Rangers WHL report

By Michael Theodore
Pavel Brendl: Looks solid so far this season, his imporved conditioning is obvious and though it would be hard for him to take his scoring up even higher, his defense is noticeably better. He will never be a Selke candidate but he is getting stronger in his own end and has actually assumed a position of leadership on the Hitmen. If he shows up at camp he could easily win a roster spot next season. Has proved that he never lost his scoring touch and his showing in training camp was indeed just him showing his defensive improvement. First line winger someday.

Jamie Lundmark: Appears more determined then ever to show why he was drafted 9th overall. Despite playing on a team that is not necessarily better then his old one {Moose Jaw} he is by far and away Seattle’s best player. Two way hockey, with an aggressive touch and leadership. He is on pace to break 100 points despite only playing in 64 games {max}. Has played on every line for Seattle, and played all three foward positions. Is proving that his poor perfomance in camp was a result of the injury nothing more. Looks like the Rangers first line center of the future.

Filip Novak: A surprise at camp and a solid pickup by the Sather administration. Is bigger then his listed size and appears to be around 6’1, maybe 6’2 and about 185- 190 pounds. Will probably play at around 6’2, 200. He plays a similar game to Kim Johnnson but may be a little bit more aggresive. Doesn’t really look like a number one defenseman but a solid number two guy. He has done everything for the Regina Pats and his potentially moving himself into challanging for a roster spot next season with the Rangers.

Garrett Bembridge: Fourth Round draft choice in ’99 is having a solid season so far in which he has already netted 20 goals. Though not overly big, Bembridge plays a solid game and has a quiet aggressiveness to him. At 6’0, 190 he looks like a right handed version of a Jan Hlavac type player. Possibly a solid second or this line player, he is capable of playing any foward position. Though he is not signed at the moment, it would be a wise idea to sign him and take a chance. At the very least he is a solid depth player.