The big center is an excellent mix of strength and skill. To go along with the above ability is his hard working nature and ability to log loads of minutes. Champagne is a trusted prospect who plays crucial minutes in all situations and dominates the PK with his long reach and active stick. He has good puck handling ability and will go through traffic and drive to the net or get off one of his nice wrist shots mid-stride. He is at his best in the corners and working for loose pucks around the oppositions goal crease. He skates well with decent straight line speed and plays the game with his mind as well as his body. Champagne displays solid face-off abilities and good puck protection abilities. (May 2008)