*OFFICIAL* Moncton Wildcats 2013-2014 Thread
- Thread starter WildcatMapleLeafs28
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WildcatMapleLeafs28
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WildcatMapleLeafs28
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Camp Update..
The better players today were Hunt , Simpson , McCabe , Johnston and Pugsley. All whom I think are locks on the roster.
Oliver, Mann , Seeger and Smith looked decent too.
Beaudoin wasn't great but he has good vision , great speed and soft hands. He's one player that had a good camp last season that I was expecting to bring more. Hopefully he turns things around. I'll be keeping an eye on him.
Holwell looked okay but nervous out there. For people thinking he has a spot on the team , I agree that another year would be best before major junior for him. He needs to add size and bulk up. I think he'll come around as the camp goes on.
No White was disappointing. From what I hear he is one of the better American kids. Looked really solid at the other tourney.
Had a chance to talk to a couple of kids today. David Poirier is a great , polite young man. Attitude wise , you couldn't ask for better. I hope they give him a long look. I'd give him half the game against Charlottetown on Friday.
Goalie wise Hunt was a cut above the rest like mentioned above. Besides him anyone like to share their thoughts ?
Colatarci was a +6 after both games and seems to have really improved his skating and looked very poised. Looks like he's turning heads. Late bloomer ??
The better players today were Hunt , Simpson , McCabe , Johnston and Pugsley. All whom I think are locks on the roster.
Oliver, Mann , Seeger and Smith looked decent too.
Beaudoin wasn't great but he has good vision , great speed and soft hands. He's one player that had a good camp last season that I was expecting to bring more. Hopefully he turns things around. I'll be keeping an eye on him.
Holwell looked okay but nervous out there. For people thinking he has a spot on the team , I agree that another year would be best before major junior for him. He needs to add size and bulk up. I think he'll come around as the camp goes on.
No White was disappointing. From what I hear he is one of the better American kids. Looked really solid at the other tourney.
Had a chance to talk to a couple of kids today. David Poirier is a great , polite young man. Attitude wise , you couldn't ask for better. I hope they give him a long look. I'd give him half the game against Charlottetown on Friday.
Goalie wise Hunt was a cut above the rest like mentioned above. Besides him anyone like to share their thoughts ?
Colatarci was a +6 after both games and seems to have really improved his skating and looked very poised. Looks like he's turning heads. Late bloomer ??
They gotta do something about the unevenness, 10 goal differential ? Come on. Goaltending for White Team was miserable tonight. When things are lopsided like this its easy to get a false impression of a player's calibre--for better and worse !. I agree for the most part with the assessment of the players who you list, but think about the difference does lie in who they're playing with. Somebody said Pitre got under the skin of his opponents, and nothing wrong with that when you're trying to make something happen. He played decent too. Couple times he tried a little too hard, but he played with a pulse and buried one finally on a penalty shot he drew. No mystery why only one White forward on your list (and only "decent") though the way I see it, and even he (Seeger) wasn't able to generate more offense to stand out; he worked hard and was strong on the puck, but his line mates definitely could have benefitted team White if they buried one of every three passes Seeger put on their sticks. He was one of maybe two who had any net front presence, and his battle is noticeable; he mixed it up a bunch of time with McCabe, fun to watch. That line had a few goals over two games including Drover from Seeger tonight from great effort grinding behind and around the net. Put Seeger on a line with any one of the your named forwards and sure as heck would be different from what I saw tonight. Take Johnson and McCabe and put them on the White team in addition, and there wouldn't near as much a spread even with weaker goaltending. Smith was good too, but look at who he's playing with. McCabe is nasty so far too, he has great potential.
WildcatMapleLeafs28
Registered User
I agree. I'm sure it wasn't their intention to have the teams this lopsided. They'll be tweaked a bit tomorrow to even them out. I think Johnston - McCabe will be our third pairing this season. They'd compliment each other well imo. Seeger was okay , may nerves got to him a bit. He was much more noticeable in the other tourney a couple of weeks ago. I expect he'll come around. He's certainly got the grit , heart and determination. McCabe is very nasty. He was one of the only players throwing his weight around. He's going to be a solid , hard nosed stay at home defenceman. He reminds me of a Matt Boyle/ Patrick Downe type. Boyle for his toughness and grit and Downe for his skill set. Smith showed good signs as well. Should be an interesting year , I'm certainly looking forward to it.
Update:
Goalies:
Charest played pretty good getting the shutout this morning.
Grady looks alright, nothing great.
Poirier looks good in the net but cant stop a beach ball.
Kelly looked okay, nothing great.
Hunt didn't play his best in the 1st but played well in the half period he played in the 2nd.
Defence:
I am a big fan of Nate O'Brien. Great skater, great vision. Too bad he is 19.
Mann looks pretty good. Didn't notice him a lot today.
Dorsey looks pretty solid for a 17 year old. Not a bad skater. Good poise.
I didn't notice Holwell that much today. Looks fine out there. He NEEDS to put on more weight though.
Johnston is my favorite D-man out there. Great vision and skater.
Wade Kropp looks good as well but nothing great. Could be a good tough guy to have on the team.
Shawn Morgan was invisible today.
Tanner McCabe was invisible in the 1st period but stepped up later on. Need to work on skating but is still solid.
Forwards:
Beaudoin has disappointed so far. Hasn't done anything as of yet.
Im a fan of Cody Drover. Good skater, decent size. Great skill and good vision.
Seeger was good today. His vision is incredible. Definitely his #1 asset. Needs to work on his skating though.
Was Simpson playing this morning. I don't believe I seen him this morning.
Bradley seems solid. Best skater in the camp. He should be on the team. Great 3rd line player. I just wish he was 17.
Pugsley looks okay. Didn't do a whole lot today.
Smith looks good. Solid puck protection and good vision.
Bower looked really good today IMO. Although he was playing on a line with Smith and Bradley.
I really enjoy watching Olivier. I think he is gonna be a solid player in this league. Great size out there, The only thing he needs to work on is his skating.
I find Pitre to be a little of a disappointment. I was expecting big things after he took 2nd in scoring in Midget AAA in Quebec. He is very small and hasn't shown much skill out there.
I believe the final score today was 6-4 for Red. Much closer game than last night.
Goalies:
Charest played pretty good getting the shutout this morning.
Grady looks alright, nothing great.
Poirier looks good in the net but cant stop a beach ball.
Kelly looked okay, nothing great.
Hunt didn't play his best in the 1st but played well in the half period he played in the 2nd.
Defence:
I am a big fan of Nate O'Brien. Great skater, great vision. Too bad he is 19.
Mann looks pretty good. Didn't notice him a lot today.
Dorsey looks pretty solid for a 17 year old. Not a bad skater. Good poise.
I didn't notice Holwell that much today. Looks fine out there. He NEEDS to put on more weight though.
Johnston is my favorite D-man out there. Great vision and skater.
Wade Kropp looks good as well but nothing great. Could be a good tough guy to have on the team.
Shawn Morgan was invisible today.
Tanner McCabe was invisible in the 1st period but stepped up later on. Need to work on skating but is still solid.
Forwards:
Beaudoin has disappointed so far. Hasn't done anything as of yet.
Im a fan of Cody Drover. Good skater, decent size. Great skill and good vision.
Seeger was good today. His vision is incredible. Definitely his #1 asset. Needs to work on his skating though.
Was Simpson playing this morning. I don't believe I seen him this morning.
Bradley seems solid. Best skater in the camp. He should be on the team. Great 3rd line player. I just wish he was 17.
Pugsley looks okay. Didn't do a whole lot today.
Smith looks good. Solid puck protection and good vision.
Bower looked really good today IMO. Although he was playing on a line with Smith and Bradley.
I really enjoy watching Olivier. I think he is gonna be a solid player in this league. Great size out there, The only thing he needs to work on is his skating.
I find Pitre to be a little of a disappointment. I was expecting big things after he took 2nd in scoring in Midget AAA in Quebec. He is very small and hasn't shown much skill out there.
I believe the final score today was 6-4 for Red. Much closer game than last night.
White should be there tomorrow. He was at the Beantown Classic up in MA which ended today.
Let me know what you think of his game. He looked pretty good here against some decent competition. No kids in this tourney will be taken in the top 4 rounds this year, but there were a good amount of D1 commits.
Let me know what you think of his game. He looked pretty good here against some decent competition. No kids in this tourney will be taken in the top 4 rounds this year, but there were a good amount of D1 commits.
WildcatMapleLeafs28
Registered User
He's an update from a scout and an interesting article via MonctonSports.com...
"Will Smith – As advertised, two very solid days so far.
Garrett Johnston – A free agent out of Manitoba, Johnston is a very confident player with the puck. He can carry the puck out of the zone or find the open man for a breakout pass.
Josh Pugsley – Good vision and solid passer. Small and Will need to gain strength but should make team.
Alex Bradley – The former Moncton Flyers captain showed why he lead Midget AAA in scoring last season with his speed and hands. Consistently among best players throughout each game.
Tanner McCabe – Solid defenseman who can take care of his own end. He showed his offensive skill by wiring a perfect top corner shot on a penalty shot.
Stephan Seegar – Strong power forward showed skill with a few moves.
Mark Simpson – Looked like a man amongst boys out there. Big body and used it well.
Isaiah Douthwright – Short but sturdy player. Had a nice goal. Looked good offensively.
Daniel Lafontaine – Showed flashes of skill but seemed very disinterested in his own zone and took a lazy penalty. He will have to show more effort to make it to main camp.
Goalies – It’s tough to judge goalies in these types of hockey games with a heavy amount of wide open chances and penalty shots, but 18-year old Graham Hunt seems to the most solid so far. Alex Kelly had a solid 4th game"
http://monctonsports.com/hockey-season-officially-underway/
"Will Smith – As advertised, two very solid days so far.
Garrett Johnston – A free agent out of Manitoba, Johnston is a very confident player with the puck. He can carry the puck out of the zone or find the open man for a breakout pass.
Josh Pugsley – Good vision and solid passer. Small and Will need to gain strength but should make team.
Alex Bradley – The former Moncton Flyers captain showed why he lead Midget AAA in scoring last season with his speed and hands. Consistently among best players throughout each game.
Tanner McCabe – Solid defenseman who can take care of his own end. He showed his offensive skill by wiring a perfect top corner shot on a penalty shot.
Stephan Seegar – Strong power forward showed skill with a few moves.
Mark Simpson – Looked like a man amongst boys out there. Big body and used it well.
Isaiah Douthwright – Short but sturdy player. Had a nice goal. Looked good offensively.
Daniel Lafontaine – Showed flashes of skill but seemed very disinterested in his own zone and took a lazy penalty. He will have to show more effort to make it to main camp.
Goalies – It’s tough to judge goalies in these types of hockey games with a heavy amount of wide open chances and penalty shots, but 18-year old Graham Hunt seems to the most solid so far. Alex Kelly had a solid 4th game"
http://monctonsports.com/hockey-season-officially-underway/
Smith Pugsley McCabe Seeger Johnstone-agree, should go through. Simpson should go through but he is noticeably weaker on the puck than Smith and Seeger, even Pugsley. Safer north south player driving to the net, but one would think he'd have more of a net front presence sometimes. He had a nice goal off shot tonight top of circle, and can't deny he plays well with support in cast around him. . Game tonight highlighted some weaknesses too; he had puck stolen from him several times fairly easily, and when hit goes down fast for such a big body. Went down hard on a a mediocre hit from a smaller red team player who picked his pocket and sent the big man yardsale into the boards. Skating wise he needs work, but that can come in the course of his development. So agreed he has an upside and proven worthy to go through, but he has been playing with rookies, needs to demonstrate he can be more sturdy especially before he gets the "man among boys" label. Smith is solid, flashes on and off, but is a great skater, would like to see him bury more on his chances, he lacks nose for the net IMO, but he can play at this level and we are gonna see him in the lineup. . Seeger and Simpson I thought did well together after the change this morning their line potting one or two. But then Seeger moved over to red team and didn't get to see anymore of them. Seeger seen with shoulder wrapped in warm ups by some guys, looks like he's been playing injured for a few games, but finds a way to impress, showing determination and grit; he certainly wasn't shying away and again demonstrates ability to get plenty of shots to the net and stir it up net front unlike most others over the last couple of days. I think we need a player willing to go to the dirty areas and we'd be in good shape if he and Simpson were both on that wave length. Would not surprise me, or others I talked to, if we saw Simpson and Seeger playing together again, especially if they both go through. Hoping Seeger is staying post 48, anyone know status ? Pugsley more effective than the others in early games, but not so in last game. He's fast and moves well, and he could definitely survive out there, just interesting where he would fit into the line up with his style of play. He's really not a player to compare with guys like Simpson and Seeger, who have totally different utility, and while he is more effective than Smith, his competition stylistically are guys like Garland and the new Russian. not too many would disagree though he is no Garland, and is not expected to rival our newest Russian addition. Bradley looked consistent and he's got good speed and hands, I'm not sure quite yet though, and would like to see him in a physical exhibition game. Doubtright same deal, agree he's productive, but size wize needs to be tested in action. We are in good shape, and if White shows up, he will contend for a spot, but won't' be easy with McCabe, Johnston, out there to lock a spot expecting to play over many of the D expected to be there on the roster opening day.
WildcatMapleLeafs28
Registered User
After a few days of camp here are my roster predictions. Obviously things can change as camp goes on as it's still early.
Dubeau
Hunt
Emond - Sweeney
Wood - Yarwood
Johnston - McCabe
White - Mann/Holwell
Lalonde - Barbashev - Tkachev
Tremaine - Penny - Garland
Smith - Johnson - Caissy
Batt - Pugsley - Haas
Simpson - Seeger
Dubeau
Hunt
Emond - Sweeney
Wood - Yarwood
Johnston - McCabe
White - Mann/Holwell
Lalonde - Barbashev - Tkachev
Tremaine - Penny - Garland
Smith - Johnson - Caissy
Batt - Pugsley - Haas
Simpson - Seeger
WildcatMapleLeafs28
Registered User
I liked him thus far but just don't know where he'd fit. I'm going to wait and see how he does in the main camp if he's still around come Sunday. It's about 50/50 for me. I hope he gets lots of ice time against Charlottetown Friday. It's really hard to gauge some of these kids.
WildcatMapleLeafs28
Registered User
Colatarci and Sweet leave camp to maintain NCAA eligibility... From what I hear Flynn told them it would be wise to do so.
WildcatMapleLeafs28
Registered User
From today's Times & Transcript...
"Those who have gone home are goaltender David Poirier (age 18, U.S. prep school), defencemen Mark Wagner (age 18, Nova Scotia midget AAA) and Joe Colataci (age 18, U.S. junior A), and forwards Daniel Lafontaine (age 18, U.S. prep school), Zachary Tsekos (age 17, Quebec high school), Richie Greenberg (age 17, U.S. junior A) and Bradley Power (age 17, U.S. junior A).
"Those who have gone home are goaltender David Poirier (age 18, U.S. prep school), defencemen Mark Wagner (age 18, Nova Scotia midget AAA) and Joe Colataci (age 18, U.S. junior A), and forwards Daniel Lafontaine (age 18, U.S. prep school), Zachary Tsekos (age 17, Quebec high school), Richie Greenberg (age 17, U.S. junior A) and Bradley Power (age 17, U.S. junior A).
WildcatMapleLeafs28
Registered User
He's a recap after tonight's win over Charlottetown...
Alex Kelly - Had a good game imo , he isn't the prettiest technically but stopped everything shot he faced. Looked good for a 96' born. Hope he gets a long look. Doubt he makes it this season as Hunt has the backup position basically secured but think he's made a case for next season
Graham Hunt - Looked okay. Let one weak goal in but didn't have a chance on another. Was good with his angles and didn't seem to go down as much as the scrimmages. Good glove. Needs to work on rebound control.
Shawn Morgan - Looked fairly average. Decent skater and good hockey IQ. Seemed to be a bit timid and not as involved in the play enough. Needs to take the body more and clear the front of the net.
Adam Holwell - Wasn't his night. Nerves seemed to really affect him. Probably the weakest defenceman on the ice. Looked overwhelmed by the speed of the game and had a hard time reading plays. He was pushed off the puck and beat in front of the net. Needs to add size/muscle. He's a good skater though and used his stick well.
Garrett Johnston - Looked very good. Probably our best defenseman tonight. Good skater and very good offensive instincts. Cleared the zone well and has great vision. Crisp passer and utilizes his stick well. Used on the power play and shoots the puck well. He was one of the only players to take some one-timers. Cycled the puck well from the point and pinched at the right time. He's very engaged in the play and paired well with O'Brien. Definitely some chemistry there. I'd consider him a lock.
Matt Gray - Looked disinterested tonight. Wasn't involved enough in the play. Was knocked off the puck easily and was usually the last guy back. Skating is average and puck handling poor. Doesn't look ready.
Nate O'Brien - Looked good pairing with Johnston. They compliment each other well. Fluid skater with a nice shot. Good vision and great puck mover. Didn't shy away from the corners and won most of the puck battles. Could play with more of an edge. I think he's made a good case for himself. I'd consider him a 60/40 shot at making the team. His age is working against him.
Benji Curtis - Looked average tonight. Noticed him more as the game went on. Okay skater and stick handler. Got quite a few shots off and was aggressive on the forcheck. Having a hard time reading plays and with the pace of major junior. Can't see him sticking.
Zachery Beaudoin - The kid has wheels and is good at faceoffs. Beyond that is okay but not great. Scored a nice goal and set up another.Looks very small out there and gives up too easily. Don't think he'll make it.
Maxim Pitre - Had a great game. Was aggressive on the forcheck and gave it 110%. Fast skater and very shifty. Defenders had a hard time containing and knocking him off the puck. Was able to get in the slot and get off quality shots. Also has good vision and made some nice passes. Needs to keep his cool and not let opponents get him off his game. Took some needless penalties. Very small. 50/50 chance imo, definitely made management take a long look.
Liam Hynes - Had a great game. Finally showing his offensive side. This kid knows how to skate and score. Used his speed well to blow by defenders and has a strong accurate wrist shot. Scored two nice goals tonight and added to helpers. Vision and hockey IQ are both up there as well. Has to be better without the puck and get bigger. Like this kid a lot and he reminds me of Kris Hodge. If he plays like he did tonight , he'd be pretty hard to cut.
Will Smith - He didn't get much ice time and may be slightly injured. He looked very careful out there tonight. He's a great skater and very smart. Strong back checker and isn't afraid to battle for the puck. Pretty sure he already has his spot on the team.
Zachery Whitlock - Had a good game. Won a very one-sided bout with Howe. Landed about a dozen solid punches. Very physical player that doesn't shy away from no one. He certainly plays with an edge and landed some solid checks. He's was good on the penalty kill and blocked some quality shots. Hard worker that gives 110% and wears his heart on his sleeve. Aggressive on the forcheck and first one back. I'd consider him a slight underdog for a roster spot but we could certainly use a player like him in the bottom six, especially hearing what kind of team Rumble plans on icing.
Mark Simpson- Had a decent game but didn't wow be like he did last year. He's a big body that has a nose for the net. Likes to shoot the puck and had quite a few quality shots. Strong positionally and reads plays well.A year of Jr.A certainly helped a lot but he still has to work harder.Needs to improve his skating and get stronger. Would also like to see him use his size more.I'd give him a 50/50 shot at making the team.
Josh Pugsley- Was one of the better players on the ice. Very fast skater with a nice shot. He was good vision and set up a couple of nice plays but was held off the scoreboard. Hard worker that gives his 110% every shift. A season in Amherst certainly benefited him. I think he'll continue to improve and get a spot.
Wade Kropp - Okay skater and decision maker. Wasn't overly noticeable for good or bad reasons. Cleared the front of the net well and move the puck quick. Would like to see him play with more of an edge. Overall pretty average. Don't see him with a spot.
Mathieu Olivier Happily surprised with this kid. Good at just about everything and was able to find the scoreboard. Plays a smart game. I think another year of AAA will do him wonders. Could improve his footspeed. Think he'll turn into a solid two-way player. Won't be on the team this season but will be a solid part of our future.
Tanner McCabe - Tough , nasty stay at home dman. Had a great fight clearly beating Howe. Good size and strength. Clears the front of the net and battles hard. Plays a smart and simple game.He really needs to work on his skating which has always been suspect and needs to eliminate senseless penalties. He reminds me of a Matt Boyle/Pat Downe with size. Boyle's toughness and Downe defensive style. I think he'll stick around.
Curtis McGregor - Seems average and not that noticeable. Sturdy on his skates and works hard. Good at cycling in the corners and is a solid checker. Needs to be faster and catch up to the pace of major junior.Can't see him warranting a spot.
Cody Drover - Very dangerous offensively. Dangerous around the net and gets in quality shots. Also a good playmaker with great vision. He found the scoreboard tonight and chemistry. Seems like he's a stride behind at times and not the best skater. Has to be better without the puck and jump back and help the D quicker. I think he'll be one of the last cuts.
Whitlock and McCabe both cleaned Howe's clock. Howe isn't like his brother. Not nearly and strong and big. He got beat up pretty bad both fights tonight.
Alex Kelly - Had a good game imo , he isn't the prettiest technically but stopped everything shot he faced. Looked good for a 96' born. Hope he gets a long look. Doubt he makes it this season as Hunt has the backup position basically secured but think he's made a case for next season
Graham Hunt - Looked okay. Let one weak goal in but didn't have a chance on another. Was good with his angles and didn't seem to go down as much as the scrimmages. Good glove. Needs to work on rebound control.
Shawn Morgan - Looked fairly average. Decent skater and good hockey IQ. Seemed to be a bit timid and not as involved in the play enough. Needs to take the body more and clear the front of the net.
Adam Holwell - Wasn't his night. Nerves seemed to really affect him. Probably the weakest defenceman on the ice. Looked overwhelmed by the speed of the game and had a hard time reading plays. He was pushed off the puck and beat in front of the net. Needs to add size/muscle. He's a good skater though and used his stick well.
Garrett Johnston - Looked very good. Probably our best defenseman tonight. Good skater and very good offensive instincts. Cleared the zone well and has great vision. Crisp passer and utilizes his stick well. Used on the power play and shoots the puck well. He was one of the only players to take some one-timers. Cycled the puck well from the point and pinched at the right time. He's very engaged in the play and paired well with O'Brien. Definitely some chemistry there. I'd consider him a lock.
Matt Gray - Looked disinterested tonight. Wasn't involved enough in the play. Was knocked off the puck easily and was usually the last guy back. Skating is average and puck handling poor. Doesn't look ready.
Nate O'Brien - Looked good pairing with Johnston. They compliment each other well. Fluid skater with a nice shot. Good vision and great puck mover. Didn't shy away from the corners and won most of the puck battles. Could play with more of an edge. I think he's made a good case for himself. I'd consider him a 60/40 shot at making the team. His age is working against him.
Benji Curtis - Looked average tonight. Noticed him more as the game went on. Okay skater and stick handler. Got quite a few shots off and was aggressive on the forcheck. Having a hard time reading plays and with the pace of major junior. Can't see him sticking.
Zachery Beaudoin - The kid has wheels and is good at faceoffs. Beyond that is okay but not great. Scored a nice goal and set up another.Looks very small out there and gives up too easily. Don't think he'll make it.
Maxim Pitre - Had a great game. Was aggressive on the forcheck and gave it 110%. Fast skater and very shifty. Defenders had a hard time containing and knocking him off the puck. Was able to get in the slot and get off quality shots. Also has good vision and made some nice passes. Needs to keep his cool and not let opponents get him off his game. Took some needless penalties. Very small. 50/50 chance imo, definitely made management take a long look.
Liam Hynes - Had a great game. Finally showing his offensive side. This kid knows how to skate and score. Used his speed well to blow by defenders and has a strong accurate wrist shot. Scored two nice goals tonight and added to helpers. Vision and hockey IQ are both up there as well. Has to be better without the puck and get bigger. Like this kid a lot and he reminds me of Kris Hodge. If he plays like he did tonight , he'd be pretty hard to cut.
Will Smith - He didn't get much ice time and may be slightly injured. He looked very careful out there tonight. He's a great skater and very smart. Strong back checker and isn't afraid to battle for the puck. Pretty sure he already has his spot on the team.
Zachery Whitlock - Had a good game. Won a very one-sided bout with Howe. Landed about a dozen solid punches. Very physical player that doesn't shy away from no one. He certainly plays with an edge and landed some solid checks. He's was good on the penalty kill and blocked some quality shots. Hard worker that gives 110% and wears his heart on his sleeve. Aggressive on the forcheck and first one back. I'd consider him a slight underdog for a roster spot but we could certainly use a player like him in the bottom six, especially hearing what kind of team Rumble plans on icing.
Mark Simpson- Had a decent game but didn't wow be like he did last year. He's a big body that has a nose for the net. Likes to shoot the puck and had quite a few quality shots. Strong positionally and reads plays well.A year of Jr.A certainly helped a lot but he still has to work harder.Needs to improve his skating and get stronger. Would also like to see him use his size more.I'd give him a 50/50 shot at making the team.
Josh Pugsley- Was one of the better players on the ice. Very fast skater with a nice shot. He was good vision and set up a couple of nice plays but was held off the scoreboard. Hard worker that gives his 110% every shift. A season in Amherst certainly benefited him. I think he'll continue to improve and get a spot.
Wade Kropp - Okay skater and decision maker. Wasn't overly noticeable for good or bad reasons. Cleared the front of the net well and move the puck quick. Would like to see him play with more of an edge. Overall pretty average. Don't see him with a spot.
Mathieu Olivier Happily surprised with this kid. Good at just about everything and was able to find the scoreboard. Plays a smart game. I think another year of AAA will do him wonders. Could improve his footspeed. Think he'll turn into a solid two-way player. Won't be on the team this season but will be a solid part of our future.
Tanner McCabe - Tough , nasty stay at home dman. Had a great fight clearly beating Howe. Good size and strength. Clears the front of the net and battles hard. Plays a smart and simple game.He really needs to work on his skating which has always been suspect and needs to eliminate senseless penalties. He reminds me of a Matt Boyle/Pat Downe with size. Boyle's toughness and Downe defensive style. I think he'll stick around.
Curtis McGregor - Seems average and not that noticeable. Sturdy on his skates and works hard. Good at cycling in the corners and is a solid checker. Needs to be faster and catch up to the pace of major junior.Can't see him warranting a spot.
Cody Drover - Very dangerous offensively. Dangerous around the net and gets in quality shots. Also a good playmaker with great vision. He found the scoreboard tonight and chemistry. Seems like he's a stride behind at times and not the best skater. Has to be better without the puck and jump back and help the D quicker. I think he'll be one of the last cuts.
Whitlock and McCabe both cleaned Howe's clock. Howe isn't like his brother. Not nearly and strong and big. He got beat up pretty bad both fights tonight.
Okay analysis BUT regarding Forwards:
Simpson: Expected much more. Very soft on puck for a big guy. First power play in offensive zone he was pick pocketed by a guy half his size again. I think of the words "bear down" when I watch this kid. He needs to be stronger for his size. Also, has to get his stick moving on penalty kill, its long enough. Not one solid body check from him, in a game where he could have shined more. Not his best showing, and not a "man among boys," in any sense. Like that he gets shots, but he has to focus and bear down. I don't do percentages because I think you have to compare apples to apples; players should be compared to ones that are being looked at for the same type of utility. He could work himself out just as fast as he can work himself on.
Smith: Maybe he is injured but he played his game as usual. Its what you get consistently with this young man. He is not a flashy player, he is a fast skater with good smarts ,who can be an offensive participant surrounded by the right people. We are expecting too much from him because of all the hype. He's on the team apparently, and maybe that affects him out there. But he should know that he is playing for a role/spot now in the lineup, not to just make the team. He needs to work with a power forward. Big challenge with Smith is to see where he fits in, not just looking at how well he skates, but where and with who he can be most productive.
Pitre: Had a great game, and was able to get on the board playing with a good cast of support. Stupid penalties though detract and you have to wonder where the thought process is here. He's small, and we have a ton of small players that can do what he does already. He's 18. And he's been to camp three times now. Why detract from what might be your best and last showing by playing foolishly? I like this kid, but with his age and potential to find himself in the box, you have to ask whether or not what he brings to the table in our rebuild that outweighs his lack of discipline. Again no percentage but he is already facing adversity--his stock goes up tonight, but overall, the longer look could also expose risks with him. We can't afford to have a lock of discipline stifle our scorers.
McGregor: Can anyone really say he can skate well enough to play at this level. He needs a stride overhaul, because its a very obvious and standout trait that overshadows his other qualities. I don't see it, not yet, and not without work. Not just a "needs to improve" skating comment either. Radical overhaul in movement/stride. Not just something you can take a chance on right now, because he'll get better at it through the year, like say for example a player like Simpson, who can realistically improve strength on the puck, and bending his knees to improve skating. Or even Benji Curtis who needs to cure the hop in his stride, and work on his speed. These are curable deficiencies. McGregor downs't fall in to the same category.
Olivier: You will see this kid in our future; he is very good, youth shows, but he can improve his skating easily with another year of development, right now we have options that justify the development elsewhere, and his confidence can only grow from this point. Chance? Yes. But he has lots of time for us to get him when he can make an impact. IMO best of the rookies 97's close with him and Bower.
Beaudoin: Lacks persistence that detracts from good qualities like smarts. "gives up" is a good way to put it. He has shining moments, and had a good game, hopefully he plays again tomorrow see if a more consistent track record can be built, because he was hot and cold in the scrimmages, sometime unnocitcable. He could use the persistence of a Benji Curtis--if it was there, he'd be harder to depart with. That having been said, good outweighs the bad, and we'll see if that formula is enough o get him through.
Gray: Just not a gamer at all tonight when he needed to be the most. Can you really count on or risk a pick with a player who takes a night off at this stage. Risky. IMO not as likely as several others including couple that didn't play in tonight's game.
Whitlock: Good spirit, and toughness, no doubt about that. Do we really need him as the Cat's fighter though. Can't see the obvious upside to compliment this aspect of his game, that would catapult him over some of the others. Depending on who the bottom six are, he might be a good addition, but I think the bottom six I estimate bring enough to the table, and he might fall short. I never like to count a player with this toughness out though, and I'll root for him.
Drover: Needs to get back. Has offensive upside, but total package not there yet.
Hynes: Size and play away from puck are concerns, he can be a liability at times. Definitely shows scoring ability, and is smart player though, so again, there is give take here, and question of development and trainability figure in a before the obvious good things he does earn him a spot. He is definitely close.
Curtis: Pesky persistent player, needs to work on skating, like many, but has upside. Maybe not quite there yet, but has the drive to make it and compete for spot. Forecheck steady and not afraid. Never seen giving up, and gives is all he has most shifts.
Pugsley: Wasn't very visible tonight IMO, expected to see more. Size noticeable of course, and I think he may have been hurt as an early boarding victim. Didn't play as much as I thought. He is very capable though, even at his size, and if he is competing against guys like Simpson, Gray, Whitlock, McGregor, Curtis, Beaudoin, Pitre, then he wins all day long. Harder to say comparing to Hynes, Smith, and one or two not playing tonight, but he will be there in the end it looks like.
D Analysis:
Agree completely, except all of them could pay a little more attention to clearing the net, and with much more authority. Couple tap in goals made easy. Good fight McCabe. Holwell still young, of course he will be tentative and nervous. Maybe another game and things will change, but clearly another year of development is warranted.
Great start though, and we haven't even seen everyone in action.
Based on the scrimmage play of some of the ncaa group, is it clear with tonights performance that any of the non players have a better chance, if so, who and why? This is a good question now, because some of the guys not playing in the x games will be going to camp next week, how do you compare them overall now, if you can't see them play in a game. Note, regardless of whether they play in the x games, they are still basically scrimmaging PEI rookies, with the increased physicality and crowd added in. Interesting.
WildcatMapleLeafs28
Registered User
WildcatMapleLeafs28
Registered User
After the first two exhibition games , here is my update roster prediction...
Dubeau
Hunt/Kelly
Emond - Sweeney
Wood - Yarwood
Johnston - O'Brien
McCabe - Kropp
Lalonde - Barbashev - Tkachev
Tremaine - Penny - Garland
Smith - Johnson - Caissy
Batt - Pugsley - Haas
Simpson - Hynes - Whitlock
I wouldn't be surprised to see us start the season with a 25 man roster. Kelly has looked really solid , especially for a 17 year old rookie free agent. If he doesn't make it , I'm sure he'll at least be signed to an affiliate player card for the season and come back to next year's camp as a favorite for a spot. Kropp's play has steadily improved , bumping Mann and Holwell(who would certainly benefit from another year before major junior) out of their spots. Never know , with the emergence of Kropp , Johnston and O'Brien maybe Wood is the odd man out. It'll be interesting to see how some of these new faces make out after Sunday when the main camp starts and the competition gets much stronger. On forward I added Hynes and Whitlock. Rumble expressed the need to have role players and believes in the top six for scoring and the bottom six for defending and role playing. Whitlock also adds toughness to a small team , creates energy and finishes his checks. Hynes has shown his offensive flare and he may be the key to replacing some of that offensive punch we lost last season. I still have Simpson on my roster but he needs to get it going , he's not having the strongest camp and he's a much better player than what he's shown. The case remains to be seen on Seeger and Tucker. Hopefully we see them play some exhibition games this week. They're both pegged as higher end players that would stick if they opt to stay. Another player I have to mention is Mathieu Olivier. He's been lights out good. Can't believe we stole this kid in the 7th round. Definitely a big part of our future.
Dubeau
Hunt/Kelly
Emond - Sweeney
Wood - Yarwood
Johnston - O'Brien
McCabe - Kropp
Lalonde - Barbashev - Tkachev
Tremaine - Penny - Garland
Smith - Johnson - Caissy
Batt - Pugsley - Haas
Simpson - Hynes - Whitlock
I wouldn't be surprised to see us start the season with a 25 man roster. Kelly has looked really solid , especially for a 17 year old rookie free agent. If he doesn't make it , I'm sure he'll at least be signed to an affiliate player card for the season and come back to next year's camp as a favorite for a spot. Kropp's play has steadily improved , bumping Mann and Holwell(who would certainly benefit from another year before major junior) out of their spots. Never know , with the emergence of Kropp , Johnston and O'Brien maybe Wood is the odd man out. It'll be interesting to see how some of these new faces make out after Sunday when the main camp starts and the competition gets much stronger. On forward I added Hynes and Whitlock. Rumble expressed the need to have role players and believes in the top six for scoring and the bottom six for defending and role playing. Whitlock also adds toughness to a small team , creates energy and finishes his checks. Hynes has shown his offensive flare and he may be the key to replacing some of that offensive punch we lost last season. I still have Simpson on my roster but he needs to get it going , he's not having the strongest camp and he's a much better player than what he's shown. The case remains to be seen on Seeger and Tucker. Hopefully we see them play some exhibition games this week. They're both pegged as higher end players that would stick if they opt to stay. Another player I have to mention is Mathieu Olivier. He's been lights out good. Can't believe we stole this kid in the 7th round. Definitely a big part of our future.
WildcatMapleLeafs28
Registered User
From what I've heard they're in Moncton today. They skipped the rookie camp like Yarwood ..
WildcatMapleLeafs28
Registered User
According to Daniel Lafontaine's twitter account he's headed back to Moncton today. I guess he changed his mind and is attending our main camp..
Where did you hear Tucker White was in town? I really hope so. I seen him this summer and was very impressed with his mobility and puck management especially for a big guy.
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