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Bill Arnold relishing experience at Frozen Four Photo: Forward Bill Arnold (left) has been an important part of Boston College's success this season. (Photo courtesy of Fred Kfoury/Icon SMI) Sophomore Bill Arnold has been a key contributor to Boston College's success not only on the offensive side, but on the defensive side as well. In February, he became the hero of the Beanpot Championship after scoring the game-winner in overtime to defeat nemesis Boston University 3-2. Calgary Flames drafted for grit and toughness in 2007 Photo: Selected 24th overall, Mikael Backlund has developed into a solid top-six center at the NHL level. (Photo courtesy of the NHL)The 2007 draft started with the Calgary Flames lacking picks in either the 2nd or 3rd round, but with multiple picks in both the 5th and 6th. Darryl Sutter managed to make a number of deals, including trading down in the first round from 18th to 24th where they selected a piece of the future of their top six. In the end the Flames only selected five players in what was seen as a very "safe" draft class. Mikael Backlund, C, Vasteras (SWE) – 1st round, 24th overall Abbotsford Heat chock full of hard-working, checking forwards Photo: Joni Ortio is currently in his first full season of North American professional hockey. Through eight games with the Abbotsford Heat he has a goals against average of 2.88 and a record of 1-4. (Photo courtesy of Ken McKenna/HF)The Abbotsford Heat have so far had a successful 2011-12 campaign. After a disappointing year in 2010-11, they find themselves not only in the upper echelon of their conference, but vying for their second playoff appearance in franchise history. Though most of the Flames prospects playing for the Heat are of the "grinder" mold there are several who are showing top end potential. Greg Nemisz, RW, 21 Calgary Flames well represented in WHL Photo: Tyler Wotherspoon has the tools to at least develop into a defensive defensemen if not much more. (Photo courtesy of Aaron Bell/CHL Images)In line with their recent drafting tendencies, the Calgary Flames have a number of top prospects playing in the Western Hockey League. Headlined by top prospect Sven Baertschi, Calgary also has a pair of forward prospects vying for spots on Team Canada's 2012 World Junior roster. Sven Baertschi, LW, Portland Winterhawks Sven Baertschi has very quickly shown why he was worthy of the 13th overall selection in the 2011 draft. Due to his time at Flames training camp, combined with an early season hip injury, Baertschi missed a significant amount of time at the start of the year. Despite these challenges he has managed to put up some impressive numbers. In just 24 games played this year Baertschi has posted 12 goals and 42 assists. His stunning rate of 2.25 points per game is best in the WHL. Calgary Flames Depth Analysis, Fall 2011 Photo: Joni Ortio is currently playing for the Abbotsford Heat (AHL) where he is the backup to starter Leland Irving. (Photo courtesy of Ken McKenna/HF)The Calgary Flames may be under the guidance of General Manager Jay Feaster, but there is still a powerful Sutter influence on the prospect pool. Although lacking in top end talent, the Calgary Flames can at least boast that their depth chart is full of players showing strong character, as well as promising two-way ability, in particular amongst the forward positions. Still even more heartening is the recent impact of some of the young players on the big club early in the season, notably T.J. Brodie, Paul Byron, and Roman Horak. |
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