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mel24 · 07-22-2016, 03:37 PM

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With only a weekend separating us from the SMJHL draft, prospect previews and mock drafts are flooding the junior hockey world. With a deep pool of more than 80 prospects for only eight teams, itâ€™s obvious that every team has the chance to land their next stars.
In this article, we will focus on six of these rising prospects - namely, the six women in this year's draft. Both their upsides and their downsides will be previewed, as well as their comparables and a final draft position projection
This section focuses on Ekaterina Rudnikova, Adriana Starosta, and Pietra Volkova

Ekaterina Rudnikova

Quick Look
TPE: 173
Position: Hybrid Goalie
Strengths: Agility, Hand Speed, Reaction Time
Weakness: Rebound Control

Overview
In an impressive year of goaltending prospects, Rudnikova runs the risk of fading into the crowd. However, her reaction speed and endurance look to set her apart. Her swiftness and seemingly endless energy promises plenty of flashy and exciting saves throughout the season. Yet she struggles with control, harkening back to the concept of the â€œRussian Factorâ€. Rebounds often get away from her, and her mental focus can sometimes slip when she falls behind in games. A reporter from her home town once joked that, during losing streaks, she costs the team her entire salary in broken sticks. When she is on her game, however, she plays very well, and hopefully maturity will bring her more consistency. She has also worked with many prominent goalie coaches in Russia, and all have commented on her dedication. If she commits herself to practicing often, Rudnikova could be a premier goalie in the SMJHL and beyond.

Comparable: Chelsea Laden
[Image: Laden.jpg]

For a female goalie, Rudnikova boasts impressive size, standing at 5â€™10â€ and 175lbs. Due to this, her style reveals similarities between similarly-sized Laden. As a taller goalie, Rudnikovaâ€™s angles are superb, and her speed makes it even easier for her to cut across the crease. She also is incredibly skilled glove side, and although her blocker side is sometimes just a hair slower, she rarely lets anything escape over her shoulders. As well, Rudnikova is never afraid to challenge both the shooter and the puck. Her defense should expect stretch passes from the trapezoid, as she is known to spring her teammates for breakaway attempts by playing the puck.She has also often come out of her crease to challenge shooters one-on-one, a tactic which found her much success in Russia. Yet these inclinations have the potential to backfire. Turnovers in her own zone are, while not consistent, definitely present, and it is unclear whether or not attacking the shooter will reap the same rewards in North America. But with a dynamic style and incredible energy, Rudnikova promises an exhilarating show with every game.

Projection
This yearâ€™s draft has the chance to produce a very large amount of incredibly skilled goaltenders. While Rudnikova has the makings of a first-round talent in any other draft year, her lack of control is certainly a risk factor for any interested team. It would not be shocking to see her fall to the third round, or even the fourth, but the most likely estimate is a mid-second round pick. Her perseverance and drive has a massive upside, and her endurance promises that she will still be playing her best at the end of a game.

Adriana Starosta

Quick Look
TPE: 173
Position: Offensive Defender
Strengths: Skating, Speed, Defense
Weakness: Checking

Overview
As the smallest defender in the draft, Starosta appears to already be facing an extreme disadvantage. However, size clearly isn't everything, and she seems convinced to prove everyone wrong. The Czech Republic native has the speed and the scoring tendencies of an elite forward, but the defensive mindset and focus expected from premier defensive prospects. Her physical play, however, leaves much to be desired. If she can be easily pushed off the puck by some of the bigger forwards in the SMJHL, it will present a unique problem of speed versus size. It is also unclear how she may fare in battles against the boards, and how strongly, perhaps, she will be able to fight for the puck. Yet if she is as fast and skilled as promised, she could easily grow into a reliable force in her own end, and even assist in special teams situations.

Comparable: Emily Pfalzer
[Image: Pfalzer.jpg]

At 5â€™2â€, Pfalzer embodies both the potential and the downside to a defender like Starosta. Smaller players tend to focus on their skill to minimize the impact of their less-than physical play, and Starosta is no exception. Her skating, both forward and backward, is impeccable, allowing her to keep stride with her opponents. She is often able to outskate even those much taller and stronger than her, and hold good defensive position while doing so. However, her inability to land and take checks has put her in hot water more than once. While she does not exactly shy away from every hit, her tendency to dodge impacts can force her to relinquish her inside position, allowing forwards a clear shooting lane. She has also been forced into sloppy turnovers when facing more physical teams, as her size and skill make her a target for some of the bigger hits. In power play situations, though, she has the leadership and focus necessary to quarterback the unit, and even has an impressive slapshot from the point. While she was mostly used on the second unit this year, with a season to mature she could easily be a staple on any teamâ€™s power play. Starostaâ€™s physical play may not be what the league has come to expect from defensive prospects, but her speed and consistent defensive prowess indicates a true diamond in the rough.

Projection
Starostaâ€™s draft position is almost entirely dependant upon the playing style of the team selecting. For any team which relies on a heavy-hitting, physical defensive style, Starosta probably wouldn't be the best fit. However, her speed and skill promises an incredible defender. Therefore, her most likely draft position will be late second round or early third, although if she does go any lower, it will be due to hesitance about her size, as there is no doubt about her defensive upsides.

Pietra Volkova

Quick Look
TPE: 201
Position: Left Wing
Strengths: Scoring, Skating, Puck Handling
Weakness: Defense

Overview
The most prominent forward of the six women this season, Volkova continues the great Russian hockey tradition of â€œshoot first, ask questions laterâ€. A true sniper, Volkova promises plenty of goals and plenty of wild celebrations. Her shot has impressive power for someone just now entering juniors, and she clearly loves to score. However, don't be looking for her on the back check. While in Russia, she often managed to simply outscore her opponent - a tactic that won't work in the SMJHL. Hopefully as she develops, she will learn to focus on defense as well, but Volkova shines as a pure goal scorer. Her superior skating and puck handling allows her to generate fantastic solo chances, which she is quick to take advantage of. She will, however, sometimes force shots, even when her better option is to pass.

Comparable: Amanda Kessel
[Image: Womens_Ice-Hockey_Kessel_Amanda_site.jpg...=150&w=150]

[Image: Womens_Ice-Hockey_Kessel_Amanda_site.jpg...=150&w=150]

When Kessel scored 100 points in a single college season, she was undoubtedly at the top of her game. Volkova, if she brings everything she has, could likely clear that marker as well. An average of two points a game doesn't sound like anything impossible for this powerful scorer. While it may take her a season or two to find her footing, Volkova has massive untapped potential. However, a lot is riding on her linemates. If they're also prominent shooters, and rarely pass, Volkovaâ€™s worth will decline quickly. She must be allowed to shine by putting the back of the puck in the net - otherwise, people may begin to wonder why she was so highly valued previously. Her defensive game also holds her back immensely. While forwards aren't exactly expected to make great defensive plays, Volkova can sometimes be found behind the play entirely. She is also selfish with the puck, which, while not unheard of among high-scoring wingers, can potentially generate some tension during her rookie season.

Projection
GMs and scouts alike appear absolutely smitten by Volkova, landing her firmly in the top two rounds. The major variable is her overall positioning. An extreme estimate could place her in the top five, assuming the teams there are swayed by the promise of goals, goals, and more goals. Realistically, however, it is likely she will go lower, although it's hard to see her any lower than the top fifteen. If she does drop out of the first round, it will be due to her one-dimensional play. However, with almost twenty left wing prospects, GMs could pick for size and dimension over pure scoring talent, which definitely generates a risk to Volkovaâ€™s draft position.
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Justice · 07-22-2016, 03:43 PM

great read, I'm pumped for draft day :ahh!:

Jenny · 07-22-2016, 03:43 PM

*Flowseidon* · 07-22-2016, 03:49 PM

I think goalies are not gonna be happy when they see Pietra Volkova coming in on them. Definitely someone the D will need to focus on.

vbottas17 · 07-22-2016, 03:58 PM

3 excellent prospects!

mcculloughgulch · 07-22-2016, 04:12 PM

awesome read, can't wait for part 2!

TML99 · 07-22-2016, 04:14 PM

Well done, some great potential here! =D>

I think its pretty clear what Kessel got all the looks :lol:

vbottas17 · 07-22-2016, 04:28 PM

Quote:Originally posted by TML99@Jul 22 2016, 08:14 PM
Well done, some great potential here!  =D>

I think its pretty clear what Kessel got all the looks :lol:

Yeah but she kind of looks like Phil Kessel which is kinda weird :lol:

enigmatic · 07-22-2016, 04:31 PM

Quote:Originally posted by vbottas17@Jul 22 2016, 04:28 PM
Yeah but she kind of looks like Phil Kessel which is kinda weird :lol:

so I guess the mix of their parents was best applied to females.

Pretty cool to see girls joining like that. I'm glad to have two of them on team Russia B)

Paige · 07-22-2016, 04:42 PM

Excited for part 2!!

vbottas17 · 07-22-2016, 04:44 PM

Quote:Originally posted by enigmatic@Jul 22 2016, 08:31 PM

so I guess the mix of their parents was best applied to females.

Pretty cool to see girls joining like that. I'm glad to have two of them on team Russia B)

Yeah definitely because Phil Kessel is one ugly dude. Smile

daBenchwarmer · 07-22-2016, 05:09 PM

Quote:Originally posted by vbottas17@Jul 22 2016, 04:44 PM

Yeah definitely because Phil Kessel is one ugly dude.

How can you say this man is ugly?

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