AJHL Season draws closer

     It was a big year for Sam Jardine and the AJHL Champion Camrose Kodiaks. Nearly two months after the Kodiaks participated in the RBC Cup, the 6-foot defenseman from Lacombe, Alta. was drafted by the Chicago Blackhawks in the sixth round. Quite an honour for the Ohio State commit, but what can we expect from him and the Kodiaks this year? Training camps open in the South Division in just under 2 weeks and yet another action packed season of AJHL hockey is set to begin.

     With at least 1 player being drafted out of the AJHL in 11 consecutive NHL Entry Drafts, NHL teams continue looking for that “diamond in the rough” from Alberta’s Jr. A league. This year, a talented group of players hope to continue that tradition as they take the next step in their hockey careers. A couple players that could fit that role this year are Calgary Mustangs Chase McMurphy, Olds Grizzly’s Zane Jones and Okotoks Oilers defenseman Rhett Holland

Rhett Holland – Okotoks Oilers

     The 2010-11 season saw Rhett Holland receive many accolades. He was invited to the World Jr. A evaluation camp by Hockey Canada and was selected to the South Division All Rookie team. As I recognized early in the season, the 6-foot-1 inch Holland possesses a lot of skills that will make him a hot commodity for the 2012 NHL Entry Draft. His foot speed enables him to pinch into the offensive zone as well as carry the puck through the neutral ice. Offensively, his skills are a bit raw but he does have a nice release on his shot. He has great balance for a guy his size and is usually the one dishing out the hits to opposing players. His Major Junior rights are held by the Regina Pats and he has committed to Michigan State.

Chase McMurphy – Calgary Mustangs

     After a solid 1st regular season with the Mustangs, McMurphy stepped up his game in the playoffs and potted 3 goals and 5 points in a seven game series. The tall forward has a lot of qualities that should be attractive that could be developed at the next level. He’s got an above average slap shot and he’s got a quick release. McMurphy’s skating ability is above average and is able to hit top speed in a couple steps.

Zane Jones – Olds Grizzlys

     Jones was able to accumulate 40 points in his rookie season with Olds last season. The 6 foot 3 inch forward has the size that NHL teams are looking for and should look to grow even more in the next couple years. The big forward enters the year with a young Olds team and should look for a 1st line role if he doesn’t crack the Victoria roster in the WHL.

     Two other players that are expected to draw some considerable interest in the upcoming draft are Spruce Grove’s Matt Benning and St. Albert’s Ryan Berlin but I had limited opportunities to view them this past season; something that I look forward to changing this year.

Tags: 2012 nhl draft prospects, Chase McMurphy, Rhett Holland