Monday, May 26th
Congrats to the Edmonton Oil Kings on defeating a mighty Guelph Storm squad, which featured nine NHL drafted players, en route to winning the coveted Memorial Cup.
Guelph was heavily favourited heading into Sunday’s Championship game after going 3-0 in round Robin and winning each of those games by at least three. I thought Guelph would’ve walked away as Champions but when a few buddies asked me, “who will win?”, i always made sure to make note that goaltending would be the biggest question.
Coming into the game, Storm goaltender Justin Nichols had played outstanding but but the undersized netminder has been prone to some bad games this season. He wasn’t the lone factor in the loss as Edmonton did an excellent job limiting the Storm’s chances and dominated possession time.
The Storm were a fun team to watch all season long and should keep their heads high. Few teams in major junior history have shown the team cohesiveness and chemistry that Guelph did. It was mesmerizing to watch these players pass their way so effortlessly up the ice, often throwing blind passes knowing a teammate would be there to scoop it up. Kudos to Scott Walker on a great year of coaching. It doesn’t hurt that he has the talent to work with but he’s one of the best in the business.
In the end, Edmonton rallied off some exhilarating OT games and executed a game plan flawlessly. It was certainly nice to see each of the CHL league champions standing as the last final teams.
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<blockquoteclass=”twitter-tweet” lang=”en”><p>VIDEO: The <a href=”https://twitter.com/EdmOilKings”>@EdmOilKings</a> are <a href=”https://twitter.com/search?q=%23CHL&src=hash”>#CHL</a> <a href=”https://twitter.com/search?q=%23MCMemorialCup&src=hash”>#MCMemorialCup</a> Champions with 6-3 win vsGuelph, highlights: <a href=”http://t.co/pfEfhWyeB2″>http://t.co/pfEfhWyeB2</a> <a href=”http://t.co/MKpJQZJ3XA”>pic.twitter.com/MKpJQZJ3XA</a></p>— CanadianHockeyLeague(@CHLHockey) <a href=”https://twitter.com/CHLHockey/statuses/470733370670866433″>May 26, 2014</a></blockquote> <script asyncsrc=”//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js” charset=”utf-8″></script>
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<blockquote class=”twitter-tweet” lang=”en”><p>As we have seen in the WJC, Memorail Cup and others, its VERY hard to beat elite teams back to back in single elimination tournmant play.</p>— Sean Lafortune (@SeanLafortune) <a href=”https://twitter.com/SeanLafortune/statuses/470704941497974784″>May 25, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src=”//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js” charset=”utf-8″></script>
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Sean couldn’t be more right.
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Grades and Rankings based solely on the 2014 MasterCard Memorial Cup,here are my top 10 players:
- Edgars Kulda (OilKings; 2014 NHL Draft eligible) A+
purchase the Fantasy Prospect Guide for an extensive profile
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<blockquoteclass=”twitter-tweet” lang=”en”><p>Edgars Kuldais <a href=”https://twitter.com/search?q=%23MCMemorialCup&src=hash”>#MCMemorialCup</a> MVP, watch Stafford SmytheTrophy presentation with <a href=”https://twitter.com/SNFaulds”>@SNFaulds</a>: <a href=”http://t.co/b7hTGgyboA”>http://t.co/b7hTGgyboA</a> <a href=”http://t.co/p6bnBpKIzT”>pic.twitter.com/p6bnBpKIzT</a></p>— CanadianHockeyLeague(@CHLHockey) <a href=”https://twitter.com/CHLHockey/statuses/470965346053005312″>May 26, 2014</a></blockquote> <script asyncsrc=”//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js” charset=”utf-8″></script>
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2. Henrik Samuelsson (OilKings; Phoenix Coyotes) A
3. Tyler Bertuzzi (Storm; Detroit Red Wings) A
4. Antoine Bibeau (Foreurs; Toronto Maple Leafs) A
5. Curtis Lazar (Oil Kings; Ottawa Senators) A –
6. Robby Fabbri (Storm; 2014 NHL Draft eligible) A –
7. Kerby Rychel (Storm; Columbus Blue Jackets) B+
8. Griffin Reinhart (OilKings; New York Islanders) B +
9. Jason Dickinson (Storm; Dallas Stars) B
10. Matt Finn (Storm; Toronto Maple Leafs) B
Honorable Mentions:
Nicolas Aubé-Kubel (Foreurs; 2014NHL Draft eligible) B
Cody Corbett (Oil Kings; Colorado Avalanche) B
Nick Ebert (Storm; Los Angeles Kings) B
Ryan Graves (Foreurs; New York Rangers B –
Tristan Jarry (Oil Kings; Pittsburgh Penguins) B –
Scott Kosmachuk (Storm; Winnipeg Jets) B
Anthony Mantha (Foreurs; Detroit a Red Wings) B –
Dysin Mayo (OilKings; 2014NHL Draft) B
Zack Mitchell (Storm; Minnesota Wild) B
Mitch Moroz (Oil Kings; Edmonton OilKings) B
Justin Nichols (Storm; Free Agent) B
Ashton Sautner (OilKings; 2014 NHL Draft eligible) B
I could easily expand that list and you might bounce there wasn’t a single London Knights player on the list…well, quite frankly, it was THAT bad of a tournament for them.
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CHL Memorial Cup Awards…
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<blockquoteclass=”twitter-tweet” lang=”en”><p><a href=”https://twitter.com/search?q=%23MCMemorialCup&src=hash”>#MCMemorialCup</a> Awards: MVP – Kulda(EDM), Outstanding Goalie – Bibeau(VDO), Most Sportsmanlike – Lazar (EDM), Top Scorer – Samuelsson (EDM)</p>— CanadianHockeyLeague(@CHLHockey) <a href=”https://twitter.com/CHLHockey/statuses/470719522513891328″>May 26, 2014</a></blockquote> <script asyncsrc=”//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js” charset=”utf-8″></script>
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CHL Memorial Cup All-Star team…
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<blockquoteclass=”twitter-tweet” lang=”en”><p><a href=”https://twitter.com/search?q=%23MCMemorialCup&src=hash”>#MCMemorialCup</a> All-Star Team: G-Bibeau(VDO), D-Corbett (EDM), D-Finn (GUE), F-Kulda(EDM), F-Rychel(GUE), F-Samuelsson</p>— CanadianHockeyLeague(@CHLHockey) <a href=”https://twitter.com/CHLHockey/statuses/470720076543717376″>May 26, 2014</a></blockquote> <script asyncsrc=”//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js” charset=”utf-8″></script>
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Leafs prospect goaltender, Garret Sparks, was eligible to return to play as an overage Guelph Storm puck stopper but graduated to the pro leagues. Nice to see his support post game…
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<blockquoteclass=”twitter-tweet” lang=”en”><p>A lot of people say cut the cord and move on. But those guys were my family and they always will be. What a season. Wish I could’ve helped.</p>— Garret Sparks (@GSparks40) <a href=”https://twitter.com/GSparks40/statuses/470704734999805952″>May 25, 2014</a></blockquote> <script asyncsrc=”//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js” charset=”utf-8″></script>
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Now, onto the CHL Annual Awards winners…
Detroit Red Wings’ prospect, Anthony Mantha (20th overall in 2013), used his remarkable 87 goals and 173 points over the course of 92 combined regular season, World Junior, playoff and Memorial Cup games to earn the CHL Player of the Year award. Remarkable stat line!
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<blockquoteclass=”twitter-tweet” lang=”en”><p>Here’s the 2013-14 <a href=”https://twitter.com/search?q=%23CHL&src=hash”>#CHL</a> Player of the Year – Congrats to <a href=”https://twitter.com/DetroitRedWings”>@DetroitRedWings</a> prospect <a href=”https://twitter.com/antomantha8″>@antomantha8</a> of Val-d’Or <a href=”http://t.co/MZvGUA3nyR”>pic.twitter.com/MZvGUA3nyR</a></p>— CanadianHockeyLeague(@CHLHockey) <a href=”https://twitter.com/CHLHockey/statuses/470349382920175619″>May 24, 2014</a></blockquote> <script asyncsrc=”//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js” charset=”utf-8″></script>
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Pittsburgh Penguins defensive prospect Derrick Pouliot, 8th overall in 2012, was named CHL Defenseman of the Year after racking up 17 goals and 70 points with the Portland Winterhawks.
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<blockquoteclass=”twitter-tweet” lang=”en”><p>Congrats to <a href=”https://twitter.com/penguins”>@Penguins</a> prospect Derrick Pouliot<a href=”https://twitter.com/lordricky51″>@lordricky51</a> of <a href=”https://twitter.com/search?q=%23WHL&src=hash”>#WHL</a> <a href=”https://twitter.com/pdxwinterhawks”>@pdxwinterhawks</a> named 2013-14 <a href=”https://twitter.com/ArcticSpas”>@ArcticSpas</a> <a href=”https://twitter.com/search?q=%23CHL&src=hash”>#CHL</a> Defenceman of the Year</p>— CanadianHockeyLeague(@CHLHockey) <a href=”https://twitter.com/CHLHockey/statuses/470285170491154432″>May 24, 2014</a></blockquote> <script asyncsrc=”//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js” charset=”utf-8″></script>
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One of the most intriguing 2014 NHL Draft prospects, Nikolaj Ehlers, took him the CHL Rookie of the Year award after leading all first year CHLers in points with 104 points. He’ll be taken inside the top 10 picks this June.
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<blockquoteclass=”twitter-tweet” lang=”en”><p>Congrats to <a href=”https://twitter.com/search?q=%23NHLDraft&src=hash”>#NHLDraft</a> prospect <a href=”https://twitter.com/NikolajEhlers24″>@NikolajEhlers24</a> of <a href=”https://twitter.com/search?q=%23QMJHL&src=hash”>#QMJHL</a> <a href=”https://twitter.com/HFXMooseheads”>@HFXMooseheads</a> named 2013-14 <a href=”https://twitter.com/BMOCHL”>@BMOCHL</a> <a href=”https://twitter.com/search?q=%23CHL&src=hash”>#CHL</a> Rookie of the Year with 104PTS in 63GP</p>— CanadianHockeyLeague(@CHLHockey) <a href=”https://twitter.com/CHLHockey/statuses/470283535983845377″>May 24, 2014</a></blockquote> <script asyncsrc=”//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js” charset=”utf-8″></script>
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Leafs prospect Connor Brown’s 128 points earned him the CHL’s Top Scorer Award. It’ll be interesting to see where Brown will be playing in 2014-15. Leafs management have stated publicly that they feel Connor needs to get stronger and may return to the OHL for his overage season. I disagree, he’s ready for the next challenge at the AHL level.
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<blockquoteclass=”twitter-tweet” lang=”en”><p>Congrats <a href=”https://twitter.com/MapleLeafs”>@MapleLeafs</a> prospect Connor Brown <a href=”https://twitter.com/Breeze2Greeze”>@Breeze2Greeze</a> <a href=”https://twitter.com/search?q=%23OHL&src=hash”>#OHL</a> <a href=”https://twitter.com/ErieOtters”>@ErieOtters</a> 2014 recipient <a href=”https://twitter.com/dodge_canada”>@dodge_canada</a> <a href=”https://twitter.com/search?q=%23CHL&src=hash”>#CHL</a> Top Scorer Award 128PTS 68GP</p>— CanadianHockeyLeague(@CHLHockey) <a href=”https://twitter.com/CHLHockey/statuses/470276245708869632″>May 24, 2014</a></blockquote> <script asyncsrc=”//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js” charset=”utf-8″></script>
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Another top 2014 draft prospect, Sam Reinhart, walked away with CHL Most Sportsmanlike Player honours.
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<blockquoteclass=”twitter-tweet” lang=”en”><p>Congrats to <a href=”https://twitter.com/search?q=%23NHLDraft&src=hash”>#NHLDraft</a> prospect <a href=”https://twitter.com/SamsonReinhart”>@SamsonReinhart</a> of <a href=”https://twitter.com/search?q=%23WHL&src=hash”>#WHL</a> <a href=”https://twitter.com/WHLKootenayICE”>@WHLKootenayICE</a> 2013-14 <a href=”https://twitter.com/autoTRADER_ca”>@autoTRADER_ca</a> <a href=”https://twitter.com/search?q=%23CHL&src=hash”>#CHL</a> Sportsman of the Year – 105PTS just 11PIM</p>— CanadianHockeyLeague(@CHLHockey) <a href=”https://twitter.com/CHLHockey/statuses/470275241332453376″>May 24, 2014</a></blockquote> <script asyncsrc=”//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js” charset=”utf-8″></script>
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Kingston Frontenacs’ forward Sam Bennett was ranked 1st by NHL Central Scouting for the upcoming draft and the CHL just named him the CHL Top Prospect as well. All signs are pointing to a top 3 selection for Bennett.
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<blockquoteclass=”twitter-tweet” lang=”en”><p>Congrats to <a href=”https://twitter.com/search?q=%23NHLDraft&src=hash”>#NHLDraft</a> prospect <a href=”https://twitter.com/SBennett93″>@SBennett93</a> of <a href=”https://twitter.com/search?q=%23OHL&src=hash”>#OHL</a> <a href=”https://twitter.com/KingstonFronts”>@KingstonFronts</a> named 2013-14 <a href=”https://twitter.com/JackLinks”>@JackLinks</a> <a href=”https://twitter.com/search?q=%23CHL&src=hash”>#CHL</a> Top Prospect of the Year</p>— CanadianHockeyLeague(@CHLHockey) <a href=”https://twitter.com/CHLHockey/statuses/470274390182363136″>May 24, 2014</a></blockquote> <script asyncsrc=”//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js” charset=”utf-8″></script>
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Fantastic piece on defenseman Cody Corbett, who ventured to the Western Hockey League from Minnesota and finished off a memorable season leading his team to Sunday’s Memorial Cup Championship, where he scored six points as a defenseman. Corbett was signed as a free agent back in March by the Colorado Avalanche.
He’s been a big producer for our hockey club,” said Laxdal. “He’s had a really great turnaround physically and mentally and as a player – he had over 60 points this year. He’s a little bit of a late bloomer, but he’s taken a big step.”
The biggest step came in March when, after being passed over in two previous NHL drafts, Corbett signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Colorado Avalanche.
“It was the best day of my life,” said Corbett.
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Outside of the CHL and around the world, we’ve got loads of other promising fantasy prospects competing still….
Good news for the Los Angeles Kings, Nikolai Prokhorkin (a sizeable two-way forward who led his CKSA KHL team in scoring…that also featured Radulov and Frolov) is leaving the KHL.
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<blockquoteclass=”twitter-tweet” lang=”en”><p>Russian press reporting LAK prospect Prokhorkinleaving KHL to join LA next season. Prokhorkinwas a KHL All-Star <a href=”http://t.co/Gdx1nvwrjo”>http://t.co/Gdx1nvwrjo</a></p>— Corey Pronman(@coreypronman) <a href=”https://twitter.com/coreypronman/statuses/470945333883961344″>May 26, 2014</a></blockquote> <script asyncsrc=”//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js” charset=”utf-8″></script>
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In the AHL Playoffs, we are down to four squads. The Toronto Marlies have a 1-0 series lead on the Texas Stars while the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins are notched up 1-1 with the St. Johns Ice Caps.
The pesky Penguins eliminated the Providence Bruins in the Eastern Conference and it’s worth noting the exceptional playoffs that both Ryan Spooner and Alexander Khokhlachev had for the Bruins. Dating back to their OHL days, I have been able to watch these two skilled forwards emerge as legitimate threats at each level and they are on the verge of cracking the Bruins’ main roster. Spooner and Khokhlachev finished with 15 and 14 points, respectively, in a dozen post-season games. They currently sit 1-2 in AHL Playoff Scoring.
Take a look at defenseman Brian Dumoulin’s goal. The Penguins prospect leads all defensemen in playoff scoring with two goals and 11 points in 13 games.
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From Elliotte Friedman’s ever-so-popular 30 Thoughts…
24. I heard some good words on Josh Morrissey, the Winnipeg Jets’ first-rounder in 2013. After the Prince Albert Raiders exited the WHL playoffs, he joined the AHL St. John’s. The defenceman had one assist in eight regular-season games, but has six points in 11 post-season matches as the IceCaps compete for the Eastern Conference crown. He’s making a nice step.
Morrissey was one defenseman I was high on at the 2013 NHL Draft (personally had him 15th) and eventually found a home when the Winnipeg Jets took him 13th overall. He’s proving worthy of such a high selection and had a fantastic final WHL campaign posting 28 goals and 73 points (59 games). Only one WHL defenseman (Shea Theordore; Ducks) had more points (79) but Theodore played 11 more games.
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Thanks for reading and be sure to continue following our ramblings,
@RossyYoungblood
I wanted to take a quick moment to personally thank a few people as the hockey season winds down. I remain busy writing profiles for the DobberHockey Fantasy Prospects Guide (coming early June), which is a MUST BUY as our team highlights loads of drafted prospects. Personally, I have contributed over 100+ 2014 NHL Draft eligible profiles and added several other lists and rankings. I want to thank Dobber himself for the opportunity to take the lead here at DobberProspects. It’s been a fun and rewarding experience. I have met some amazing hockey minds over my tenure here as I travel from rink to rink rubbing shoulders with some of the best and most respectful in the business.
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