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Justice · 07-11-2016, 11:01 PM

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ready for grading - 3250 words

For the second consecutive season the Kelowna Knights jump up to the first overall pick, and there's a mess of talent currently declaring for the SMJHL Entry Draft.

<div align="center">Centers</div>

Joey Ryan (Buster) - A defensively strong two way forward who also knows how to dish a pass, Joey Ryan would be a great addition to any team that needs a forward who can step in and contribute both offensively and defensively. Joey Ryan would be a solid second punch on the second line if he was playing behind another solid centerman, but he can also steadily hold down the first line. It will likely depend on how highly his future team thinks of him once training camp is through. This is also not to mention his ability to play wing in case his future team has a need for it. Where Ryan's strength lacks, he makes up for it with finesse and ability to break down the game.

Alex Kepka (FiveForHowling) - Another two way center, Kepka joins Auston Matthews as the solid hockey prospects coming from the state of Arizona. While Ryan is a left handed shooter, Kepka shoots right and has more of a shooting touch. Alex Kepka is also strong with his skating and defense of course. While Kepka has size, weighing in at 220 pounds and a large height of 6 feet, 3 inches, he does not have much of a physical touch to his game. With the way he thinks the game, it should not be a concern for general managers showing interest in him. It should also be noted that Kepka has the ability to move over to the left wing if there is a need for it. Kepka should look to step in as a second line center for his future team, depending on how training camp goes.

Alex Reed (Alex Reed) - A well rounded centerman, Reed is strong in areas such as faceoffs and defense. He is also deceptively talented when it comes to the offensive zone, as he can contribute to his team's offense as well as being able to break up plays in the defensive zone. Reed is weak when it comes to handling the puck, but he makes up for it by having a great sense of the game, and his strong ability to contribute at both ends of the ice like I said before. With some further development, it is likely Reed will look to be one of the more dominant centers in the faceoff circle, not to mention his all around game.

<div align="center">Wingers</div>

Pietra Volkova (-shlpris41-) - Pietra is a left winger with a strong scoring touch. While Pietra doesn't have the size of two way ability of a Johnny Gaudreau or Patrick Kane type, her offensive talent is not something to be overlooked. Volkova weighs 150 pounds is is only 5'8', but in the modern game of hockey we see a lot of finesse scoring wingers excel. Put on a line with a defensively responsible playmaking center might be a dominant one-two punch in the league. Volkova has a high upside which I am sure a team will be looking to pick up on draft day.

Toms Shnekinsen (Koke) - A winger very similar to Volkova, Shnekinsen is a left winger by trade due to strong right handed shot. He is a winger similar to how Laine or Ovechkin are wingers, using their right handed shots to post up for absolute bombs of one timers. This of course entails that Shenkinsen is not a defensively strong winger by any means, but he has the size to play a solid checking game if he plans on working on it. He weighs 189 pounds and is 6'1", so if he wants to train a game where he can play a little rough around the edges like a Jamie Benn or T.J Oshie, he has the tools to do so. Look for Shnekinsen to step into a scoring second line role for whatever team looks to pick him up.

Taylor Stach (TStach14) - Another right handed left winger with a bomb of a shot, Taylor Stach is a German winger who brings what might be one of the best shots in the draft class. Although Stach has an unmatched touch for scoring, GMs might be wary to draft him due to his defensive struggles, although grouped with the right linemates Taylor Stach might be one of the top scorers coming into the SMJHL next season. Stach lacks the endurance to play a ton of minutes, so he might look to be a 2nd/3rd line scorer, depending on his offseason training.

Fred Toucher (FreddyT) Fred Toucher is a sizable right winger who has a strong, finesse scoring touch along with the creativity to make subtle plays. While Toucher is strong offensively, it causes his defense to struggle. Although Toucher is a sizable winger, he is not one who delivers a lot of checks, or uses his strength to dig into the dirty areas of the ice. While some might consider Toucher to be a heavily one dimensional player, it is difficult to write him off due to his raw offensive ability.

Reed Laing (GroupMeIsKindOfOkay) - One of the more well rounded right wingers in the draft, Laing strongly focuses on being a force on both ends of the ice. With her strong defensive ability, and elite scoring touch Laing can draw comparisons to the likes of Jesse Puljujarvi. Being one of the only defensive wingers in the draft, there is no doubt that Laing will be off the board quickly. She has the ability to step in as a first line winger depending on her offseason, although whether it is the first or second line Reed Laing will be a solid foundation piece to an SMJHL team.

Solaire Azarov (benzasome) - Solaire Azarov is an offensively capable playmaker who is also strong in the defensive zone, proving that he is able to become an absolute force in both ends of the ice. The only real concern some scouts have with Azarov's game is his physical capability, however it is shown that his speed and endurance still his a remarkably effective role without the need of heavy, physical play. Depending on the offseason, Azarov is likely to be a solid, second/first line winger depending on his offseason, and will be sure to play a solid role for his team in the next couple seasons to come.

Quinn Shimizu (Quinnn) - Shimizu is an athletic, finesse right winger who excels in all areas of technical offense. While Shimizu is unreliable defensively and does not have the raw strength like some other SMJHL draftees, Shimizu shines through his offensive sense and smarts for the game. Watching Quinn reminds me of the likes of Jakub Voracek, or even Nikitia Kucherov from the NHL. Should Shimizu be grouped with defensively strong forwards, he has the potential to really shine in the league.

Pattreesce Pats (patrice) - Pats is a well rounded left winger who excels in areas such as passing and defense, also expressing his will to improve his (already proficient) skating. While he does not have a large size factor (183 pounds, 5'10") he has hints of strength that goes to show that he can play a scrappy, rough game when needs be. Pats can definitely use his hockey IQ and senses to contribute to offense, but his offensive game depends on passing rather than a raw scoring touch. Pats can be paired with one or two offensively focused forwards, allowing them to play their scoring game while holding down the fort on defense.

leuan Llewellyn (SethTrollins) - Llewellyn is a hard grinding right winger who is effective in all physically demanding areas. Llewellyn has a mild two way ability, being acceptable in both ends of the ice however his role on the team will likely be to beat down on the opposition, giving his teammates the confidence to excel in their areas of the game. Llewellyn is an excellent role player that makes any team he is selected to a tough team to play against, keeping his opponents on their toes through every matchup.

Hylytyr NoRetornable (damien) - Another offensive force of a left winger, Hylytyr has the potential to be a dangerous piece of any lineup. Although not the strongest physically, Hylytyr's game revolves around his general mind for scoring. He is among the best of the wingers in areas like scoring and skating, however his passing is also highly likely to improve over the course of his rookie season. I can definitely see Hylytyr playing a strong role on the first/second line of the team that drafts him, with the potential to be a dominant force in the league within the next couple seasons.

Dom Monarch (JHS) - One of the best goalscorers in the draft, Monarch is a left winger who will without a doubt be an offensive force in the league. While aspects of his defensive and physical game are struggling right now, Monarch has a shot that is capable of beating even the most skilled of goaltenders, and should he work on rounding out his offensive game more in the offseason, he will likely be among the top rookie goalscorers in this upcoming SMJHL season.

Michael Burrows (prikulis5) - Michael Burrows is a right winger who is a smooth skating, offensive sharpshooter who can use his creativity and silk hands to make finesse plays and score consistently. While this Latvian winger definitely has room to improve on his physical and defensive game, as of now he without a doubt makes up for it by bringing raw talent in the offensive zone to the table. Right now, Burrows has the skill that can solidify a second line role at the very least, likely even making the jump to the first line this rookie season should he stay in the gym working on his skillset.

Ace Redding (grimreaper) - Another smooth skating two way right winger, Redding has proved he has the ability to play both right wing and play a crucial role on a defensive pairing. He is not the strongest winger in the draft (despite his alarming size) although his strong, technical two way game should prove to potential GM's that he is not to be overlooked. Despite not having the most strength in the class, Redding has been known to play a rough checking game when it is called for. GMs will certainly find Redding's two way game attractive, and he will definitely develop into a big role for his future SMJHL team.

<div align="center">Defensemen</div>

Greta Iversen (Paige) - A solid two way defenseman, could maybe be one of the best female defensive prospects to come out of Norway since Landvik, Iversen has wasted no time relishing in the media to make SMJHL teams take notice. Playing with the Stavanger Oilers in Norway's top tier hockey league, Iversen has always been determined that her size (5'9" 175 pounds) is not something that defines her game. She brings a strong element of raw talent, with explosive skating and the endurance that gives her the ability to eat a ton of minutes. Her scrappy playstyle sometimes leads to the odd fight, but it proves that she is not going to let her team get pushed around. Iversen could be a strong top 2 defenseman to any team that needs it.

Trev Legend (LegendaryTrev) - Legend is a talented, right handed defenseman who primarily focuses on bringing offense to his team. Legend does not have strong stamina at this point so I expect he will join a team as a talented second pairing defenseman who specializes on working the powerplay, maybe like a pre-Edmonton/PIttsburgh version of Justin Schultz. Trev has the ability to both pass and shoot, so if a team needs any sort of offensive help from the backend they should look to add Trev Legend to their roster, and maybe pair him with a defensive defenseman or a defenseman who's even a little stay at home. Legend has a decent defensive ability, so I would not go as far as saying he is an irresponsible defenseman but he should definitely be paired with someone who lets him thrive where he is strong.

Kornel Kašpárek (Boomcheck) - One of, if not the biggest defenseman we will see get drafted into the SMJHL this year, Kornel is a left handed offensive defenseman that weighs in at 220 pounds and is 6'5". While his bread and butter is offense, he is deceptively strong at defending as well, giving him the unique ability of stripping an opponent in the defensive zone, and starting the play from the neutral zone or even the offensive zone if he chooses to skate it in. Despite his size, he is not one for a lot of rough play, which is completely fine considering his talent. Kašpárek will make a solid second pairing defenseman for his future team, and could even make the jump to first pairing if he chooses to work on his endurance in the offseason.

Adriana Starosta (rhia) - Another offensively talented defenseman, although Starosta lacks the size that Kasparek or Legend has, her upside is no different. Strong in scoring, skating and defense, Starosta is another defenseman who is very talented offensively but still knows how to be a force in the defensive zone. Starosta is especially strong in skating, some improvements to her endurance would make her a smooth skating defenseman who can also play a ton of minutes a night which is always a combination to look out for. Starosta will likely join the team on the second pair, but if she keeps working she can easily turn into that star defenseman on her future team.

Matthew Leetch (NYRangers3061) - Matthew Leetch has a lot in common with the other right handed offensive defenseman of the draft. Leetch however is a remarkably fast skater and has exceptional puck handling ability. Leetch also knows how to play a strong presence on the defensive zone, Leetch needs to improve on his endurance in order to play a top line role, and as long as that is what he wanted to work on in the offseason he could step in and play a big role in his future SMJHL team.

Lykke Bergfalk (breeze) - Bergfalk is a left handed shot, but he is another offensive defenseman. As a swedish offensive defenseman, it is only fitting that Bergfalk draws comparison to the likes of Oliver Ekman-Larsson or Erik Karlsson of the NHL. Like those two players, Bergfalk is highly talented in the offensive zone but is still defensively responsible. Bergfalk is also a workhorse, giving the team that drafts him the option to put a lot of minutes and responsibility on his shoulders. Bergfalk also has a deceptively strong shooting ability, being able to fire the puck through traffic and beat the goalie.

Kristofer Hallfredsson (Darth_Invadeher) - Hallfredsson is a defensively strong, left handed shooter who can play a rough around the edges playstyle. While his offensive ability is on the weaker side, he can grind out a ton of minutes and is one of the best in the draft class at suppressing the opponent's offensive opportunities. Hallfredsson easily has the ability to step into a top line role, and would excel playing alongside an offensive defenseman who he can watch out for, giving them the confidence to thrive offensively. He strongly compares to the likes of Travis Hamonic or Adam Larsson of the NHL.

Jari Sinikka (MayTee) - Another left handed offensive defenseman, Sinikka might be one of the best passers and skaters in the draft class. Sinikka is going to provide an outstanding offensive punch, however once his endurance gets better he is going to be force to be reckoned with due to the combination of his offensive and defensive ability. This Finnish defenseman is without a doubt going to be taken highly in the draft, and will easily be playing a critical role in his team's lineup.

Juan Carlos Martin Gutierrez (Trifecta) - Another right handed offensive defenseman, Gutierrez specializes in scoring, passing and puck handling. He is not as defensively focused as some of the other defensemen in this class, but he might be the most offensively talented. He weighs 215 pounds and is 6'1", however he is not one who likes to throw his weight around all that much. If a team is looking for strictly offensive help from the backend, you really can not go wrong with drafting Gutierrez. I will expect that Gutierrez will be a dominant offensive force on the second pairing, however the jump to the first pairing is possible with a bit of endurance improvement.

Mr. NasTy {xNasTy) - A good ol' Canadian defenseman, NasTy is another offensive defenseman in this draft with a left shot. Like the other offensive D's of this draft, NasTy does not partake in a lot of physically imposing play, however he smoothly works the point in the offensive zone and has a solid eye for passing. Defense is the weaker point of NasTy's game, but he is still reliable in the defensive zone. NasTy will definitely be able to come into a roster and play an effective role in the backend, likely a second pairing powerplay specialist.

Brynjar Tusk (ThatDamnWalrus) - A unique defenseman in this draft, this Swedish defenseman excels in defense first and foremost, and has the size and strength to effectively knock attackers off the puck along with the puck handling to make sure that the puck gets out of his zone safely. While Tusk does not have much to provide when it comes to offense, his defensive ability is something that GMs are sure to covet, especially given the abundance of offensive defenseman in this draft. Expect Tusk to play a solid shutdown role, maybe paired with an offensive defenseman who he may be drafted with. Tusk is likely to be snatched off the board rather quickly given his reputation around the league and his unique playstyle and known work ethic.

Thor Skarsgard (Thor) - RIP

Blake Fenrir (spidey) - A defensive defenseman similar to Tusk, Fenrir excels much more in terms of defense however he is much less well rounded compared to Tusk. Fenrir heavily focuses on defense above everything else, however he also enjoys playing rough and physical, and is known to be proficient in puck handling. Fenrir's game suffers in terms of endurance and skating, but those will certainly be something he works on in the offseason and coming into his draft eligible rookie season. Due to his defensive prowess, he does not need to work on his offense too excessively however some improvements to his footwork will make Fenrir into a very formidable defenseman.

Tyrone Savage (Molholt) - Tyrone Savage is another defensive defenseman, however his strength and checking ability is what separates him from the likes of Fenrir and Tusk. He does not have the most developed endurance, however it will be likely worked on in the next season. Savage is a defenseman that will heavily weigh down on other teams in a long series, and his steady defensive ability is something that his fellow goaltenders will be able to heavily rely on. Don't expect Savage to bring a ton of offensive scoring to a team due to his defensive focus, however he will still be a key piece to an SMJHL roster for the next couple seasons to come.

Justice · 07-11-2016, 11:03 PM

if i wrote any misconceptions about your player let me know! i want it to be accurate.

and if you aren't on there now you will be when it's done, just needed a breakster. It'll be done by the time the SMJHL draft is here, dont want to miss anyone.

i'll also make it not look like a brick of text

tl;dr: bear with me