2015 Matthew Wuest Memorial Cup (Traverse City Prospect Tournament) 9/11-9/15

[Jackets16]

Thanks again The Old Guy.

 

[Skinnyjimmy08]

When the team was announced, I was underwhelmed with the D men. To me, heatherington and Palioetta, were the only two of note. My impression was correct, but what I underestimated was how well the forwards helped out. Winning board battles in all 3 zones, getting loose pucks and stopping rushes, odd man and otherwise made the difference. Those comments are the 4 games overall but especially the final tonight. Korpisalo played huge. Yes, the offense was impressive, but a tip of the cap to the goalie. When the CBJ took 4 penalties and came out leading 2-1 after the first period, I had the sense that I could guess the end result. If you must have something to complain about, the PK was not good - until tonight.

Kirby Rychel was very good tonight. Nice scrap at the final buzzer to send the final message and stand u p for teammates. Sonny Milano was magic with puck control and passing, but Oliver Bjorkstrand was the MVP of the tournament for my money. The Detroit fans around me noticed too. Special mention to Josh Anderson. He will be an NHL player.

So speaking of that, I wrote down who off this team I think will be NHL regulars in the next 3 years. Here goes; Anderson, Bittner, Bjorkstrand, Milano and Rychel up front. Heatherington and Palioetta on the back. If you add in Warenski and Carlsson who weren't here, the D prospects are coming along. They need one or two more for my taste. Hats off to the scouts, the development team and Jarmo for the draft and develop job. This feels like a 180 from Doug. These people know what they are doing and get the benefit of the doubt from me.

The game tonight was obvious which team had 12 guys that won this event last year. Experience makes a huge difference. Winning is important.

Other thoughts; who ever taught Keegan Kolesar to body check should be hired by the CBJ-WOW! Can't make up my mind about Tynan, and Zaar, some good (speed) but wonder if they are too small for the NHL. If you forced me for two names of guys that could surprise with the upsides, I would say Keegan Kolesar up front and Oliver LeBlanc on the rear guard, but that is just a guess. Overall, this team was fast, they were getting to pucks and getting back where they were supposed to be quickly.

So glad I came to this event. Thanks for reading my post. Got my hockey fix that will last me until we drop,the puck for the season.

Came here to ask how Kolesar was... he will be a real good power forward for you guys soon. Look for him to have a real good season this year in Seattle. He will be playing on a top line with Mathew Barzal and Ryan Gropp(NYR 2nd rounder)

The kid is built like a football player on ice... has unreal hands too

 

[Dr. Fire]

Gratz to the kids for their second consecutive championship! Thanks to The Old Guy for the wrap-ups.

Can't wait to see some of these kids fighting for spots in camp. Hard to believe Monday is the first pre-season game. My partners were kind enough to take a few of the pre-season games off of my hands this season so my first is the Minny game. I believe the pre-season games are either on 1460AM or 97.1FM, so I will be listening.