We’re less than a week away from the SMJHL Entry Draft, and the question on everyone’s mind is ‘who am I going to take if Colin Banning doesn’t get around to telling me?’ - Well, fear not, citizens of Earth, for I am here to clumsily tell you what math tells me about your player build.

This will be presented as the first in a three part series, first spotlighting 16 prospects of note and then a final column speculating their draft position based on final updates and team draft position.

Joey Ryan - C

One of the most exciting players available in the draft. Ryan is surprisingly nimble for a man of his stature - coming in at 6’4, 220 - but is not as physically strong as he could be. What Ryan possesses is a strong two way game, good passing hands and a good stride. As good a Center as is available this season. Strength can be worked on, but the skill available is undeniable. Won’t be relied on to provide a scoring touch, but should be a factor on the PK sooner rather than later. Could end up being the best 2nd line center on an SHL team within a few seasons.

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Joey Ryan. This picture is mandatory.</div>

Reed Laing - RW

A dynamic talent who can make an SMJHL impact immediately. Laing is a smart, two way winger with tremendous offensive upside. Laing has potential to be an all-situations player and should be an efficient scoring threat in his rookie season. Has the potential to take the rookie scoring title and position himself as the top pick in what is shaping up to be a very deep and talented draft. Must get stronger to be as successful as he wants to be, but has every tool in the shed.

Brian Leetch - D

An extremely dynamic, mobile defender. One of the best skaters in the draft, and an offensive dynamo. Able to quarterback the powerplay right out of the gate. Doesn’t throw his body around, but is competent at defending his own zone. Has a good chance of leading defender scoring and being the first defenseman off board, but will want to focus on his strength and conditioning before he enters the SHL. An excellent prospect with good character and enthusiasm. Has a high trajectory for development.

Hylytyr NoReturnable - LW

An interesting prospect. A massive specimen, coming in at 6’5 - 229, with a well developed scoring touch. An exceptional skater with a great shot and good offensive instincts, NoReturnable could be a juggernaut once he improves his strength. Good with the puck, a little lacking in the defensive zone. A lot of time to work on and improve, but could be a good pick for a team with a lot of returning players who needs a 2nd or 3rd line scoring punch. Could be a force to be reckoned with if he puts in the time. Has a terrible name.
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And a silly face</div>

Pietra Volkova - LW

Volkova in an interesting and exciting prospect. A smart sniper with good puck skills, strong legs and a dangerous shot. Deceptively strong considering her small frame. A decent passer, checker and defender. Jill of all trades, master of none, but has enough talent spread around that she could develop into a well-rounded scoring threat who is dangerous in all zones and situations, but lacks a standout skill that elevates her into a ‘best in draft’ talk. A good value pick, might not go in the Top 5 but will provide a lot of options to the team that drafts her.

Trev Legend - D

A very talented offensive defenseman with a mean streak. Checks and defends at an above average level. Has a good eye for passing and should be a factor on the scoresheet. Has a lot of tools and all the potential to grow them to an SHL level. Opportunity should be present to immediately give Legend PP time. A good frame but needs to work on his conditioning. His physical edge lacks impact and he tires more easily than you’d hope. Should be easily remedied in Training Camp. Throw up for top D in this draft.

Mr. NasTy - D

NasTy is a smooth skating sparkplug with some of the best passing senses in the entire blueline corps of the draft. Should be excellent leading the rush out of his own zone. A great shot and good defensive zone intelligence. Doesn’t throw the body a lot and doesn’t have a lot to throw, but will provide benefit in his ability to zip past larger, less agile players to create room. Needs to get involved and work on his game more if he wants to succeed at the SHL level.

Michael Burrows - RW

Burrows is one of the more talented scorers in this draft. A bit one-dimensional, but his offensive upside should pose challenges to defenders. A great skater and puck handler, Burrows has the tools to find room before unloading his shot, one of the best scouted in this draft. Burrows is also one of the stronger prospects in this draft, and has a chance to make an instant offensive impact against veteran SMJHL defenders. A lot of game to work on, but a good 1st line option with tenured linemates.

Thanks for showing up!
Stay tuned for Parts 2 and 3 and enjoy your special moment (877)