Scouting. Was an alternate captain and
scored a goal at the Top Prospects Game. Invited to training
camp for Canada's entry at the 2001 World Junior Championships.
Won a gold medal with Canada and was named top forward at the
2000 Four Nations Under-18 Cup. Led his junior team in all
major offensive categories this past season with 40 goals and 47
assists in just 52 games. Voted best stickhandler and smartest
player in the Western Conference in a poll of Ontario Hockey
League coaches. Also was a finalist for best playmaker. Led
his team with 23 points in the playoffs as Plymouth reached the
OHL finals. Finished third in voting for the OHL Faceoff Award.
Finalist for OHL Rookie of the Year honors in 2000 after a
24-goal season. His uncle, Steve Spott, played in the American
Hockey League and in Europe and was an assistant coach with
Plymouth this past season. Possesses outstanding speed,
mobility and acceleration. Creative and unselfish playmaker
uses all of his linemates. Always an offensive threat, he also
is aware of his defensive responsibilities. Described by scouts
as "highly competitive and determined." Also solid on faceoffs.
Jeff Woywitka
D 6-2.5 197 9/1/83 Red Deer (WHL)
72 GP, 7 G, 28 A, 35 PTS, 113 PIM
Was an alternate captain at the Top Prospects Game. Was fourth
in the Western Hockey League in plus-minus with a plus-45 and
was 11th on his team in scoring with seven goals and 28 assists
in 72 games. Helped Red Deer capture the Memorial Cup. Strong
skater is seldom knocked off his skates. Good decision-maker
who can join the rush and is aware of all of his options when
carrying the puck. Possesses a hard, accurate point shot. Has
a good physical presence and plays in all game situations. Rose
four spots to finish the season as NHL Central Scouting's
13th-rated North American prospect. "Jeff is a solid defenseman
that can play the game any way you want," said Red Deer coach
Brent Sutter, a long-time NHLer. "He is a 17-year-old that
plays against the opposition's top lines. He's an intelligent
player and also a great team guy."
|
|
|
