Season 71 Rookie Scouting Report Part 1. Anchorage Armada to Maine Timber. Part 2 will be out by Wed afternoon covering the remaining prospects.

I have only included prospects that are still active on the site (at least logged in this month) and have made some effort to improve their player.

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Johnny Shuffleboard – Anchorage Armada – Right Defense
TPE: 247
Games Played: 17 – Goals: 3 – Assist: 5 – Rating: -13 – Blocked Shots: 8 – Hits: 18

Two-way Right defender, better known for offense at this point in his career with a solid defensive foundation. The fact that Shuffleboard only played 17 games, but his TPE is so high shows signs of a high earner as he continues to develop. A very balanced overall stat package with few weaknesses to his game. Truly a jack of all trades but master of none.

Strengths:
Positioning - 13
Defensive Reads – 13
Shooting Range – 13

Weakness:
Hitting – 5
Shot Blocking – 7
Strength – 9

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Barg Hazbite – Anchorage Armada – Right Wing
TPE – 256
Games Played: 66 – Goals: 14 – Assists: 16 – Rating: -49 – Blocked Shots: 18 – Hits: 118

Barg is an all-around offensive right winger. Good at moving the puck on his own or passing it. He has a solid shot and can be a useful screen. There is nothing he does badly in the offensive zone. His defensive side needs a little work and should come in time. Barq has kept all of the stats he has worked on even sitting around 13.

Strengths:
Shooting Accuracy – 13
Passing – 13
Stick Checking - 13

Weakness:
Hitting – 5
Positioning – 5
Shot Blocking – 5

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Finn Weib – Anchorage Armada – Right Wing
TPE: 284
Games Played: 66 – Goals: 15 – Assists: 22 – Rating: -61 – Blocked Shots: 32 – Hits: 103

This right winger has put his focus on being a setup man. He reads plays extremely well in the offensive zone often moving the puck up on his own weaving through the neutral and defensive zones. He will get opponents to commit to himself and use his expert tape to tape passing skills to get the puck to an open teammate to bury a shot when they are open. He isn’t a liability in the defensive zone, but it is not the strongest part of his game.

Strength:
Offensive Reads – 15
Puck Handling – 15
Getting Open – 15

Weakness:
Face-off – 5
Shot Blocking – 8
Positioning – 9

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Aumy Junior II – Carolina Kraken - Center
TPE – 262
Games Played: 66 – Goals: 11 – Assists: 19 – Rating: -12 – Shots Blocked: 15 – Hits: 141

A lot of centers are known for their playmaking ability, not Aumy. Aumy is a goal scoring force and an overall impressive offensive machine. Lacking in the defensive zone could be part of the off season work out, or perhaps the plan is just to be one of the best offensive weapons on the market. Perhaps the other area to focus on would be general foot speed to really help create separation from the league’s elite defenders.

Strength:
Shooting Accuracy: 15
Getting Open: 14
Offensive Reads: 13

Weakness:
Checking: 6
Shot Blocking: 5
Stick Checking: 9

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Aaron Ranger – Carolina Kraken – Left Wing
TPE – 188
Games Played: 66 – Goals: 6 – Assists: 18 – Rating: -28 – Blocked Shots: 76 – Hits: 124

Aaron is a truly an aggressive two-way left winger; he is below average in most stats across the board with nothing really sticking out as elite; but has committed to being aggressive and being willing to fight. It appears he is active and has done some to update and improve his player, he could be a project pick up that will require a bit of time and discipline to get the most out of them. Perhaps the oddest stat as a left winger is investing in face-offs.

Strength:
Defensive reads – 12
Screening – 12
Passing – 12

Weakness:
Offensive Reads – 10
Face-offs – 10
Shooting Accuracy – 10

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Alexej Kastraba – Carolina Kraken – Right Wing
TPE – 271
Games Played: 66 – Goals: 6 – Assists: 32 – Rating: 0 – Blocked Shots: 44 – Hits: 153

The Kraken must love their defensive forwards hard hitting and forwards. Alexej is another one that fits the bill. A solid defensive game, with big hits, and tons of heart. Alexej is not afraid to go into the dirty areas of the ice in any zone and mix it up. Offensively this left winger is a little lacking but plays a key role in blocking out the goalie’s vision and moving the puck out of corners.

Strengths:
Bravery – 14
Checking – 13
Screening – 13

Weakness:
Shot Blocking – 9
Getting Open – 10
Shooting accuracy – 10

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Filip Svatos – Carolina Kraken
TPE – 238
Games Played: 66 – Goals: 16 – Assists: 38 – Rating: -13 – Blocked Shots: 18 – Hits: 166

The left winger is an offensive machine, don’t let his average goal total confuse you. The guy screams league leader in goals in the future. He has a tenacity to get open and dangles the puck through traffic like few others in the draft class. His defensive side of the puck is average, focusing in areas that make it difficult for opponents to get around him, and he is average in his physical development. Perhaps the only weakness, is his lack of aggression/bravery but that is something that can improve over time.

Strength:
Offensive Reads – 15
Getting Open – 14
Puck Handling – 14

Weakness:
Bravery – 5
Strength – 5
Hitting – 5

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Bryce Mitchell – Carolina Kraken – Left Wing
TPE – 172
Games Played: 66 – Goals: 12 – Assists: 28 – Rating: 13 – Blocked Shots: 14 – Hits: 167

Its too bad, if Bryce was more active I think he would be higher up in points. He has a great build for a rookie all around offensive left winger/center, but he is so specifically offensive that it is a niche power play position only, and with so many others that are gifted in that area of the game, he doesn’t have what it takes to crack power play minutes. If a team takes a chance on him and helps him build he could be a dark horse surprise in the future. PURE OFFENSE.

Strength:
Offensive Read – 13
Puck Handling – 13
Shooting Accuracy - 13

Weakness:
Defensive Read – 5
Positioning – 5
Checking – 5

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Matt Stro – Carolina Kraken – Right Wing
TPE – 250
Games Played: 66 – Goals: 6 – Assists: 30 – Rating: 16 – Blocked Shots: 43 – Hits: 163

The right winger is a good all-around forward that focuses mostly on the offensive side of the game. Known for his clean crisps passes and puck handling the small (5’9”) forward is not afraid to mix it up when the time comes. He can play an aggressive game in his checking and has been known to drop the gloves on occasion not allowing anyone to intimidate him. (Perhaps a bit of Napoleon Complex?)

Strengths:
Passing – 14
Puck Handling – 14
Checking – 12

Weakness:
Defensive Reads – 10
Hitting – 10
Stick Checking – 10

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David Anderson – Colorado Raptors – Left Defense
TPE – 236
Games Played: 49 – Goals: 4 – Assists: 23 – Rating: 32 – Blocked Shots: 62 – Hits: 69

David is a gifted offensive defenseman, specialized in moving the puck. He has the skills to move the puck himself or make crisp pass to get the puck up out of the zone or a beautiful setup for a one timer. Defensively David reads plays well and has an average defensive skill set, in every key area. Calling David, a two-way defender wouldn’t be wrong, but at this time he does lean more towards an offensive type.

Strengths:
Passing – 13
Puck Handling – 13
Defensive Reads – 13

Weakness:
Shooting Range – 11
Checking – 11
Shot Blocking – 11

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Drew Sureshot – Carolina Raptors – Right Defense
TPE – 217
Games Played: 66 – Goals: 10 – Assists: 23 – Rating: 24 – Blocked Shots: 65 – Hits: 69

Its scary how similar Drew and David are, both defenders, both a little more gifted in the offensive game. Both good in the defensive game. Drew is slightly better at shooting then David but lacks a bit defensively and in his overall mind set and can hesitate to make a play. If he can bring his hitting and bravery up a bit he can easily become one of the better defenders in the league.

Strength:
Puck handling – 14
Defensive Reads – 13
Offensive Reads – 13

Weakness:
Hitting – 7
Bravery – 5
Positioning – 11

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Foggy Nelson – Colorado Raptors – Left Defense
TPE – 251
Games Played: 66 – Goals: 10 – Assists: 21 – Rating: 19 – Blocked Shots: 110 – Hits: 79

Another Colorado defense another that is two-way leaning towards an offensive defender. Perhaps of the trio Foggy is the most complete defender working on all parts of their game. Solid offensive build, average defensive build, good physical stats, and a strong mental game. He isn’t lacking in any area; with the exception of puck handling nothing is really elite stat wise either.

Strength:
Puck Handling – 14
Shooting Accuracy – 13
Defensive Reads – 13

Weakness:
Hitting – 10
Speed – 11
Acceleration – 11

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Scary Jerry – Colorado Raptors – Goalie
TPE – 266
Games Played: 26 – Wins: 13 – Losses: 5 – OTL: 2 – Shut Outs: 1 – GAA: 3.50 – Save %: 0.876

The first goalie! Scary has become a solid addition to the Raptors. A positional sound goalie, which stays within the net and rarely comes out to play the puck. Scary relies on quick reflexes and reaction to make saves with a good lower body game. Scary will continue to mature behind Grzegorz for another season giving the Raptors and Scary time to develop properly.

Strengths:
Reflexes – 13
Positioning – 13
Low Shots – 13

Weakness:
Poke Check - 7
Puck Handling – 7
Passing – 7

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Oliver Castillon – Colorado Raptors - Center
TPE – 289
Games Played: 66 – Goals: 16 – Assists: 30 – Rating: 12 – Blocked Shots: 38 – Hits: 110

Oliver is going to be one of the best two-way forwards in the league. He has taken time to at the very least to touch up in each area. He is great at the defensive side of the puck and solid about the offensive side of the puck. The only weakness to his game would be he needs to get in close to really have an effective shot. Any team that picks up Castillon is going to have one of the Elite Gems in this year’s draft.

Strengths:
Getting Open – 15
Checking – 14
Defensive Reads – 14

Weakness:
Shooting Range – 6
Bravery – 7
Shot Blocking – 8

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Andren Akerson – Great Falls Grizzlies – Right Wing
TPE – 276
Games Played: 66 – Goals: 6 – Assists: 33 – Rating: 10 – Blocked Shots: 31 – Hits: 195

When we talk about aggressive, angry players that play with an edge to their game Andren is the poster boy for this. HE LOVES TO HIT, and he does it A LOT! But he is more then just a one man wrecking crew, he has offensive and defensive tools, none are elite yet, but they are steadily growing. He might be one of the best at screening in this class. If he can focus on the defensive reads a bit more he will be a real threat as a defensive forward star.

Strengths:
Hitting – 14
Aggression – 14
Screening – 12

Weakness:
Defensive Reads – 10
Shooting Range – 10
Passing – 10

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Andre Latereille – Great Falls Grizzlies – Left Wing
TPE – 276
Games Played: 66 – Goals: 14 – Assists: 25 – Rating: 29 – Blocked Shots: 17 – Hits: 178

Ok, let me start with, I have no idea where all these hits came from. Stat line wise Andre is average. Overall Andre focuses on shooting the puck and does an amazing job at it. One of the best natural shooters in this draft. He has an incredible first step and takes offs like a rocket, and his top speed is ridiculously fast, if he has a step on a defender he is on a break-away. He is average on the defensive side, and average physically. A very solid base as a whole.

Strengths:
Shooting Accuracy – 15
Acceleration – 14
Speed – 15

Weakness:
Shot Blocking – 5
Bravery – 5
Checking – 9

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Levin Schattenaxt – Great Falls Grizzlies – Right Wing
TPE – 276
Games Played: 66 – Goals: 9 – Assists: 29 – Rating: 9 – Blocked Shots: 35 – Hits: 217

Levin is the perfect two way forward, like literally splitting even in defensive and offensive stats. His hitting is ridiculous during the season, it must be a Grizzlies thing as all their rookie forwards have high hit counts. If there is one area to work on for Levin as a rookie for offense would be shooting range, for defense would be shot blocking, but that is being nit picky on my part. He has done well to spread the wealth of his training to become a great overall player.

Strength:
Acceleration – 14
Puck Handling – 13
Defensive Reads – 13

Weakness:
Shooting Range – 9
Shot Blocking – 9
Bravery – 9

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Kevin Klim – Kelowna Knights – Center
TPE - 182
Games Played: 20 – Goals: 2 – Assists: 5 – Rating: -3 – Blocked Shots: 5 – Hits: 19

A last minute addition to the Knights Kevin has been a good addition. He is offensively gifted rookie with a cannon of a shot up close, he has incredible speed and an amazing first step to blow by defenders, and he doesn’t hesitate when he gets the puck on his stick. His defensive game is lacking, and besides shooting and skating he has work to do on the offensive side. That will come along as he continues to develop.

Strength:
Shooting Accuracy – 15
Speed – 15
Acceleration – 15

Weakness:
Defensive Read – 5
Passing – 5
Shooting Range – 5

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Crystal McLeod – Kelowna Knights – Left Wing
TPE – 207
Games Played: 66 – Goals: 5 – Assists: 19 – Rating: -14 – Blocked Shots: 48 – Hits: 158

Tough as nails Crystal is the enforcer for the Kelowna Knights. She is aggressive, loves to hit, and brave enough to drop the gloves at any time. She has grown since the draft and become a solid puck moving enforcer. Her defensive game is starting to form but needs to work on her understanding defensive reads better to accel in this area of her game. Look to her to clear the way and move the puck for her teammates.

Strengths:
Passing – 13
Screening – 13
Hitting – 13

Weakness:
Stick Check – 7
Agility – 7
Defensive Reads – 9

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Logan Webb – Kelowna Knights – Left Wing
TPE – 280
Games Played: 66 – Goals: 21 – Assists: 26 – Rating: -3 – Blocked Shots: 21 – Hits: 130

One of the best pure shooters in the draft, Webb has built his game on putting shots on net. He has mastered getting open and moves well with the puck. His defensive game is below average lacking in the want to put his body on the line. He will throw out hits and has an amazing top speed with above average acceleration to get into the opposing team’s zone.

Strength:
Shooting Accuracy – 15
Getting Open – 15
Speed – 15

Weakness:
Screening – 5
Shot Blocking – 5
Hitting – 9

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Bear Trapp – Maine Timber – Left Wing
TPE – 235
Games Played: 23 – Goals: 8 – Assists: 14 – Rating: 8 – Blocked Shots: 13 – Hits: 59

More of a puck mover then a goal scorer Bear Trapp is playmaking specialist. Defensively average for a forward. Perhaps the biggest and best aspect of Bear Trapp, they’re an athlete, truly the strongest aspect of their game is how good they are at physical aspect of their player. The biggest weakness is there is no real aspect that really jumps out as elite, just good.

Strengths:
Strength – 14
Passing – 13
Offensive Reads – 13

Weakness:
Shot Blocking – 9
Shooting Accuracy – 10
Defensive Reads – 10

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Sillysauce Mctartersauce – Maine Timber – Left Defense
TPE 234
Games Played: 66 – Goals: 4 – Assists: 30 – Rating: 47 – Blocked Shots: 72 – Hits: 77

Silly is a two-way defender that leans a little more to the defensive side of the game. Very good in their own end with a solid base behind all their key defensive stats. He is also very good in most of his physical stats. Perhaps lacking a little offensively as their passing game is average, and shooting is below average but not terrible. That being said he knows what to do in the offensive zone, making him very useful to the offensive game.

Strength:
Defensive Reads – 13
Positioning – 13
Strength – 13

Weakness:
Shooting Accuracy – 9
Shooting Range – 9
Bravery – 5

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Morgan Delfield – Maine Timber – Center
TPE – 215
Games: 66 – Goals: 13 – Assists: 15 – Rating: 9 – Blocked Shots: 10 – Hits: 55

Morgan might be the fastest player in the draft when they hit top speed. The amount of focus in this one aspect this early in their SMJHL career is INCREDIBLE. Morgan is also one of the elite passers in the draft class. Everything else is average or below average in their current build. Morgan could be a monster when paired with the right person as they could become one of the best pure passers in the game.

Strengths:
Speed – 17
Passing – 15
Faceoffs – 10

Weakness:
Bravery – 5
Puck Handling – 9
Shooting accuracy – 9

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Shootin Blanks – Maine Timber – Center
TPE – 275
Games Played: 66 – Goals: 12 – Assists: 22 – Rating: 32 – Blocked Shots: 14 – Hits: 112

Shootin Blanks is a two way center, one of the absolute best in this draft class in the face off circle. This stat helps his line get an early jump on the opposition every time he takes a draw. Almost in every other way he is above average but not great in any other stat. Something I love he is aggressive and not afraid to drop the gloves when needed. If there is any aspect that needs to be worked on it would be to get something else elite, to take the next step.

Strength:
Faceoffs – 15
Stick Checking – 13
Speed – 13

Weakness:
Shot Blocking – 10
Shooting Range – 10
Offensive Reads – 11

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Mick Mayhem – Maine Timber – Left Defense
TPE – 274
Games Played: 66 – Goals: 7 – Assists: 19 – Rating: 20 – Blocked Shots: 76 – Hits: 88

This is our first defense first defender. Mick has put his focus in being on the defensive side of the puck being someone that is a pain in the ass to play against. This doesn’t mean he is offensively inept he is below average to average there. What it does mean, he is a player that opposing teams hate to play against. He hits well, is aggressive in his own end, and uses his body to keep others away from his net.

Strength:
Checking – 14
Speed – 14
Defensive Reads – 13

Weakness:
Shooting Accuracy – 9
Shooting Range – 9
Passing – 10

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Merle Van Nistelrooy – Maine Timber – Right Defense
TPE – 212
Games Played: 66 – Goals: 6 – Assists: 29 – Rating: 37 – Blocked Shots: 67 – Hits: 101

Merle is a two-way defender, being good at both aspects of the game but not necessarily great at either one. There are aspects that are better then others, Merle is good at moving the puck, and can rip a shot. Merle’s stick work without the puck is fantastic. Not excelling in either end of the game is not hurting Merle’s stats, and with another season or two of grooming Merle could become a premier two way defender.

Strength:
Puck Handling - 13
Shooting Accuracy - 13
Stick Checking – 13

Weakness:
Passing – 9
Shooting Range – 9
Shot Blocking - 9