Saturday's CHL News, Including NHL Prospect Camp Attendees

With the NHL and CHL Import Drafts this past week, it has been a busy time for the CHL and its players. First some news, and then I am listing NHL prospect camp attendees. If you know of any I have missed, please let me know, so I can add them.

First in the OHL, the Guelph Storm signed their first round prospect, centre Peter Holland, to an education contract. Holland has a great shot and is a very good skater, with pro size, however, he tends to be inconsistent, which has to be worked on. Expected to make a real contribution to the OHL team this coming season, his signing was expected, but exciting for Storm fans nonetheless.

There have been some coaching announcements in the WHL that I have missed due to my draft(s) coverage. First, the newest CHL team, Edmonton Oil Kings, announced that Steve Plau will be the team's first head coach. Pleau, who has family ties to the St. Louis Blues organization, was an Assistant Coach of the Spokane Chiefs last season.

Also Bruno Campese was hired as the head coach of the Prince Albert Raiders. He previously was Head Coach and Director of Hockey Operations of the Penticton Vees of the BCHL.

In other coaching news, just yesterday the Everett Silvertips named Mark LeRose as an assistant coach for the upcoming season. LeRose has served behind the bench at the University of Wisconsin and at the USHL level in recent years.

And finally, on the coaching/front office front, on Thursday, the Kamloops Blazers announced the hiring of Gord Loiselle as the club’s new Director of Player Personnel. Previously Loiselle held the same position with the Portland Winter Hawks.

In other WHL news, the Chilliwack Bruins signed the team's top 2 picks to education contracts this past week. Both Kevin Sundher and Carter Berg will attend camp later this summer.

Now to the CHL prospects attending development camps. I will try to add new names every couple of days as the teams announce their rosters.

Chicago Blackhawks
Camp dates: July 2-6

Patrick Kane, London Knights (1st round, 1st overall, 2007)
Akim Aliu, London Knights (2nd round, 56th overall, 2007)
Maxime Tanguay, Rimouski Oceanic (3rd round, 69th overall 2007)
Richard Greenop, Windsor Spitfires (6th round, 156th overall 2007)
Ben Shutron, Kingston Fronts (4th round 95th overall 2006)
Evan Brophey, Belleville Bulls (3rd round, 68th overall 2005)
Adam Hobson, Spokane Chiefs (7th round, 203rd overall 2005)
Jean-Claude Sawyer, Cape Breton Screaming Eagles (free agent)
Ryan Baldwin, Windsor Spitfires (tryout)
Rob Drummond, London Knights (tryout)
Pierre-Luc Faubert, Lewiston MAINEiacs (tryout)
Kevin Henderson, Kitchener Rangers (tryout)
Andrew Hotham, Saginaw Spirit (tryout)
Maxime Lincourt, Moncton Wildcats (tryout)
Mathieu Roy, Val-d'Or Foreurs (tryout)
Hunter Tremblay, Barrie Colts (tryout)

Columbus Blue Jackets
Camp Dates: June 25-30

Stefan Legein, Niagara Ice Dogs (2nd round, 37th overall, 2007)
Derick Brassard, Drummondville Voltigeurs (1st round, 6th overall 2006)
Steve Mason, London Knights (3rd round, 69th overall, 2006)
Tom Sestito, Plymouth Whalers (3rd round, 85th overall, 2006)
Ben Wright, Lethbridge Hurricanes (4th round, 113th overall 2006)
Maxime Frechette, Drummondville Voltigeurs (5th round, 142nd overall 2006)
Jesse Dudas, Prince George Cougars (6th round, 159th overall 2006)
Derek Dorsett, Medicine Hat Tigers (7th round, 189th overall 2006)
Matt Marquardt, Moncton Wildcats (7th round, 194th overall 2006)
Kris Russell, Medicine Hat Tigers (3rd rouond, 67th overall, 2005)


Nashville Predators
Camp Dates: June 26-July 2

Jon Blum, Vancouver Giants (1st round, 23rd overall, 2007)
Jeremy Smith, Plymouth Whalers (2nd round, 54th overall, 2007)
Nick Spaling, Kitchener Rangers (2nd round, 58th overall, 2007)
Mark Santorelli, Chilliwack Bruins (4th round, 119th overall, 2007)
Cody Franson, Vancouver Giants (3rd round, 79th overall, 2006)
Tyler Doig, Belleville Bulls (tryout)
Kyle Ross, Regina Pats (tryout)


New York Islanders
Camp Dates: June 27-July 2

Marc Katic, Sarnia Sting (3rd round, 62nd overall, 2007)
Max Gratchev, Rimouski Oceanic (4th round, 106th overall, 2007)
Simon LaCroix, Shawinigan Cataracts (7th round, 196th overall, 2007)
Robin Figren, Calgary Hitmen (3rd round, 70th overall, 2006) INJURED
Tomas Marcinko, Barrie Colts (4th round, 115th overall, 2006)
Andrew McDonald, Moncton Wildcats (6th round, 160th overall, 2006)
Dustin Kohn, Calgary Hitmen (2nd round, 46th overall, 2005)
John Murray, Kitchener Rangers (tryout)
Martin Frechette, Gatineau Olympiques (tryout)
Tyler Haskins, Saginaw Spirit (tryout)


New York Rangers
Camp Dates: June 25-June 29

Antoine LaFleur, PEI Rocket (2nd round, 48th overall, 2007)
Bobby Sanguinetti, Brampton Battalion (1st round, 21st overall, 2006)
Ryan Hillier, Halifax Mooseheads (3rd round, 84th overall, 2006)
Marc Staal, Sudbury Wolves (1st round, 12th overall, 2005)
Mike Sauer, Medicine Hat Tigers (2nd round, 40th overall, 2005)
Brodie Dupont, Calgary Hitmen (3rd round, 66th overall, 2005)
Tom Pyatt, Saginaw Spirit (4th round, 107th overall, 2005)
Michael Busto, Kootenay Ice (free agent)
Adam Leblanc-Bourque, Shawinigan Cataractes (tryout)
Jonathan Carrier, Gatineau Olympiques (tryout)
Justin Dibenedetto, Sarnia Sting (tryout)


Ottawa Senators
Camp Dates: June 28-July 4

Nick Foligno, Sudbury Wolves (1st round, 28th overall, 2006)
Kaspars Daugevins, St. Mike's Majors (3rd round, 91st overall, 2006)
Pierre-Luc Lessard, PEI Rocket (4th round, 121st overall, 2006)
Ryan Daniels, Saginaw Spirit (5th round, 151st overall, 2006)
Cody Bass, Saginaw Spirit (4th round, 95th overall, 2005)
Tomas Kudelka, Lethbridge Hurricanes (5th round, 136th overall, 2005)


Phoenix Coyotes
Camp Dates: July 6-July 14

(tentative list)
Nick Ross, Regina Pats (1st round, 30th overall, 2007)
Brett MacLean, Oshawa Generals (2nd round, 32nd overall, 2007)
Peter Mueller, Everett Silvertips (1st round, 8th overall, 2006)
Martin Latal, PEI Rocket (5th round, 131st overall, 2006)
Jordan Bendfeld, Medicine Hat (5th round, 152nd overall, 2006)
Martin Hanzal, Red Deer Rebels (1st round, 17th overall, 2005)


Pittsburgh Penguins
Camp Dates: June26-July 2

Angelo Esposito, Quebec Remparts (1st round, 20th overall, 2007)
Keven Veilleux, Victoriaville Tigres (2nd round, 41st overall, 2007)
Robert Bortuzzo, Kitchener Rangers (3rd round 78th overall, 2007)
Luca Caputi, Niagara Ice Dogs (4th round, 11th overall, 2007)
Alex Grant, Saint John Sea Dogs (4th round, 118th overall, 2007)
Jake Muzzin, Soo Greyhounds (5th round, 141st overall, 2007)
Dustin Jeffrey, Soo Greyhounds (6th round, 171st overall, 2007)
Kris Letang, Val-D'Or Foreurs (3rd round, 62 overall, 2005)
Jon D'Aversa, Sudbury Wolves (free agent)
Aaron Boogaard, Tri-City Americans (free agent)

2007 CHL Import Draft ; QMJHL Selections

Twenty of Wednesday's 71 Import Draft selections were picked by teams in the QMJHL. What follows is a list and any scouting information that I have about the selected players:

Acadie-Bathurst--No selection.

Baie-Comeau--Roman Malinik,C (1st round, #24)--small playmaker. played in Czech Jr league. 19 points in 20 games.

Cape Breton--Marek Benda, G (1st round, #30)--quick hands, stays very square to the shooter. NHL Central Scouting says "A butterfly goalie... controls his rebounds well and is quick to cover the puck… is a good skater and moves well in his crease… covers the upper half of the net well with his quick blocker and glove… is very determined and competitive… represented the Czech Republic at the 2007 Under-18 World Championships."

Jan Piskacek, D (1st round, #51)--very good skater, with an excellent first pass. Good defensively, but has begun to use his offense more potently. Played in Czech Jr league.

Chicoutimi--Germain Raimbourg, RW (2nd round, #67)--no information on this player.

Drummondville--No selection.

Gatineau--Lucas Lang, D (1st round, #39)--Played in the Czech Jr league. 16 points in 44 games, 42 PIM, +1 rating.

Gerrit Fauser, LW (1st round, #48)--seven points in 38 games, in German Bund 2. Played in 2007 U-18 WJCs and 2006 World Junior A Championships.

Halifax--Tomas Knotek, C (1st round, #6)--please scroll down for scouting info entered on Wednesday.

Lewiston--Denis Reul, D (1st round,, #15)--please scroll down for scouting info entered on Wednesday.

Moncton--Adam Bezak, LW (1st round, #21)--great skater, hard worker, creates alot of chances with his speed and efforts.

Martin Baca, D (1st round, #27)--played in Slovakian Jr league. Participated in 2007 U-18 WJCs and 2006 World Junior A Championships. Big defencive defenceman, who knows how to take care of his own end.

(1st round, #45) PASS

P.E.I.--Jan Kana, RW (1st round, #33)--played in Czech Junior league. 38 points in 35 games. 135 PIM, +19 rating. Very small gritty player.

Quebec--Mikhail Stephanovich, C (1st round, #54)--pro size, good shot, excellent quick release. Questions about his skating.

Dominik Bohac, D (2nd round, #62)--played in Czech Jr, league, 6 points in 34 games, 50 PIM, +17.

Rimouski--None

Rouyn-Noranda--Milan Pucholt, G (1st round, #18)--please scroll down for scouting info entered on Wednesday.

Saint John--Robert Mayer, G (1st round, #3)--please scroll down for scouting info entered on Wednesday.

Shawinigan--Matej Stritesky, D (1st round, #42)--played in Czech elite league. Has real offensive potential, but knows how to take care of his own end.

St. Johns--Timo Pielmeier, G (1st round, #12)--please scroll down for scouting info entered on Wednesday.

Val-d'Or--Anze Ropret, RW (1st round, #36)--played in U-18 WJC early rounds for Slovenia. Several international tournament experiences.

Victoriaville--Tomas Kubalik, RW (1st round, #9)--please scroll down for scouting info entered on Wednesday.

2007 CHL Import Draft ; OHL Selections

The following is the list of Import Draft Selections by the OHL teams. The list is sorted by OHL team doing the drafting. Short scouting reports are included when I have received the information.

Barrie--Jaroslav Kuzik, D (1st round, #50) --no scouting report available. Played in Kladno of Czech Jr. League, 27 points in 39 games.

Belleville--None

Brampton--Alexander Eriksson, D (1st round, #14)--please scroll down to see yesterday's scouting report.

Jaroslav Hertl, D (1st round, #20)--please scroll down to see yesterday's scouting report.

Erie-- Jaroslav Janus, G (1st round, #2)--please scroll down to see yesterday's scouting report.

Guelph--Dennis Hollenstein, LW, (1st round, #32)--played in Swiss Junior A. Participated in 2007 U-18 WJC.

Kingston--Andris Dzerins, C (1st round, #26)--Latvian playing in Finnish Junior A. Plays in international tourneys for Latvia.

Kitchener--Mikkel Bodker, LW (1st round, #5)--please scroll down to see yesterday's scouting report.

London--Vladimir Roth, D (1st round, #11)--please scroll down to see yesterday's scouting report.

Heikki Hyvonen, D (1st round, # 58)--played in Finland Junior A league. 6 points in 38 games, 82 PIM, +12.

St. Mike's--Andre Petersson, RW (1st round, #47)--small, very offensively oriented forward. Great hockey sense, with good balance and fine skating. Very good puckhandler. Played in 2007 U-18 WJCs.

Niagara--Dalimir Jancovic, LW (1st round, #44)--no scouting report available. Played in Slovakian Jrs. 14 pts, in 28 games. Played in 2007 WJCs and 2006 World Junior A Championship.

Richard Fiala--Richard Fiala, F (2nd round, #72)--Very large (6'7") 53 points in 35 games in Slovakian Jr League.

Oshawa--Jakub Kovar, G (1st round, #29)--chosen by Philadelphia (4th round, 109th overall) in 2006. Put up very good numbers in the Czech junior league (38 games, 2.07 GAA, .929 save percentage).

Ottawa--Radim Ostrcil, D (1st round, #17)--please scroll down to see yesterday's scouting report.

Martin Paryzek, D (1st round, # 38)--18 points in 40 games, 85 PIM, +17 in Czech junior league.

Owen Sound--Milan Doczy, D (1st round, #23)--large (6'5") blueliner, who played in the Czech Junior League this past season. In 35 games, 7 pts, 24 PIM, even rating.

Ondrej Pekarik, C (1st round, #53)--also played in the Czech Junior League. No other scouting info is available.

Peterborough--No selection

Plymouth--None

Saginaw--No selection

Sarnia--Tomi Karhunen, G (1st round, #35)--very confident; good glove hand; very good lateral movement; good rebound control.

Marek Indra, LW (1st round, # 41)--played in Czech junior league. Gritty player.

Soo Greyhounds--Simon Fischhaber, C (1st round, # 56)--from the German Jr. league. 39 points in 35 games, and 40 PIM. Played in 2007 U-18 WJCs.

Sudbury--Roman Schlagenhauf, C (2nd round, #68)--played in Swiss Junior A last season. 47 points in 38 games. Played in 2007 U-18 WJCs.

Windsor--Michal Jordan, D (1st round, # 8)--please scroll down to see yesterday's scouting report.

WHLers Drafted in 2007 NHL Entry Draft

Prior to really moving on any further, I need to list the WHLers that were drafted this past weekend. The WHL had the most drafted CHLers. Although this appears to buck the trend (last year, the WHL had the fewest CHL players drafted), the drafting of players out of each league is cyclical and this was known to be a strong WHL year. In general though, the league is getting stronger and stronger and the NHL is recognizing it. Nine first round players came from out West. Two NHL teams, Minnesota and Los Angeles took 4 players from among the WHL talent. Tampa Bay and Carolina took three each.

Among WHL teams, it is not surprising that four players were drafted out of the Vancouver Giants' organization. Stocked in its Memorial Cup hosting year, the Giants had an incredible talent base. Also with four draftees was the Calgary Hitmen. Everett continued to make some development money, after its excellent draft year last June. This year the team had three players selected; so did Saskatoon and Spokane. Only 3 teams had no players drafted--Medicine Hat, Prince Albert, and Tri-City.

Who moved up--Thomas Hickey, Brandon Sutter
Who has to be disappointed with their position--Linden Rowat, Oscar Moller
Not drafted, and should be really disappointed--Andrew Clark, Eric Doyle

Here is the list of second through seventh round WHL players drafted over the weekend.

33 Vancouver, Taylor Ellington, D, Everett

40 Florida, Michal Repik, RW, Vancouver

47 Tampa Bay, Dana Tyrell, C, Prince George

52 Los Angeles, Oscar Moller, C, Chilliwack

66 Philadelphia, Garrett Klotz, LW, Saskatoon

67, Atlanta, Spencer Machacek, RW, Vancouver

70 Calgary, John Negrin, D, Kootenay

72 Carolina, Drayson Bowman, C, Spokane

85 St. Louis, Brett Sonne, C, Calgary

91, San Jose, Tyson Sexsmith, G, Vancouver

102 Carolina, Justin McCrae, C, Saskatoon

107 Tampa Bay, Mitch Fadden, C, Lethbridge

109, Los Angeles, Dwight King, C, Lethbridge

110 Minnesota, Justin Falk, D, Spokane

112 Dallas, Colton Sceviour, C, Portland

116 Calgary, Keith Aulie, D, Brandon

119 Nashville, Mark Santorelli, C, Chilliwack

124 Los Angeles, Linden Rowat, G, Regina

125 Washington, Brett Leffler, RW, Regina

136 Dallas, Ondrej Roman, C, Spokane

140 Minnesota, Cody Almond, C, Kelowna

183 Tampa, Torrie Jung, G, Kelowna

189 Boston, Jordan Knackstedt, RW, Moose Jaw

200 Minnesota, Carson McMillan, RW, Calgary

203 San Jose, Fraser McLaren, LW, Portland

205 Atlanta, Paul Postma, D, Swift Current

206 Vancouver, Dan Gendur, C, Everett

207 New Jersey, Ryan Molle, D, Swift Current

2007 CHL Import Draft (Including Picks 21-72); And Team Trades

A total of 71 players were selected in yesterday's CHL Import Draft. A record 35 prospects were drafted out of the Czech Republic. And there was one trade as part of the Draft.

Tri-City sent defenseman Juraj Valach to the Vancouver Giants in return for their 55th-overall pick in yesterday's Import Draft. Reports are that Valach requested the trade. Valach becomes the only new import player for the Giants.

There were two other WHL trades that took place yesterday too--Moose Jaw received Terrance Delaronde (who will be an overager this coming season) from the Kamloops Blazers in exchange for a 4th round Bantam Draft selection in 2009. Also the Red Deer Rebels traded forwards Evan Pighin and Alex Poulter to the Prince George Cougars for a conditional draft pick inthe 2008 Bantam Draft.

In the Q, several trades took place yesterday. First, Baie-Comeau Drakkar sent the rights to RW Radek Vlasanek (who played in the Czech Junior League last season) to the Drummondville Voltigeurs for Drummondville's 6th round selection in the 2008 Entry Draft. Drummondville then traded pick #36 in this year's Import Draft to the Val-d'Or Foreurs for a 6th round selection in the 2008 Entry Draft.

The Quebec Remparts acquired the 62nd pick in the Import Draft from the Saint John Sea Dogs for their 10th round pick in the 2008 Entry Draft.

The Rouyn-Noranda Huskies traded the #15 pick in yesterday's Import Draft to the Lewiston MAINEiacs for pick #18 and a 5th round selection in the 2008 Entry Draft. The Huskies also traded pick #27 to the Moncton Wildcats for a 5th round choice in the 2008 Entry Draft.

The Gatineau Olympiques acquired the 48th pick in the 2007 Import Draft (Gerrit Fauser) from Val-d'O for the Foreurs' 6th round selection in the 2008 Entry Draft.

Finaly, in the last pre-impoprt draft trade in the Q, the Cape Breton Screaming Eagles traded pick #111 in yesterday's Import Draft and a 4th round selection in the 2008 Entry Draft to the Quebec Remparts for pick #30 (which wound up to be Marek Benda). Then, the Remparts acquired pick #54 (Mikael Stefanovich) from the MAINEiacs for their 8th round selection in the 2008 Entry Draft.

The OHL has seen several trades since the weekend too. In the non-Import Draft related transactions, on Monday, Windsor and Belleville made a big deal. Belleville sent Aaron Snow, the winger involved in last year's John Hughes trade with Brampton, to Windsor, for winger Keaton Turkiewicz. Neither player really performed as expected last season, and here's hoping that the change of scenery will help both guys. Conditional draft selections were included in this package for both teams.

On Tuesday, Brampton, which recently received a commitment from centre Matt Duchene, traded winger Matt Smyth and a sixth round selection in the 2008 Priority Draft to Sarnia for three draft selections (3rd round in 2009, 5th round in 2010, and 6th round in 2011).

In the three OHL trades that involved Import Draft selections, Owen Sound traded its 10th round 2009 Priority Draft selection for Erie's second round import selection yesterday (which the team did not use).

The Soo Greyhounds received winger Aaron Alphonso, a second round 2007 Import Draft selection (not used) and first round 2008 Import Draft selection for the number 38 selection (Martin Paryzek) yesterday and a third rouond Priority Draft selection in 2008.

In the last OHL trade, Windsor picked up the eighth selection overall yesterday (Michal Jordan) from Saginaw, plus the Spirit's 8th round pick in the 2010 Priority Draft for Windsor's first round Import Draft selection next year and a fourth round pick in the 2009 Priority Draft.

Getting back to the Import Draft, each CHL team is allowed only 2 import players on the team, so even though the team might have had more than that number of selections, only 2 can be roster players (which is why Moncton passed with the 45th draft pick).

I reviewed picks 1-20 yesterday (see below). This morning, I want to start listing the rest of the picks, but this time by CHL team. This will be a complete list (over 3 realeases), including the names of picks 1-20. There will be some scouting info included, where I have it and I did not include it yesterday.

WHL

Brandon--Nikolai Lukyanchikov, D, (1st round, # 49) Russian Super League (9 pts, 38 games, 28 PIM, -7). Played in 2006 World Junior A, 2007 U-18 WJC.

Calgary--Bostjan Golicic, LW (1st round, # 40) Slovenian Junior League (19 games, 32 pts, 51 PIM). Played in 2007 U-18 WJC.
Martin Stepan, RW (2nd round, # 65) Slovakian Junior League (40 game,s 34 pts, 34 PIM, +21). Played in 2006 World Junior A, 2007 U-18 WJC.

Chilliwack--David Hoda, D (1st round, #10) see yesterday's wrap-up for scouting report.

Edmonton--Tomas Vincour, C (1st round, #1), see yesterday's wrap-up for scouting report.

Everett--Vitali Karamnov, C (1st round, # 60), Russian Elite League. Played in 2006 World Junior A, 2007 U-18 WJC.

Kamloops--None

Kelowna--Milan Kytnar, C (1st round, #7), see yesterday's wrap-up for scouting report.
Mikael Backlund, C (1st round, #43), was a shock when I first saw this yesterday, but Kelowna admits that Backlund has not indicated that he is coming to North America next season. But the Rockets were willing to take a chance on Backlund cominig at some point and the team having the rights to him.

Kootenay--Jiri Ryzuk, D (1st round, #57) was taken by the team on the advice of a player agent. No info available except that he is 2008 NHL-draft eligible.

Lethbridge--Juha Metsola G (1st round, #25), Finnish Jr A league. Small. Very good performance in 2007 U-18 WJCs.
Luca Sbisa, D (2nd round, #69), good size and defensive play. Needs to work on his skating.

Medicine Hat--Tomas Vosvrda, G (1st round, #59)--big netminder, played in Czech Jr league.
Michael Ahlen, RW (2nd round, #61) --19 years old; played in 2006 U-18 WJCs.

Moose Jaw--Tomas Karpov, C (1st round, #16)--see yesterday's wrap-up for scouting report.
Martin Filo, C (2nd round, #63)--Tough player, more defensive forward than offensive threat. Needs to work on skating and puck handling. Played in 2007 U-18 WJC and 2006 World Junior A Championships.

Portland--Radim Valchar, LW (1st round, #4)--see yesterday's wrap-up for scouting report.

Prince Albert--Tomas Voracek, D (1st round, #19)--see yesterday's wrap-up for scouting report.
Max Brandl, LW (2nd round, #64)--19 years old; German Elite League, played in 2006 U-18 WJCs.

Prince George--Patrik Magnusson, D (1st round, #28)--19 years old; huge blueliner; tough, willing to stick up for teammates.
Jan Kupec, C (2nd round, #70)--small forward in Czech Junior League.

Red Deer-Tomas Polak, C (1st round, # 31)--Czech junior league, strong defensively.

Regina--Rudolph Cerveny, C (1st round, #37)--from the Czech Junior League. Cerveny particpated in the 2007 U-18 WJCs.
Marco Insam, RW (2nd round, #71)--plays for the Notre Dame Hounds of the Saskatchewan Midget Hockey League. Italian, competed for country in 2007 World Juniors.

Saskatoon--Jyri Neimi, D (1st round, #13)--see yesterday's wrap-up for scouting report.
Robert Brandis, RW (2nd round, #66)--Slovakian junior player.

Seattle--Riku Helenius, G (1st round, #46)--after missing almost the entire 2006-07 season to injury, there is hope that Tampa Bay's 2006 NHL first round seleciton will play in North America this season. Looks like if he does, it will be as a Thunderbird.

Spokane--Stefan Ulmer, D (1st round, #34)--small blueliner who played in Swiss Junior B league. Played in 2007 World Juniors.

Swift Current--Jan Dalecky, C (1st round, #22)--played for Kladno Junior B in the Czech Republic. Small, skilled forward.

Tri-City--Petr Stoklasa, C (1st round, #52)--played in Czech junior league. Great skater, good work ethic, creative. Participated in 2007 U-18 WJCs.
Josef Tichy, D (1st round, #55)--huge defenceman. Can put up the points, even with his size. 157 PIM in 41 games.

Vancouver--None.

2007 CHL Import Draft Picks 11-20

Continuing to list and give as much scouting info as I have on each player chosen today, numbers 11-20 follow:

London Knights--Vladimir Roth D (1st round, #11)--can be offensive, with very heavy shot. Good puckhandling. Plays in all situations. 2008 NHL-draft eligible.

St. John's Fog Devils--Timo Pielmeier G (1st round, #12)--good vision and lateral movement. Big game player. Selected by San Jose (3rd round, 83rd overall) in 2007 NHL draft.

Saskatoon Blades--Jyri Niemi D (1st round, #13)--no scouting info. Finland Jr league. 2008 NHL-draft eligible.

Brampton Battalion--Alexander Eriksson D (1st round, #14)--Big defencive defenceman. Not selected in 2007 NHL draft, will re-enter next year.

Lewiston MAINEiacs--Dennis Reul D (1st round, #15)--Big blueliner, with excellent passing skills. Needs work on his skating. Selected by Boston (5th round, 130th overall) in 2007 NHL entry draft.

Moose Jaw Warriors--Tomas Karpov C (1st round, #16)--Very good work ethic, good hands, can be used in all situations. Was not selected in 2007 NHL draft, will re-enter next year.

Ottawa 67s--Radim Ostrcil D (1st round, #17)--Smart, with good wheels and on-ice vision. Drafted by Boston (6th round, 169th overall) in 2007 NHL Entry Draft.

Rouyn-Noranda Huskies--Milan Pucholt G (1st round #18)--very small (5'10", 163). no other info available. 2008 NHL-draft eligible.

Prince Albert Raiders--Tomas Voracek D (1st round #19)--no scouting report. 11 points in 38 games in Czech Jr. league. 2008 NHL-draft eligible.

Brampton Battalion--Jaroslav Hertl D (1st round, #20)--big blueliner, who mostly stays-at-home. 2008 NHL-draft eligible.

Analysis of the rest of the draft tomorrow.

2007 CHL Import Draft Picks 1-10

The CHL import draft is taking place today by telephone and is expected to be completed sometime this evening. Here is a list of the first 10 draftees and some scouting info on as many as I have. The list is arranged by draft position.

Breaking News: Kelowna just selected Mikael Backlund at # 43 and Seattle selected Riku Helenius at # 46.

Edmonton Oil Kings--Tomas Vincour C (1st round, # 1)--can do it all. Great shooter, skater, soft hands and good hockey sense. Is a 2009 NHL-draft eligible player.

Erie Otters--Jaroslav Janus G (1st round, #2)--very good lateral movement, keeps square to the shooter. 2008 NHL-draft eligible

St. John Sea Dogs--Robert Mayer G (1st round, #3)--good size netminder, who makes the big saves, can step into number one role right away. 2008 NHL-draft eligible.

Portland Winter Hawks--Radim Valchar LW (1st round # 4)--no scouting report; is from the Czech Elite league. Was 2007 NHL-draft eligible, not chosen, will re-enter next year.

Kitchener Rangers--Mikkel Bodker LW (1st round, #5)--playmaker and can finish too. Solid in his own end. 2008 NHL-draft eligible.

Halifax Mooseheads--Tomas Knotek C (1st round, # 6)--excellent shooter, good positioning, very offensive player. Needs to bulk up. 2008 NHL-draft eligible.

Kelowna Rockets--Milan Kytnar C (1st round, #7)--great leadership skills, very good two-way player with excellent work ethic. Selected by Edmonton Oilers in the 5th round (127 overall) 2007

Windsor Spitfires--Michal Jordan D (1st round, #8)--good puck handler, high hockey IQ, has some offensive skills. 2008 NHL-draft eligible.

Victoriaville Tigres--Tomas Kubalik RW (1st round # 9)--no scouting report. 38 points in 34 games in Czech junior league. 2008 NHL-draft eligible.

Chilliwack Bruins--David Hoda D (1st round #10) --no scouting report. 22 points in 41 games in Czech Jr league. 2008 NHL-draft eligible.

QMJHL 2007 NHL Draftees

Of the three CHL leagues, the fewest drafted players came from the Q. Only 25 players were drafted this year from the league. That is exactly the same number that were drafted out of the Q in 2006.

Three NHL clubs each chose 3 players from the QMJHL. Only 13 other teams selected from among the league's talent pool. What that means is that 14 teams did not select anyone from the league. Of the teams that did not select from the Q this year, Atlanta, Edmonton, Florida, Phoenix and San Jose also had no QMJHL draftees in 2006; Colorado and Nashville have not chosen a player from the Q since 2001 and 2004, respectively.

With four NHL draftees each, Rimouski and St. John's had the largest number of players selected from the Q this year. Lewiston had three, and Halifax had two first round selections (Jakub Voracek and Logan MacMillan). There were no players from any of Acadie-Bathurst, Cape Breton, Chicoutimi, Drummondville, or Val-d'Or selected.

Surprise riser in the draft: Antoine LaFleur, who was chosen by the Rangers in the second round.

Have to be disappointed: David Skokan and Michael Ward, both selected in the seventh round.

Not drafted (but really should have been): David Stich, Roman Bashkirov, Adam LeBlanc-Bourque, and Tomas Zohorna.

Draft List (rounds 2-7):
(number overall, NHL Team, Player Name, Position, QMJHL Team)

31 Buffalo, TJ Brennan, D, St. John's

41 Philadelphia, Kevin Marshall, D, Lewiston

48, NY Rangers, Antoine LaFleur, G PEI

51 Pittsburgh, Keven Veilleux, C, Victoriaville

60 Ottawa, Ruslan Bashkirov, LW, Quebec

63, Anaheim, Maxime Macenauer, C, Rouyn-Noranda

65, Montreal, Olivier Fortier, C, Rimouski

69, Chicago, Maxime Tanguay, C, Rimouski

106 NY Islanders, Max Gratchev, LW, Rimouski

118 Pittsburgh, Alex Grant, D, St John

122, Philadelphia, Mario Kempe, RW, St. John's

145 Vancouver, Charles-Antoine Messier, C, Baie-Comeau

147, Buffalo, Jean-Simon Allard, C, St. John's

148 Detroit, Randy Cameron, RW, Moncton

151 Anaheim, Brett Morrison, C, Prince Edward Island

164 Toronto, Chris Didomenico, C, St. John

179 Buffalo, Paul Byron, C, Gatineau

188 Los Angeles, Matt Fillier, F, St. John's

193 NY Rangers, David Skokan, C, Rimouski

196 NY Islanders, Simon Lacroix, D, Shawinigan

197 Tampa Bay, Michael Ward, D, Lewiston

Some NHL Draft Stats; OHLers Chosen in Rounds 2-7

In total, 35 players from the OHL were selected.

All OHL teams but five (Barrie, Brampton, Kingston, St. Mike's, and Saginaw, had players drafted by NHL clubs this year. Of those five teams, Barrie, Kingston and Saginaw all positioned themselves to be strong playoff teams for the 2006-07 post-season, but neither St. Mike's or Brampton did so. Brampton was expected to have 2 players selected in the later rounds, but it did not come to pass. The Battalion have a real shot of going deep in the playoffs this coming
season, and have a potential first round selection for 2008 in Cody Hodgson.

St. Mike's is in a different position. New city, new arena, and new coaching staff, but problems with players have seemed to plague this franchise for the past few years, and they can't seem to catch a break. I have to admit that I am a Majors' fan (and loved to watch OHL games at the old arena off Bathurst). But I am looking forward to the move to Mississauga if it signals the beginning of a new era for the team. Changes can't come soon enough.

I digress. Back to the NHL draft this past weekend.

The Erie Otters were the OHL team with the most players selected this past weekend--five. Two teams had four, Belleville and Kitchener. The Pittsburgh Penguins chose the largest number of OHLers this past weekend, in selecting four players. Both Chicago and Los Angeles took 3. Last year the most OHL players taken by any one NHL club was 2.

In a year when there were alot of blueliners available to be chosen, 10 defencemen were drafted out of the OHL. Only 2 netminders were drafted, both in the second round.

Best prospects not drafted: John Murray, Jordan Nolan, Branislav Rehus, Justin Levac, Andrew Loverock.

Players unexpectedly moving up: Josh Godfrey, Eric Tangradi

Here are the OHLers that were chosen in rounds 2-7. Congrats to all players listed below.


OHL Draftees

(Number, NHL Team, Player Name, Position, OHL Team)

32 Phoenix Brett MacLean, LW, Oshawa Generals

34 Washington Josh Godfrey, D, Soo Greyhounds

37 Columbus Stefan Legein, RW, Mississauga (Niagara)

42 Anaheim, Eric Trangradi, F, Belleville

43 Montreal, PK Subban, D, Belleville.

49 Colorado, Trevor Cann, G, Peterborough

54 Nashville, Jeremy Smith, G, Plymouth

56 Chicago Akim Aliu, Sudbury (traded to London)

58 Nashville Nick Spaling, C, Kitchener

59 Buffalo Drew Schiestel, D, Mississauga (Niagara)

61 Los Angeles Wayne Simmonds, RW, Owen Sound

62 NY Islanders Marc Katic, D, Sarnia

73 Montreal, Yannick Weber, D, Kitchener

74 Toronto, Dale Mitchell, RW, Oshawa

78 Pittsburgh Robert Bortuzzo, D, Kitchener

79 New Jersey Nick Palmieri, RW, Erie

82 Los Angeles, Bryan Cameron, C, Belleville

111 Pittsburgh, Luca Caputi, LW, Mississauga (Niagara)

117 New Jersey, Matt Halischuk, RW, Kitchener

132 Carolina, Chris Terry, LW, Plymouth

141 Pittsburgh, Jake Muzzin, D, Sault Ste Marie

143 Calgary, Mickey Renaud, C, Windsor

149 Dallas Michael Neal, LW, Belleville

156 Chicago Richard Greenop, RW, Windsor

160 St. Louis Anthony Peluso, D, Erie

162 Carolina Brett Bellmore, D, Plymouth

171 Pittsburgh, Dustin Jeffrey, C, Sault Ste. Marie

172 Dallas, Luke Gazdic, LW, Erie

178 Detroit Zac Torquato, C, Erie

180 Washington Justin Taylor, C, London

181 Florida Cory Syvret, D, Guelph

184 Los Angeles, Josh Kidd, D, Erie