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| Tuesday, June 18 Updated: June 20, 5:40 PM ET 2002 NHL entry draft prospects: Goaltenders SportsTicker |
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The following are capsule summaries of the top goaltending prospects for the 2002 NHL entry draft at Air Canada Centre in Toronto, June 22-23. Players are listed in alphabetical order with posistion, height, weight, date of birth, 2001-02 team and statsitics:
Maxime Daigneault 6-1 194 1/23/84 Val d'Or (QMJHL) 61 GP, 3.38 AVG, .877 SV PCTThird-ranked North American goaltending prospect, he uses his size effectively. Like many goalies trained in the Quebec junior league, he employs the butterfly style. Also controls rebounds effectively, has good lateral movement and is aggressive around the net. In 2000, he became the first goalie taken with the top overall pick in the Quebec league midget draft. One of five QMJHL goalies to play at least 60 games this season. Appeared in the Top Prospects Game. Named outstanding goalie as a rookie at the 2001 Memorial Cup tournament. Played for Canada at the World Under-18 Championship. Described as an intense competitor.
Jeff Deslauriers 6-3 176 5/15/84 Chicoutimi (QMJHL) 51 GP, 3.51 AVG, .900 SV PCTTop-ranked North American goaltending prospect after ranking sixth in the offensive-minded Quebec junior league in wins and save percentage. Named QMJHL Defensive Rookie of the Year and selected to the league's All-Rookie team. Played in the Top Prospects Game. His junior coach cites Deslauriers' "very quick legs and an exceptional glove hand." Aggressive goalie who likes to challenge shooters. Possesses confidence and leadership qualities and does not let a sub-par performance affect him.
Todd Ford 6-4 172 5/1/84 Swift Current (WHL) 37 GP, 2.97 AVG, .891 SV PCTJumped two spots to become the second-ranked North American goaltending prospect. Participated in the Top Prospects Game in his second season of major junior hockey. Was fifth in the Western junior league with two shutouts. Athletic goalie with good size, he employs the butterfly style and covers much of the net. Technically sound, he plays his angles well and challenges shooters with confidence. Handles the puck adroitly and controls rebounds.
Tyson Kellerman 6-2 183 1/18/84 North Bay (OHL) 41 GP, 3.48 AVG, .895 SV PCTRanked fifth among North American goaltending prospects, he fell two spots from midseason. Appeared in the Top Prospects Game in his first season of major junior hockey. Was Rookie of the Year on his junior team despite an 11-22-1 record. Moves well for a goalie of his size. Plays a sound positional game, staying square to shooters and employing a wide butterfly style. His junior coach lauded his poise.
Kari Lehtonen 6-3 189 11/16/83 Jokerit (Finland) 23 GP, 1.79 AVG, .941 SV PCTTop-ranked European goaltending prospect likely will be the first goalie taken in the draft. Was the youngest goalie in the Finnish Elite League and won most valuable player honors in the postseason. Named top goaltender at the World Junior Championships after backstopping Finland to the bronze medal. Came up through minor hockey as a forward. Despite above-average height for a netminder, he has impressive quickness and excellent reflexes. Employs primarily a standup style but can go to the butterfly when needed. Possesses a calm and cool demeanor and plays with confidence. Anticipates and reads the play well.
Tobias Stephan 6-3 178 1/21/84 Chur (Switzerand) 34 GP, 3.61 AVG, .894 SV PCTSecond-ranked European goaltending prospect is trying to follow Swiss countryman David Aebischer to the NHL. Was the youngest player on his Swiss Elite League team this past season and has signed with Kloten for 2002-03. Played at the World Junior Championships. Tall, lanky netminder has impressive quickness. Employs a butterfly style and recovers well in goalmouth scrambles. Displays maturity beyond his age along with confidence and composure. |
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