Best: Jannik Hansen - Watching him as Portland Winterhawk and adapting to North American hockey like a duck to water, I knew he was going to be special. It's been special to follow him through his entire career.
Braydon Coburn - I can remember a game he played my Thunderbirds where he scored five goals and knocked out the reigning WHL heavyweight champion all in the game. When he was one his game, he was the most dominant WHL defenseman I ever saw.
Thomas Hickey - I've never seen a better hockey prodigy. I can remember his first few shifts with the Thunderbirds and watching this 15-year old kid dangle through entire defenses. Probably the most talented WHL player I've ever seen. The kid had it all, incredible skater, incredible offensive player, leadership and he could throw fists. It made total sense to me when the Kings drafted him fourth overall. It's a shame injuries derailed his career as he's never going to be as good as he could have been. But it's excellent watching him do well with the Islanders.
Worst
Zack FitzGerald - Good ol' Fitzy. Probably the most intimidating defenseman I've seen the in WHL. Absolute fierce enforcer who was the reigning WHL champ in his time. Could also play a really good brand of physical defensive hockey. FitzGerald was drafted in the third round by the Blues (I think) but never could make it up to the NHL. He did get to play one game with the Canucks which was awesome. But he's eeked out a career as AHL enforcer.
Scott Jackson - FitzGerald's defensive partner in Seattle. Seemed to have everything you'd look for in a defenseman. Could play both sides of the puck well, had size and I don't remember his skating being noticeable either way. Was drafted in the second round by the Blues and I was hoping St. Louis would reunite Fitzy and Jackson in the NHL but alas it never happened. Jackson played a few years in the AHL but retired in 2012.