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Blackhawks AHL/ECHL prospects season review
Written by: Courtney Wagner on 05/20/2006 
The Norfolk Admirals made the playoffs under new head coach Mike Haviland only to be swept by the Hershey Bears in an east division semifinal series, outscored 18-9 in the process. Below is a look at individual performances by Blackhawks prospects.
Forwards
Martin St. Pierre, C
Drafted: Undrafted
Height/Weight: 5'9, 180 lbs.
Martin St. Pierre enjoyed a solid year in his first full season in the AHL, enough to garner him a two-game stint with the Blackhawks. An undrafted player due to his small size at 5'9 and 180 pounds, he was in the Edmonton Oilers system last year, and was signed by Chicago in November.
St. Pierre led the Admirals with 50 assists and 73 points and was named to the AHL All-Star Game. In four playoff games he had three assists and a -1 rating. A strong playmaker and gifted scorer who plays hard, St. Pierre has proven he can get the job done well - without having size on his side.
| Team | GP | G | A | PTS | PIM | +/- |
| Norfolk | 77 | 23 | 50 | 73 | 98 | 0 |
| Chicago | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | -1 |
| Norfolk (playoffs) | 4 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 2 | -1 |
Colin Fraser, C
Drafted: 69th, 2003
Height/Weight: 6'1, 185 lbs.
Colin Fraser, a Philadelphia Flyers draft pick in 2003, was part of the 2004 deal that saw Alexei Zhamnov head to the Flyers. Fraser joined the AHL's Norfolk Admirals late last season, in time to see action in a few regular season games and six postseason games, where he had a goal and two penalty minutes.
As a regular with the Admirals in 2005-06 Fraser had 25 points in 75 games, and his 145 penalty minutes were third highest on the team. In four playoff contests he went scoreless with seven penalty minutes.
Fraser plays a hard and agitating style of hockey. He plays aggressive and does not give up on the play. His toughness could make him an NHL role player in the future if he is able to keep his temper in check.
| Team | GP | G | A | PTS | PIM | +/- |
| Norfolk | 75 | 12 | 13 | 25 | 145 | +3 |
| Norfolk (playoffs) | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 7 | -1 |
Pavel Vorobiev, RW/LW
Drafted: 11th, 2000
Height/Weight: 6'1, 195 lbs.
The 11th overall pick in 2000, Pavel Vorobiev split his time between the Admirals and the Blackhawks in 2005-06 after spending all of last season with the Admirals. He previously saw ice time with the Blackhawks in 2003-04 where he had a goal and four points in 18 games.
Vorobiev was out nearly a month in November due to an ankle injury, but still managed to find success both in the AHL and NHL. In 32 games with Norfolk he had nine goals, 25 points and 23 penalty minutes. With Chicago he also netted nine goals, had 21 points and 34 penalty minutes in 39 games. In four playoff games with the Admirals he had a goal and three points.
Vorobiev has a strong skill set to go with his good size at 6'1 and 195 pounds. He has creativity with the puck and will battle down low and in the corners to gain possession. He is also effective on the penalty kill and his aggression can lead to turnovers in his favor. If he can stay healthy and continue to put up strong numbers he should become a mainstay in the NHL.
| Team | GP | G | A | PTS | PIM | +/- |
| Chicago | 39 | 9 | 12 | 21 | 34 | -2 |
| Norfolk | 32 | 9 | 16 | 25 | 23 | +4 |
| Norfolk (playoffs) | 4 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 0 | -2 |
Matt Keith, RW
Drafted: 59th, 2001
Height/Weight: 6'2, 200 lbs.
A second-round choice in 2001, Matt Keith spent the 2005-06 season with the Norfolk Admirals, but did see time in the NHL during a brief call-up.
In 2004-05 he played in all 80 games with the Admirals and finished third on the team in scoring with 49 points, including 18 goals and 74 penalty minutes. In 72 games this season he netted 26 goals, 45 points and had 61 penalty minutes. In three postseason appearances he had one assist. In two games with the Blackhawks Keith was scoreless. He saw his first NHL action in 2003-04 where he had two goals and five points in 20 games.
A patient player with a strong work ethic, Keith reads the play well and is able to create turnovers. He also possesses a willingness to do anything to make a play and displays solid leadership qualities -- things that should give him a chance to become a regular in the NHL soon.
| Team | GP | G | A | PTS | PIM | +/- |
| Norfolk | 72 | 26 | 19 | 45 | 61 | -6 |
| Chicago | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Norfolk (playoffs) | 3 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | -3 |
Brandon Bochenski, LW/RW
Drafted: 223rd, 2001
Height/Weight: 6'0, 197 lbs.
A seventh-round draft pick of the Ottawa Senators in 2001, Brandon Bochenski had a busy 2005-06 season. After enjoying early-season success in the Senators lineup, he was then sent down to the Binghamton Senators due to a drop in production. An injury to the Senators Martin Havlat gave Bochenski another shot, but he suffered a shoulder injury in December, again forcing him out of the lineup. After a few more call-ups he was traded, along with a second-round pick, to the Chicago Blackhawks in March for Tyler Arnason.
In 33 games with Binghamton he had 22 goals, 46 points and 36 penalty minutes. He played three games with the Norfolk Admirals in the playoffs after the Blackhawks season was over where he had two points and a -2 rating.
Although not a solid season for Bochenski, his strong offensive abilities and willingness to drive hard to the net are positive attributes. Playing for a team like Chicago, who does not possess the firepower that the Senators do, should mean a great opportunity for Bochenski, seeing regular playing time in the NHL next season.
| Team | GP | G | A | PTS | PIM | +/- |
| Binghamton | 33 | 22 | 24 | 46 | 36 | -3 |
| Ottawa | 20 | 6 | 7 | 13 | 14 | +7 |
| Chicago | 20 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 8 | -9 |
| Norfolk (playoffs) | 3 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 0 | -2 |
Michael Blunden, RW
Drafted: 43rd, 2005
Height/Weight: 6'3, 213 lbs.
Blunden joined the Admirals on an amateur tryout contract at the end of his season with the OHL Erie Otters. Drafted in 2005, he does not have to be signed by the Blackhawks until 2007, but with four years of service in the OHL and a fall birthday, he's eligible to play in the AHL full-time next season. Look for him to turn pro.
| Team | GP | G | A | PTS | PIM | +/- |
| Erie | 60 | 46 | 38 | 84 | 63 | |
| Norfolk | 11 | 1 | 5 | 6 | 2 | +4 |
| Norfolk (playoffs) | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Defensemen
Danny Richmond, D
Drafted: 31st, 2003
Height/Weight: 6'0, 190 lbs.
A Carolina Hurricanes draft pick in 2003, Danny Richmond had a childhood dream realized when he was acquired by his hometown Chicago Blackhawks in a trade that saw Anton Babchuk head the other way. Richmond spent the entire 2004-05 season with the Lowell Lock Monsters.
The 2005-06 season was a busy one for Richmond as he was shuffled around between four different teams. He began the season with the Lock Monsters where he played in 32 games, with four goals, 15 points and 60 penalty minutes. He was also called up for 10 games with the Hurricanes where he had one assist and seven penalty minutes. He joined the Norfolk Admirals of the AHL following the trade in January and had four goals, 12 points and 42 penalty minutes in 31 games. In 10 games with the Blackhawks he went scoreless with 18 penalty minutes. In 83 games in total he had 28 points. In three playoff games with Norfolk he had an assist and two penalty minutes.
Richmond has the skills to be a quarterback on the power play. He is strong offensively and sees the ice well. His power-play skills may help him garner more ice time in the NHL in 2006-07.
| Team | GP | G | A | PTS | PIM | +/- |
| Lowell | 32 | 4 | 11 | 15 | 60 | -11 |
| Norfolk | 31 | 4 | 8 | 12 | 42 | 0 |
| Carolina | 10 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 7 | -3 |
| Chicago | 10 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 18 | -3 |
| Norfolk (playoffs) | 3 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | -2 |
Michal Barinka, D
Drafted: 59th, 2003
Height/Weight: 6'3, 222 lbs.
Michal Barinka spent the bulk of the 2005-06 season in the AHL with the Admirals. He played 59 games for the Admirals in 2004-05 and scored a goal, 11 points and 77 penalty minutes. In 54 games this season he had a goal, 12 points and 86 penalty minutes. In 25 games with the Blackhawks, he missed a handful of games due to a concussion suffered in December, he had an assist and 20 penalty minutes. In four playoff games with the Admirals he went scoreless with 11 penalty minutes.
A big defenseman at 6'3 and 222 lbs., Barinka is a good passer and is strong on his skates. Developing a solid game and learning to make better decisions will help Barinka move up the ranks.
| Team | GP | G | A | PTS | PIM | +/- |
| Norfolk | 54 | 1 | 11 | 12 | 86 | +5 |
| Chicago | 25 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 20 | -7 |
| Norfolk (playoffs) | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 11 | -2 |
James Wisniewski, D
Drafted: 156th, 2002
Height/Weight: 5'11, 204 lbs.
James Wisniewski has made a strong transition to the AHL last season with 25 points in 66 games and 110 penalty minutes. He improved on his play in 2005-06 where he had 35 points and 67 penalty minutes in 61 games, sometimes playing up front as well. He was also impressive during his time with the Blackhawks where he had two goals, seven points and 36 penalty minutes in 19 games. In four playoff games with the Admirals he had one goal, three points and six penalty minutes.
A strong skater who has a knack for getting under the skin of the opposition, Wisniewski has a hard shot and can contribute offensively. A nice combination of skills should help him get more ice time with the Blackhawks next season.
| Team | GP | G | A | PTS | PIM | +/- |
| Norfolk | 61 | 7 | 28 | 35 | 67 | +4 |
| Chicago | 19 | 2 | 5 | 7 | 36 | 0 |
| Norfolk (playoffs) | 4 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 6 | 0 |
Nick Kuiper, D
Drafted: Undrafted
Height/Weight: 6'3, 220 lbs.
A free-agent signing in 2004, Nick Kuiper played four years at the University of Massachusetts-Amherst before joining the Norfolk Admirals in 2004-05. During his first AHL season he had nine points and 109 penalty minutes. He put up similar totals this season with the Admirals where he had two goals, nine points and 104 penalty minutes. His +16 rating was second best on the team behind Quintin Laing. Kuiper was scoreless in one playoff game.
A defensive defenseman, Kuiper is aggressive and can contribute offensively. A good work ethic and smart play could be the key to his success at the next level.
| Team | GP | G | A | PTS | PIM | +/- |
| Norfolk | 70 | 2 | 7 | 9 | 104 | +16 |
| Norfolk (playoffs) | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | -1 |
Dustin Byfuglien, D
Drafted: 245th, 2003
Height/Weight: 6'3, 250 lbs.
An eighth-round pick in 2003, Dustin Byfuglien's strong play has paid off in the form of a shot in the NHL in his first season out of the junior ranks. He was probably the biggest surprise along with St. Pierre.
Byfuglien lead the Prince George Cougars in scoring in his final season in 2004-05 with 58 points and his 184 penalty minutes were the second-highest total on the team behind Carolina prospect Matej Trojovsky. In 2005-06 he played 53 games with the Admirals, scoring eight times with 23 points and 75 penalty minutes. In 25 games with the Blackhawks he netted three goals, including a game-winner in his debut, a total of five points and 24 penalty minutes. In four playoff games with Norfolk he had one goal, three points and four penalty minutes.
A big presence on the ice at 6'3 and 250 pounds, Byfuglien is a hard hitter and will step in and stick up for teammates. One of his greatest assets is the fact he can play both defense and forward if needed. This is an upside that should ensure he sees more ice time in Chicago next season.
| Team | GP | G | A | PTS | PIM | +/- |
| Norfolk | 53 | 8 | 15 | 23 | 75 | -1 |
| Chicago | 25 | 3 | 2 | 5 | 24 | -6 |
| Norfolk (playoffs) | 4 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | -6 |
Vladimir Gusev, D
Drafted: 115th, 2001
Height/Weight: 6'3, 205 lbs.
Since coming to North America in 2003 Vladimir Gusev has spent more and more of his time playing in the ECHL. In 2004-05 he played 70 games with the Greenville Grrrowl where he scored 19 points and had 113 penalty minutes. He went scoreless and had six penalty minutes in two appearances with the Norfolk Admirals last season. In 60 games with Greenville this season he had 14 points and 99 penalty minutes. He was scoreless in one game with Norfolk. In five playoff games with Greenville he was scoreless with two penalty minutes.
Gusev has good vision as a two-way defenseman, but is unlikely to be retained next season.
| Team | GP | G | A | PTS | PIM | +/- |
| Greenville | 60 | 3 | 11 | 14 | 99 | +12 |
| Norfolk | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Greenville (playoffs) | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | -1 |
Goaltenders
Corey Crawford, G
Drafted: 52nd, 2003
Height/Weight: 6'2, 181 lbs.
After a stellar final season in the QMJHL with the Moncton Wildcats in 2004-05, Corey Crawford moved up to the professional ranks with the Norfolk Admirals in 2005-06.
Despite being a rookie, Crawford backstopped the majority of the games for the Admirals. He had 22 wins, a 2.94 goals-against average, one shutout and a .898 save percentage. He appeared in two games for the Blackhawks as well, allowing five goals on 41 shots.
He only made one appearance in the playoffs where Norfolk went with experience in Adam Munro. Crawford allowed one goal on four shots.
A butterfly-style goaltender, Crawford has maturity and bounces back quickly after allowing a goal. His ability to handle a heavy workload should only benefit him. He'll remain at the AHL level next season.
| Team | GP | W | L | T | GAA | SV% | SO |
| Norfolk | 48 | 22 | 23 | 1 | 2.94 | .898 | 1 |
| Chicago | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 3.47 | .878 | 0 |
| Norfolk (playoffs) | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 349 | .750 | 0 |
Adam Munro, G
Drafted: 29th, 2001
Height/Weight: 6'2, 195 lbs.
Adam Munro split his time between the Norfolk Admirals and the Chicago Blackhawks in 2005-06. In 28 games with the Admirals he had a 2.72 goals-against average, 17 wins and a .909 save percentage. In 10 games with Chicago, he had a 3.00 goals-against average, three wins, one shutout and a .893 save percentage. In four postseason games with Norfolk he had a 3.77 goals-against average, a .879 save percentage and no wins.
A hard-working, patient netminder, Munro has struggled with consistency since being drafted in 2001. He will have to continue to work hard to prove himself. He must earn another contract first.
| Team | GP | W | L | T | GAA | SV% | SO |
| Norfolk | 28 | 17 | 8 | 1 | 2.72 | .909 | 1 |
| Chicago | 10 | 3 | 5 | 2 | 3.00 | .893 | 1 |
| Norfolk (playoffs) | 4 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 3.77 | .879 | 0 |
Mike Brodeur, G
Drafted: 211th, 2003
Height/Weight: 6'2, 170 lbs.
Mike Brodeur began play with the Greenville Grrrowl of the ECHL last season, coming from Moose Jaw of the WHL. In 35 games that year he had 19 wins, a 2.68 goals against average, two shutouts and a .927 save percentage. The second-year pro started 23 straight games for the Grrrowl between Oct. 28 and Dec. 27 and finished the regular season with the seventh-best GAA in the league at 2.58. He had 14 wins in 24 games, one shutout and a .916 save percentage. His success was put on hold, however, as Brodeur suffered a back injury that kept him out the last half of the season.
Brodeur has worked on his rebound control and moving out of his net a bit more. Brodeur may have a tough time sticking with the Blackhawks organization due to the number of goaltending prospects the team possesses, but he has one more year on his contract and has put up very good numbers in the ECHL so far.
| Team | GP | W | L | T | GAA | SV% | SO |
| Greenville | 24 | 14 | 8 | 2 | 2.58 | .916 | 1 |
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Copyright 2006 Hockey's Future. Do not reprint or otherwise duplicate without permission of the editorial staff.
Copyright 2006 Hockey’s Future. Do not reprint or otherwise duplicate without permission of the editorial staff.
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