Featured Article
Flyers 2004 entry draft review
Written by: Al Alven on 07/07/2004 
Unlike in 2003, the Philadelphia Flyers did not enter the 2004 NHL Entry Draft in a prime position to add any highly-rated prospects to their organizational depth chart.
Though the team owned the right to make 14 total selections, the earliest would not come until the third round (92nd overall). The lack of a pick in the first or second round was a byproduct of the team’s go for broke mentality during the 2003-04 season.
With the specter of the impending NHL work stoppage looming in what was universally-viewed as a weak draft year, general manager Bob Clarke saw fit to part with the team's early selections in separate trades that netted centers Mike Comrie (since dealt) and Alexei Zhamnov for the stretch run.
The Flyers, of course, fell short in their bid to reach the finals, but not before pushing the eventual Stanley Cup champion Tampa Bay Lightning to Game 7 in the Eastern Conference final. The gambles did not work out, but the organization continues to feel justified in taking the risks.
Convinced that they had not missed out on any potential sleeper prospects, Clarke and his staff conducted draft weekend business as usual on June 26th and 27th in Raleigh, North Carolina.
The team made one minor deal, shipping three late round picks to the Lightning for a third rounder next year. The remaining 11 selections were exorcised on an interesting and relatively obscure class of young talent.
The selections
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* Stats listed for Martin Houle are: GP - W - L- T - SO - GAA - SP
Positionally speaking
• For the second straight year, the Flyers used seven of their 11 selections on forwards. The focus in 2003 was on centers, with the acquisitions of top prospects Jeff Carter (Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds, OHL) and Mike Richards (Kitchener Rangers, OHL), along with Ryan Potulny (Minnesota, WCHA) and Kevin Romy (Geneva-Servette, Switzerland) in later rounds. This time around, adding much-needed organizational depth at both wing positions was clearly the main goal. The Flyers did select two primary centermen – Ladislav Scurko of Slovakia (6th round, 170th overall) and intriguing John Carter (9th round, 291st overall) – but used five selections on the other two forward positions. The team addressed its lack of system depth on the right side, tabbing New England Junior Coyotes (EJHL) star Rob Bellamy with its first pick (3rd round, 92nd overall), then adding talented David Laliberte of the QMJHL's P.E.I. Rocket (4th round, 124th overall) and aggressive Gino Pisinelli of the OHL's Plymouth Whalers (5th round, 149th overall). The two left wingers selected were Freddy Cabana of the QMJHL's Halifax Mooseheads (6th round, 171st overall) and Triston Grant of the WHL's Vancouver Giants (9th round, 286th overall).
• Defense was considered to be the strength of the Flyers' farm system this time last year. In fact, with the likes of Joni Pitkanen, Jeff Woywitka and Jim Vandermeer in the fold, the team saw fit to draft only one rearguard in 2003 – Alexandre Picard (Halifax Mooseheads, QMJHL). Things were different this time around. With Pitkanen graduated to the NHL and Woywitka and Vandermeer gone via trades, Picard, inconsistent Dennis Seidenberg and unproven Rosario Ruggeri are left as the team's top defensive prospects. Thus, organizational help on the backline is needed once again. With this in mind, the Flyers used three of this year's selections on defensemen. The team took highly-touted Minnesota high school junior R.J. Anderson with its second pick (4th round, 101st overall), Chris Zarb, the USHL's top-rated player, with its fourth selection (5th round, 144th overall), and University of Minnesota-Duluth-bound Travis Gawryletz with its ninth choice (8th round, 253rd overall).
• Martin Houle (8th
round, 232) of the QMJHL's Halifax Mooseheads was the only goaltender selected
this year. The Flyers used their final three picks in 2003 on netminders
– David Tremblay (Gatineau Olympiques, QMJHL), Rejean Beauchemin
(Prince Albert Raiders, WHL) and Ville Hostikka (SaiPa Jr., Finland).
With NHL-ready Antero Niittymaki (Philadelphia Phantoms, AHL), collegiate
seniors-to-be Bernd Bruckler (Wisconsin, WCHA) and Dov Grumet-Morris
(Harvard,
ECAC), and European veteran Roman Malek (Metallurg Magnitogorsk, Russian
Super League) in the system, the organization simply did not view adding
talent at this position as a top priority.
Drafting preferences
• Surprisingly, 10 of the 11 players drafted by the Flyers this year were North Americans. The only European-born player selected was Ladislav Scurko of Slovakia. Thus, despite all the talk about the team's recent trend of drafting more talent from across the pond, it seems that general manager Bob Clarke and his staff still heavily favor players from this continent. Actually, only three of the team's 2003 draft selections were from Europe, so 18 of the Flyers' last 22 selections have been players born and trained in either Canada or the United States.
• Of the 10 North Americans selected, five were born in Canada and five are from the United States. Right winger Gino Pisinelli (Melrose Park, Illinois) is the only of the draftees who played last season for a team not based in his native country (Plymouth Whalers, OHL).
• The Flyers continued
their recent trend of relying on the QMJHL as a premier source of talent,
selecting three players from the circuit and only one each from the OHL
and WHL. The other Junior A player selected was Ladislav Scurko,
from the Spisska Nova Ves program in Slovakia. The team used its other
five selections on players in lower level leagues (Jr. B, tier I, high
school or independent teams). Whether this becomes a growing trend itself
or was simply a byproduct of the team owning so many late round picks this
year remains to be seen.
Stocking up for next year
• The Flyers have a tendency to pawn off late round picks for future selections, and this year was no exception. With the team's list of preferred players dwindling, Clarke made an interesting move, swapping a fifth round pick (Brandon Elliot, 158th overall) and two sixth rounders (Jan Zapletal, 188th overall and Karri Ramo, 191st overall) to the Tampa Bay Lightning for a third round pick in 2005.
Rob Bellamy, Right Wing
Selected: 3rd round, 92nd overall
Height: 6-0
Weight: 190
lbs.
Shoots: Right
Date of Birth: 5/30/85
Birthplace:
Providence, Rhode Island
| Season | Team | League | GP | G | A | Pts. | +/- | PIMs | PPG |
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Overview
Like the NHL player he patterns
himself after – Boston Bruins forward Martin Lapointe – Bellamy's game
thrives on a balanced combination of skill, hustle and tenacity. The Providence
native brings a lunch pail work ethic to the arena every night, and is
best known for his competitiveness and ultra-aggressive style of play.
He is a ferocious forechecker and penalty-killer, a player who wins battles
along the boards and behind the net through brute force and intimidation.
Bellamy is an above-average skater, with a short stride but good acceleration
once he gets going. He has surprisingly soft hands and elusive ability
for a big man, and often catches opposing players off guard with his deft
passing and ability to make plays in all zones.
2003-04 Review
Bellamy established himself
as one of the top Junior A players in New England last season. He led
a contending Junior Coyotes team in goals and points, and earned a good
deal of attention for his work ethic and consistent displays of improvement.
The NHL's Central Scouting Bureau ranked him 66th among North American
skaters in its final report this year.
2004-05 Outlook
Bellamy will make his NCAA
debut next season at the University of Maine. The Black Bears program
has produced a number of past and present NHLers, and should prove to be
a valuable developing ground for the hyper-active young forward. Naturally,
Bellamy will have to work his way into the lineup as a freshman. However,
he is expected to eventually earn a regular shift, and could become an
integral part of the team's roster relatively early in his collegiate career.
Career Potential
The Flyers were very pleased
(and a bit surprised) to see that Bellamy was still on the board when their
first opportunity to pick finally came up in the latter stages of the third
round. Despite having to wait through 91 previous selections, the general
consensus among the scouting staff was that the team wound up with a player
whose high-end potential is comparable to that of a number of prospects
selected in the second half of the first round.
Bellamy on his game and
best attributes:
"One of the biggest assets
I bring is my competitiveness and character. Every game, every practice,
I come with the same mentality – to work hard every day. Every time
I go over the boards, the coach will know what he gets – my willingness
to win. I hate to lose."
Paul Homgren (Flyers assistant
general manager) on Bellamy:
"He's a high-energy forward,
center/right wing who loves to play a physical game. He’s a good skater.
We’re looking forward to watching him over the next four years at the University
of Maine, see how he develops. We’re extremely excited to have him. He
brings a lot of energy to the table."
Tim Whitehead (University
of Maine head coach) on Bellamy:
"Rob is a fierce competitor.
He is a legitimate physical presence on the ice –- big, fast and surprisingly
good hands for a big man. When he hits you, you know that you've been hit."
Gary Dineen (Junior Coyotes
general manager) on Bellamy:
"Rob is fearless. He enjoys
hitting. He goes to the net with a purpose and he'll hang around in front.
With the exception of [former Junior Coyote and current Dallas Star] Billy
Guerin, he's probably the toughest player we've ever had here."
R.J. Anderson, Defenseman
Selected: 4th round, 101st overall
Height: 5-11
Weight: 180
lbs.
Shoots: Right
Date of Birth: 7/16/86
Birthplace:
Maple Wood, Minnesota
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Overview
Considered by many scouts
to be the top amateur defenseman in Minnesota, Anderson is three quarters
of the way through a brilliant career at Centennial High School in Circle
Pines (located roughly 15 miles north of the Twin Cities). As complete
a players as you will find at the high school level, Anderson is dominant
in both the offensive and defensive ends for the Cougars. He performs and
carries himself with a great deal of poise and maturity, displays an acute
understanding of the game and is a born leader. Like any young player,
Anderson has a good deal of filling out to do and must get stronger. Because
he is so dominant at his current level of competition, however, it is difficult
to pinpoint any other notable weaknesses in his game at this time.
2003-04 Review
Simply put, Anderson had
a monster season as a junior for Centennial. The 17-year-old rearguard
finished first on the team in assists (56), second in points (85) and tied
for second in goals (29). He was the top scoring defenseman in all of Minnesota
and was a key figure in helping Centennial capture the state's Class AA
Championship (he was named to the all-tournament team). Anderson was ranked
82nd among North American skaters in Central Scouting’s final report.
2004-05 Outlook
Anderson still has one year
of high school left before he heads off to the University of Minnesota
for the 2005-06 season. He will unquestionably be the focal point of his
team at Centennial next season, and is likely to put up astronomical numbers
as a senior. Expect Anderson to be a top contender for "Mr. Hockey" honors
as the state of Minnesota's top high school player (his teammate, senior
forward Tom Gorowsky, took home the award this past season).
Career Potential
High school players can
be very difficult to project, but everything about Anderson's game at this
point indicates that he is on track for a successful hockey career. He is
a virtual lock to be an impact player at the NCAA level, but it is still
too early in his development to say whether or not he is definite NHL material.
As a potential frame of reference, however, Anderson is often compared
favorably to Calgary Flames defenseman Jordan Leopold at the same age.
Paul Homgren on Anderson:
"Michael 'R.J.' Anderson
is a highly skilled offensive defenseman. He actually was a junior in high
school last year in the state of Minnesota at Centennial High School. He’s
got one year left and he’ll attend the University of Minnesota the following
year. So, we actually have possibly five years of development time with
him, but he’s a good prospect. He’s only 5’11 ½” right now, but
he’s a big kid. We think he’ll grow, but he’s an extremely good young offensive
defenseman."
A league coach on Anderson:
"R.J. provides so much offense
with his great vision and tremendous puck skills. He is one of the defensemen
that college people and pro scouts like because he moves the puck well
and can jump into the rush. He's a guy who will be able to quarterback
a power play since he uses his teammates well and shoots the puck plenty
heavy. I don't think he has a lot of weakness, but he will of course have
to get stronger like any young kid."
David Laliberte, Right Wing
Selected: 4th round, 124th overall
Height: 6-1
Weight: 194
lbs.
Shoots: Right
Date of Birth:
3/17/86
Birthplace: St-Jean-Sur-Richelieu, Quebec
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Overview
Of the 11 players selected
by the Flyers this year, Laliberte may be the most physically gifted. Blessed
with pure skill and hockey ability, the talented forward is a complete
player who simply needs to work on his level of intensity and consistency.
A natural goal scorer and passer, Laliberte possesses great instincts and
hockey sense. He also has good size and is a terrific, hard-working defensive
forward. The 18-year-old winger excels in late-game pressure situations,
a trait that has greatly impressed many scouts over his first two seasons
in the QMJHL. Laliberte competes hard and does not shy away from physical
play. He takes and delivers checks effectively in all areas of the ice,
battles for loose pucks on the boards and in the corners, and is a willing
shot-blocker. He has great stamina and logs a ton of ice time for P.E.I.
2003-04 Review
Despite the 14-point increase
in his point production, Laliberte didn't really take the next step offensively
that many scouts and observers felt he would in his second season in the
QMJHL. He did, however, show signs of improvement in virtually every aspect
of his game and is a far more complete player now than he was one year
ago. Laliberte's biggest contributions to his team this season came in
the defensive end, where he hustled tirelessly for loose pucks and rarely
missed a coverage assignment. The young forward was viewed as a top prospect
throughout the season based on his fine performance as a QMJHL rookie in
2002-03. Due to this, he was invited to play and gained additional exposure
in the annual CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game Played in top prospects game in
January.
2004-05 Outlook
Laliberte seems to be on
the verge of breaking out as an offensive star in the "Q," and it should
finally happen next season. With two seasons of major junior already under
his belt, the physically maturing forward has the experience and the tools
to move into an elite category of players. Because his defensive game is
so sound, Laliberte will continue to see loads of ice time with P.E.I. This,
obviously, will only help to further along the development of all aspects
of his game. Look for Laliberte to move into more of a leadership role
with the Rocket next season as well, both on and off the ice.
Career Potential
The high-scoring QMJHL has
never been known as a producer of great defensive or two-way players, but
Laliberte seems to be developing along those lines. The "darkhorse" aspect
of his game is his natural offensive ability, which may or may not translate
to something special as he continues to develop his game. As it is now,
Laliberte looks to have the smarts and a proper grasp of the fundamentals
necessary for a player a year or two away from making the jump to the professional
ranks. He may not be a star at the next level, but he projects to be a
solid NHL role player at the very least.
Laliberte, at the draft, on the player
he models himself after:
"I like Jarome Iginla. He's
a pretty complete player and a big leader for Calgary."
Paul Homgren on Laliberte:
"David Laliberte is a great
winger who played in the Quebec League. He had 21 goals last year. We think
over the next couple of years in junior hockey he’ll score more. He’s another
guy that’s an aggressive forechecker with decent hands. For a young kid
to get 21 goals in the Quebec League is pretty good and we look for better
things from him this year."
Chris Zarb, Defenseman
Selected: 5th round, 144th overall
Height: 6-4
Weight: 176
lbs.
Shoots: Right
Date of Birth:
1/11/85
Birthplace:
San Diego, California
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Overview
Zarb exhibited tremendous
athletic prowess while growing up, playing (and excelling) in a variety
of sports, including baseball and basketball. By the time he had decided
to focus exclusively on hockey, it was obvious that he had a natural talent
for the sport. Interestingly, Zarb played as a forward in the midget AAA
ranks, just switching over to defense this season in the USHL. Thus, he
exhibited that he is a quick learner with a great mind for and understanding
of the intricacies of the game. The San Diego native plays with a great
deal of poise and confidence, and, like R.J. Anderson, is equally adept
in all aspects of the game. It is, however, Zarb's offensive ability and
his physical presence that have many scouts excited about his future.
2003-04 Review
Zarb actually started the
season on the bench for Tri-City until head coach Bliss Litler realized
that he had one of the top talents in the USHL in his midst. After working
his way into the lineup, the then-18-year-old rookie wasted no time getting
used to his new position on the blueline, settled in, and then got better
and better as the season progressed. In a relatively short amount of time,
Zarb went from "riding the pine" to logging huge minutes for the Storm
and quarterbacking the team's first power play unit. Scouts noted the confidence
that was evident in both Zarb's play and in his off-ice demeanor from the
start of the campaign. As word of his breakout season began to spread,
Zarb earned a reputation as the USHL's top draft-eligible player. He was
ranked higher than anyone else in the circuit in Central Scouting's final
report, coming in at 37th among North American skaters.
2004-05 Outlook
Zarb will play one more
season with Tri-City, then head to Ferris State (Big Rapids, Michigan)
to begin his NCAA career in 2005-06. He should be able to cement himself
as one of the USHL's top defensemen next season, and will be a key cog
for the Storm in the team's quest for the league championship. Before the
season begins, Zarb will attend the United States National Junior Team
Evaluation Camp in hopes of landing a spot on the team's next WJC roster.
Career Potential
Zarb came out of nowhere
to become a very viable prospect over the course of the recently-completed
cycle. He appears to have a good amount of upward mobility in his potential,
but is obviously lacking in experience and still needs additional training
on the blueline. Once Zarb arrives at Ferris State two seasons from now,
scouts and observers will be able to get a better handle on just what kind
of longterm potential he has. A lot will also depend on how he fills out
and whether or not he is able to add the appropriate levels of strength
and finesse to his game.
Paul Homgren on Zarb:
"Chris Zarb – big, skinny
defenseman. Played for Tri-City in the USHL last year. Obviously he needs
to grow. I think he weighs 170 or 175 pounds right now. We believe he’ll
fill out. He’s another guy who is headed to a university, I think he’s
headed to Ferris State. But he’s a good, big defenseman who if he fills
out could be okay and we’re hoping he will."
Gino Pisellini, Right Wing
Selected: 5th round, 149th overall
Height: 6-0
Weight: 210
lbs.
Shoots: Right
Date of Birth:
8/5/86
Birthplace:
Melrose Park, Illinois
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Overview
Already regarded as one
of the toughest players in not only the OHL, but throughout the Canadian
major junior ranks, Pisellini plays a simple, straight-forward game. An
aggressive forward with a remarkable ability to dish out and sustain physical
punishment, he serves as Plymouth's chief enforcer and is one of the team's
power play focal points. Pisellini has a good head for the game, and makes
effective plays in all three zones. The major drawback to his game at this
point is his sub-par skating.
2003-04 Review
Pisellini established himself
as an intimidating physical presence with the ability to produce offensively
for the Whalers this season, finishing first on the team in PIMs and 14th
in the OHL in rookie scoring. He found a home in front of the opposing
team's goaltender on Whalers' power plays, creating all kinds of havoc and
racking up an impressive (and surprising) 11 man advantage goals in the
process. Piselli also took on a natural leadership role in the team's lockerroom,
an impressive feat for a 17-year-old rookie.
2004-05 Outlook
Look for Pisellini's role
with the Whalers to be expanded quite a bit next season. As long as the
young forward shows that he can handle the workload, he will continue to
receive increased ice time and responsibilities in all game situations. Don't
be surprised to see him continue to emerge as one of he team's lockerroom
leaders as well.
Career Potential
Pisellini looks to have
the physical tools and the attitude necessary to play in the pro game.
As long as he continues to improve and avoids injury, he could find himself
in a checking line role in the NHL within a few seasons.
Paul Homgren on Pisellini:
"Gino Pisellini is a real
hard-working tough kid who played in Plymouth last year in the Ontario
Hockey League. He had 15 goals, 15 assists and over 200 penalty minutes.
Just a real hard-working kid. A blue-collar guy. We think his skating needs
to improve, but he’s got a couple of years left in juniors to improve on
that. We’re excited to have him as well."
Ladislav Scurko, Center
Selected: 6th round, 170th overall
Height: 6-0
Weight: 187
lbs.
Shoots: Left
Date of Birth:
4/4/86
Birthplace:
Spisska Nova Ves, Slovakia
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Overview
Considered to be the "blue
collar" candidate amongst Slovakia's 2004 draftees, Scurko relies on his
work ethic and instincts to make up for a lack of natural skill. He is
a fine defensive pivot who is tireless in his pursuit of the puck and isn't
afraid to get his nose dirty. He’s also adept on faceoffs. Scurko was
often asked to be a primary penalty killer for his junior squad, and also
held some of the same duties with the senior squad. He accepts any and
all duties that his coaches require of him, and he is quick to back up
defensemen who have pinched in the offensive zone. His skating is only
average, at best, and although he has improved in this area over the season,
he still needs lot of work. He needs to improve his acceleration, speed,
and balance to be more effective at both ends of the rink. Offensively,
Skurco handles and passes the puck accurately, but his vision and creativity
are average. He does his best work in front of the net and down low, and
he’s more likely to score a "garbage" goal than a highlight reel showstopper.
Scurko does his best work when he keeps his game simple and safe.
2003-04 Review
It was a busy season for
the pivot from Spisska Nova Ves, as he split time in between his club’s
senior (1st division) and junior teams, playing in 67 total games. As a
member of the junior team, Scurko was a dominant factor at both ends of
the ice, putting up 44 points in 37 games. He also played a great portion
of the year with a poor Spisska Nova Ves team in the Slovak 1st division.
Scurko generally saw limited action in third and fourth line roles, and
wasn’t much of a factor offensively, finishing with two goals and three
assists in 30 games. In addition to all of his games with his club team,
Skurco centered the top line for Slovakia’s Under-18 teams, playing regularly
with linemates Juraj Gracik and Igor Bacek. He finished the recent 2004
WJC18 with three assists and +1 rating in six games.
2004-05 Outlook
Shortly after he was drafted
by the Flyers, Scurko was taken seventh overall in the CHL Import Draft by
the Seattle Thunderbirds of the Western Hockey League. As Spisska Nova
Ves is a team stuck in the Slovakian 1st division, Scurko is better off
coming to the CHL to further his development. With the Thunderbirds,Scurko
can work on every aspect of his game in a prime role, rather than toil
on a checking line of team trying to earn promotion to a higher league.
Fellow countryman Stefan Ruzicka took the same track last season, opting
to leave his hometown Nitra program to play for the Owen Sound Attack of
the OHL. Though the Flyers are not expecting Scurko to enjoy the breakout
success Ruzicka did in his first North American season, they do envision
the 18-year-old quickly become a key member of the Thunderbirds' roster.
Career Potential
Scurko is a good sleeper
prospect, because he is a player with a strong skillset and tons of smarts.
His skating really holds him back, but he continues to work hard on improving
that area of his game. At this time, he does not project to be an offensive
point-producer in the professional ranks, despite the fact that he has
put up
good numbers in the Slovakian
juniors and in various international tournaments against players in his
age group. Many scouts and observers do feel that he has an NHL future,
however, as a regular checking line forward with the ability to move up
to a scoring line from time to time. Like Ruzicka, Scurko should benefit
greatly by making the early jump to North America. More and more European
players seem to be opting to continue their junior careers in the CHL,
where they can get an early jump on the NHL-style learning curve while
becoming more quickly assimilated with their new cultural surroundings.
Paul Homgren on Scurko:
"Ladislav Scurko is a highly
skilled Slovakian player, centerman or left wing. Scored pretty good numbers
in Slovakia. He’s a big, tall kid. He’s actually taller than we have him
listed here. He’s about 6’1,” 190 pounds. We’ve had some fairly good success
with Slovakian players before – Michal Handzus, Radovan Somik and a kid
we drafted last year, Stefan Ruzicka. So we’re very high on a lot of the
Slovakian players."
Colin Alexander (Seattle
Thunderbirds director of player personnel) on Scurko:
“I saw him two years ago
at an Under-17 tournament. At that tournament he was a middle of the pack
player for Slovakia. Then I saw him this past Christmas at the Viking Cup,
an Under-19 tournament in Camrose, Alberta, and he was one of the best
players on the ice. He has definitely improved. He’s a really good, high
energy player who is really competitive. He’s not afraid to go to the net.
He’s not afraid to do things that good hockey players need to do. Obviously
there are adjustments, but I think he will adjust as quickly as possible
to the North American style of hockey. He’s going to fit in nice with the
group of guys we have.”
Freddy Cabana, Left Wing
Selected: 6th round, 171st overall
Height: 6-0
Weight: 182
lbs.
Shoots: Left
Date of Birth:
5/16/86
Birthplace:
Fleurimont, Quebec
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Overview
Cabana uses his
speed to win races to the puck, darting around the rink like a water-bug.
He is also willing to fight through checks, and is not afraid to go into
the trenches or muck it up along the boards despite his limited size. As
such, he will score in the high traffic areas. Cabana is one of Halifax’s
top penalty killers and a tenacious checker.
2003-04 Review
Cabana enjoyed a solid rookie
season in the QMJHL, despite not immediately putting up the offensive numbers
some expected of him. Overall, it was a sup-par campaign for many of the
Halifax Mooseheads' forwards, but Cabana quickly established himself as
a solid two-way forward and penalty killer. His standout performance, however,
came at the U-18 World Cup in Minsk, where he served as the QMJHL's only
representative on Team Canada. Wearing an "A" for the team, he had a stellar
tournament, equaling top prospects Ryan Garlock and Kyle Chipchura with
5 points in 7 games.
2004-05 Outlook
Like Gino Pisellini, Cabana
will take on a more prominent role and much more responsibility in his
second season of play at the major junior level. With a full QMJHL campaign
and the U-18 experience under his belt, expect to see a significant spike
in the young forward's offensive production for the Mooseheads next season.
Career Potential
Because of his late birth
date, Cabana has three more years of junior eligibility left and one more
shot at playing for Team Canada at the WJC. By the time he finishes his
QMJHL career, he will probably be a top scorer in the circuit. His offensive
output is unlikely to translate to big numbers in the professional ranks,
but his speed, sound two-way play and understanding of game will be serve
him well as he looks to move up to the next level. At this time, Cabana
projects to be a checking line, role-playing type if he makes it to the
NHL.
Cabana, at the draft, on the player he
models himself after:
"Darcy Tucker. I know you
guys don't really like him down in Philadelphia. He's always playing with
a lot of energy and fire in his eyes. I try to play the same way back home
in juniors."
Paul Homgren on Cabana:
"Frederik Cabana is a real
hard-working centerman or left wing. He played in Halifax in the Quebec
League last year – he had close to 40 points in 70 games. Just a good,
solid two-way player. We don’t know if he’ll ever be a big offensive player,
but he knows how to play the game at both ends of the rink."
Martin Houle, Goaltender
Selected: 8th round, 232nd overall
Height: 5-10
Weight: 170
lbs.
Catches: Left
Date of Birth:
2/12/85
Birthplace:
Montreal, Quebec
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Overview
The only goaltender selected
by the Flyers this year, Houle is coming off of a breakthrough season with
the Cape Breton Screaming Eagles. Overlooked in last year's entry draft,
the talented Montreal native was the fifth of six goaltenders taken this
time around out of the netminder-producing factory known as the QMJHL.
He was drafted at the suggestion of Flyers scout Simon Nolet, the team's
chief observer of young talent in Eastern Canada. Houle flourished in his
first extented stint as a No. 1 goaltender at the major junior level, staking
his claim as an elite netminder in the "Q" and putting himself on the map
as a draft-worthy prospect. The talented 19-year-old is something of a
rarity in that he is a standup goaltender in a league long dominated by
paddle-down, butterfly stylists. He lacks size, but makes up for it with
solid positioning, great anticipation and instincts, lightning-quick reflexes
and a very competitive attitude. With David Tremblay (Gatineau Olympiques)
also in the fold, the Flyers now own the rights to two of the top goaltenders
in the QMJHL.
2003-04 Review
Because teammate Marc-André
Fleury stayed with the Pittsburgh Penguins in October, Houle had the chance
to show what he could do with the Screaming Eagles. He did not miss his
opportunity, playing almost every game until the Pens sent Fleury back
to Cape Breton in February. During this time, Cape Breton was the No. 1
seeded team in the CHL. After Fleury returned, Houle played in only 7 of
the remaining 17 games due to a virus. When the playoffs began, coach Pascal
Vincent decided to go almost exclusively with Fleury in the net. Houle
was disappointed, but stepped aside gracefully. He could take solace in
the fact that he finished the season as the QMJHL's leader in GAA (posting
the league's second-lowest number ever, at 2.23) and save percentage (.921).
His terrific season eventually netted him team MVP and First All-Star Team
honors, along with the Jacques Plante Trophy as the circuit's top netminder.
2004-05 Outlook
With Fleury finally heading
to the pro ranks for good, Houle will get to enjoy a full season as the
undisputed No. 1 goaltender for the Screaming Eagles. Cape Breton is expected
to return with a contending team next season, so his numbers should turn
out to be as good or better than what he posted in 2003-04. As a third-year
player in the QMJHL, Houle will be looked to for more than just strong
goaltending. As is the case with just about all "veteran" netminders at
the major junior level, he will be expected to tutor and mentor a younger
peer. In this case, the student will be 17-year-old Francois Proteau. The
experience should be a rewarding one for both netminders, and will afford
Houle the opportunity to gain another perspective on his position as he
continues down the path to a potential pro career.
Career Potential
Scouts point to Houle's
smallish size as a hindrance to his pro chances, but there is no denying
the player's natural talent and ability. Besides, plenty of netminders
of similar stature have made it to and thrived in the NHL, including Ed
Belfour, Curtis Joseph and Manny Legace. For Houle, the challenge of moving
up on the Flyers organizational depth chart will come down to a matter
of his own development. He is already a dominant netminder in the QMJHL,
but can he continue to improve? Will his game translate at the next level?
What will set him apart from the other talented goaltending prospects in
the Flyers' system, like Antero Niittymaki, Bernd Bruckler, Rejean Beauchemin
and the aforementioned David Tremblay, just to name a few? These are the
types of questions that always surround young netminders, the true "mystery
men" of hockey. Exactly what kind of longterm potential Houle has is still
up for debate, but the answers will continue to emerge next season and
beyond.
Paul Homgren on Houle:
"Martin Houle is a good,
young goalie. He had an extremely good year this past year in Cape Breton
and we’re very high on this kid — (Flyers scout) Simon Nolet is very, very
high on this kid. He’s 5’10 ½,” about 175 pounds and we think he’ll
fill out a little bit. But he’s a real good old throwback, stand up goaltender.
So we’re extremely happy to have him."
Travis Gawryletz, Defenseman
Selected: 8th round, 253rd overall
Height: 6-2
Weight: 190
lbs.
Shoots: Right
Date of Birth:
11/2/85
Birthplace:
Trail, British Columbia
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Overview
The last of the three defensemen
selected by the Flyers this year, Gawryletz is a solid positional rearguard
who has shown flashes of offensive ability in his young career. A cautious
player, he is known for his tendency to make the "smart" play on most occasions,
and generally avoids taking unnecessary gambles. Gawryletz is very steady,
if unspectacular, in his own end, but tends to get the job done. He uses
his size and long reach very well, is a smooth, fluid skater and possesses
a hard, accurate shot from the point.
2003-04 Review
Gawryletz had a strong season
on the blueline for the Smoke Eaters, earning BCHL Interior Division First
All-Star Team and league All-Rookie Team honors . He was rock steady in
his own zone and surprised many observers with the emrgence of his offensive
game. Perhaps most impressively, the Trail native remained consistent throughout
the campaign. He garnered more and more attention from scouts as the season
wore on, but never wilted under the spotlight. Gawryletz finished the season
strong, and, from a conditioning standpoint, looked as if he could have
easily maintained his high level of performance for another month or so.
2004-05 Outlook
Thanks in large part to
a strong first half with the Smoke Eaters, Gawryletz earned a scholarship
to the University of Minnesota-Duluth. He will begin play with the Bulldogs
next season. As a freshman on a contending team loaded with quality rearguards,
Gawryletz is unlikely to see significant amounts of ice time right away.
He will be eased into the lineup over time, and probably will not see regular
duty on the Bulldogs' blueline until his sophomore season.
Career Potential
Like R.J. Anderson and Chris
Zarb, Gawryletz is a young defenseman with a lot of maturing and filling-out
to do. He is the most raw of the three three rearguards picked by the Flyers
this year, but experience and additional coaching could change that over
time. College hockey will be a big step up for Gawryletz, who probably won't be a key player for UMD until the 2005-06 season.
At that time, he will be able to be evaluated more thoroughly.
Paul Homgren on Gawryletz:
"Travis Gawryletz – big
defenseman who played in the British Columbia Junior League last year.
Another kid that’s off to college next year. He’s going to attend the University
of Minnesota-Duluth. So we’ve got four years of development time with him.
He’s another guy that could turn out – he’s got good numbers offensively,
but he’s big. Not a real punishing defenseman, but solid defensively."
Triston Grant, Left Wing
Selected: 9th round, 286th overall
Height: 6-1
Weight: 223
lbs.
Shoots: Left
Date of Birth:
2/2/84
Birthplace:
Brandon,
Manitoba
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Overview
Grant, 20, is the oldest
member of this year's Flyers draft class and the closest to turning pro.
A rough and tumble forward with (aside from his pugilistic abilities) below-average
skills across the board, he was passed over in each of the last two entry
drafts. Grant did earn an invitation to training camp with the Vancouver
Canucks last season, but failed to earn a contract. He is regarded as a
team player who brings and honest, hard-working effort to the rink every
night.
2003-04 Review
After failing to latch on
with the Canucks in training camp, Grant returned to the WHL's Vancouver
Giants with a purpose. Sticking to the things he does best – decent two-way
play, aggressive forechecking, fighting – he turned in a solid campaign.
He finished the season second in the WHL with 267 PIMs, and solidified
his stature as one of the circuit's most physical players. Other areas
of Grant's game also showed signs of steady improvement, most notably his
skating.
2004-05 Outlook
The Flyers are still undecided
as to where Grant will play next season. As it stands now, he is slated
to return to the Giants. However, he stands to gain little from playing
in a fifth WHL season, and may soon be offered a pro contract to play for
either the Philadelphia Phantoms (AHL) or the Trenton Titans (ECHL). It
all comes down to, essentially, a matter of logistics and what works best
for the organization.
Career Potential
Grant has the look and make-up
of a career minor league checking liner/enforcer-type. He simply does not
have the natural skills necessary to complement his work ethic and toughness.
The Flyers organization always seems to find room for players of Grant's
ilk, however, so look for him to get a chance to stick somewhere in the
team's minor league system within the next year or two.
Paul Homgren on Grant:
"Triston Grant is a kid
from Brandon, Manitoba. Played in Vancouver last year in the Western Hockey
League. Another tough kid. He’s a little bit older. I think he was born
in 1984. He’s a player that we, depending on what happens this year, may
look to bring him in this year and stick him on the Phantoms if we think
he’s ready to play there. I’m not sure. But he’s big, he’s a game kid –
he likes to play a real physical game."
John Carter, Center
Selected: 9th round, 291st overall
Height: 6-4
Weight: 193
lbs.
Shoots: Right
Date of Birth:
2/8/86
Birthplace:
Detroit, Michigan
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Overview
Carter is the ultimate wildcard
of this year's draft. Selected with the final pick of the two-day event,
the Detroit native saw his stock skyrocket in the weeks leading up to Raleigh.
As word began to spread about his skills and abilities, scouts had to scramble
to see him play for the obscure Brewster Bulldogs, an independent team
located roughly 60 miles north of New York City. Carter is raw, and has
yet to play regularly at a level of competition where he can be accurately
judged. Regardless, his natural talents are abundantly clear. For starters,
he is big – 6'4", nearly 200 lbs. and growing – and uses his body exceptionally
well. He is a very strong skater, has good hands, sees the ice very well,
is proficient in the faceoff circle, pounces quickly on loose pucks and
possesses an accurate, booming slapshot. Carter also displays a strong
understanding of the game and solid two-way instincts.
2003-04 Review
Though he thoroughly dominated
the competition while centering the top line for Brewster this season,
Carter's big coming out party was at April’s Hockey Night in Boston All-Scholastic
tournament. The 18-year-old led the showcase in scoring while competing
against some of New England’s best young players, many of whom had already
committed to elite Division I programs. That performance, combined with
his impressive campaign with the Bulldogs, forced scouts to take note and
made Carter a legitimate draft day candidate.
2004-05 Outlook
Carter is leaving Brewster
to suit up for the Boston Harbor Wolves in the Eastern Junior Hockey League
(EJHL) next season. This will allow him to take classes at UMass-Boston
as he works toward a scholarship offer in Hockey East. At this point, he
is leaning toward the University of Maine, where he will likely begin play
in 2005-06. Expect Carter to continue to emerge as a potential breakout
star with his new team. He is likely to be paired with another talented
young star – 2005 draft prospect Mike Thomson – on the Harbor Wolves' top
line, a combination that could produce explosive offensive numbers.
Career Potential
Carter is the very epitome
of a "project" player. He appears to have a world of potential, but is
still raw and has yet to test himself at a level of competition where his
talents can be accurately assessed. Either way, the Flyers are in a no-lose
situation with this player. If he fails to pan out, the team merely used
the last pick in the draft on him. If he does indeed develop into something
special, however, he will be viewed as a tremendous steal for the organization.
At any rate, Carter's debut season in the EJHL in 2004-05 will likely tell
us little more than we already know about him. He will dominate the competition
there, but how will his game translate at the NCAA level the following
season? That is the question on everybody's mind, and one that can only
be answered over time.
Paul Homgren on Carter:
"John Carter is kind of
a guy that really popped up on our radar screen just actually within the
last two months. He’s a great big, great shot centerman. Serge Boudreault
and Chris Pryor, our two American scouts, saw him quite a bit and took
a liking to this guy. He hasn’t played a lot of organized hockey, but I
think he’s got one more year left and then he’s going to attend the University
of Maine. So, we’ve got some time to watch him and see how he develops.
He was the last pick in the draft – he’s a big kid and we’re excited to
watch his development over the next few years."
Christian Gordon (Boston
Harbor Wolves assistant general manager) on Carter:
"John is an impact player,
no question. The schools that show an honest interest early on will be
the ones that have a shot with John, and wherever he ultimately decides
to go will be very happy a few years down the road."
Copyright 2004 Hockey's Future. Do not duplicate without written permission of the editorial staff.
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