For those of you who like to know prospects from very far down the road, here is my current top-5 for best 2003 players out of Québec:
1. Charles-Alexis Legault (D)
Mature beyond his years, Legault is a tall, mobile defenseman that thinks the game at a very high level. Skating is top-notch, very mobile in all directions and great use of first couple of steps. He's dynamic on the rush, and doesn't hesitate to pinch in. He has a solid shot from the point, but can also set-up plays with good passing instincts. His positioning is a bit off at times on defense, but he more than makes up for it with his quick feet, active stick, physical play and anticipation. To me, this player is the best bet to be in Midget AAA next season as an underager.
2. Zachary L'Heureux (C)
Hard-working center with great top-speed and high offensive skills. L'Heureux is very tenacious in all three zones and extremely physical despite not being that big (about 5'5). He's always finishing his checks and even likes to be active after the whistle. Offensively, he's very dangerous, especially off the rush where his hands and speed shine. He attacks defenders one-on-one and is often able to catch them off balance and make move towards the net. He is able to create time and space easily both for himself and for his linemates. He has high hockey sense and great understanding of the game, and I can definitely see his skillset translating very well to the next levels.
3. Dovar Tinling (W)
This kid has pure offensive skills in my opinion. He has high marks in shooting, passing, stickhandling and skating. His skating is very smooth and he reaches top gear very quickly, even with the puck on his stick. His stickhandling is impressive which allows him to rush the puck up the ice with ease and protect it against oncoming defensemen. The thing I like the most about him is his shooting skills; a very quick release on his wrist shot, very accurate and already a lot of power behind it at just 13 years of age. I feel like this kid is going to score a lot of goals in the future. At times, he can be lost in the defensive end, and he needs to improve his intensity on the ice, which leads me to queston whether or not he will be in Midget AAA next season. It could be good for him to stay with his peers and dominate.
4. Joshua Roy (W)
A very smart offensive player with decent wheels and quick mits. I really like Roy's playmaking abilities and feel thats his best biggest strength. He likes having the puck on his stick and is always making passes across the offensive zone that makes you go 'wow'. He doesn't hesitate to go in the dirty areas and his hands allow him to win a lot of puck battles despite not being the biggest/strongest guy out there. He has a very dynamic first couple of steps which allow him to seperate himself from defensemen in tight areas. He is excellent on the breakout and can carry the puck with ease through the neutral zone.
5. James Malatesta (W)
It's hard not to rank this kid in the top-5 with the amount of power he has already in his 5'6 frame. This kid has a very hard and accurate wrist shot which he isnt afraid to use. He is a very physical player that battles hard in the corners and parks his body in front of the net to screen the goalie or to fish for loose pucks. He's involved in all three zones and in fact does great penalty killing work for his team. He has a good skating style and very nice top speed. He puts himself in scoring positions always and is very intense on the forecheck. He works hard in deep and forces a lot of turnovers each game.
You can view individual game reports on those players and more at
www.hockeyprospect.com
