
Photo: 2015 OHL Cup hero Matt Strome is expected to be a high selection at the 2015 OHL Priority Selection that takes place on April 11th (courtesy of Aaron Bell/OHL Images)
All three CHL leagues kicked off first round playoff action, and three teams in particular received contributions from top prospects. Also, an obscure goaltending prospect is a social media sensation thanks to a rare feat. This week’s Prospect Impressions is loaded with talent, take a look at the best prospect plays-of-the-week.
The Prince George Cougars have gone down two games to none against the Victoria Royals in first round WHL playoff action. That said, both games have been competitive thanks in part to the uber-creative Jansen Harkins. The Cougars have been paced by the 2015 draft-eligible, who has enjoyed a solid season. In 70 regular season games, Harkins scored 20 goals and 59 assists to go along with a +7 rating. Harkins was named as the Cougars’ Most Valuable Player through regular season play, a testament to his value as the NHL Draft approaches. NHL Central Scouting ranked the blue collar, two-way forward 18th in their midterm rankings.
Fantastic play last night by Jansen Harkins. Skate to stick, backhand pass to Pochiro for the goal. #WHL #2… https://t.co/P9yZg0EvSz
— Cody Nickolet (@DubFromAbove) March 29, 2015
Cougars’ Jansen Harkins Named Team MVP: Prince George Cougars unveil eight new player awards prior to start of… http://t.co/HXvoCKBgB1
— 250 News (@250_News) March 21, 2015
In the playoffs, most hockey teams can pinpoint one specific moment that energizes a team. In the first period in their first playoff game against the powerhouse Brandon Wheat Kings, Edmonton Oil Kings goaltender Tristan Jarry made an unthinkable save en route to a 4-1 victory. Jarry, a Pittsburgh Penguins prospect, had to wait two years to get his chance, and the wait has been worth every minute. As one of the top goaltenders in the WHL, Jarry’s 2.74 goals-against average and .907 save percentage are both good for top 10 in both categories. The Oil Kings will need Jarry to repeat his game one performance if they want to repeat as WHL champion.
Not a bad stop by Oil Kings G Tristan Jarry to kick off the #WHL postseason. https://t.co/0xcDD3QlH5
— Cody Nickolet (@DubFromAbove) March 27, 2015
#OilKings goalie Tristan Jarry has been named WHL Eastern Conference 1st team all star and nominee for goalie or the year
— Brian Swane (@SunBrianSwane) March 25, 2015
Unless you have been on social media, are an astute Minnesota Wild fan, or follow Finnish hockey, you probably haven’t heard of Kaapo Kahkonen. All that changed when Kahkonen launched a puck clear across the ice to score at the conclusion of a playoff game. The Minnesota prospect has spent the season with TuTo, an organization out of the Finnish second-league, Mestis. There, Kahkonen posted a 2.11 goals-against average and a .925 save percentage in 47 regular season games. While most of the attention in Finland has fallen squarely on Juuse Saros (NSH), this goal by Kahkonen has been the talk of the town.
MUST SEE: #mnwild prospect Kaapo Kahkonen scored an awesome goal. P.S. he’s a goalie. WATCH → http://t.co/z3bHOmKY53 #NHLfi
— Minnesota Wild (@mnwild) March 29, 2015
The first overall selection in the 2014 QMJHL Entry Draft belonged to the Saint John Sea Dogs, and the team took defenseman Luke Green with the pick. He has not disappointed, helping the Sea Dogs return to the playoffs. In 60 regular season games, Green scored 6 goals and 30 assists, including five point streaks of three games or more. As one of the top prospects for the 2016 NHL Draft, Green’s stock is rising thanks to his first playoff goal.
Luke Greens first playoff goal in the QMJHL. Great Goal! https://t.co/uDdelB0yNX @GreenLuke55
— Tyler Deacon (@TylerDeacon) March 28, 2015
Congrats to Luke Green of Saint John on being nominated for Defensive Rookie of the Year in the QMJHL. 60 GP, 6 goals, 30 assists, 36 pts.
— Allan Walsh (@walsha) March 26, 2015
When you look at the Niagara IceDogs roster, the immediate names that stand out are former first round NHL picks Josh Ho-Sang (NYI) and Brendan Perlini (ARI). However, Carter Verhaeghe‘s phenomenal season is plenty noteworthy. Named as the IceDogs most outstanding player thanks to a 33-goal, 49-assist season, Verhaeghe has continued his run as one of the most underrated players in the OHL. While his team might be down two games to one against the Ottawa 67’s, Verhaeghe’s game-breaking ability leaves Niagara with a chance to win most games.
GIF: #Leafs prospect Carter Verhaeghe’s assist last night (credit: @AdamHerman_BSB). http://t.co/b4Ns8550KD
— Scott Wheeler (@scottcwheeler) March 28, 2015
#Leafs prospect Carter Verhaeghe named Niagara’s most outstanding player over Perlini and Ho-Sang. #OHL
— Scott Wheeler (@scottcwheeler) March 25, 2015
During a difficult and rumor-laden season, Sonny Milano was one of a few bright spots for the Plymouth Whalers. In the Whalers final season in Plymouth, Milano led the team in scoring with 22 goals and 46 assists in 50 games. It was a trying season, but Milano’s effort carried that momentum over to the Springfield Falcons, where Columbus Blue Jackets fans caught a glimpse of what he is capable of. While the team was on the wrong side of a 6-3 loss in their playoff push, Milano’s offensive game was on display, perhaps foreshadowing where he will begin next season.
Oh hey @27SMiLano. Welcome to the pros. Nice assist on @LukeJAdam’s tally! pic.twitter.com/kBFwYQABFN
— Springfield Falcons (@TheFalconsAHL) March 27, 2015
It took Sonny Milano all of 4:43 to record his first professional point (assist). The first of many for the electric forward.
— Andrew Weiss (@WeissFC) March 27, 2015
First there was the Sutter’s, then came the Staal’s, and now the Strome family is making noise with their three young men. Ryan Strome is enjoying a career season with the New York Islanders, while Dylan Strome just capped off an OHL scoring title, and youngest brother Matthew Strome appears ready to transition to the OHL himself. The GTHL Toronto Marlboros captain scored the overtime goal to win the 2015 OHL Cup, just hours removed from Dylan’s OHL scoring title. Matthew is eligible for the upcoming 2015 OHL Priority Selection, as well as the 2017 NHL Draft.
#GottaSeeIt: Stromes are at it again! Watch as Matthew scores the OT winner for the Toronto Marlboros in the OHL Cup. http://t.co/YHm6L1Xyrn
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) March 24, 2015
MATTHEW STROME! The captain scores at 3:41 of OT and @GTHLHockey @99Marlboros are back-to-back #OHLCup Champs with 3-2 win over Don Mills!
— OntarioHockeyLeague (@OHLHockey) March 24, 2015
More Prospect Impressions coming your way next Monday!
Prospect Impressions – 3/23/15
Follow Dave Hahn on Twitter via @DHahnHockey