Hockey's Future - The #1 Online Prospects Resource

A review of Washington Capitals prospects currently playing in the WHL (five) and NCAA (seven).

Clayton Barthel, D

Barthel, a 2004 third-round draft choice of the Washington Capitals, has been part of a change in fortune for the Seattle Thunderbirds. The Thunderbirds have moved from worst to within one point of first place in the U.S. Division with four games in hand, thanks in large part to the play of their defense that has allowed a WHL low of 41 goals allowed in 26 games. A heady player, Barthel has been a dependable fixture on the blue line and his main concern has been his work in the defensive zone.

2004-05 stats

Eric Fehr, RW

This former first-round selection has developed into one of the most dynamic goal scorers in junior hockey with 29 goals in 30 games, second in scoring in the WHL with 44 points, right behind his Brandon teammate Ryan Stone. While there will be a lot of competition to make the 2005 Canada WJC squad, Fehr should get a long look as he has a nose for the net. Pure goal scorers are a valuable commodity, and Fehr’s play is certainly giving the Capitals plenty of reason for optimism in the future.

2004-05 stats

Mike Green, D

Just like Seattle, the Saskatoon Blades have rebounded mightily from last season, currently sporting one of the best records in the WHL. Mike Green has been a sparkplug in the offensive zone with 21 assists, tied for second among WHL defensemen and at the same time has not neglected his play in the defensive zone, as he is sporting a +26 in the plus/minus department. Noted for his leadership, Green was named a team captain for this season. Green, an invitee to Canada’s WJC evaluation camp, has shown great mobility, and he never passes up an opportunity to join the rush. If Green can remain a big part of the offense as the season moves along, then count on the Blades making a deep run in the WHL playoffs.

2004-05 stats

Mark Olafson, RW

A right wing for the Lethbridge Hurricanes, Olafson has been a steady offensive performer so far this season. Olafson was the Capitals last selection in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft.

Jeff Schultz, D

Schultz, who in some respects will be linked with fellow 2004 first rounder Mike Green, has been a bit of a surprise in the early going. It’s not easy for a 6’6 defenseman to hide, but he has not been playing quite as physical a game as had been anticipated with just four minor penalties in 31 games. Schultz was selected to play for Team WHL, along with Green and Fehr, in the 2004 Canada-Russia Series, so this selection could inspire him to be a stalwart defenseman for the reminder of the season.

2004-05 stats

Chris Bourque, C

A freshman at Boston University, Chris Bourque has had a smooth transition thus far to college hockey, as he is tied for fourth on the team in scoring as well as tied for the team lead in assists. The Terriers have been playing well, and Bourque has gotten his fair share of ice time. Bourque was recently named to the 2005 U.S. WJC team that will try to defend its gold medal later this month in Grand Forks, N.D.

2004-05 stats

Andrew Gordon, RW

In his first season at St. Cloud State, Gordon, who spent last season with the Notre Dame Hounds (SJHL), has been playing well, the second-leading goal scorer on the squad with seven. Gordon was picked in the seventh round of the 2004 NHL Entry Draft, and has shown signs that he could blossom into a late-round find.

Andrew Joudrey, C

Joudrey, a sophomore, is currently the fifth-leading scorer for the Wisconsin Badgers, the #4 rated team in the USCHO.com/CSTV Division I poll. The 249th choice in 2003, Joudrey is also a good defensive forward.

Travis Morin, C

Travis Morin, a center for the Minnesota State Mavericks, was recently named the WCHA Offensive Player of the Week for his stellar play in a two-game sweep of the University of Alaska Anchorage. Morin recorded his first career hat trick, and had four goals total. He is the second leading scorer on the Mavericks.

Justin Mrazek, G

Mrazek has been solid between the pipes in his first season of college hockey with Union College. While his record is only 4-5, he has an impressive .926 save percentage and a goals against average of 1.80. The Capitals second selection from the SJHL in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft, Mrazek has certainly shown no problems in adjusting to the ECAC.

Josh Robertson, C

In his first season at Northeastern, Josh Robertson’s play is akin to most first-year college players -- inconsistent. Robertson is still trying to find his role on this team, which is difficult as the Huskies are a very young team. Once he settles into a groove and receives more ice time, his offensive production will improve. Robertson just needs to remain patient, and keep working diligently in practice.

2004-05 stats

Stephen Werner, RW

The 2004-05 season has gotten off to a bit of a rocky start for the UMass Minutemen. The Minutemen have not generated a lot of offense thus far, as exhibited by the fact that they only scored two goals in two games on a recent trip to Colorado College and Denver. One of the lone bright spots up front has been Stephen Werner. He (6 goals, 6 assists) is an excellent skater, and he has demonstrated a physical aspect to his game this season, showing a willingness to go into the corners. Werner has been a consistent first-line forward over the course of his career at UMass, and he has exuded a lot of confidence since he returned from the 2004 WJC last January.

2004-05 stats

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