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The Alberta Junior Hockey League is known for developing teenagers so they can take the next step to the WHL or receive a scholarship to a post-secondary institution north or south of the border. In some cases though, on their way to the next level, a player from the AJHL may hear his name called at the NHL Entry Draft.

The Vancouver Canucks selected Saint Albert Saints forward Ty Morris 128th overall in fourth round of the 2003 Entry Draft. The Millet, Alberta native moved on following his draft year to the Swift Current Broncos of the WHL, he has since been traded to the Vancouver Giants where he has scored 15 goals.

This year four more players from the AJHL have a chance to hear their name called at the 2004 Entry Draft.

Nick Johnson, RW – Saint Albert Saints – 6’2” 170 – 45 GP, 30 goals, 25 assists

CSB Ranking - 67th in North America

It is not a surprise that the scouts are looking at Nick Johnson, as he plays a lot like Ty Morris who carried the Saints last season before being selected by the Canucks. Johnson has the frame to play in the NHL, he just needs to add a little beef to it. The Calgary-born winger is the entire package, he runs the point on the powerplay, penalty kills, crashes the goal, bangs in the corner and even has the hands to put together the pretty goals. Johnson has had to fight through adversity this season playing with a cast on his hand for part of the season yet still contributing offensively. Johnson is also very disciplined having picked up only 25 minutes in penalties so far this season, he hasn’t had to do much battling after the whistle as the Saints Tim Yaworski looks after the team’s top right winger. For more on Nick Johnson, check out Eric Welsh’s in-depth look at the St. Albert star who is on his way to Dartmouth of the NCAA next season.

Scott McCulloch, LW – Grand Prairie Storm – 6’1” 200 – 35 GP, 17 goals, 24 assists

CSB Ranking – 71st in North America

Scott McCulloch really came out of nowhere in the CSB mid-season rankings. He went from not being on the preliminary list to holding down the 71st spot among North American skaters. McCulloch already has great size at 6’1” 200 and he knows how to use it. He was the Storm’s top rookie and most dedicated student in 2002-2003 and just continues to develop at a steady pace. His roll with the Storm has grown throughout the season as he is relied apon to bring a physical presence and secondary scoring. The one area of the game where McCulloch may need to put in a little work is his skating. He is by no means slow, but could use an extra step or two in order to succeed at the next level. McCulloch missed a month of action before recently returning to the lineup and picking up right where he left off. The Edmonton-born, Lacombe-raised power forward is the only one of the four players being considered for the draft to not yet commit to a post-secondary school in the United States. McCulloch will receive a lot of exposure this spring as the Grand Prairie Storm are hosting the Royal Bank cup this year and scouts will be making the trip from all over North America.

Kyle Radke, D – Grand Prairie Storm – 5’11” 200 – 46 GP, 9 goals, 34 assists

CSB Ranking – 140th in North America

Radke has improved steadily during his time in Grand Prairie. In 2002 he was named the team’s most oustanding rookie and in 2003 he took the honor of being the top defenseman on the Storm blueline. This season he may be the best defenseman in the entire AJHL. He has put up outstanding numbers with the high-octane offense GM Fran Gow is running up in Grand Prairie. Radke is an outstanding skater who loves to rush the puck and has the stride and quickness to get back and look after things in his own end. He quarterbacks a powerplay that despite having some of the top players in the league may not click if it wasn’t for Radke’s composure, playmaking ability and hard shot from the point. Like McCulloch, Radke’s stock will only rise during the Royal Bank Cup this spring. Next year as he is headed to the University of North Dakota.

Jordan Alford, G – Canmore Eagles – 6’2” 175 – 36 GP, 3.44 GAA, .909 Save percentage, 2 shutouts

CSB Ranking – 24th among goaltenders in North America

Alford is no Dan Blackburn, who suited up for the Canmore Eagles as a 14-15 year old, but he is still putting together a very good season with a team that doesn’t focus much on keeping the puck out of there own goal. Alford has been the sacrifice by the Eagles this season as the team concentrates on scoring goals and has the top two scorers in the AJHL. Unfortunately when you are a goalie on an offensive team, your numbers may not always tell the truth. His 3.44 goals against average may scare some people away but a .909 save percentage will bring those same critics right back. Alford is a big goaltender who uses his size well to cover the top half of the goal. CSB currently has him ranked 24th among goaltenders in North America and that means he will have to step it up if he hopes to get drafted. Alford will continue his hockey career next season at RPI in the NCAA.