Hockey's Future - The #1 Online Prospects Resource

Rising:

Zach Hamill, C - Everett

Hamill has settled nicely into the Everett system, showing the ability to continue to contribute offensively while maintaining a strong defensive
presence.  He is a gifted player who sees the ice well. He is a PP specialist who has shown the poise of many good players before his time.

Eric Doyle, D - Swift Current

Seemed to be a little disheartened after being traded from a first-place team in Everett to a .500 team in Swift Current.  He’s a very good skater and has good vision on the ice. The trade could be good for his development, as he will play in more situations than he would have in Everett.

Akim Aliu, C - Sudbury Wolves

Aliu has all of the tools to become a productive power forward at the next level. Powerful skating stride, pro shot, quick release. Despite hearing all the negative press and stigma that follows him around, Aliu’s skill set and physical package is very intriguing and undeniable.

Joakim Andersson, C - Frolunda

A solid two-way center. Not a finesse player, but plays simple and makes good decisions. Plays the physical game very well. His play this season has earned him the admiration of the scouting community and a steady rise up ISS rankings.

Brett MacLean, LW - Oshawa

Has really improved consistency in game over the past two months. Has the ability to come out of the corner with the puck and elude defenders while maintaining control of the puck. Will need to continue to improve his skating in order to be effective at the next level.

Tommy Cross, D - Westminster HS

A pleasant surprise for ISS scouts has been the development of Cross, a skilled puck moving d-man. His Sept 12th birthdate makes Cross one of the youngest players available for the 2007 NHL draft. Has a verbal commitment with Boston College for 2008-09.

Stefan Legein, RW - Mississauga Ice Dogs

Legein has been a pleasant surprise this year for his Ice Dogs team, having almost tripled his point totals from last year at this time. He isn’t a purely high-skilled player, but plays a feisty high-tempo in your face style of game. Legein took advantage of his last-minute addition to the roster for the CHL Top Prospects Game, showing his great work ethic and gritty style of play.

Dwight King, C - Lethbridge Hurricanes

King has the ability to be a premier power forward in the WHL. His skating has improved throughout the season. His work ethic has also improved. If he would drop his mitts every now and then, he would create more room for himself.

Vladimir Ruzicka, F - Slavia Praha HC

A real enigma. His game-breaking ability is obvious and undeniable — as are his lack of effort and work ethic. He has tremendous hands and handles the puck extremely well. Another player ISS believes could benefit in coming to North America for continued development and to prove he can produce in a physical atmosphere.

Lassi Kokkala, F - Finland U 18

Kokkala was one of the best forwards at 5 Nation '89 in Huttwill, Switzerland. tournament. He can make something out of nothing. If he gets speed, it is difficult to stop him. His individual skills are at very high level. Has great forehand move. He is very useful player on the PP for creating scoring  opportunities.

Falling:

Mark Katic, D - Sarnia

Much to our chagrin, we see no choice but to drop Katic down in our rankings after being so high on him coming into the season. He lacks size and has a tough time defending down low in D zone despite his good positioning.  Not big enough to win physical battles.  Simply put, Katic hasn’t developed as expected.

Nick Ross, D - Regina

His physical fitness level and body conditioning is an area that Ross needs to commit too. His less-than-stellar performance at the annual CHL skills testing confirmed his physical conditioning problem. He can correct this issue with hard work in the off-season.

Michael Repik, LW - Vancouver

Ranked higher by other scouting firms. At ISS we feel strongly that as the season progressed, Repik displayed some traits that are slightly concerning. Offensive capabilities were very impressive including a great shot and a quick stick, but he stayed on the perimeter in physical games and needs to become more complete as a player.

Matt Smyth, RW - Brampton Battalion

Smyth has very good offensive skills, packaged with above average speed and acceleration. However Smyth has struggled with consistency this year. His skating and offensive skills are undeniable, but his play without the puck needs to improve and he needs to show that he is willing to compete on every shift.