Well here we are again just before another SMJHL entry level draft and the excitement coming from this years prospects is like watching a kid on Christmas. As these new players await to hear their name get called they all have the same goals in mind; to win a cup and to be the best. Who will that be? Is the SHL's greatest of all time in this class? Time will only tell. The prospects were all able to make a strong name for themselves in this seasons Prospect Showcase, with the tournament still going on here's my favorites from each squad.

Blazers


The Blazers have had the pleasure of having my number one prospect Esa Parmborg. While Parmborg didn't lead his team in points he did post 24 points in 20 games which is second among centers while on the third line and first unit power play duties. The young center scored 7 of his points on the power play which was the most on his team. Esa impressed our draft experts with his offensive output with such a small 5v5 ice time. With more ice time we expect Esa to be a force in his SMJHL rookie season and when he gets to the SHL.

Stingrays

Our next prospect comes from the Stingrays, defenseman Thomas Bathory. Bathory is currently my number 1 defenseman and number 2 prospect overall. Through 20 games he had a total of 24 points (4-20) which was the most points by defenseman in the showcase. Bathory saw a staggering 468 minutes played and an average of 23.42 minutes played per game throughout the showcase, impressive numbers from such a raw prospect. Bathory shows promise to be a future number 1 in the SHL due to his scoring ability and his talent for being able to play big minutes every game. Bathory can fill into any role his future team will need of him and is primed and ready to help his future SMJHL team.

Vipers

The Vipers were the team that was lucky enough to have the points leader in the showcase Espen Knutsen Jr. who scored 33 points (8-25) in the showcases 20 games. Knutsen saw first line minutes as well as second power play unit and first penalty kill unit duties. The two way center was able to rack up a +10 and managed to keep his penalty minutes to just 6, a feat that drew my attention to him. Between his low penalty minutes, his ability to play in all ends of the ice and his 53% in face-offs Knutsen sets himself as my top two way player in the draft.

Wranglers

Cullen Grey of the Wranglers sits at 20 points (9-11) in 20 games which may seem tiny compared to what we've seen during the event but did so on the second line with no power play minutes. Yes a point per game with no power play time. A truly impressive display of scoring from Grey. Grey also sat at a +9 and only had 2 penalty minutes during the showcase. Grey currently sits just outside my top 10 but given the right situation and being allowed to show off his scoring touch Grey has the potential to be a steal for whoever is lucky enough to draft him.

Well there you have it folks, my top prospects from each team. Good luck to all you rookies, you'll remember this night forever!

602 words 2x pay pls

   

pls

Capy Bara || D || Vancouver Whalers
Name: Capy Bara
Age: 17
Birthplace: Japan, Sendai
Height: 6ft 11
Weight: 200 lbs
Number: 1
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Career Statistics:
SMJHL Regular Season:
S64 | 0 GP | 0 G | 0 A | 0 P | 0+ | 0 H | 0 SHT | 0 SB
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SMJHL Playoffs:
S64 | 0 GP | 0 G | 0 A | 0 P | -0 | 0 H | 0 SHT | 0 SB
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Transactions:
Drafted 30th Overall by the Vancouver Whalers

Great writeup, thanks for the shoutout and I'm glad someone noticed my defensive focus in my play style.

- Espen

Thank you, good luck today!