When the Edmonton Oilers won the draft lottery, every mock draft was turned on its side. Rich in talent up front, the Oilers would benefit greater from selecting a defenseman t compliment the likes of Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Taylor Hall and Jordan Eberle, among others. One would even go so far as to expect Edmonton to take one of the draft’s elite blueliners. That would mean one of Ryan Murray, Mathew Dumba, Jacob Trouba or even Morgan Rielly would’ve been taken second overall.

Edmonton has a difficult decision on their hands. Do they stick to their original perceived plan and select a defenseman?

It’s definitely a possibility, especially when it comes to Murray. The Everett Silvertips defenseman has been watched closely by the Oilers this season, and Kevin Lowe, the president of hockey operations for Edmonton, added the 18-year-old to Canada’s entry at the World Championship. Murray has represented Canada well at the event despite remaining pointless, further clouding what could happen with the top pick of the draft.

But when drafting first overall, it’s near impossible to not select the best player available – and that’s Yakupov. Whether the Oilers philosophy at the draft table will be to select the best or draft for need will not be seen until June 22nd.

That is, if they hold onto the pick altogether.

The crowning of the Sarnia Sting standout shouldn’t come as a surprise after Yakupov never relinquished his position as the elite performer in the 2012 draft class throughout the season. Yakupov isn’t alone though. He’s kept close company with teammate Alex Galchenyuk, who is ranked second heading into the draft next month.

It wouldn’t be much of a stretch to think either Mikhail Grigorenko or Filip Forsberg could have that honour as well. The duo are ranked fourth and fifth respectively.

Want the skinny on the 2012 draft class? Be the first to get all the information by pre-purchasing FC’s 2012 NHL Entry Draft Guide!

In what many have proclaimed the year of the defenseman, Ryan Murray could be the first name called on draft day by the Edmonton Oilers, who won the lottery and will have the top pick in Pittsburgh. With most projecting the Oilers’ need on the blueline, the Everett Silvertips defenseman who is ranked third overall could be the first out of the stands on draft day.

Murray wont be the only defenseman selected early in the draft. Jacob Trouba, Griffin Reinhart, Morgan Rielly and Mathew Dumba are all ranked in the top-10, while Cody Ceci and Derrick Pouliot are both knocking on the door as well.

Rank / Pos. / Name / Team / League / Ht / Wt /

1). RW Nail Yakupov, Sarnia, OHL, 5-10.5, 189
2). C Alex Galchenyuk, Sarnia, OHL, 6-1, 185
3). D Ryan Murray, Everett, WHL, 6-0.5, 200
4). C Mikhail Grigorenko, Quebec, QMJHL, 6-3, 200
5). LW Filip Forsberg, Leksand, Swe., 6-2, 180
6). D Jacob Trouba, USNTDP U18, USHL, 6-2, 195
7). D Griffin Reinhart, Edmonton, WHL, 6-4, 205
8). RW Teuvo Teravainen, Jokerit Jr., Fin Jr., 5-11, 165
9). D Morgan Rielly, Moose Jaw, WHL, 5-11.5, 190
10). D Matt Dumba, Red Deer, WHL, 5-11.5, 180
11). D Cody Ceci, Ottawa, OHL, 6-2.5, 210
12). RW Sebastian Collberg, Frolunda Jr., Swe Jr., 5-11, 175
13). C Radek Faksa, Kitchener, OHL, 6-3, 200
14). D Derrick Pouliot, Portland, WHL, 5-11, 185
15). D Hampus Lindholm, Rogle Jr., Swe Jr. 6-2, 195
16). RW Colton Sissons, Kelowna, WHL, 6-1, 190
17). LW Nicolas Kerdiles, USNTDP U18, USHL, 6-1.5, 200
18). C Brendan Gaunce, Belleville, OHL, 6-2, 215
19). C Zemgus Girgensons, Dubuque, USHL, 6-1.5, 200
20). C Tomas Hertl, Slavia Praha, Czech Rep, 6-2, 195
21). G Andrei Vasilevski, Ufa, MHL, 6’-3.5”, 205
22). LW Pontus Aberg, Djurgarden, SEL., 5-11, 195
23). D Slater Koekkoek, Peterborough, OHL, 6-2, 185
24). D Ludvig Bystrom, Modo Jr., Swe Jr., 6-1, 205
25). G Oscar Dansk, Brynas Jr., Swe Jr., 6-2.5, 185
26). D Matt Finn, Guelph, OHL, 6-0, 195
27). D Olli Maatta, London, OHL, 6-1.5, 190
28). D Dalton Thrower, Saskatoon, WHL, 5-11.5, 190
29). G Malcolm Subban, Belleville, OHL, 6-1, 188
30). RW Tom Wilson, Plymouth, OHL, 6-4, 205

To see the top 210 prospects for the draft, subscribe to FC’s 2012 NHL Entry Draft Guide!

FC’s 2012 NHL Entry Draft Guide will include a ranking of the top 210 prospects eligible for the draft, including in depth profiles on the top-125 eligibles and extended profiles on the remaining 85 players.

The Guide will also include features on Morgan Rielly of the Moose Jaw Warriors, Tom Wilson of the Plymouth Whalers, Indiana Ice standout Cristoval ‘Boo’ Nieves, as well as NTDP teammates Miles Koules and Steffan Matteau. Subscribers will also get a special look inside the Future Considerations war room, where FC scouts battled over the rankings, as well as a special look at the art of drafting goaltenders from The Goalie Guild‘s Justin Goldman.

The draft’s top sleepers, overagers and our always highly anticipated 2012 NHL Entry Draft mock will also be included in ‘The Guide. As always, subscribers will also get an extensive and exclusive look at what tomorrow brings, with an in-depth look at the 2013 NHL Entry Draft and a preview of what 2014 has to offer.

Future Considerations has two ways you can subscribe. You can purchase just FC’s ’2012 NHL Entry Draft Guide’ on its own for $19.99 (plus GST), or you can pick up FC’s ‘Season Pass’, consisting of the Draft Guide, as well as FC’s ‘Introduction to the 2012 Draft’ (released in November) and our ’2012 Draft Midterm’ (released in February) for $25.99 (plus GST).

FC’s season pass consists of our ‘Introduction to the 2012 Draft’ (released in October), ’2012 Draft Midterm’ (released in February) and our ’2012 NHL Entry Draft Guide’ (set for release in late May).

Our ‘Introduction’ consists of features on Red Deer Rebels defenseman Mathew Dumba, Olli Maatta of the London Knights, Charles Hudon of the Chicoutimi Sagueneens and the NTDP’s Jacob Trouba. The ‘Introduction’ also featured our top-100 prospects as ranked in November, profiles on our then top-30 players, 10 players to keep an eye on throughout the season, as well as an in-depth look at both the 2013 and 2014 NHL Entry Draft.

Our ‘Midterm’ consists of features on Ryan Murray of the Everett Silvertips, the Barrie Colts’ Tanner Pearson, Mikhail Grigorenko of the Quebec Remparts, as well as Griffin Reinhart of the Edmonton Oil Kings and Nick Ebert of the Windsor Spitfires. The ‘Midterm’ also featured our top-100 prospects from February, a look at how the injury bug has impacted the 2012 draft, as well as both risers and fallers in this year’s class.

Either option also gives you a chance to win Griffin Reinhart’s game-worn helmet from the 2012 CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game!

So be the first to get FC’s 2012 NHL Entry Draft Guide by pre-purchasing today!

Guide is scheduled for release between the third and fourth week of May.

’2012 NHL ENTRY DRAFT GUIDE’ ($19.99 + GST)

’2012 SEASON PASS’ ($25.99 + GST)

The highly coveted defenseman eligible for the 2013 NHL Entry Draft will suit up for the Winterhawks next season, signing a contract with the Western Hockey League club Saturday.

Portland, who acquired Jones from the Everett Silvertips April 23rd, is expected to make an announcement Tuesday.

“I’m very excited about it because I was able to get comfortable with the coaching staff and the facilities,” Jones told Jeff Spiegel of the Portland Tribune. “The pro schedule was big for me, and this was just a gut feeling I have.”

Jones was debating between signing with the Winterhawks and the University of North Dakota.

He was the captain of the U.S. Under-18 team that captured gold at the World U18 Championship last month in the Czech Republic.

Pearson’s story is not uncommon in Major Junior as many times guys will go undrafted and then come back the following season more determined to fulfill their potential.

But his tale does have that almost storybook feel to it.

Growing up in Kitchener, ON., Pearson was a big fan of the OHL franchise in that town – the Kitchener Rangers. Young Pearson was always at the Aud, the Rangers home rink, and would see countless games and practices there. Eventually he was hanging around the team so much that he was given a role as a junior assistant trainer, helping to run errands, fill water bottles and tape sticks. Pearson was in his glory hanging around the likes of current NHLers Nick Spaling and Steve Mason.

Fast forward to Pearson’s OHL draft year where he was taken in the 14th round of the 2008 OHL Priority selection by the Barrie Colts. He fell so late partly because he was not considered a high-end talent and partly because he sustained a season ending injury in his last season of Minor Midget. After being caught in a numbers game in Barrie he finally got his OHL career going last season with a respectable 15 goals and 42 points in 66 games.

After going unselected and seeing Colts teammate Mark Scheifele drafted by Winnipeg last June, it was as though a switch was flipped and Pearson knew it was all or nothing if he wanted to make his dream of joining his Kitchener heroes in the NHL one day.

Pearson trained hard all summer and came into Colts camp in the best shape he had ever been in. That dedication showed from the very first game as he drew the attention of NHL scouts with his dominant play at both ends of the rink for Barrie. There was even talk of first round consideration by some.

Suffice to say, Pearson’s turnaround has been dramatic.

”He is a very intelligent forward who has finally found himself in Barrie,” Future Considerations’ OHL scout Sean Lafortune said. “He shows very strong positional play, and is always in the right place. He sees the ice well and makes strong passes in both the neutral and offensive zones. He knows where to be, and he knows what to do both with and without the puck. Growing over 4 inches these past two years, adding 30 lbs and producing like he has, it makes him an interesting players to watch.”

His offensive totals ballooned to over twice his previous mark as he became that consistent offensive threat every night, often putting up multi-point games and leading Barrie both on and off the ice. He finished with 37 goals and 91 points in 60 games.

His selection to join Team Canada at the World Juniors in Calgary last December was the cherry on top of his season that has since been derailed by a broken femur in his second to last regular season game.

Despite the rough end to his season Tanner more than likely has done enough to hear his name called this time around in Pittsburgh come June and may just join those former Kitchener Rangers he once looked up to.

Gillies allows Indiana Ice to play a free-wheeling brand of hockey this season, as the 18-year-old gave the players and coaching staff the confidence they needed to take chances while on the attack.

The six-foot-five, 215-pound netminder does it frequently, too.

No other USHL goalie played more, as Gillies was between the pipes for 53 games with Indiana, going 31-11-9, with three shutouts, a 2.77 goals against average and an impressive .916 save percentage. He saw more rubber than a dead skunk on the highway, and still managed to backstop the Ice to the second best record in the entire league.

Last season, he posted a 15-6-2 record as a rookie, with 3 goose eggs, a 2.82 GAA, and a .906 save percentage. Gillies was also selected by the Québec Remparts in the 2011 QMJHL draft and represented Team USA at the Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament last summer.

The South Portland product is a butterfly style goalie that is unbelievably athletic for his size which reminds of Predators Pekka Rinne with his ability to quickly recover when ever he looks to be out of position. He is excellent at evaporating rebounds, tremendous at anticipating the play, never gives up on a puck and competes extremely hard, has a quick glove, and is as calm, composed and confident of a goalie as any at his age.

I had the chance to catch up with the phenomenal Jon Gillies, for a Future Considerations exclusive quick Q and A.

Who has been the biggest help and influence in developing your game so far?

Jon: The biggest influence on my game, so far, would have to be my dad. Goalie coaches come and go, and I’ve had a lot of phenomenal ones, but through anything and everything my dad has always been there for advice and support. I can’t thank him enough.

You are a big guy, and play the butterfly style to perfection, what do you see being your best attributes as a netminder?

Jon: My biggest attributes are probably my feet and my athleticism. I’ve always been able to play a sound positional game due to my foot speed, and my athleticism has allowed me to move almost effortlessly throughout my whole career. But, I feel that I have a little bit of everything else as well, as a goalie I can’t really be good at just a couple things because it takes everything to succeed.

Is there a goalie in the NHL you style your game after?

Jon: I try to take a little bit from every goalie that I watch because they’re all at the level that I’m trying to get to, and they’re all great at different things.

What was your ‘welcome moment’ to the USHL?

Jon: Well, my first game was actually a shutout haha. It was in the USHL Fall Classic against Waterloo, and it was a nice way to start my career to say the least.

*Gillies brushed aside 26 shots, en route to a 5-0 victory over the Black Hawks that night.

What is the highlight of your young career thus far?

Jon: The highlight of my career would have to be playing in the “Q” tournament up in Quebec city. I think we made it all the way to the quarter finals, which no one, including ourselves, expected us to do. It was an amazing experience overall, and the tournament was set up perfectly in the sense that it allowed us to experience the culture of the city as well.

You recently backed out of your commitment to Northeastern as their starter decided to return for his senior year, and I read you were 50/50 on playing Major Junior or NCAA next season, have you made any decisions yet and have any schools touched base with you?

Jon: Well first off, I don’t think “backing out” is the correct term. When their starter decided to stay, coach Madigan called me and offered to release me because the plan that we had set up for a while had drastically changed. It was a mutual agreement that both parties felt was better for my career. Right now I have it pretty much narrowed down to the Quebec Remparts or a couple of colleges. I’ll be making my decision after the season.

You are the top ranked American born goalie for the upcoming NHL Entry Draft (6th overall by NHL Central Scouting), have you felt any added pressure because this is your draft year?

Jon: I haven’t really felt any added pressure, it’s been more of a very fun year. At the end of the day, the rankings and the lists are all irrelevant on draft day, and the whole draft is out of my control, all I can control is playing my best and letting the chips fall where they may.

I know just being selected is a huge honour, but if you could choose the team that selects you come June who would you pick?

Jon: Well, being from the East Coast I would love to go out West somewhere, but I’ll be ecstatic and honoured no matter who picks me.

The Indiana Ice have had another solid season as you guys have a lot of weapons in place there, how do you like the make up of the team and how do you like the clubs chances going forward in these playoffs, especially because you’ve had some success against the top ranked Green Bay Gamblers?

Jon: Win or lose this has been one of the best teams I’ve ever played with. We’ve gone through more adversity off the ice than anyone will ever know, and to finish where we have is remarkable. I like our chances, it’s going to be a great series because they’re a phenomenal team as well.

 A lot of goalies are seen as being superstitious, do you have any rituals you go through before or during the course of a game?

Jon: I’ve never been one for superstition. I guess the only routine I really have is that I get dressed from left to right, but other than that I’m pretty loose.

Who, in your opinion, has the hardest shot in the USHL?

Jon: That’s a tough one. I’d have to say Andy Welinski on Green Bay. My goalie partner last year, Casey DeSmith, and I always used to talk about it because it’s just an absolute missile.

Do you have a game that stands out as the best one you’ve ever played?

Jon: I would have to say the Massachusetts State Championship game my U16 year, the year before I came to Indiana. We were playing the Valley Junior Warriors, who had Ryan Fitzgerald, Cam Darcy, and a bunch of other kids who are World-class players. We ended up winning like 6-3, and I ended up with 49 saves or something like that. I seemed to get very lucky all game, but everything kind of just clicked into place that night.

In all, 105 of the draft’s top prospects will assemble there at the end of May for the NHL Draft Combine.

Among them is Nail Yakupov, who has consistently been ranked a top Future Considerations’ list for the draft. Yakupov will be joined by Sarnia Sting teammate Alex Galchenyuk, who spent much of the season recovering from knee surgery. Morgan Rielly, who like Galchenyuk was sidelined for most of the season, will also be in attendance.

NHL executives will also get a closer look at Europeans Filip Forsberg, Teuvo Teravainen and Sebastian Collberg.

To view the full list of invitees, please click HERE.

Omaha used the first overall pick in the USHL Futures Draft to take Gersich of Holy Family Catholic in Minnesota Tuesday. The five-foot-11, 175-pound forward scored 60 points in 21 games this season. He missed some time in the Minnesota High School season to go to Austria and represent the United States at the Youth Olympics in January.

Gersich, the nephew of legendary American hockey player Neal Broten, participated in the USNTDP U-17 Evaluation Camp in March but turned down an invitation to spend one more season at Holy Family. He plans to make the jump to the USHL the next fall, and follow in the footsteps of 2011 1st Overall Pick Taylor Cammarata, who made an immediate impact for the Waterloo Blackhawks this year by having one of the best seasons in recent memory for a 16-year-old.

The event gathers 15 of the 16 member clubs (The Unites States National Team Development Program does not participate in the Futures Draft nor the regular draft) to select players that are USHL-eligible for the first time, which come from a specific age group. 1996 birthdates are the focal point for this year’s edition of the Futures Draft.

The Draft order was a random lottery during the season with The Omaha Lancers getting the top pick. However, in an effort to make the Draft completely even in terms of draft picks, the Futures Draft is a snake draft, meaning Omaha will have the last pick of the second round. The players selected will go onto the Club’s affiliate lists, and can be put onto the active rosters at any time.

This also marks the first year the USHL has adopted the Tender System, which has residual effects on the Draft itself. Teams had the opportunity to sign as many as two players to tenders, meaning they get the kids they want but also will have to forgo their second round and third round picks in this year’s Futures Draft, depending on how many players the club chooses to tender. The players tendered will have to play more than half of the season with the team.

All in all 78 players will be taken, as 12 players had signed tenders already and will be in uniform next fall.

Two locations really supplied much of the talent selected- Minnesota High School hockey and Chicago-area programs like Mission, Team Illinois, and Chicago Young Americans. With that being said, players were also seemingly taken from everywhere; Arizona, Wisconsin, North Dakota, Quebec, and Ontario amongst other places. The Chicago Steel used their last pick to head to Sweden and select William Nylander, the son of former NHLer Michael Nylander.

The Draft tonight shows us the future of the future. While these players are simply Draft Picks in the USHL tonight, they will soon evolve into the stars of tomorrow.

The players get to experience winning, while the team and organization gain prestige and respect from the junior hockey world. For five draft eligible players on the Oil Kings roster, an extended season with added exposure can help boost their stock.

Ashton Sautner is one of those players who stand to benefit from playing hockey in April and May.

The defenseman is enjoying a fine rookie season in Edmonton, garnering 12 points in 59 games along with a stellar +29 rating. In the playoffs he has contributed two assists while continuing his strong defensive play, earning a plus-8 rating.

Throughout the year his play improved, and during the final stretch of the regular season he was paired with the much-heralded Griffin Reinhart on the team’s second defensive unit.

And while scouts have keyed in on Reinhart’s strong play in the playoffs, it’s hard not to notice the contributions of Sautner.

“I’ve been playing with Griffin [Reinhart] for 20 games here and the playoffs too. We’ve really bonded well together and I feel that we have each other’s back, and it’s good to have a guy like that with you on the back end because you know you have someone to get the puck too all the time,” Sautner said.

Playing on a team with the skill and success of the Edmonton Oil Kings is something the six-foot-one, 185-pound Sautner appreciates.

“It’s been a really fun year for me coming from midget hockey,” Sautner said. “We have an unbelievable team this year and we can go far.”

He is also aware of its affects on who will call his name in Pittsburgh.

“As far as the draft, I try not to worry about it. I go out every night and try and play my own game and just put the draft behind me. The longer we go in the playoffs the more we get looked at.”

With the WHL Finals against the Portland Winterhawks set to start on May 3, there will be even more opportunity for Sautner to show off to scouts.

A plus-29 rating is not an accident, nor is the fact that Oil Kings head coach Derek Laxdal has paired him with Reinhart while relying on the pair to shut down the WHL’s many talented forwards.

While Sautner may not be the most prominent name on the Oil Kings blueline, his quiet, sturdy defensive play will warrant a wonderful journey from the stands to the stage of the CONSOL Energy Center this summer.

According to Future Considerations’ Brian Huddle, Miles Koules is set to join the Medicine Hat Tigers next season. Koules, who was committed to North Dakota, confirmed the news via Twitter Saturday.

A day later Ryan Hartman joined Koules, announcing his decision to join the Plymouth Whalers next season via his Twitter.

Koules is the third player from the National Team Development Program to decommit to North Dakota in favor of the CHL in a little less than a year. J.T. Miller was the first, after bolting from his North Dakota letter of intent a less than a month after being drafted by the New York Rangers in the first round last summer. Miller just completed his first season with the Plymouth Whalers.

Current NTDP forward Stefan Matteau also had second thoughts about North Dakota, decommitting in January. He would later announce he would play for the Blainville-Boisbraind Armada next year where his dad, Stephane, is an assistant coach. Matteau had signed a letter of intent to play for North Dakota less than three months before he changed his mind. Like Matteau, Koules had also signed a letter of intent with North Dakota this past fall.

Signs Koules was on the move began when his rights were traded from the Everett Silvertips to Medicine Hat at the WHL trade deadline in January. FC’s Huddle reported that shortly after the deal, Koules’ camp began to have second thoughts about his commitment to North Dakota. On Friday, Koules told North Dakota head coach Dave Hakstol that he would not be joining the team next season.

Hartman will join Miller in Plymouth rather than playing for the Dubuque Fighting Saints next season. Hartman’s decision is based on the tough situation he is faced with being a junior in high school this season despite aging out of the NTDP. The West Dundee, Ill. native attempted to accelerate his education this year but was unsuccessful. Hartman was committed to play for Miami (Ohio) University for the 2013-14 season but did not sign a National Letter of Intent.

The decision is much like former NTDP’s Reid Boucher, who chose to play in Sarnia this season rather than play for the Youngstown Phantoms for his senior year and then follow through with his commitment to Michigan State. Though unlike Boucher, who went in the fourth round to New Jersey last June, Hartman is not draft eligible this season as he missed the cut off by six days. Hartman was selected by Plymouth in fifth round of the 2009 Priority Selection.

With Matteau, Hartman, and Koules committed to CHL teams for next season, this year’s crop of NTDP players bolting for the CHL could very well surpass last season’s mark of four. With Seth Jones visiting the Portland Winterhawks this weekend, the number could be matched as early as this week. Last summer saw Miller, Connor Murphy (Miami), John Gibson (Michigan), and Reid Boucher (Michigan State, 2012-13) all opt out of their respective college commitments to play in the OHL.

Of the remaining players moving on from the National Team Development Program, 14 were drafted or have their rights owned by a CHL team. These same players all have college commitments for next season or the 2013-14 season.

The battle for these players will continue long into the summer. For right now, it is a waiting game for draft enthusiasts to see where these players end up in the Fall.

Denmark’s captain potted four goals and eight points during the tournament, which sat him fourth overall in scoring despite playing only five games. During the season, the 5-foot-11, 183-pound pivot racked up 21 goals and 33 points in 25 games for his Herning II squad, and also potted 13 goals and 22 points in 13 games with his Herning U20 club.Lauridsen also added five goals and 10 points in 13 playoff games en route to winning a silver medal in Denmark’s second league and spent eight games with the Danish Cup Champion Herning Blue Fox in Denmarks top league.

Last season, he won a IIHF U18 Div 2 gold medal with Demark, scoring two goals in five games and registered 15 goals and 29 points in 31 games split between his Herning II and U20 teams. The 18-year-old has exceptional hockey sense, and like most natural goal-scorers seems to know where the puck is going to be ahead of times. He is a stong skater that isn’t afraid to go into the dirty areas of the ice in order to get rewarded, has a nice shot, a high compete level and battles hard as he is determined to make a difference each time he sets foot on the ice, has those soft hands, excellent vision, and is simply a handful for defenders to contain.

I had the chance to catch up with the great Danish sniper Kristoffer Lauridsen, for a quick Q and A.

Who has been your biggest help and influence in developing your game?

Kristoffer: I would have to say Dan Jensen (former player and Niklas D. Jensen’s father), who has coached me and really helped my game, as well as my family.

You have good wheels, and are a natural goal-scorer, but what do you see being your best attrbutes as a hockey player?

Kristoffer: I think my best attribute is just my overall understanding of the game.

You’ve scored a ton of goals over your young career at every level, is there one that stands out as your biggest?

Kristoffer: I don´t know, I scored a big goal against Latvia at the U18 WJC’s, but I don´t know if that was the biggest.

What is the highlight of your career thus far?

Kristoffer: Maybe winning the U18 WJC’s Division B last year, or just competing at the U18 WJC’s this year.

You spent sometime in Denmark’s top league this season playing against men, what was your ‘welcome moment’ to elite play?

Kristoffer: It was such a short period, so couldn’t really pick one, just playing against bigger and stronger competition I guess.

If you weren’t on the NHL Draft radar before, your outstanding performance at the recent IIHF U18′s has made you a hot prospect. Did you feel any added pressure going into the tourney to grab the scouts attention?

Kristoffer: No, I didn`t feel any added pressure, I knew it was a good chance to do it, but I knew as well that I just had to focus on my game to help the team and my own chances.

I know it’s an honor in itself to be drafted, but if you could pick the NHL team that selected you, who would you choose?

Kristoffer: Yes, it would be a huge honor, but if I had to pick a team it would be the New York Islanders.

What is the first thing you’d buy after signing your first pro contract?

Kristoffer: A new car.

Would you like to come play junior hockey in North America, or are you planning on staying in Denmark to develop?

Kristoffer: If somebody gave me on offer to come play in North America, I would consider it, depends on the offer. I have considered other places too, such as Sweden.

In your opinion, who is best player you’ve ever played with and against?

Kristoffer: The best player I’ve played with was Nicklas Jensen, and played against is Jordan Smotherman.

Any hidden talents?

Kristoffer: I’m actually a pretty good golfer.

Most embarrassing hockey moment?

Kristoffer: Losing to a really bad team in front of our whole school was pretty humbling.

Since the National Team Development Program left for the Tier I USHL, there have not been many direct ties between the NAHL and the draft.

That is until this year. This season, the league has been known as “the league with Anthony Stolarz” amongst 2012 NHL draft community.

Though he represents the league well, how Stolarz ended up playing hockey in Corpus Christi (Texas) IceRays is a peculiar story to begin with. The Jackson, NJ product was not drafted by any junior team this past summer. Instead, he attended the IceRays’ open tryout in Albany, NY and took it by storm.

“I was told I should go up to [the IceRays] open camp and that they were a great organization so I figured I would give it a shot and check it out,” Stolarz said. “I went up there, made the main camp in Dallas, and from there I made the team.”

It didn’t take long from the six-foot-five goaltender to go from impressing Corpus Christi personnel at an open tryout to impressing USHL teams. Stolarz posted a 1.50 goals against average and .939 save percentage in two showcase games. He admits that after the NAHL’s opening season Showcase Tournament in Minnesota, two USHL teams wanted to acquire his services for the season.

More USHL teams called as this season went on, asking him to play 10 games for their respective team so they could own his rights for next season. Stolarz did not budge as he stayed in Corpus Christi.

“I wanted to stay loyal to Corpus Christi because they gave me an opportunity to play this year and I was promised to play games down here,” said Stolarz who is ranked 128th overall by Future Considerations. “As a goalie, it doesn’t matter what league you play in—you just want to play games because if you play games you’re going to continue to get better.”

Getting games in is exactly what Stolarz did, playing in 50 of the IceRays’ 60 contests this season. In those games, he posted 23 wins, a 2.84 goals against average, and a .920 save percentage.

IceRays head coach Justin Quenneville stressed how big of a find Stolarz was to his team’s success this season.

“With the youngest and least experienced team in the league ahead of him, [Stolarz] managed to give us an opportunity to win every night and the players fed off of him,” Quenneville said.

Stolarz really caught scouts’ attention at the NAHL Top Prospects Tournament in February where he played for the U18 Selects team. In the 90 minutes he played, Stolarz allowed two goals and had a .965 save percentage—both were good enough for second best among all goaltenders in the tournament.

For Stolarz, the event was just another stop on the path to improvement.

“[Throughout the year], I just worked hard and tried to improve my game as best as I could and prove that I could play in the NAHL,” said Stolarz who compares his game to Pekka Rinne.

Next year, Stolarz is headed 1,000 miles directly north to the University of Nebraska-Omaha to play for head coach Dean Blais.

“Coach Blais is a legend and a great coach and I’m looking forward to having him coach me,” said Stolarz who with a 4.0 grade average also considered Harvard, Clarkson, and Cornell. “[Associate head coach Mike] Hastings and [assistant] coach Brian Renfrew talked me through the process and showed the most interest in me so I thought it would be a good fit.”

While he never envisioned himself playing 1,800 miles away from Southern Texas, Stolarz states the decision to leave home was a great experience that he will always remember. The IceRays missed the playoffs by two points and their season ended March 31.

“Back home on the East Coast you’re playing in front of your parents and kids that are playing before and after your game, maybe 100 people total,” Stolarz said. “Here, we are playing in front of 3,000 screaming fans at home…the community was very supportive and behind us this year.”

Come the NHL Draft in June, Stolarz will have many more than 3,000 fans in his corner hoping to hear his name as early as possible.

The ultra-skilled winger had an outstanding rookie campaign in the QMJHL, putting up 55 points, on 21 goals and 34 assists in 67 games, and was one of the most consistent performers for his Rouyn-Noranda Huskies club. Those totals sat him eighth overall in scoring among first year players in the QMJHL, and third overall on his team.

Kamaev also represented Russia at the recent 2012 World U18′s, scoring a goal and two assists in six games, while finishing with a plus-2 rating. Last season, the dynamic forward notched nine goals and 22 points in 44 games while playing with the MHL Champion CSKA-Krasnaja Armija Moskva. He is a really special player and his offensive game reminds a lot of Pavel Datsyuk in his ability to create on the rush and utilize his deceptive speed and hands.

The five-foot-11, 180-pound Kamaev’s vision and hockey sense is remarkable, his shot is underrated, and his playmaking attributes alone are some of the best I’ve seen among this years draft crop, as he makes his linemates better with the way he can create open ice and dish the puck. The sky is the limit when talking about how good the 18-year-old could be at the next level. He simply loves to play the game of hockey, and like most gifted players, truly loves to be a difference maker on the ice.

I had the chance to catch up with the well-spoken, very likeable Denis Kamaev, for a quick Q and A.

Who has been your biggest help and influence in developing your game?

Denis: My parents helped me a lot, and it was my personal initiative to just be the best I could be. I started playing hockey at 6-years-old in the city of Izhevsk, and have worked hard to get to this point.

You are a very crafty forward, that possesses good speed and nice hands, what do you see being your best attrbutes as a hockey player?

Denis: I like skills, I’m not a physical player, so It s a hard for me to play power hockey. I can make a good pass, beat a defender and I have good speed.

What was your ‘welcome moment’ to the QMJHL?

Denis: I remember the first game in the QMJHL. We won against Shawinigan, that were one of the best teams the league. It was a very positive thing, but I didn’t play very well, maybe because I was nervous.

Is there and NHLer you mold your game after?

Denis: My favourite player is Sidney Crosby, and try to model a little bit of my game after him.

You’ve scored a ton of goals over your young career at every level, is there one that stands out as your biggest?

Denis: I think this is a goal against Team Finland at the Ivan Hlinka Memorial tournament. We played a match for the bronze medal. In the second period, I beat most of the four players and scored a goal. I will never forget that one!

What is the highlight of your career thus far?

Denis: When I became the champion of MHL in my first season in this league. It was a hard and long season, and we deserved to win. And, of course a victory in the Junior Olympic Festival with Team Russia. In the finals we beat Finland 2-1.

You made the transition to the North American game look flawless, what was the hardest part to adjust to coming over to play with Rouyn-Noranda?

Denis: It was a very hard season in North America. In Canada, hockey is played different, more shots, and more physical. At first it was very hard to readjust. Of course the NHL Draft was one of my objectives for this season, and I would like to be selected by an NHL team.

I know it’s an honor in itself to be drafted, but if you could pick the NHL team that selected you, who would you choose?

Denis: I don’t know, probably Chicago or Pittsburgh, but it be a dream come true to just be selected.

If you could describe yourself to NHL scouts in one word, what would it be?

Denis: Playmaker

What do you enjoy doing in your downtime from the game?

Denis: When I’m not playing hockey I usually will check the internet, chat with friends, or watch movies.

Any hidden talents?

Denis: I do not know, I’m focusing on hockey, but I am a good student in school.

The Edison, NJ. native has been intriguing to say the least after a great season for his Corpus Christi IceRays of the NAHL. Stolarz went a solid 23-22-4 in 50 games for a club that finished with a losing record, put up three shutouts, a 2.84 goals against average and sparkling .920 save percentage.

Last season, he posted a 12-4-0 record with the EMJHL’s New Jersey Hitmen, while putting up a 2.99 GAA and .902 save percentage. In 2009-10, he had a remarkable .926 save percentage and 2.36 goals against in 19 games for his New Jersey Jr. Devils Midget club.

Along with possessing excellent size and athleticism, the hybrid butterfly goalie challenges shooters exceptionally well, is strong with his lateral movement, has tremendous rebound control, is good at anticipating the play, and with his quickness he always has a chance to make the save, and never gives up on a puck. Stolarz has so much potential, to go with an abundance of skill, that should ensure he becomes an impact guy between the pipes in the NHL in the not too distant future.

I had the chance to catch up with the talented 18-year-old netminder, for quick Q and A.

You’re a New Jersey boy, so does that mean your a Devils fan? And, what got you started playing the game of hockey?

Anthony: Yes, I am a New Jersey Devils fan, I grew up idolizing Martin Brodeur. My older brother played hockey, and he was a goalie, so I would always go to his games and I just became so fascinated that I wanted to play. I wanted to follow in his footsteps.

Who has been the biggest help and influence in developing your game so far?

Anthony: My father and older brother have been my biggest help. I never had a goalie coach, so they would just correct things I would do wrong as I go and I did my best to master them.

You are a big guy, and play the butterfly style to perfection, but you are also very athletic and capable of making acrobatic saves, what do you see being your best attributes as a netminder?

Anthony: I mean being 6’5″ is quite an asset to have as a goalie, but my competitiveness is my best attribute. I never give up on a play and do what ever it takes to make a save.

Is there a goalie in the NHL you style your game after?

Anthony: Pekka Rinne, a goalie who is similar in size, and is an athletic goalie.

What was your ‘welcome moment’ to the NAHL?

Anthony: In my first game I remember the physicalness being something I was never used too. Guys would skate in and out of the crease, bumping me, it was something I had to get used to.

Texas is known more for it’s football, so how was hockey life down in the Gulf of Mexico with the Corpus Christi IceRays, and how did the opportunity to play there come about?

Anthony: The community in Corpus Christi was very supportive of us. We would have 3,000 fans at our games, and that was something that would motivated the team knowing we had our city behind us.

I played for Hockey Essentials in the summer, and they recommend me to the coaches in Corpus so I went to an open tryout camp in Albany, and then got invited to the main camp in Dallas, and the rest is history.

What is the highlight of your young career?

Anthony: Being on the NHL draft list. Last summer I made the Preliminary List and kept trying to improve, so hopefully I work my way up.

You are committed to the University of of Nebraska-Omaha for next season, what made you choose the Mavericks program?

Anthony: I felt very comfortable with the UNO staff. They were persistent in their effort to recruit me, and that meant a lot. I am looking forward to working with Coach (Brian) Renfrew and Coach (Dean) Blais.

A lot of guys like to talk trash on the ice, especially at the tenders, what is the funniest chirp you’ve ever heard while playing?

Anthony: Early in the year I had blue pads that were pretty small on me, so guys would just chirp me for that.

Who, in your opinion, who has the hardest shot you’ve ever faced?

Anthony: When I played for the New Jersey Jr. Devils, Kyle Palmeiri would practice with us occasionally. I think he definitely has the hardest shot I have faced.

Do you have a game that stands out as the best one you’ve ever played?

Anthony: When I was younger I played in the Quebec Peewee tournament, we played a Quebec team that were considered the hometown team, and we played them to a 1-0 loss. But, that was probably the most fun I have had in a game, especially playing in front of 6,000 fans.

A lot of goalies are seen as being superstitious, do you have any rituals you go through before or during the course of a game?

Anthony: I always put my right side on first.

What is the worst goal you’ve ever surrendered?

Anthony: In midgets the opposing team took a shot form the opposing blue line and it hopped right over my outstretched pad.

What do you like to do in your downtime from hockey?

Anthony: Workout, and play other sports for fun.

Any hidden talents?

Anthony: (Ha/ha) None, just stopping pucks!

As the 17-year-old, Tomkins stepped in and played like a seasoned vet for his Sherwood Park Crusaders club. The goaltender went 18-11-2 on the year, with a 3.41 goals against average and a .894 save percentage, while helping the Crusaders to the fifth best record in the league.

Last season he posted a 3.83 goals against and .890 save percentage in 16 games in the AMHL with the Sherwood Park Mids, and in 2009-10 he went 8-5-5 with a 2.69 GAA, a .900 save percentage and two shutouts with his Midget AAA Sherwood Park Squires. Tomkins also went 8-0 in the playoffs that year, with an impressive 2.08 GAA and .931 save percentage en route to leading the Squires to the 2010 AMMHL Provincial Championship and captured the Playoffs Most Valuable Player honors.

He is positionally sound, has tremendous rebound control, anticipates the play well, is unflappable between the pipes, and plays a mature, very steady game. At 6-foot-2, 171-pounds, he combines size with tremendous athleticism that allows him to quickly recover in the rare occasion he does give up too much room to a shooter, as he never gives up on a puck and has a high compete level. It’s easy to see why the tender is on the radar for the 2012 NHL Entry Draft, and was ranked among the top 10 North American goalies by Central Scouting, as he is simply a remarkable talent.

I had the chance to catch up with the calm, cool and very collected Matt Tomkins for a quick Q and A.

Who has been the biggest help and influence in developing your game so far?

Matt: My goalie coach Dustin Schwartz has really helped improve my game and allowed me to simplify the position at a high level, as well as to be consistent. At the same time however, I can’t give enough credit to coaches and my dad, especially this year, to push me to be better.

You are yet another in a long list of big, athletic tenders that play the butterfly style to perfection, what do you see being your best attributes as a netminder?

Matt: I think my best attribute is my speed. For a big guy I think I move really well. My rebound control and positioning are also what I consider some positive traits. My biggest attribute however I would say is my battle and compete level.

Is there a goalie in the NHL you style your game after?

Matt: My favorite goalie is Carey Price who I like to style parts of my game after.

What was your ‘welcome moment’ to the AJHL?

Matt: Well my first game went really well, we won 4-1 and I made 40 saves. My teammates and coaches were very supportive and it made the transition pretty easy.

What is the highlight of your young career?

Matt: Obviously there are many highlights from when I was younger, such as winning a provincial championship, but I think the most significant highlight has been being identified as a potential selection in this years NHL draft.

You participated in the Vancouver Giants main camp last year, so are you hoping to play in the dub next season or are you wanting to go the NCAA route right now?

Matt: I have always been pro-NCAA and thought it would be an ideal route for me, and have had many options. But, on the other hand, Vancouver is in need of a goalie for next year and it would be a great opportunity for me. It will have to be a decision I make in the near future.

You’re highly regarded by NHL Central Scouting for the upcoming NHL Entry Draft, I know it’s an honor in itself just to be selected, but if you could pick the team that chooses you, who would you pick?

Matt: Like you said it would be an honor simply to be chosen into the NHL, but if I had to pick a team it would be Colorado, they have been my favorite team since I was a kid.

A lot of guys like to talk trash on the ice, especially at the tenders, what is the funniest chirp you’ve ever heard while playing?

Matt: I have heard a lot while playing, some more appropriate than others. My favorite though is the guys who sit behind the net in Fort Mac, they like to chirp pretty good.

Being a first year player, did you have to endure any rookie pranks, and if so what was the funniest/worst one?

Matt: My rookie initiation wasnt too bad, but the funniest one was when all the rookies had to dress up on Whyte Ave in Edmonton. My vet Jessi Hilton gave me a nice little tank top and a bright pink skirt to wear on a busy Friday night.

Who, in your opinion, who has the hardest shot you’ve ever faced?

Matt: There is always that one guy with a cannon, but thinking back I would have to say Duncan Siemens, who I played most of my first years of goaltending with.

Do you have a game that stands out as the best one you’ve ever played?

Matt: There are alot of games that come to mind, but most recently would either be in the playoffs against Bonnyville facing elimination in a 2-0 win, or against Fort Mac when we won 5-4.

A lot of goalies are seen as being superstitious, do you have any rituals you go through before or during the course of a game?

Matt: I’m not too superstitious, but if I am to think about my pregame routine it is pretty much the exact same. I like to keep things the same I guess. There are also alot of little things in games that I always do. I suppose I am a little superstitious.

What is the worst goal you’ve ever surrendered?

Matt: I’ve never given up a goal that always pops into my head when asked that question, but thinking back probably the classic fan on a pass, right to the opposition, and into an open net.

What do you like to do in your downtime from hockey?

Matt: During the season I like to get out and go for quick snowmobile rides, but in the summer I enjoy spending time at the lake wakeboarding and qauding.

Any hidden talents?

Matt: I can solve a rubik’s cube.

The Fighting Saints announced yesterday that Girgensons, who is 16^th overall in Future Considerations’ April rankings, suffered a fractured jaw that will keep him out for the remainder of the Clark Cup playoffs. Girgensons will have his jaw wired shut for a minimum of four weeks.

“Can’t open my mouth but feeling good. It’s not the pain in the jaw hurting, it’s the pain in heart that hurts the most knowing I can’t play and help my team,” Girgensons said in a tweet.

The injury occurred Tuesday in the first shift of game two against Team USA when Girgensons was hit awkwardly by John Hayden.

The Latvian product would miss a few shifts on the first line as he went back to the Fighting Saints locker room. Later in the first, Girgensons would return donning a full cage. Upon returning, Girgensons notched an assist on the team’s third goal in the first period. Midway through the second, Girgensons would exit the game for good.

The fractured jaw is the third injury this season for Girgensons and the second time he has missed games in two months.

Girgensons would miss four games due to an ankle sprain after being pushed into his own goaltender on Feb. 24. Shortly after returning from the World Junior Championship, Girgensons missed two games plus the USHL/NHL Top Prospects Game due to a hip injury.

The injury is a substantial blow to Dubuque’s quest to repeat as Clark Cup champions as the team has struggled without their leading goal scorer in the lineup. In the 11 games he missed due to injury and the World Junior Championship, the team won just four times.

Girgensons ends his final season of junior hockey with 26 goals and 33 assists in 51 games.

The 5-foot-10, 186-pound pivot was a solid foot soldier on the OHL’s top team this season, scoring nine goals and 18 points in 46 games, while adding 18 penalty minutes and finishing with a plus-7 rating. The rookie forward has also posted a goal and an assist in four playoff games thus far, and has given his hometown Knights the luxury of having a player who can step in and play in any situation.

Last season, Welychka spent the better part of the year playing Jr. B in the GOJHL with both the London Nationals and St. Marys Lincolns, racking up 17 goals and 40 points in 43 games. He is like a bulldog and can beat opponents all over the ice, as he loves getting engaged physically, has a high compete level, is strong in his own zone, but also has a nice offensive touch as well.

Welychka has great wheels, can dish the puck exceptionally well, has a decent shot, nice hands, and very good hockey smarts. the 18-year-old may not be on this years NHL Draft radar, but he has all the ability to be an impact player at the Major Junior level and beyond as he continues to develop his game. When it comes to his potential, he has only just scratched the surface.

I had the chance to catch up with my fellow home grown London, Ontario native, for a quick Q and A.

Who has been your biggest help and influence in developing your game?

Brett: My parents have been my biggest help for me off the ice. From the first time I laced the skates up, till now playing in the OHL, they have been my biggest supporters and have helped me through both the good and bad times. Also, Lindsay Hofford helped me from a young age teaching me the right way to play hockey, teaching me in development camps in the summer & offering advice to help me get better and succeed.

You spent most of last year in the GOJHL, and put up good numbers, how did your experience in Jr. B help you better prepare for life in Major Junior with the Knights?

Brett: My experience from Junior B helped me alot. Going into last year’s season I knew it would be my development year. I tried to put up good numbers, but also play my two-way game, and a steady game all around so that it would prepare me for the following year (this year). It was nice to play for a Jr. B club and be a top notch guy while I practiced with the Knights and played a handful of games as a 16-year-old with them. Playing with older, faster and tougher guys was a stepping stone for my development and my main goal last year was to get stronger, smarter, faster and improve.

You are a very crafty forward, and have those slippery Datsyuk-like hands, what do you see being your best attrbutes as a hockey player?

Brett: My best attributes as a hockey player are my two-way play, speed and grit, will to win, and vision and hockey smarts. I like to use these attributes each and every game. I may not be the biggest player out there but these attributes get teams wins and players recognized.

What was your ‘welcome moment’ to the OHL?

Brett: My ‘welcome moment’ in the OHL was definitely in my first game in the OHL, when I registered a goal to put the Knights up 2-0 against the Peterborough Petes. Scoring your first goal in any league or game is always huge, but to score for my hometown team, in front of 9,000 fans, with my family and friends there, it was pretty special. I felt so welcomed by my teammates and fans. Very big moment in my hockey career, and I will always remember that goal and night.

Is there and NHLer you mold your game after?

Brett: If there was one player in the NHL I mold my game after, it would be Matt Read. I feel that I have the same hockey attributes as him, and from his past history as a player and individual, it seems to me he hasn’t been given everything easy and had to work for every minute of ice he gets in Philly and with his past teams, which I totally understand and respect. Read is a defensive forward who has the offensive ability to still put up good numbers, and plays with a physical edge. He can switch his role as he needs to, which is exactly what I can do for my team.

You’ve scored a ton of goals over your young career at every level, is there one that stands out as your biggest?

Brett: I’d have to go with my first OHL goal again. When I got the call to play with the London Knights I was only 16. That night I could barely shut my eyes because I was so excited. My plan for the game was to keep everything simple, get pucks deep, expect limited ice and finish every body check possible. Everything went well that game, and with all my family and friends watching and supporting me it couldn’t have ended any better. I put it in the back of the net on a 2 on 1 pass from my line mate. Priceless moment.

What is the highlight of your career thus far?

Brett: The highlight of my career would have to be simply getting drafted by the London Knights. May 7th, 2010 was one of the most exciting days of my career. Getting drafted is one thing, but going to the team that you grew up watching and cheering for in your hometown is even better. For my family and I it was such a big honour being chosen to play for my hometown OHL team. Although it shouldn’t matter at the end of the day where you play hockey in the future, it was an extra cherry on top getting drafted to the London Knights.

London is loaded with young talent, and you guys have had a great season, what has it been like to be a part of that group even though it may mean your not getting the ice every single night?

Brett: Throughout the year there has been many ups and downs. Playing with older and more experienced players has single-handedly helped to develop me. Being one of the guys that may be scratched some of nights is always tough, but with my focus and attitude it is easier to get over, and easy to prepare for the next game. Playing the shutdown style most of the year was great. Going up against the other teams top guys was tough, but I got to play my game (be physical, smart defensively & chip in points). There is a lot of talent on our team so things may not always go in my favour, but I try not to focus on the negative and I work harder each and everyday to be the best the following game. I know this will make me a stronger player.

Because this is your NHL Draft year, have you felt any added pressure to perform?

Brett: Truthfully, I haven’t felt much pressure at all due to the NHL draft. There are the times before every game where I do get nervous because I know I need to perform every single shift in order to play the next game. Hockey is my job, and I know I am always being watched and judged. With my NHL draft year this year, I haven’t been on the draft list yet which makes it pretty easy not to be stressed. I have always flown under the radar, and I’m ok with that. It allows me to play my game the way I can because I can play it with that “nothing to loose” give everything you got style, which is fun for me.

I know it’s an honor in itself to be drafted, but if you could pick the NHL team that selected you, who would you choose?

Brett: It would obviously be an honour to get drafted anywhere, but if I had to pick I would have to choose the Chicago Blackhawks because they have been my favourite team since I was just a little guy. My dad is a huge Hawks fan and I was groomed to cheer for them from a young age. Now I just cheer for them because of the great atmosphere in the town and in that arena. The history is deep being an original 6 team – we have sticks, jerseys, books and pictures of Bobby Hull, Stan Makita etc. They are a well coached team and a great organization. There are lots of players on the current team I love to watch as well (Kane, Teows, Bolland, Seabrook). I would love to be drafted by any team, but Chicago would definitely take it.

In your opinion, who is the toughest defenseman to beat 1-on-1 in the entire OHL?

Brett: Olli Maatta in my opinion is the toughest defenceman to beat in the OHL. I’ve first handily seen him take the puck away from players including myself in practice and games like it’s nothing. Great defenceman and a great guy to have on your team. Very good stick.

If you could describe yourself to NHL scouts in one word, what would it be?

Brett: If I could describe myself to NHL scouts in one word, I would say “Motivated.” I’m the type of player that will go through a wall for the coach and teammates. That is my personality off the ice too, I like to compete at everything I do. I like to win, and I’ll do a lot to get the job done. Therefore to stay motivated I have to use the ‘work hard’ motto too.

What do you enjoy doing in your downtime from the game?

Brett: During my downtime, I enjoy hanging out with my teammates away from the rink and hanging out with my the guys from my school. Seeing movies with buddies, gaming Ps3 or Xbox with the boys and watching hockey, golf, baseball. In the summer, I love golfing and going to the cottage in Parry Sound, fishing and boating and hanging out with my family. I like to keep busy and I make sure I’m always doing things away from hockey because there is other things in life too. School and maintaining good grades is a must for me as an education will be important down the road.

Any hidden talents?

Brett: My hidden talent is probably golf. I won a few tourneys when I was younger, but had to give up the competition because of my hockey schedule. I like to play a little more on the passionate side then playing for fun, but a nice round of golf with the guys is just as fun. I enjoy baseball and have a strong arm. Generally, most hockey players are pretty well-rounded athletes with a competitive streak. I think it’s safe to say I fit into this mold.

Some Western Conference players could use an impressive playoff performance to regain some of their original draft stock. Others, like Kevin Roy, can continue to improve their stock with continued dominance against the league’s best.

The impact the Clark Cup Playoff can have on one’s draft stock was extremely apparent last year. Then-Sioux Falls forward Kyle Rau, who had already helped his draft stock with a great second half, helped himself even more, leading all players in scoring in last year’s playoffs. The same can be done this year when the playoffs begin Monday.

#6 Tri-City Storm @ #3 Waterloo Black Hawks
Game 1: 4/16, Game 2: 4/17, Game 3 (if necessary): 4/18
Waterloo’s Vince Hinostroza has been on fire as of late with 11 goals and 15 points in the last month of the regular season. When watching Hinostroza, it is obvious he displays a high hockey IQ in both ends of the ice. Look for the Notre Dame commit to continue his torrid pace in the Clark Cup Playoffs. After being ranked 21st in Future Considerations’ preliminary rankings, A.J. Michaelson has trended the opposite way of teammate Hinostroza. Michaelson can flat out fly, but has struggled mightily in the point department. While it is too little too late for Michaelson to regain his preseason draft position, a good playoff performance would help his cause.

Up until mid-March, the Tri-City team lacked draft eligible talent that other USHL teams possess. After the Minnesota High School Tournament had completed, protected players Eli May and Grant Opperman joined the team, adding talent on the back end. Both defensemen were highly touted coming to the Storm—especially Opperman who was a Minnesota Mr. Hockey finalist. Opperman has played well for the Storm defensively while May has only dressed for six of the team’s regular season games. May is an exceptional skater, but by many accounts had a lukewarm season for Eagan High School. Both will look to improve their draft position as they are likely on the outside looking in at the NHL Draft right now.

#5 Sioux City Musketeers @ #4 Fargo Force
Game 1: 4/16, Game 2: 4/17, Game 3 (if necessary): 4/18
Bruising defenseman Cliff Watson, who was ranked 77th over by Future Considerations in the preliminary rankings, is the player to watch in this short series. While his stock has taken a tumble this season, Watson does a lot of the little things right and has been important to the Musketeers’ midseason turnaround. The six-foot-two Ohio State commit will be called upon to shut down Fargo’s top line this series.

Fargo’s success this season has been largely in part of the play from draft eligible players Austin Farley, Brian Cooper, and Justin Wade. 2010 Boston pick Zane Gothberg has been the best goaltender in the USHL this season and credit needs to go to Cooper and Wade for their goaltender’s successful year. Both defensemen love to play physical and take care of their end first. Farley has improved in all facets of his game this season in comparisons to last season with the Force. After having 11 points in 33 games last season, Farley improved to be the Force’s only point per game player this season. Another large plus that the trio bring to this year’s playoffs is that all three played in the Clark Cup Playoffs last season. Look for all three to rely on their experience and continue to have an impact for the Force in this year’s Clark Cup Playoffs.

(The victorious first round teams will meet the top two finishing teams in the USHL in the Green Bay Gamblers and Indiana Ice)

#2 Omaha Lancers
First Round Bye
Similar to the Tri-City Storm, the Omaha Lancers’ success has come from others than first-year draft eligible players for much of the season. Much like Opperman and May, defenseman Jake Bischoff joined the Lancers after his Grand Rapids High School team missed the Minnesota State High School tournament in late February. Bischoff is one of the highest regarded defensemen playing in Minnesota this season because of his play with the puck on his stick. That being said, Bischoff has only played in ten USHL games this season. The University of Minnesota commit should be ready to make an impact on the blue line for the Lancers during the Clark Cup Playoffs.

#1 Lincoln Stars
First Round Bye
It has been quite the storybook season for Roy who was passed on in his first year of draft eligibility last June. Roy, who is one of the true goal scorers in this year’s draft, tallied 54 goals and 50 assists this season and was the league’s first 100 point scorer since the 1998-99 season. Roy has a tendency to float and is a habit that many scouts see as a huge negative to his game. Look for Roy to try and play a more complete game at center over the next month. Roy’s stickhandling ability is best in the league and has shown to be effective even in the most physical of games.

Defenseman Mike McKee is another second year draft eligible to keep an eye on starting in the second round of the playoffs. McKee was ranked 69th in Future Considerations’ Final Draft Rankings last season but was not drafted. McKee brings an extremely physical element to the rink night in and night out and led the USHL in penalty minutes this season. It is uncertain whether or not McKee will be passed over entirely again this June, but his play in the playoffs could be a determining factor.

Elite talents like Zemgus Girgensons, Jon Gillies, and Jordan Schmaltz have all had great seasons for their respective teams and look to continue their success for the next month in the 2012 Clark Cup Playoffs.

This year’s USHL Eastern Conference could have as many as seven first round NHL draft picks—four of which are playing in the playoffs that begin this week. Look for top seeds Dubuque, Green Bay and Indiana’s success to ride largely in part to the play of their draft eligibles.

#6 Team USA @ #3 Dubuque Fighting Saints
Game 1: 4/16, Game 2: 4/17, Game 3 (if necessary): 4/18
Last year’s Clark Cup Champions have a very different look to them as last year’s playoff leading scorers John Gaudreau and Vinny Saponari have moved onto the college game. This year’s team will rely on draft eligible players Girgensons and Michael Matheson on the front and back end, respectively, to try and defend the Clark Cup. Girgensons had a great playoff last year scoring three goals and five assists in 11 games. Matheson is no stranger to playoff success as well, as he had 25 points in 15 games in the LHJAAAQ playoffs last season. Matheson’s had made great strides with his game and a good showing in the Clark Cup playoffs would help his draft stock.

With the IIHF U18 World Championship taking place overseas, the Under-17 team will represent the National Team Development Program in USHL postseason play. Gavin Stoick, Miles Koules, and Brendan Silk, who were left off of the USU18 World Championship roster, are all draft eligible and will play in the playoffs.

#5 Cedar Rapids RoughRiders @ #4 Youngstown Phantoms
Game 1: 4/16, Game 2: 4/17, Game 3 (if necessary): 4/18
This series lacks the draft eligible talent that the other first round matchups have, but there are still several players to keep an eye on. Youngstown’s Austin Cangelosi has been great in his first year for the Phantoms, averaging more than a point per game. Cangelosi is a player that the Cedar Rapids defense corps will have to shut down or they could find themselves down quick. The RoughRiders know this all too well as Cangelosi had four goals and an assist in the four meetings between the two teams this season.

While both are longshots to hear their names called on draft day, Ian Brady and Dennis Kravchenko could be players who could draw NHL scouts’ attention in years to come. Brady, who was the sole RoughRider player to play in the USHL/NHL Top Prospects Game, has improved his offensive game dramatically this season. Brady quarterbacks the power play for Cedar Rapids and has done a great job in doing so as their power play was ranked fourth best in the USHL regular season. Kravchenko was added to the team midseason and made an impact immediately with 13 points in his first two months. Despite his five-foot-seven 155-pound frame, Kravchenko brings a lot of grit to the RoughRiders up front.

(The victorious first round teams will meet the top two finishing teams in the USHL in the Green Bay Gamblers and Indiana Ice)

#2 Indiana Ice
First Round Bye
Draft followers looking to see the elite talents that the USHL has in this year’s playoffs should direct their attention to Indiana. The Ice have Robbie Baillargeon, Christoval “Boo” Nieves, and Gillies—all of which should be off the board by the end of the third round in Pittsburgh. With a grueling schedule, the Clark Cup Playoffs will be a big test for Nieves as scouts have questioned his consistency throughout this year. Baillargeon has been quite the playmaker with whoever he has played with the entire season and displays a great two way game up the middle.

Gillies has been stellar as the first year starter and ended questions about his poor conditioning playing in all but seven games in the regular season. Along the way, Gillies posted a 2.77 goals against average and .915 save percentage. If all goes according to plan in the second round, the depth at forward with Baillargeon and Nieves with Gillies tending the pipes could give Green Bay quite the battle in the Eastern Conference Finals.

#1 Green Bay Gamblers
First Round Bye and Regular Season Champions
Green Bay enters the playoffs with two duos of players who have already been drafted in Andy Welinski and Alex Broadhurst and players who will be drafted this year in Schmaltz and Dakota Mermis.

Schmaltz and Welinski’s work on the power play is a thing of beauty as both are great puck moving defensemen. Not to be out done, Mermis is a great skating, physical defenseman who has also been a great addition for the Gamblers after playing for the National Team Development Program last season. Forward Alex Kile is another player to watch during the Clark Cup Playoffs as he has a chance to be drafted in one of the later rounds this year.

According to Dean Millard of The Pipeline Show, Hockey Canada has approached Murray about participating in the World Championship in Finland and Sweden next month.

“We have confirmed that Ryan Murray has been approached by Hockey Canada to play in the World Championship,” Millard tweeted via The Pipeline Show‘s twitter.

Canada’s general manager for the tournament is Kevin Lowe, whose National Hockey League’s Edmonton Oilers hold the first overall pick in this year’s NHL Entry Draft. The Oilers were thought to be targeting Murray with the second overall pick before winning the draft lottery last week.

Murray is no stranger to Hockey Canada, having represented his country at the 2010 Ivan Hlinka Memorial, the World Under-18 Championship in 2010 and 2011, as well as the World Junior Championship in 2012.

In 46 games with the Silvertips this season, the 18-year-old had nine goals and 31 points in 46 games. He added three goals and five points in four playoff games.

The 17-year-old represented Team Quebec at the World Under-17 Hockey Challenge, recording two goals and two assists in six games while earning the Player of the Game award twice.

Girard, a forward with the Baie-Comeau Drakker, had six goals and 21 points in 60 QMJHL games this season. In eight playoff games, Girard had a goal and two assists.

In his first full WHL year, the 6-foot, 210-pound Penticton, BC prodcut potted 21 goals and 36 points in 65 games, while adding 90 penalty minutes. Those totals sat the talented power forward 13th overall in the entire dub among rookie scorers, sixth overall in total points and third in goals on the Rockets.

Last season Rigby jumped around and produced at every level, putting up an impressive 22 goals and 43 points in 26 games with the KIJHL’s Osoyoos Coyotes, three goals and 12 points in 19 games (including playoffs) with the BCHL’s Penticton Vees and spent a few games with the WHL’s Prince George Cougars.

He has a swagger about his game that scouts have to love and combines size, hands, and a pro calibre shot with a ton of character, toughness, and hockey smarts. When he is on his game, he is a physical imposing force on the ice, working hard along the wall, creating space for his linemates, utilizing is shot, and he won’t shy away from dropping the gloves when needed. The 18-year-old is mature beyond his years when it comes to the game of hockey, and simply knows what he has to do to be effective. And, while Rigby was noticeably absent from NHL Central Scoutings final rankings of North American skaters, I can tell you first hand if he isn’t a sleeper pick come draft time, he will come back to haunt the teams that pass on him.

I had the pleasure of catching up with the gifted power forward, who is as entertaining off the ice as he is on it, for a quick Q and A.

Who has been your biggest help and influence in developing your game?

Carter: My biggest help in my hockey career has been any Minor Hockey coach, or anyone, that has just coached me or at least put some time in to help me on my game. The biggest influence has been my father, ever since I was growing up he has pushed me and helped me every step of the way.

I actually scouted you last year for the Ice while you were with the Osoyoos Coyotes of the KIJHL, a lot of parents and players still dread hearing “Jr. B” even though it can be great for a kids development. How did your brief time there better prepare you for Major Junior hockey?

Carter: I personally think Jr. B is turning out to be a great stepping stone for young players looking to make the jump to Jr. A, whether it be tier II, or, tier I Jr. A. Playing in Osoyoos helped me tremendously I feel to regain my confidence that was lost in Prince George. I believe confidence is a huge part of hockey and especially the way I have to play the game. Junior B got me used to older, stronger players that I had never really experienced before. Playing in Osoyoos was one of the smartest decisions I made in getting to get to where I am today.

As much as the knock on you may be your skating, which has improved immensely over the past year, you more than make up for it with your shot, hockey IQ and your character, what do you see being your best attrbutes as a hockey player?

Carter: My best attributes, I feel as a player, are my shot, size and strength, and my vision (or hockey IQ). As a bigger guy, I continuously have to work on my skating to keep up with other key players in the league. I have to find other ways to be effective. I feel I can create a lot of open space for my teammates, by grinding down low and playing hard on the body every night. And when I get the opportunity, I like to station myself in the high slot for a snap shot.

What was your ‘welcome moment’ to the WHL?

Carter: My first WHL game was with the Prince George Cougars when I was 15-years-old (as a call up). The game was actually held in Kelowna, which was great as I had most of my family and friends there to watch. No doubt, I was pretty nervous especially having to start the game. Soon after the puck drop, Kelowna was entering our zone and I thought I had Brandon McMillan lined up for a big hit…which did not happen! Just as I went to hit him, I toe picked 5 feet from the boards and smashed face first into them. That was definitely my ‘welcome moment’ to the Western Hockey League.

In my opinion, you have some Iginla-like attributes to your game, with your ability to score and get engaged physically, is that a fair comparison, or is there another NHLer you mold your game after?

Carter: I think being compared to any player in the NHL is a good feeling, no matter whom. Everyone has different opinions on who I may, or may not play like, but I try to model myself to be a player like Iginla. He is big, strong, possesses a great shot, and is an unreal character player both on and off the ice. If I could mold myself into any player I would likely choose Millan Lucic of the Boston Bruins. A big body who can score, fight, hit, sees the ice, and plays in key situations.

You’ve scored a ton of goals over your young career at every level, is there one that stands out as your biggest?

Carter: I’ve been lucky to score at every level, but one that sticks out in my mind is my first WHL goal, when I was a call up with Prince George. Just to get the first one off your back is a huge relief, and I was extremely excited to get it.

What is the highlight of your career thus far?

Carter: A single highlight is hard to pick out, but a game I will always remember is my first game with the Kelowna Rockets this year where I finished with two goals, an assist, and a fight. That was special to do in the home opener with a bunch of family in the stands.

Kelowna had a disappointing season, but with all the young talent that the Rockets have the future looks extremely bright. How do you like the make up of this sqaud looking ahead to 2012-13?

Carter: We as a team were very young this year. Very inexperienced, myself included. We had some good stretches, but consistency is something we will need to focus on next year, and that comes with age and confidence. I feel very confident that our team in the coming years will be the team to beat. We are fast, tough, young, and will be an exciting team to watch. We need to put this past year behind us and focus on what we can do to better, to make sure we have a better result in the upcoming season.

Because this is your NHL Draft year, did you feel any added pressure to perform?

Carter: There’s always going to be pressure in any game you play, but it is a little weird knowing that NHL scouts are in the stands and could be potentially watching you. I try not to think about it too much, and just go out there and play my game, but like every player that’s played in the league, it’s in the back of your head all the time.

I know it’s an honor in itself to be drafted, but if you could pick the NHL team that selected you, who would you choose?

Carter: If my name’s called on draft day (or days), that’s good enough for me, I’ll play for anyone. If I could choose any team in the NHL I would have to go with any original six franchise. There is so much history that goes along with those teams, and I think it would be such a great experience.

In your opinion, who is the toughest defenseman to beat 1-on-1 in the entire WHL?

Carter: Ryan Murray is an unreal player. He plays his position very well, and it’s pretty hard to find a way to get past him. He has a solid stick, and good body positioning at all times, which makes life pretty tough.

If you could describe yourself to NHL scouts in one word what would it be?

Carter: One word I would use to describe myself would be, tenacious.

What do you enjoy doing in your downtime from the game?

Carter: After the hockey season I really enjoy playing men’s fastball with my dad. I love baseball, and just playing ball with a bunch of guys is a fun time away from hockey.

Any hidden talents?

Carter: I can juggle, and when I’m really feeling good, I can even juggle with my eye’s closed!

The skilled, just turned 19-year-old, is following in the footsteps of his father (Mike), who was a star in the OHL before moving on to play pro in Switzerland. And while Tanner may not have the natural goal-scoring ability as his dear old dad, his vision and playmaking skills are truly top notch.

In his first season with Guelph, the 6-foot, 180-pound winger put up an impressive 13 goals and 48 points in just 43 games, while adding 46 penalty minutes. Richard also represented Switzerland at the 2012 World Junior Championship, where he scored two goals and four points in six games. Last season, he racked up 11 goals and 43 points in 28 games with his Rapperswil U20 club, and also took part in the U18′s with four goals and five points in six games.

Along with his ability to dish the puck, he is a highly intelligent player that thinks and understands the game at an elite level, he’s strong in his own zone and along the boards, has an underrated shot, and brings with him a infectious enthusiasm for the game that is hard to miss. NHL Central Scouting ranked him 41st overall among North American skaters for the upcoming 2012 Entry Draft, but he could easily be a first round pick once June 22nd rolls around. And, after chatting with him, I am quickly becoming a bigger fan of the budding young star.

Here’s a quick Q and A with the “Can’t Miss Swiss” Tanner Richard.

Your father was a former pro, and obviously has taught you well, how influential has he been in your development?

Tanner: He’s been very influential on my career. Growing up I got to see from a firsthand point of view how much dedication, will, and everything else it takes to make it and become successful.

You were born in Canada, but grew up playing the game in Switzerland, which is becoming a hotbed for producing talented prospects, and you’ve transitioned to the North American game flawlessly. What was the toughest thing to get used to playing at the OHL level?

Tanner: I think for me the biggest thing was the intensity. Everybody is trying to make it, wants the same job, and has the same dream. The game is played with such an intensity over here. That, and how everybody finishes every check they possibly can, and tries to run you through the boards.

Had you spent much time in Canada at all before coming over to play with the Storm?

Tanner: I spent all of my summers living in Sarnia with my family in the off-season up until I was 14. We than sold our house, and stopped coming home in the summers.

What do you see being your best attributes as a player?

Tanner: I like to think my best attribute is my vision and ability to read and anticipate the play.

What was your ‘welcome moment’ to the OHL?

Tanner: I think my welcoming to the league was I got hit pretty hard in my 3rd shift of the first exhibition game. I made a pass and turned away, then about 3 seconds later somebody layed me out. At that moment I realized it was going to be more physical than I expected it to be.

Is there an NHLer you mold your game after?

Tanner: I really like the way Vincent Lecavalier plays. I see him as a very responsible two-way player who always steps up when needed. He has good offensive abilities, can put the puck in the net and make plays. He is also a great leader on and off the ice. So I try and learn from how he plays and reacts in certain situations, and mold that into my game.

You’ve racked up numerous goals over your career playing for your club teams in Rapperswil, while playing internationally for Switzerland, and now with Guelph, is there a goal that stands out as your biggest one?

Tanner: I think my most memorable goal was in Calgary at the 2012 WJC’s. It was the overtime winner against Denmark to keep our team from being relegated. It was a huge goal for Switzerland, and a major relief to get that win.

What is the highlight of your career thus far?

Tanner: The highlight of my career I would have to say was without a doubt the 2012 WJC’s in Alberta. It was an amazing experience. Playing against the best players your age on an international level gives you a chance to show what you can do, how your country compares to others, and also how you personally match up to the best players your age.

I know being drafted into the NHL is a huge honor in itself, but if you could pick the team that selects you come June 22nd who would you choose?

Tanner: Really, just to be drafted would be a huge honor, and a dream come true itself. If somebody would have told me a year ago I had a good chance of getting drafted I probably would have laughed, but now to know there’s a chance I may get picked is just an all-round great feeling. My first NHL game that I attended was the Tampa Bay Lightning the year they won the cup before the lockout. Ever since then I have always liked and followed them, that definitely would be neat, especially now with Steve Yzerman as the GM as he was my all-time hero growing up. But really, any team would be a dream come true.

In your opinion, who is the toughest defenseman to beat 1-on-1 in the OHL?

Tanner: In my eyes the toughest defenceman to play against would either be Cody Sol or Jared Tinordi. They’re both big bodies and use it to their advantage very well. They take up a lot of space, especially with their long reach, and are both a physical presence.

Who is the best player you’ve ever played with and against?

Tanner: The best player I’ve played with is Sven Baertschi. I really enjoyed playing with him. It’s too bad he got injured in the 2nd game of the WJC’s, he was a huge part of our offence. The way he plays the game at such a great pace and is able to make the plays he does, it’s just a pleasure to play with a guy like him. The best player I played against was probably Evgeni Kuznetsov. Easily the most skilled player I have ever been on the ice with. It seemed like he did whatever he wanted on the ice, and was a threat every time he touched the puck. He also made all of his teammates look better.

What would be the first thing you’d buy after signing your first pro contract?

Tanner: The first thing I would do is send my parents to Hawaii. That has been my mother’s dream for years now, and I hope to one day be able to make her dream come true.

What do you enjoy doing in your downtime from the game?

Tanner: When I’m not involved with hockey or training I like to watch movies, play poker, or play other sports.

Any hidden talents?

Tanner: I’m pretty good at ping pong.

In fact, the Muskegon Lumberjacks forward is as experienced as a junior veteran.

Last season, DeBlouw went through the growing pains of playing for an expansion team in addition to the making the transition to junior hockey. A serious injury suffered three games into the season cost him three months and also made for a rough road for the then 17-year-old.

The Chesterfield, MI. product has had a much better experience this year, missing just two games and participating in the USHL/NHL Top Prospects Game in January. Despite the individual positives, the Lumberjacks have locked up last place in the USHL’s Eastern Conference and also saw the team make a coaching change midway through the year.

Although DeBlouw has been through a rollercoaster of emotions during his time in Muskegon, the highly touted NHL draft eligible centre would not have changed the two-year journey for anything.

“It’s been a great experience just because of how well the organization has treated us from day one,” DeBlouw said. “We have beautiful facilities in our rink and we can work out whenever we want—everything about it has been great.”

DeBlouw was highly sought after as the Lumberjacks selected the Michigan State commit with their second round pick in the 2010 USHL Entry Draft. He caught the eye of Muskegon management after leading his U18 Little Caesars team in points – all while being the youngest player on the team.

“It was pretty exciting [being selected by Muskegon] with every other USHL team being eight, nine hours away,” DeBlouw said. “Having my family come out to a lot of the home games made it a lot easier of a transition.”

Three games into his USHL career, the six-foot centre attempted to put an open ice hit on then-National Team Development Program centre J.T. Miller, rupturing his spleen in the process. DeBlouw would go on to spend six days in an Ann Arbor hospital with blood pooling in his stomach.

“At the it felt like I just got the wind knocked out of me and it didn’t really hurt; two hours later I’m in the hospital because of how much pain I was in,” said DeBlouw who would miss 26 games because of the injury. “It was pretty frustrating when it happened. Coach Patrick said I was playing really well before the injury, but I had to look past it and see how I was going to get better.”

Getting better was just what DeBlouw did upon returning to the Lumberjacks lineup. While he was no longer playing one of the top scoring lines, the new bottom-six role gave him a new perspective on the game.

“Coming back, it showed me another side to the game in being a solid third line guy and playing more defensively and not worrying about scoring,” said DeBlouw, finishing his rookie season with six points in 33 games. “That stint really got me stronger and has benefitted me this year with trying to score while still being focused on the defensive side of the game.”

This season, DeBlouw has been called upon to carry the Lumberjacks team – being placed in roles 18-year-olds do not typically find themselves in. He has been the first line centre and is playing on the first power play and penalty kill units the entire season. DeBlouw has lived up to the task and with three games remaining in the season has 32 points in 56 games.

He’s embraced the roles this season, taking them in stride.

“It’s definitely helped me out a lot this year as I didn’t play any of these roles last year, but it’s been a bit of a learning process,” DeBlouw said. “It’s been great opportunity though and now I know what to do in different situations down the road.”

Down the road consists of a stop at almost exact midpoint between Muskegon and his Chesterfield home. DeBlouw will join the Michigan State Spartans in East Lansing, Mich. this fall. He admits current teammate and future Spartans teammate Travis Walsh had quite the influence on his decision. In addition to Walsh, Lumberjack teammate Joseph Cox is also headed to Michigan State next season.

“[Walsh] is a great teammate and told me all about Michigan State.” DeBlouw said. “I had offers from other schools, but Michigan State is close to home and they have great facilities so that’s really what I based my decision on.”

DeBlouw though is not looking that far ahead just yet as his injury had taught him about taking it one day at a time. This offseason, DeBlouw is looking to improve on his weaknesses and maintain his strengths.

“My strengths are my speed, playmaking ability, faceoffs, and work on special teams,” DeBlouw said. “I have been working on my strength and goal scoring ability.”

Assuming DeBlouw can continue to improve, there is no telling how far the road will lead him on his hockey journey.

Heading into the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League playoffs, there were a few players trending downward before solid starts to the postseason.

Raphael Bussieres of Baie Comeau Drakkar was having a terrible second half of the season before heading into the first round series against heavy favourite Victoriaville Tigres.

Bussieres put up two goals and four assist in three games before being suspended three games for a late hit to the head. The rugged winger has since rejoined the Drakkar against the league’s best Saint John Sea Dogs. Questions remain about Bussieres’ offensive potential at the next level but many teams will be looking to his playoff performance to better gauge an up-and-down season.

Speedy winger Christopher Clapperton has continued his regular season success with a dominant playoff run for the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada.

Clapperton has put up three goals and 10 points in just eight games while appearing to sprint through the first two rounds. Still considered a mid round pick, players with Clapperton’s speed and tenacity will always be a sleeper come June. The next step for a smallish player like Clapperton is dominating the league. It may seem unfair, but a smaller player needs to prove more then a larger player at lower levels.

As seen previously, Ryan Culkin is a favourite and this playoffs he has done nothing to change that opinion.

If anything, his performance may have him as a riser on many teams draft lists. Culkin, while being used in a shutdown role, has seven points in as many games games and is a plus-10. Cerebral defensmen often don’t get enough credit. They aren’t flashy and aren’t game breakers in the usual way. Culkin continues to do his job and more.

A somewhat lackluster performance in the playoffs has called into question Mikhail Grigorenko.

Grigorenko’s skill and vision are obviously top level but the compete and consistency leaves many wanting more out of the young Russian. Though he’s recorded nine points in eight games, more was expected out of a player who had 40 goals and 85 points in just 59 games.

Not necessarily a playoff performer, but Val d’Or Foreurs forward Anthony Mantha has an opportunity to perform in the clutch.

Standing at six-foot-three and blessed with above average speed, Mantha will have scouts rushing to see him the Under-18 Championship for Canada. This is a classic case of late riser who can continue to do so on the international stage after putting up 19 goals and 21 assists in the final 27 games of the regular season.

As the top teams move on, more and more 2012 potential draft picks season’s come to an end. Did they do enough to get themselves drafted? This is a question that will be answered in a little over 2 months away.

Heading into the WHL’s Eastern Conference final, the Warriors will see the return of defenseman Morgan Rielly into the lineup.

Rielly suffered a knee injury on November 6th against the Calgary Hitmen and underwent successful surgery to repair a torn ACL nearly four weeks later, seemingly ending the season of the highly touted defenseman for the 2012 NHL Entry Draft.

Instead, Rielly is ahead of schedule and will return when Moose Jaw faces the Edmonton Oil Kings with a trip to the league’s final on the line. The six-foot, 195-pound defenseman is known as a quick healer. Earlier in the season, Rielly returned to play a preseason game just two weeks after having an emergency appendectomy in early September.

In 18 games this season, Rielly has three goals and 18 points. The Vancouver, BC. product had 22 assists and 28 points in 65 games as a rookie a year ago.

For forwards Riley Barber and Andrew Copp and defensemen Jacob Trouba and Patrick Sieloff, the U18 World Championship represent the end of a much longer tenured teammate relationship.

The relationship began as a trio in the 2005-06 season at the Peewee (U12) level when Sieloff, Trouba, and Copp played their first year with the Detroit Compuware program. The three would quickly mesh under coach Andy Copp, Andrew’s dad. It took just two seasons for the group to achieve success nationally, with the three winning their first National Championship at the 2007 Tier-I U12 National Championship in Buffalo, NY.

Barber would team up with the trio the next season, two years after moving from Pittsburgh to Detroit. The group would go on to win their second National Championship, this time at the U14 level, in 2009. In the six games it took to win the National Championship, the four registered points on 18 of Compuware’s 26 total goals.

“That year was really special for me because it was my first National Championship after finishing second when I played in Pittsburgh,” said Barber who buried a Sieloff pass to score the game-winning goal in the National Championship game. “Everyone was able to come together to win.”

The four stayed with Compuware for the 2009-10 season playing on the U16 team—their final full season of youth hockey. For much of the year, the Compuware team was considered the best in the Nation and was poised to make a run for their third National Championship in five years. The team end their season with 52 wins—the third most amongst all U16 AAA teams.

Compuware advanced to Nationals and went onto win their pool losing only to Shattuck St. Mary’s in the round robin. Compuware advanced to the semifinals after beating future NTDP teammates Ryan Hartman and Thomas Di Pauli’s Chicago Mission team 3-2 in overtime.  Later that day, the team would lose to the North Jersey Avalanche in the semifinals 2-1 in overtime.

Walking back to the locker room, the players knew the semifinal loss was their last game together.

“In the locker room, everyone was down, players were crying,” said Copp who finished second in the National Championship with six points in six games. “We just thought that our time together shouldn’t have ended that way.”

Two of the four originally went their separate ways with Trouba and Sieloff going to the NTDP while Copp would begin the year between the U18 Compuware team, but was  later added the NTDP in December. Barber played against the three after going first overall to the Dubuque Fighting Saints in 2010 USHL Futures Draft.

Henrik Samuelsson’s departure from the program to to play in Sweden in May made way for Barber, who was cut from the team two summers ago. The four would be reunited yet again on the NTDP U18 team this season.

“I was real excited when I found out this summer that Riley was going to be playing with us,” Trouba said. “It’s great to be reunited with all of these guys again for one more year.”

Larger reunions between the ’94 birth year Compuware players have occurred seemingly every other weekend with five former teammates on USHL rosters this season.

“It is kind of neat when we get to play against each other and we’re still good friends off the ice,” Sieloff said. “It’s kind of funny because we never thought we would be playing against each other.”

With this being the last year the four are eligible to play at the Development Program, another partial breakup between the four is in store as three of the four are headed to college next season.

Trouba is slated to stay in Ann Arbor at play at the University of Michigan. Copp, who has balanced hockey and playing quarterback at his Ann Arbor high school, will focus on hockey fulltime next season heading off to play for the Sioux Falls Stampede (USHL).

Barber and Sieloff, on the other hand, will stay together as both signing letters of intent in November to play hockey at Miami (Ohio) University for next season.

“I talked to him about going to Miami and he told me how great of a place it was and I finally checked it out and fell in love with it,” Barber said. “We haven’t really talked about living together next year, but we probably will though.”

Much like the last breakup, the four are focused solely on the final task at hand in winning the USA’s fourth straight Under 18 World Championship, but they realize their time of all playing together is nearing a close.

“That last year [with Compuware] we all knew in the back of our minds that we wouldn’t be all together again and the last National Championship tournament was kind of the culmination of our time together,” Copp said. “It’s much like the U18s are to this group of guys, but this time we want to end it right.”

With a World Under-18 Championship.

The duo could represent the first two WHLers taken in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft and became available after Shinkaruk’s Medicine Hat Tigers and Pulock’s Brandon Wheat Kings were eliminated from the playoffs.

In 66 games this season, Shinkaruk had 49 goals and 91 points. He added two goals and 10 points in seven playoff games for the Tigers. Pulock, on the other hand, was third in scoring amongst WHL defensemen with 19 goals and 60 points in 71 games.

Canada has room to add another forward to their roster.

The 18-year-old is also one of the most underrated and unheralded blueliners in the entire WHL. While his game is more subtle than flashy, he is a kid that can play in any situation and be effective, and simply was born to play the position as his father is former NHL d-man Robert Dirk.

So, with his bloodlines, it’s little wonder why the pedigree rearguard has put up remarkable numbers through his first three seasons of junior hockey. This year, Dirk potted seven goals, and 29 points in 72 games for the Kootenay Ice, which sat him second overall on the team in scoring from the back end. He also added 101 penalty minutes, and was an eye-popping plus-22 on the year.

The talented six-foot-one, 195-pound blueliner was used in many key situations including quarterbacking one of Kootenay’s two powerplay units, killing penalties, and played against the opposition’s top lines. He does so many things well, and head coach Kris Knoblauch had nothing but high praise about his play during the year stating, “Jagger moves the puck up ice very well. He has the skills to beat an opponent by skating the puck up ice, but his real strength is his passing. Another skill Jagger possesses is his ability to win one on one battles. He comes out with the puck the majority of the time when battling an opponent along the boards.”

While the undrafted Dirk is flying low on the radar once again for the upcoming 2012 NHL Entry Draft, he has more than enough potential to be a versatile guy at the pro level.

I had the chance to catch up with the gifted and well-spoken Jagger Dirk, for a quick Q and A.

Obviously with your father being a former NHLer and a coach he’s been able to guide you in the right direction over the years, how influential has he been in your development?

Jagger: My dad has been extremely influential in my development, I would not be the player I am today without him. He has taught me the game so well and that is why I am, where I am today.

I’ve seen you a few times over the past couple years and have always been impressed with your intelligence as you are very solid positionally and close the gaps extremely well. What do you see being your best attributes on the ice?

Jagger: My best attributes on the ice are my hockey smarts, my defensive play, and my ability to create offense off the rush, or jumping into open slots in the offensive zone.

I saw a lot of Scott Hannan during his time with the Kelowna Rockets back in the day, and you remind me a little of him at the WHL level with your overall skill-set, is that a fair comparison or is there another NHLer you model your game after?

Jagger: I think my game is comparable to Dan Girardi’s, he is a solid underrated defenseman that can also put up points.

What was your ‘welcome moment’ to the WHL?

Jagger: My welcome moment to the WHL was when I played my first game against the Vancouver Giants and my dad was there to watch me. It was a special moment because that is where he used to play, when he played for the Canucks. It was pretty cool that my first game would be in his old stomping grounds.

A lot of scouts don’t give you enough credit when it comes to your offensive game, and you’ve scored at every level from minor hockey to Junior A, and now in the dub, do you have a goal that stands out as your biggest?

Jagger: The goal that stands out the most for me so far was when I scored my first goal in the dub, we were playing against Prince Albert and there was a delayed penalty so I decided to go into the corner in the offensive zone to grab the puck, I skated back to the blueline, took a wrist shot and it went over the goalies glove.

Last season you played on an Ice club that hoisted the Ed Chynoweth Cup as the WHL’s top team, where does that rank on your career highlights so far?

Jagger: Hoisting the cup has by far been the highlight of my career. Not many guys are able to say they won a league championship, and to be a part of that is something special.

It was a lot different outcome this season, and Kootenay went from one end of the spectrum to the next, as you guys were eliminated in 4 straight by the Oil Kings. In your opinion, what was the difference in that series with Edmonton, and how do you like the make up of this Ice squad looking ahead to 2012-13?

Jagger: In my opinion, the difference in the series against Edmonton was that they were just better then us, there is no other real reason. Next year we are going to have a lot of young guys, and in the beginning of the season, there will be a learning curve, but I see no reason why we can’t make playoffs again, with the leadership group we’ll have.

In my opinion, you’re one of the most underrated blueliners in the entire WHL as you slipped through the NHL Draft last season despite putting up good numbers, and weren’t ranked by NHL Central Scouting this time around. How frustrating has that been for you personally?

Jagger: It’s always disappointing to not get drafted, but it doesn’t mean that it’s the end of the world and I won’t be able to move on to the next level. A lot of great players have made the NHL without getting drafted. This gives me more motivation to prove everybody wrong for not picking me, and that they are missing out on a good player.

I know it’s an honor in itself to be drafted, but if you could pick the NHL team that selected you, who would you choose?

Jagger: If I could pick the NHL team, that would pick me, I would have to say the Detroit Red Wings because they always have a winning organization and I would love to be able to learn a few things from (Niklas) Lidstrom, who is one of the greatest defenseman of all time.

Along with everything else you do on the ice, you have been known to drop the gloves occasionally. Do you have a favourite tilt that sticks out in your mind, and what’s your opinion on the state of fighting in the NHL?

Jagger: My favourite fight would have to be when I fought Cody Beach because he hit one of my teammates from behind and I stood up for him. Even though he is bigger then me, and one of the most hated guys in the dub, I showed everybody that I wasn’t afraid and I gained a lot more respect from my teammates.

A lot of guys like to talk trash on the ice, what is the funniest hockey chirp you’ve heard while playing?

Jagger: The funniest chirp I’ve heard was when my teammate said “Hey buddy, can I borrow your hands? I need a stone for my skates.”

In your opinion, who is the toughest player to stop 1-on-1 in the entire WHL?

Jagger: The toughest player to stop 1-on-1 was Emerson Etem because he is so fast and strong, and he has great hands.

You are up for The Hockey News’ “Name Tournament” for the best name in hockey, and have moved on to the second round. What were your thoughts when you heard you were a contestant?

Jagger: I thought it was pretty cool and surprising that I was picked as a contestant for the “Name Tournament”. If I win, I know I would never hear the end of it from my parents, because they named me (ha/ha)

What do you enjoy doing in your downtime from the game?

Jagger: I enjoy going for a round of golf in my downtime.

Any hidden talents?

Jagger: I’m a pretty good basketball player, I learned how to play when I was down living in Texas.

With everyone concentrated on the Columbus Blue Jackets and whether or not they’d be able to sell their fan base on Russian forward after the Nikolai Zherdev – Nikita Filatov failures, the Oilers went right ahead and threw everything for a loop.

Including themselves.

There is doubt the Oilers would’ve been content drafting second and taking the likes of Ryan Murray to immediately boost a suspect blueline. Instead, they won the lottery and are now faced with too many questions to ponder just 18 hours after learning they’ll be drafting first overall for a third consecutive year.

Will they take Nail Yakupov first overall? Will they simply take Murray as undoubtedly planned? Will they trade down further and select any number of impressive blueliners that?

The answers to those questions may not be known until June 22^nd.

Without the power of negotiating trades, here’s how the first 14 picks of the 2012 NHL Entry Draft could shake down.

1. Edmonton Oilers – Nail Yakupov – RW – Sarnia Sting
   The Oilers would be remised if they didn’t take the consensus top pick in the draft, adding Yakupov to the likes of Taylor Hall and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins.

2. Columbus Blue Jackets – Alex Galchenyuk – C – Sarnia Sting
   Disappointed in missing out on Yakupov, the Blue Jackets turn their attention to his teammate in Galchenyuk.

3. Montreal Canadiens – Mikhail Grigorenko – C – Quebec Remparts
   The Canadiens are thrilled to welcome Russian centre Grigorenko to their fold, giving them an elite prospect down the middle who played just up the road.

4. New York Islanders – Ryan Murray – D – Everett Silvertips
   The Islanders could be the big winners of the draft lottery after having the Oilers initially pass on Murray, allowing the club to snap him up fourth.

5. Toronto Maple Leafs – Filip Forsberg – LW – Leksand Jr.
   There isn’t much to not like about Forsberg’s game, which will make him a great fit among the Maple Leafs forward core.

6. Anaheim Ducks – Mathew Dumba – D – Red Deer Rebels
   Though Teravainen is certainly tempting with another Finnish winger winding down his career, the need for a blue chip defenseman to join Cam Fowler makes Dumba the best fit.

7. Minnesota Wild – Teuvu Teravainen – RW – Jokerit Jr.
   The Wild are fortunate to snap up one of the draft’s fastest risers and a player who could develop some chemistry with fellow Finn Mikael Granlund.

8. Carolina Hurricanes – Radek Faksa – C – Kitchener Rangers
   The Hurricanes aren’t shy to draft players from Kitchener, and adding Faksa to the fold after Ryan Murphy in 2011 and Jeff Skinner in 2010 continues that trend.

9. Winnipeg Jets – Jacob Trouba – D – NTDP-U18
   With some nice development from forwards in the organization, it’s hard to turn away from one of the elite defensemen in the 2012 draft class if you’re the Jets.

10. Tampa Bay Lightning – Morgan Rielly – D – Moose Jaw Warriors
    Defensive depth in the draft begins to show with the draft as the Lightning grab perhaps the most offensively gifted blueliner in the class.

11. Washington Capitals (via COL) – Brendan Gaunce – C – Belleville Bulls
    The blend of grit, two-way play and competitive nature out of Gaunce can be of great benefit to a Capitals team looking for more of all three.

12. Buffalo Sabres – Griffin Reinhart – D – Edmonton Oil Kings
    One of the most intriguing packages on defense, Reinhart adds another dimension to the prospect core that will one day patrol the Sabres blueline.

13. Dallas Stars – Cody Ceci – D – Ottawa 67’s
    Ceci is one of the draft’s top-rising defensemen through the season and his play has made him an attractive addition to the team.

14. Calgary Flames – Sebastian Collberg – RW – Frolunda Jr
    In a further attempt to bring in offensive talent, the Flames opt with the smaller-yet-gifted Collberg to bolster the forward pool.

While players like Zemgus Girgensons and Michael Matheson of the Dubuque Fighting Saints and USNTDP skaters Stefan Matteau and Brady Skjei draw continual praise, the United States Hockey League has plenty more to offer.

Austin Cangelosi of Youngstown being one. The smallish but elusive forward is over a point-per-game and is a constant threat when he’s on the ice.

Defenseman Jaccob Slavin has been an absolute rock for the once-moribund Chicago Steel, as the Colorado product is being used in every situation imaginable, something that has drawn NHL scouts to the Windy City.

Robbie Baillergeon and Robert Polesello have been key components in Indiana’s success this year, while Matt DeBlouw has been one of the bright spots on a struggling Muskegon team.

It is certainly worth mentioning that Cristoval “Boo” Nieves has nine points in 10 games for Indiana since his arrival into the League from Kent of the Connecticut Prep ranks, and should make the Ice a viable contender for the Clark Cup.

Taylor Cammarata, who is 2013 eligible, is having one of the best seasons for a 16-year-old in recent memory; 62 points in 53 games, which leads his Waterloo Blackhawks in scoring.

Unlike their colleagues and sometimes counterparts to the North whose playoff seasons are already in the second rounds, things are only beginning for the USHL.

Will it be a guy like Kevin Roy who continues his star-quality season for Lincoln, or will be a guy like Nieves or Alex Kile of Green Bay, or an Austin Farley of Fargo who steps up his game for the intense meat grinder that is the Clark Cup Playoffs?

That question has yet to be answered.

It behooves Future Considerations to acknowledge Shattuck St. Mary’s capturing their second consecutive USA Hockey Under-18 Tier 1 Championship.

The legendary Minnesota Prep School has been a factory of NHL talent for years; names like Zach Parise, Jack Johnson, Derek Stepan, and Sidney Crosby have all suited up for the Sabres and more recently the much-ballyhooed Nathan MacKinnon, who stands to be the top pick in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft.

Shattuck’s fourth such win in the last six years featured a roster of five draft-eligibles on roster who could hear their names called in Late June.

Hunter Fejes led tournament scoring with four goals and eight points in six games, along with Theodor Bleuger led the team in scoring and not only represented his native Latvia at the World Junior Championship but headlines their U-18 Championship entry as well.

Zach Stepan, cousin of the aforementioned Derek Stepan, scored the game-winning goal in the Championship game against the LA Jr. Kings. Defenseman John Draeger and winger Jake Montgomery also shown they have the potential to draw the scouts all season long.

Stepan and and SSM teammate Noah Henry will be heading to Penticton in the fall, eschewing the USHL for the BCHL before their NCAA tenures begin.

Its not just these two who the Vees have recruited as Evan Anderson of the Colorado Thunderbirds, a highly touted AAA draft eligible will join them. More recently, Edina High’s Louie Nanne made a visit to check out Penticton as they battle toward the BCHL championship.

The Oilers won the NHL Draft Lottery Tuesday, jumping ahead of the Columbus Blue Jackets, who finished last in the league with 65 points.

Edmonton selected Ryan Nugent-Hopkins first overall in 2011 after using the top pick to select Taylor Hall in 2010. The Oilers had an 18.8 per cent chance of winning the Lottery after finishing 29^th in points.

The Montreal Canadiens, New York Islanders and Toronto Maple Leafs round of the top-5.

The 2012 Draft will take place at Consol Energy Center in Pittsburgh on June 22nd and 23rd.

2012 NHL Entry Draft Order:

1 – Edmonton Oilers
2 – Columbus Blue Jackets
3 – Montreal Canadiens
4 – New York Islanders
5 – Toronto Maple Leafs
6 – Anaheim Ducks
7 – Minnesota Wild
8 – Carolina Hurricanes
9 – Winnipeg Jets
10 – Tampa Bay Lightning
11 – Washington Capitals (via COL)
12 – Buffalo Sabres
13 – Dallas Stars
14 – Calgary Flames

Not that there are guarantees in hockey, but the talented forward was as close as they come to a sure bet after racking up 108 points, on 36 goals and 72 assists in just 38 games for the Vancouver NW Giants in 2010-11.

This year all the 5-foot-9, 155-pound pivot did was score an impressive 25 goals and 69 points in 51 games for the Coquitlam Express, en route to being named the Coastal Conference Rookie of the Year. And, just for good measure, he was also named Most Sportsmanlike Player, and was selected to both the BCHL’s All-Rookie Team, and was a Coastal Conference First Team All-Star.

His 69 points ranked him second overall on the Express, as well as 4th overall among first year players, and 16th overall in the entire league in scoring. Kerfoot also led the club in goals (four) in their short-lived six game playoff series against Powell River, and represented Canada West at the 2011 World Junior A Hockey Challenge, putting up two goals and three points in five games while helping them capture gold.

He is a hardworking and very unselfish player, that has tremendous vision and hockey sense, to go with great wheels, excellent puck skills, and is an all-round tremendous athlete. The gifted centre is very shifty and elusive, extremely creative, is a tireless worker, and often the most competitive player on the ice. He simply wants to be the best, and is determined to make a difference in any way possible.

I had the chance to catch up with the well-spoken Kerfoot, who is ranked among the top BCHLers for the upcoming 2012 NHL Entry Draft, for a quick Q and A.

Who has been your biggest help and influence in developing your game?

Alex: A couple people, my dad has played hockey for a long time, and I lean on him pretty heavily. He knows me better than anyone, knows how I play, and is always willing to help me in anyway I need in order to give me every opportunity to succeed. My trainer Dusan Benicky has also helped me so much, I have been going to him for three or four years now, and since then my skating and overall strength have improved dramatically. Finally Paul Reinhart, a family friend and former coach has an impressive background in hockey and is always willing to lend me advice.

I’ve seen you numerous times, and have always been impressed with your vision and hockey IQ, what do you see being your best attributes on the ice?

Alex: I think my vision and hockey sense are my best attributes, but my skating has improved quite a bit in the last couple of years, and is now also one of my strengths. That being said, I definitely have to work on my shot and overall strength to succeed at the next level.

Is there an NHLer you model your game after?

Alex: I don’t model my game after anyone, but there are certain people who I watch and try to learn from. I like to watch Pavel Datsyuk and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, and think that parts of my game resemble theirs.

What was your ‘welcome moment’ to the BCHL?

Alex: To be honest I didn’t have a ‘welcome moment’ but going into my first game this year was a huge shock because the pace of the game was so much faster than in midget, and I was always one step behind.

You’ve scored a bunch of goals over your young career in minor hockey, with the BC Major Midget Vancouver NW Giants, while representing Canada West at the World Jr. A Challenge and this season with the Express, do you have one that stands out as your biggest?

Alex: Two really stand out. The double OT goal I scored for the NWG at the Macs tourney in the Semi-finals, and the OT goal at the WJAC Semi-finals against Sweden.

What is the highlight of your young career thus far?

Alex: Winning the WJAC this year. Anytime you get to represent your country it is such an honour, and capturing gold on home ice was amazing.

Coquitlam was eliminated by the Coastal Conference leading Power River Kings, but personally you played very well leading the Express in goals. How was your first taste of junior hockey playoff action?

Alex: It was a good experience for me and for our team. The majority of our team is returning next year and I hope we can learn from the series and use it to help us make a run next year. Personally the first couple games were a shock. The intensity is just so much higher in the playoffs and you can’t take a shift off. I thought we played well at home, but we were unfortunate with some injuries that we ran into. And, against a really good team like Powell River, you have to everyone in the lineup and playing well.

Your WHL rights are owned by the Seattle Thunderbirds, and you’ve yet to commit to an NCAA school, is there a chance we will see you in the dub or are you hoping to go the college route, and if so which schools interest you?

Alex: At this point I am pretty focused on going the NCAA route. I feel it gives me a little more time to develop as a player, and academics have always been pretty important to me. The three schools that I have visited are Boston College, Yale and Harvard, and they are all great schools, with great hockey programs that I am really interested in.

You made the transition from Major Midget to Jr. A look easy, and subsequently are one of the top ranked BCHLers for the upcoming NHL Draft. I know it’s an honor to be selected, but if you could pick the team that picks you, who would you choose?

Alex: Its pretty hard to pick one. I’m born and raised in Vancouver, so that would be pretty cool, but I would be so happy to be picked by anyone that it really doesn’t matter at this point.

In your opinion, who is the toughest player to beat 1-on-1 in the entire BCHL?

Alex: There are a lot of really good defensemen in this league, but Craig Dalrymple of the Powell River Kings really stands out. He is really big with a long reach, and very mobile, which makes it almost impossible to beat him 1-on-1.

Who’s the best player you’ve ever played with and against?

Alex: The best player I have ever played with is Griffin Reinhart, who plays for the Edmonton Oil Kings now. He is big, extremely smooth, and sees the ice as well as anyone I’ve played with. The best player I’ve played against is Ryan Nugent-Hopkins.

What do you enjoy doing in your downtime from the game?

Alex: I like to hang out with friends, and really anything to do with sports. I played a lot of sports when I was young, and I still love to play them for fun.

Any hidden talents?

Alex: Not really, but I was a pretty good soccer and tennis player when I was younger.

The 17-year-old spent half the season in the Maritime Junior A Hockey League, where he potted six goals and 20 points in 20 games with the Campbellton Tigers, before getting called up to rejoin the Olympiques. Again, it didn’t take long for Pelletier to make his presence felt, as he racked up 15 points, on seven goals and eight assists in 26 games with Gatineau.

The talented forward also led the club in scoring with two goals and four points in their brief four game series against the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada, and finished with a plus-2 rating, one of only two players on the Olympiques to be on the positive side in the playoffs.

The product of Dalhousie, NB spent the previous two seasons playing prep school hockey with the Rothesay Netherwood Riverhawks, and last year found the back of the net 13 times while adding 11 assists, for 24 points in 20 games.

Although not overly big at five-foot-eight, 170-pounds, Pelletier is not afraid of getting physically engaged and going to the dirty areas of the ice in order to create opportunities for himself and his teammates. He has excellent wheels, good puck skills, a nice shot, decent vision and hockey IQ, and plays a determined, two-way game that wears on the competition. He reminds many of the Boston Bruins Brad Marchand with his overall game, and has some tremendous potential to be an impact player in the QMJHL and beyond in the coming years. The kid simply knows his role, and plays with a sense of urgency and passion that very few players his age display.

I had the chance to catch up with the very gifted, and well-spoken Robert Pelletier, for a quick Q and A.

Who has been your biggest help and influence in developing your game?

Robert: The people who have been the biggest influence on me throughout my career thus far has to be my parents, hockey-wise my father coached me on many teams as a kid, and has always given me tips on what and what not to do on the ice. Mentally and spiritually, my mom has by far been a big part of the reason I am where I am today with hockey. She has always told me to keep going, to keep pushing, and not to give up, she has helped me a lot when facing adversity and has always brought my confidence up. I can’t thank them enough for all they have done for me.

You are a speedy, very dynamic forward, that has some tremendous offensive upside, what do you see being your best attributes as a player?

Robert: My best attributes as a player has to be my speed and my aggressiveness. I know that I am a small player, but I always finish my checks, and love the challenge of going against bigger players and showing people that I am strong and can play against anybody. I also have a good shot and hands, and like to be a player that is gritty, and a shut down guy that teams absolutely hate playing against.

Is there an NHLer you model your game after?

Robert: I see myself as a Mike Richards-type, he works, and battles hard, has a good shot and gets a lot of garbage goals. He brings energy to his team, and that’s what my game is all about.

You spent a couple years playing prep hockey with the Rothesay Netherwood Riverhawks, as well as 20 games with the MJHL’s Campbellton Tigers, how did those two experiences better prepare you for life in the Q?

Robert: Well playing prep for two years has matured me a lot on and off the ice, being away from home and what not, but having a good camp with Gatineau at first and then being sent down to Jr. A was definitely a wake up call for me. I had it in my mind I was going down to get my confidence back, and I did. I was fortunate enough to get a second chance with the Olympiques, and I made the most of my opportunity, it was a positive for me. I have to thank the Tigers for what they did for me, I put up a point per game while playing against bigger guys, and that is what helped me the most. I was also very happy to be playing in front of my home crowd, which I hadn’t had the opportunity to do in awhile after leaving to go play prep.

What was your ‘welcome moment’ to the QMJHL?

Robert: I think my ‘welcome moment’ was in the opening game, we were playing Val D’Or in our home opener, our team went back to the old colours, and I just remember how intense the game was. The best moment for me was the warm up, I always remember going to Q games when I was younger and watching the warm ups, and to finally be apart of it was breathtaking for me.

You’ve scored quite a few goals already through your young career in minor hockey and in junior; do you have one that stands out as your biggest?

Robert: I used to play defense when I was younger, and I remember I was playing Atom AA with the Dalhousie Rangers, we were in the finals of our home tournament and there was a big crowd. I did an end-to-end rush, went behind the net, and banged the puck off the goalie and in. I don’t remember if I tied the game or not, but that goal always sticks out for me.

Gatineau is loaded with some very young talent, and after being lit up in the first two games of your playoff series against Blainville-Boisbriand you guys bounced back and pushed them in the final two games, which included a game 4 OT. How was your first major junior post-season experience, and how do you like the make up of this club looking forward to next year?

Robert: My first playoff in the QMJHL was definitely one to remember, and it was great to get that experience going into next season. We didn’t play like we were capable of in the first two games, and it really didn’t fee like it was playoff hockey, but heading into games 3 and 4 at home we were excited about turning the series around with the crowd behind us. Unfortunately it didn’t end up like we wanted, but you have to take the positives out of it and move on. Like you said, we were a really young team this year, and I am excited for next season as we all gained a year of experience, and are looking forward to having a very good 2012-13.

What is the highlight of your career thus far?

Robert: The highlight of my career thus far has to be getting drafted into the QMJHL. I will always remember the moment where I saw my name pop up on the list. I was at the gym working out with my buddy and had my phone with me, I was constantly refreshing it to see if I had been selected, and the next thing you know the 9th round came along and there I was. It was one of the best feelings I ever had, just being so proud after all the efforts I had put in over the years, it was great!

You may be a latecomer on the NHL draft radar, but by your performance in 30 games with the Olympiques you are more than worthy of being picked. If you could choose a club that selects you, who would it be?

Robert: I would honestly be happy going anywhere as it is a huge honor to play for any club in the NHL, and it would be a dream come true, but if I had to pick it would be the Pittsburgh Penguins just because of all the young guns they have there. Just being in the presence of my idol Sidney Crosby would be incredible, but like I said, any team would be unbelievable.

In your opinion, who is the toughest defenseman to beat 1-on-1 in the entire QMJHL?

Robert: The toughest defenseman to beat 1-on-1 has to be Brandon Gormley of the Shawinigan Cataracts, he is just so big, has such long reach, plays the gap perfectly, and is just tough to beat, which is why hockey is a team game and you have teammates to give you options.

Who is the best player you’ve ever played with and against?

Robert: The best player I’ve played with has to be Jean-Gabriel Pageau who plays with Chicoutimi, and the best player I’ve played against is Nathan MacKinnon of the Halifax Mooseheads.

What do you enjoy doing in your downtime from the game?

Robert: I am a very outgoing person, so I enjoy doing anything really, but in my downtime from the game I am usually doing homework or just watching TV.

Any hidden talents?

Robert: I am a very good soccer player.

Players have thrived and rose to the occasion in front of scouts, while others – be it a lack of development, injuries, or uninspired play – have fallen.

One of the biggest unknowns for the NHL Draft this season has been Daniel Altshuller. It’s not that he has struggled with poor play or an ability to stop the puck, but he simply never saw the ice.

Through early January until the start of the playoffs, Altshuller played a grand total of three games, and was strapped to the bench behind veteran Kevin Bailie. After losing to the Niagara IceDogs by scored of 8-2 and 6-1, coach Gary Agnew spiced things up a bit and inserted Altshuller into the lineup.

He thrived with the opportunity and showed why he is considered one of the elite goaltenders for the draft. In a situation where many would struggle, Altushller showed his customary focus and positioning. He was excellent throughout the playoffs, and was the prime reason as to why the Generals pushed the IceDogs to six games.

From the start of the season, Trevor Carrick has been a player worth keeping a close eye on.

A graduate of the Stouffville Spirit, Carrick has always shown potential and has been a consistent riser. His size, strength and intelligence have never been in doubt, but where there were some concerns about the defenseman was in his offensive upside. That said, in the last few months, but more specifically this year’s playoffs, Carrick has really stepped up his game, and is showing himself to be more of a two-way player then strictly a defensive blueliner. His growth as a puck mover and power play triggerman has been impressive, and he was a key reason for the Majors push in the second half of the season.

Last year at this time, Jesse Graham was a player that everyone was talking about.

His offensive instincts and his ability to skate the puck into safe areas of the ice impressed, as well as his overall offensive instincts. This year, he still shows those same skills, but what hasn’t shown has been overall growth to his game. Graham has not shown a lot of improvements in his offensive ability, and has not improved on his weaknesses. He still struggles with his defensive zone positional skills, and is not nearly strong enough to win battles down low. He can win battles with his intelligence, but one would have hoped he would be stronger and more physical this season. He still is a player to watch for the draft, but he’s somewhat stalled in his development.

Heading into the season Mathew Campagna was one of the top OHL draft eligible players to watch this season. His intelligence and offensive skills made him an interesting prospect, and one that could sneak into the second half of the first round.

A mixture of injuries, a lack of opportunities and a lack of growth have really hindered him this year and have really cast a doubt on his long term projections. To some, he looks like the same player that he was years ago and has not developed to the point where a team will spend a high pick on him. His seems to be going through the motions at times, and although he does show offensive flashes, he just has not grown as a hockey player. A lot of these issues could be due to injuries, but even before his health struggles he had not shown enough progression to really be a high draft pick for many.

This season had high expectations of Marcus McIvor.

Many hoped that he would have grown from his strong first year, and would start to show that strong potential shown in Minor Midget. He played a solid defense first game, and was very solid in the top 4 for the Battalion.

As the season has progressed the offensive side of his game has not been seen and some real concerns about if he will be anything more then a bottom pairing defenceman at the next level have crept in. He has not shown much growth with his offensive game, and seems content to make the easy off the board’s play, instead of skating the puck up the ice and making a crisp tape to tape pass. He has recently been taken off of the power play for the Battalion, and one has to wonder if he simply is who he is at this point.

A strong showing in the postseason can launch a player up the draft boards, while a poor performance could send them tumbling down.

Kamloops Blazers forward Tim Bozon has opted to use the playoffs as a springboard, scoring four goals in a four-game sweep of the Victoria Royals. In the series, Bozon displayed his best attributes: a hard working winger that loves to use his speed and grit to create chances offensively.

He is one of the fastest skaters coming out of the WHL for this year’s draft coupled with an impressive shot, which helped him score 36 goals this year as a rookie. While he plays the game with an edge, many like to see him make better decisions with the puck and bulk up a bit. Making a long playoff run with the Blazers is sure to raise his stock, so keep an eye on Bozon in the next few weeks.

Henrik Samuelsson is another player turning heads.

The first thing one notices when watching Samuelsson play is his solid frame and tough demeanor. He likes to lay checks and create scoring chances off the cycle. Samuelsson has surprisingly good hands and at times it seems like he has the puck on a string. He’s displayed that with two goals and three points in just two games.

Unfortunately, the transition over to North America hasn’t come without some scrutiny. Since he joined the league in January, he has been criticized for his mediocre skating. Samuelsson has also been suspended three times for separate incidents. Although his rugged style is an asset, he will have to show that he can play within the guidelines and stay out of trouble.

Another player surrounded by question marks is Brendan Leipsic.

Leipsic is a player full of skill and desire. He has strong vision and makes pinpoint passes to his teammates. He has shown he can put up solid numbers, even though he has been playing third line minutes for the majority of the season.

Leipsic’s season started on a sour note after he was knocked out of Team Canada’s Ivan Hlinka camp with a concussion. He has since bounced back to put up 58 points in 65 games for the Portland Winterhawks.

The biggest issue surrounding Leipsic is his size. He is generously listed as five-foot-nine, 175-pounds. Despite that, he does battle hard but his lack of overall size and strength hurts him. He should be looked at similarly to Kelowna Rockets forward Shane McColgan who was drafted in the fifth round in 2011.

One player that won’t benefit from a long playoff run is Saskatoon Blades defenseman Dalton Thrower.

Thrower has been one of the steadiest risers throughout the course of the year. He has a package that NHL teams crave, a solid and tough style of play mixed with surprisingly good offensive abilities. Thrower’s skating is very good and he plays the game with a quiet intensity, which makes him a nightmare to play against. In his own zone he likes to throw the body and is frequently knocking pucks away with his good stick. Thrower played big minutes this year for the Blades, often getting over 30 minutes a game. Although he suffered a minor injury late in the year, he has excellent durability which is just another asset that will help him on draft day.

Calgary Hitmen defenseman Jaynen Rissling will also be hanging up the blades early this year after losing out to the Brandon Wheat Kings in five games.

He has all the physical tools that teams look for in prospects, but he just hasn’t been able to put it together yet. Rissling is a pretty good puck mover despite his clumsy stickhandling. He smothers the opposition in his own zone with his huge frame and throws his weight around fairly often. Rissling gets a fair amount of powerplay time and isn’t afraid to drop the gloves to stick up for a teammate.

The main thing holding him back from being an elite prospect is his skating. Rissling struggles when he is paired up against faster forwards and often gets beat wide off the rush. Sometimes his overall size makes up for his foot speed, but that won’t be the case at the next level.

Another cause for concern is Rissling’s decision making. He isprone to cough the puck up and make questionable decisions with his passes which lead to the occasional turnover. Rissling will have to hope that his early departure from the playoffs won’t hurt his draft stock.

While most of the script for the 2012 season has already been written, it will be the final chapters that carry the biggest implications. How the prospects perform under the pressures of playoff hockey will determine if it will be a storybook ending or a nightmare.

The International Ice Hockey Federation is allegedly not allowing Matteau, born in Chicago, Il., to participate because he has not played two consecutive years (not seasons) in the United States after the age of 10, according to Kevin Allen of USA Today.

Matteau has spent the last two seasons skating with the United States National Team Development Program and represented America at the 2011 World Under-17 Challenge.

Team Canada has no plans to add Matteau to their roster.

Anthony Louis from the NTDP-U17 team will replace Matteau on the roster.

The Russian import left the Golden Puck Awards, presented annually by the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, with an impressive haul of hardware.

Grigorenko was the recipient of the RDS Cup Wednesday, awarded to the QMJHL’s top rookie. The six-foot-two, 190-pound forward beat out teammates Francois Brassard and Anthony Duclair for the award, as well as Brandon Whitney of the Victoriaville Tigres and Halifax Moosheads teammates Zach Fucale and Nathan MacKinnon.

He also captured the Michael-Bossy Trophy as the league’s top draft eligible prospect, beating out Whitney and Martin Frk. He had already received the Michel Bergeron trophy, awarded annually to the best offensive rookie of the year.

Grigorenko was named to the league’s first all-star team, as well as the rookie all-star team.

The Russian import scored 40 goals and added 85 points in his first season of hockey in North America with the Remparts. He is currently fourth in Future Considerations’ ranking for the 2012 draft.

Dumba, who captained Canada’s Ivan Hlinka Memorial team to a gold medal finish last summer, was cut from Canada’s 2012 World Junior entry in December. He is the highest-ranked Canadian prospect in the tournament and is currently seventh in Future Considerations’ April rankings.

Gaunce, the highest-ranked forward at 19, took to Twitter to announce his participation earlier Wednesday. The Belleville Bulls star had 28 goals and 68 points in 68 games this season.

Joining the duo are potential 2012 first round picks Damon Severson, Scott Laughton and Mike Winther.

The team also has plenty of talent for 2013 as well, including Kerby Rychel. Sam Reinhart, who scored 28 goals with the Kootenay Ice this season, is eligible in 2014.

Preliminary Roster:

Goaltenders: Spencer Martin (Mississauga St. Mikes Majors), Matt Murray (Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds), Brandon Whitney (Victoriaville Tigres).

Defensemen: Mathew Dumba (Red Deer Rebels), Josh Morrissey (Prince Albert Raiders), Darnell Nurse (Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds), Adam Pelech (Erie Otters), Warren Steele (Kingston Frontenacs), Damon Severson (Kelowna Rockets).

Forwards: Troy Bourke (Prince George Cougars), William Carrier (Cape Breton Screaming Eagles), Brendan Gaunce (Belleville Bulls), Scott Kosmachuk (Guelph Storm), Scott Laughton (Oshawa Generals), Anthony Mantha (Val d’Or Foreurs), Sam Reinhart (Kootenay Ice), Kerby Rychel (Windsor Spitfires), Gemel Smith (Owen Sound Attack), Branden Troock (Seattle Thunderbirds), Mike Winther (Prince Albert Raiders),

Martin took to the social media outlet to announce his participation in the event later this month in the Czech Republic, joining Victoriaville Tigres netminder Brandon Whitney between the pipes.

“End yr prty couldnt have ended the yr off any btr! the best nite of my life nd im honored to say il b representing Canada at the world U18s!” tweeted Martin.

Martin represented Team Ontario at the World Under-17 Challenge earlier this season.

In 15 games this year, Martin went 2-7-1 with a 3.98 goals against average and .885 save percentage. He is eligible for the 2013 NHL Entry Draft.

Blugers, who plays for Shattuck St. Mary’s Prep, is seen as the second-best Latvian available in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft to World Junior teammate Zemgus Girgensons. Girgensons is still skating with the Dubuque Fighting Saints of the USHL.

Blugers will be joined by Elvis Merzlikins and Roberts Lipsbergs, both whom also represented Latvia at the World Juniors.

Preliminary Roster

Goalkeepers
Ivars Punnenovs (Kloten Flyers, Swiss U20), Elvis Merzļikins (HC Lugano, Swiss U20), Nils Grīnfogels (HK Juniors, MHL-B).

Defensemen
Iļja Makarovs (Liepājas Metalurgs2, Latvia), Edmunds Augstkalns (HK Juniors, MHL-B), Patriks Škuratovs (HK Juniors, MHL-B), Rinalds Rosinskis (HK Juniors, MHL-B), Jānis Eisaks (HK Juniors, MHL-B), Mārtiņš Oskars Freimanis (Liepājas Metalurgs2, Latvia), Krists Apsītis (HS Rīga/Prizma, MHL-B), Kristaps Bazevičs (Alaska Avalanche), Rūdolfs Kalvītis (Shattuck-St. Marys AAA), Matīss Gelažis (EC Rose Redical Graz 99vs, Austria).

Forwards
Nikolajs Jeļisejevs (HK Rīga, MHL-A), Ņikita Jevpalovs (HK Rīga, MHL-A), Roberts Lipsbergs (HK Rīga, MHL-A), Rihards Bukarts (Kapitan, MHL-A), Georgijs Golovkovs (Liepājas Metalurgs2), Edgars Kulda (HK Juniors, MHL-B), Daniels Riekstiņš (HS Rīga/Prizma, MHL-B), Ričards Kondrats (HK Juniors, MHL-B), Filips Plostnieks (HS Rīga/Prizma, MHL-B), Artūrs Ševčenko (HK Rīga, MHL-A), Kārlis Ozoliņš (Liepājas Metalurgs2, Latvia), Edgars Homjakovs (Liepājas Metalurgs2, Latvia), Teodors Bļugers (Shattuck St. Mary’s Prep), Martins Lavrovs (Assat U18, Finland), Rūdolfs Pētersons (HK Rīga95, Latvia), Roberts Šmits (Select Hockey Academy).

The Belleville Bulls forward took to Twitter Wednesday to announce his participation in the World Under-18 Championship in the Czech Republic later this month.

“So much for being home for the summer. Off to the airport to stay for the day before flying to Czech for U18′s!” tweeted Gaunce Wednesday.

Gaunce his the highest profile member of Canada to date, joining Brandon Whitney, Anthony Mantha,  William Carrier and Troy Bourke. The six-foot-two, 205-pound forward had 28 goals and 68 points in 68 games this season.

A potential first rounder in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft, Gaunce also hinted at Kerby Rychel‘s participation. Rychel is eligible to be drafted in 2013.

The Sarnia Sting standout has consistently been ranked No. 1 throughout the season.

Teuvo Teravainen‘s rise, however, has been a little more shocking.

Slotted 41st in FC’s October ranking and 30th by the Midterm, Teravainen’s stock has continued to skyrocket with incredible play through March and into April – making the Finn one of the fastest rising prospects available in 2012′s draft and a candidate to go among the first 10 names this June in Pittsburgh.

Want Griffin Reinhart’s lid? Subscribe to either Future Considerations’ ‘Season Pass’ or ’2012 NHL Entry Draft Guide’ for your chance to win!

Another player trending the right direction is Dubuque Fighting Saints forward Zemgus Girgensons. Considered a first rounder all season, the Latvian is moving closer to being selected in the opening half of the first round.

But perhaps the most surprising rise has come out of Sweden.

Hampus Lindholm makes his debut in the top-30 for the first time all season. The six-foot-two blueliner was ranked as high as 48 at FC’s Midterm. The Swedish defenseman will have ample opportunity to improve on his ranking as well when he represents his country at the World Under-18 Championship later this month.

Whitney’s Victoriaville Tigres were eliminated by the Baie-Comeau Drakkar in the first round of the QMJHL playoffs.

In 36 regular season games this season, the Kentville, NS. product had a 22-4-4 record with a 2.74 goals against average and .896 save percentage. In the playoffs, Whitney had a 5.49 goals against average and .831 save percentage.

Whitney represented Team Atlantic at the 2011 World Under-17 Challenge, recording a 3.58 goals against average and .898 save percentage.

He joins fellow QMJHLers Anthony Mantha and  William Carrier at the event, as well as Troy Bourke of the Prince George Cougars. Canada has yet to officially announce the remaining members of the team.

Perhaps none more than the Sarnia Sting standout himself, who admitted he was ready and willing to answer the call for his country.

“I was hoping I’ll represent Team USA but I respect their choice,” Galchenyuk told The Pipeline Show Tuesday.

The American roster is comprised of 21 members of the National Team Development Program along with one from high school in Daniel O’Regan. The team has no members from the Canadian Hockey League.

Galchenyuk, the third-ranked prospect for the 2012 NHL Entry Draft, understood the strategy the team was trying to build around.

“They have a group that has been together for the last two years and they signed the contract to play for NTDP team,” Galchenyuk said. “They have their chemistry and stuff like that.

“They’ve been together for two years. They live together; go to school together. They have the chemistry and stuff like that so I really respect that.”

The Under-18′s could have given the six-foot-two, 205-pound center an opportunity to get in some more game action in front of scouts after an injury riddled campaign.

He made his regular season debut on March 14th after missing over six months with a knee injury that forced the six-foot-one, 185-pound centre to undergo surgery. He returned for two games on March 14th, but left March 16th’s game against the London Knights with an upper-body injury. He suited up for six games in the playoffs, scoring twice and adding two assists.

Mantha, a forward with the Val D’or Foreurs, had 22 goals and 51 points in 63 games this season, including 40 points over the final 27 games of the season. His Foreurs were swept in the QMJHL playoffs by the Rimouski Oceanic. The 17-year-old had two goals and four points in the series.

The six-foot-three forward from Longueuil, QC. joins fellow QMJHLer William Carrier and Troy Bourke of the Prince George Cougars as the only three players named to the event.

Troy Bourke of the Prince George Cougars and Cape Breton Screaming Eagles centre William Carrier will both be called upon by Canada in its quest to capture their first gold medal at the tournament since 2008. Canada also won the event in 2003.

Carrier, 17, scored 27 goals and 70 points in 66 regular season games for the Screaming Eagles. He also led the team in playoff scoring with three goals and six points after being swept in four games by the Saint John Sea Dogs.

Bourke tallied 18 goals and 56 points in 71 games with the Cougars this season. The Onoway, AB. product was the last player cut from Canada’s roster at the 2011 Ivan Hlinka Memorial.

Trouba, considered a top-10 pick for 2012, also represented the Americans at the 2012 World Junior Championship. He will be joined on the blueline by Brady Skjei, who is also pushing to be considered as a first round pick. Seth Jones, considered by many to be the top defenseman eligible in 2013, will also be at the event. Jones almost made the World Junior entry, but suffered an injury in selection camp that left him unavailable to compete.

Matteau is also considered a first round pick, and will be flanked up front by fellow first round candidate Nicolas Kerdiles.

Preliminary Roster

Goaltenders: Collin Olson (NTDP-18), Jared Rutledge (NTDP-18).

Defensemen: Will Butcher (NTDP-17), Connor Carrick (NTDP-18), Matt Grzelcyk (NTDP-18), Seth Jones (NTDP-18), Patrick Sieloff (NTDP-18), Brady Skjei (NTDP-18), Jacob Trouba (NTDP-18).

Forwards: Riley Barber (NTDP-18), JT Compher (NTDP-17), Andrew Copp (NTDP-18), Cameron Darcy (NTDP-18), Thomas Di Pauli (NTDP-18), Ryan Hartman (NTDP-18), Nicolas Kerdiles (NTDP-18), Matthew Lane (NTDP-18), Stefan Matteau (NTDP-18), Daniel O’Regan (St. Sebastian’s (Mass.) School), Kyle Osberberg (NTDP-18), Quentin Shore (NTDP-18), Frankie Vatrano (NTDP-18).

Driedger may be called to action for one of two goaltending positions for Canada’s entry at the World Under-18 Championship in Brno and Znojmo, Czech Republic, April 12-22, 2012.

“I think they’ve been talking to my agent,” Driedger said. “I’m not too sure if I’m on the team yet. They haven’t come out with the list yet.”

Driedger’s season came to an end after the Hitmen fell in five games to the Brandon Wheat Kings, making him available to Hockey Canada if need be.

“It would be really cool to be in that going to the Czech Republic,” Driedger said. “Hopefully, I’ve got my fingers crossed, but Hockey Canada has a couple of good guys in the system so we’ll have to see what happens.”

No stranger to Hockey Canada, Driedger was one of six goaltenders under the age of 18 invited to their summer goaltending camp last June. He wasn’t, however, invited to try out for Canada’s entry at the 2011 Ivan Hlinka Memorial.

In 44 games this season, Driedger had a 24-12-3 record with a 2.80 goals against average and .896 save percentage.

The Kitchener Rangers standout is currently 12th in Future Considerations ranking for the draft. He’ll be joined by Adam Chlapik of the Muskegon Lumberjacks of the USHL and Dominik Volek of the Regina Pats.

Preliminary Roster:

G: Marek Langhamer (Pardubice), Josef Sobotka (Liberec), Patrik Polívka (Plzeň), Daniel Dolejš (Havl. Brod), Dominik Hrachovina (Tappara Tampere – FIN).

D: Jan Sedlák (Kometa Brno), Martin Kokeš (Litvínov), Karel Plášil, Tomáš Prokop (oba Č. Budějovice), Jiří Běhal (Třinec), Jakub Houfek (Plzeň), Ronald Knot (Slavia), Jan Košťálek (Sparta), Marek Bail, Adam Hawlík, Jan Štencel (všichni Vítkovice), Radek Havel, Dominik Tejnor (oba Chomutov), Lukáš Buchta (Zlín), Libor Šulák (Tatranskí Vlci – MHL), Eustathios Soumelidis (Vaasan Sport – FIN), Michal Plutnar (Tri City Americans – WHL), Petr Šidlík (Victoriaville Tigres – QMJHL).

O: Ladislav Marek (Mladá Boleslav), Adam Dlouhý, Matěj Psota (oba Liberec), Vojta Tomeček, Matěj Zadražil (Karlovy Vary), Tomáš Franek (Třinec), Dominik Kubalík, Roman Přikryl, Jan Schleiss (všichni Plzeň), Richard Nejezchleb (Slavia), Martin Matějček, Dominik Simon, Martin Procházka (všichni Sparta), Jan Hudeček, Ondřej Slováček, Patrik Zdráhal (všichni Vítkovice), Jiří Fronk (Chomutov), Pavel Sedláček (Zlín), Jakub Vrána (Linköping – SWE), Patrik Machač (Brampton Batallion – OHL), Radek Faksa (Kitchener Rangers – OHL), Adam Chlapík (Muskegon Lumberjacks – USHL), Dominik Volek (Regina Pats – WHL)