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	<title>The Scouting Report &#187; Scott Mayfield</title>
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		<title>Scott Mayfield &#8211; NHL Draft Profile</title>
		<link>http://www.thescoutingreport.org/scott-mayfield-nhl-draft-profile/</link>
		<comments>http://www.thescoutingreport.org/scott-mayfield-nhl-draft-profile/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 02 Jun 2011 15:05:34 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Rich Michalowski</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[2011 Scouting Reports]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[2011 nhl draft prospects]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Scott Mayfield]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Scouting Report]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.thescoutingreport.org/?p=3772</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Welcome to Day 3 of our Top 30 profiles. Today's feature is hulking Youngstown Phantoms defenseman Scott Mayfield, who is slated to attend Denver University next season]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h2><span style="color: #000080;">28. RD Scott Mayfield &#8211; Youngstown (USHL)</span></h2>
<pre><strong>DOB: Nov. 14/92 | Shoots: R | Height: 6.04 | Weight: 200lbs
</strong>Midterm Rank: 16 | League Rank: 4th USHL | Country Rank: 5th USA</pre>
<p><a href="http://www.thescoutingreport.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Scott-Mayfield.jpg" rel="lightbox"><img src="http://www.thescoutingreport.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Scott-Mayfield-180x300.jpg" alt="Scott Mayfield 180x300 Scott Mayfield   NHL Draft Profile" title="Scott Mayfield" width="180" height="300" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-3777" /></a><br />
<iframe src="http://www.eliteprospects.com/iframe_player_stats.php?player=45906" width="100%" height="160" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" ></iframe><br />
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Entering the 2010-2011 season, Scott Mayfield was high on most lists and seemed to be a sure 1st round pick.  Other rankings appear to have dropped Mayfield and most cite the fact that he played with Youngstown of the USHL and perhaps he did not progress as hoped or even regressed in some eyes.  My opinion differs in that I think in some ways Mayfield may have benefited from that experience.<br />
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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;What everyone does agree on is that Mayfield owns the skills to be a first pair defenseman in the NHL.  Also, he uses his 6’4” 200lb frame to play with a nasty edge. He skates well with a powerful stride that allows him to take ice quickly and move well laterally, Mayfield’s 1 on 1 skills were without par at the USHL level including the USNTDP squads.  His long reach, good footwork and text book technique made him very difficult to beat.<br />
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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Offensively, you would be hard pressed to find more accurate shot from the point whether it’s a booming slap shot or hard wrist shot.  Mayfield makes the 1st pass with ease and transitions the puck quickly to offense.  The problem is that over the past few seasons watching Mayfield closely, I witnessed several occasions where he made a great play on the puck only to have one of his teammates skate the wrong way or not get into position quick enough for the pass. That is one of the reasons his skills did not translate into enough points to please those expecting more offense.  Those instances contributed to the belief that Mayfield did not do himself any favors by returning to the USHL.  </p>
<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;However, you can’t ignore the fact the Mayfield can and does play up to the level of his team and the competition contributing to the US team at the 2009 Ivan Hlinka Tournament and being named MVP at the 2010 World Jr. A Challenge. Mayfield also used the season to develop some of the finer points of his game.  For instance, he had a tendency to always take the puck to his backhand when skating through traffic in the neutral zone.  As a result, he would often limit his options and take himself out of the play by entering the offensive zone on his backhand as he came down the left side.  </p>
<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Mayfield appears to have gotten rid of that habit and can move handle the puck equally well on the forehand or backhand.  Also, Mayfield ascended into a leadership role that appears to have made an already mature kid even more mature.  He’s moving on to a great situation at Denver where he will no doubt continue to grow and elevate his game.<br />
<strong><br />
Pros</strong> : Physical skills and 1 on 1 defensive technique<br />
<strong>Cons</strong>: Level of play may not have pushed development<br />
<strong>Skillset comparison</strong>: Chris Pronger</p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>2011 NHL Draft Top 100 Skaters: (26-50)</title>
		<link>http://www.thescoutingreport.org/tsr-2011-top-100-skaters-2650/</link>
		<comments>http://www.thescoutingreport.org/tsr-2011-top-100-skaters-2650/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 30 May 2011 18:38:08 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Scott Campbell</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[2011 Draft Rankings]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[TSR Features]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[2011 nhl draft]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[2011 nhl draft prospects]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[2011 nhl draft rankings]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Adam Clendening]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Alexander Khokhlachev]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Boone Jenner]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Brandon Saad]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Colin Jacobs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Connor Murphy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[David Musil]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Dmitri Jaskin]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Jeremy Boyce]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Joe Morrow]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Joel Edmundson]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Lucas Lessio]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Mario Lucia]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Matthew Nieto]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Nikita Kucherov]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Phillip Danault]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Rickard Rakell]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Ryan Sproul]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Scott Mayfield]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Seth Ambroz]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tomas Jurco]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Ty Rattie]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tyler Biggs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Victor Rask]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Zach Phillips]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.thescoutingreport.org/?p=3467</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[TSR's NHL Draft Top 100 Skaters continues with Part Two]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Be sure to check out the rest of our Top 100: <a href="/tsr-2011-top-100-skaters-125">(1-25)</a> <strong>(26-50)</strong> <a href="/tsr-2011-top-100-skaters-5175">(51-75)</a> <a href="/tsr-2011-top-100-skaters-76100">(76-100)</a><br />
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<h2><span style="color: #000080;">26. RW Zach Phillips &#8211; Saint John (QMJHL)</span></h2>
<pre><strong>DOB: Nov. 28/92 | Shoots: R | Height: 6.01 | Weight: 181lbs
</strong>Midterm Rank: 34 | League Rank: 4th QMJHL | Country Rank: 13th Canada</pre>
<address>Phillips made some major strides forward in his game this season and we think he’s done enough to be included in our Top 30 prospects. He doesn’t have an overly defining quality to his game, but he’s a crafty offensive player who always seems to be in the right place at the right time. Skating isn’t great, but it isn’t horrible; albeit something that needs to improve for him to make the jump. While Phillips seems to be a guy that a lot of people feel might not be able to find a role at the next level, we liken him a bit to a guy like Brett MacLean who, even with some weaknesses in his game, seems to have enough of everything to overcome them.</address>
<p><iframe src="http://www.eliteprospects.com/iframe_player_stats.php?player=44594" width="100%" height="145" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" ></iframe><br />
<a href="http://www.thescoutingreport.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Zach-Phillips.jpg" rel="lightbox"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-3646" title="Zach Phillips" src="http://www.thescoutingreport.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Zach-Phillips.jpg" alt="Zach Phillips 2011 NHL Draft Top 100 Skaters: (26 50)" width="500" height="261" /></a></p>
<h2><span style="color: #000080;">27. LC Boone Jenner &#8211; Oshawa (OHL)</span></h2>
<pre><strong>DOB: Jun. 15/93 | Shoots: L | Height: 6.03 | Weight: 197lbs
</strong>Midterm Rank: 46 | League Rank: 9th OHL | Country Rank: 14th Canada</pre>
<address>Jenner is a big riser in our final rankings; although we were probably guilty of leaving him a little low in the mid-terms. The former 4th overall pick in the 2009 OHL Draft has all of the tools that NHL teams are looking for but needs to find a way to put it altogether. He’s a big guy who is very strong on the puck and is very good in the dirty areas. He’s become a lot more assertive on the ice; and despite an awkward long stride, he’s doing a better job of spanning the whole 200 feet. If everything works out for Jenner, he should be a dependable two-way center who will look good on your second line, but we feel he has a lot of maturing; both physically and mentally, that needs to be done in order to fulfill that potential.</address>
<p><iframe src="http://www.eliteprospects.com/iframe_player_stats.php?player=45587" width="100%" height="145" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" ></iframe></p>
<h2><span style="color: #000080;">28. RD Scott Mayfield &#8211; Youngstown (USHL)</span></h2>
<pre><strong>DOB: Nov. 14/92 | Shoots: R | Height: 6.04 | Weight: 200lbs
</strong>Midterm Rank: 16 | League Rank: 4th USHL | Country Rank: 5th USA</pre>
<address> Nobody has been on the Mayfield bandwagon since the beginning of last season more than TSR.  Defensively, his 1 on 1 skills are tough to match.  Mayfield also plays with an edge in front of the net and in the corners.  Offensively, Mayfield improved significantly in his ability to handle the puck and skate it out of his zone.  He already possessed a great shot, sharp passing skills and offensive awareness.  Some wish that Mayfield’s skills would have resulted in more production but we’ve seen him enough live to know that he was hindered a bit by the level of play on his club.  Mayfield has historically played up to the level of competition and his teammates and will surely do the same at Denver.</address>
<p><iframe src="http://www.eliteprospects.com/iframe_player_stats.php?player=45906" width="100%" height="160" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" ></iframe></p>
<h2><span style="color: #000080;">29. LC Alexander Khokhlachev &#8211; Windsor (OHL)</span></h2>
<pre><strong>DOB: Sep. 09/93 | Shoots: L | Height: 5.10 | Weight: 172lbs
</strong>Midterm Rank: 28 | League Rank: 10th OHL | Country Rank: 2nd Russia</pre>
<address>Nobody was too sure what type of a player Khokhlachev would be this season as most in OHL circles felt he was overshadowed a bit by fellow Russian Vladimir Namestnikov. It didn’t take long for him to make his presence known, however, as Khokhlachev quickly established himself as one of the most dangerous offensive forwards in the league. Offensively, his talent level is up there with any player in the draft. He’s very good in small spaces and has a whole bag of puck tricks he uses frequently throughout the game. He’s an opportunistic scorer and if he shot more, would probably have eclipsed 40 goals this past season as well. The issue with Khokhlachev comes down to his lack of size and strength, and determining how much of an issue that’s going to be for him at the next level. His two-way game won’t blow you away, so unless he can find a way to add the muscle needed to play in the NHL, he’s going to be a bit of a risk.</address>
<p><iframe src="http://www.eliteprospects.com/iframe_player_stats.php?player=41925" width="100%" height="145" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" ></iframe><br />
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<h2><span style="color: #000080;">30. RW Ty Rattie &#8211; Portland (WHL)</span></h2>
<pre><strong>DOB: Feb. 05/93 | Shoots: R | Height: 5.11 | Weight: 170lbs
</strong>Midterm Rank: 20 | League Rank: 5th WHL | Country Rank: 15th Canada</pre>
<address> Coming into the season, Ty Rattie was thought of as a potential top-10 pick for the 2011 Entry Draft, but has seen his stock drop slightly. Rattie has an excellent shot and the ability to release it quickly. Rattie has also shown great chemistry with his linemates, ably setting them up with crisp, solid passes. The biggest issues with Rattie’s game are that he tends to disappear at times and plays primarily on the perimeter. Rattie is a work in progress, but he has the raw skills that simply can’t be taught to a young offensive player. </address>
<p><iframe src="http://www.eliteprospects.com/iframe_player_stats.php?player=26385" width="100%" height="205" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" ></iframe></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thescoutingreport.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/Ty-Rattie.jpg" rel="lightbox"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-3059" title="Ty Rattie" src="http://www.thescoutingreport.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/Ty-Rattie.jpg" alt="Ty Rattie 2011 NHL Draft Top 100 Skaters: (26 50)" width="461" height="244" /></a></p>
<h2><span style="color: #000080;">31. RD Connor Murphy &#8211; USNTDP U18 (USHL)</span></h2>
<pre><strong>DOB: Mar. 26/93 | Shoots: R | Height: 6.03 | Weight: 192lbs
</strong>Midterm Rank: NR | League Rank: 5th USHL | Country Rank: 6th USA</pre>
<address>We had a pretty limited viewing (like most) of Murphy this year which is why we were a little hesitant to put him in our Top 30, but there’s no doubt the big American defenseman has the talent to potentially hear his name called in Round 1 on draft day. His season was marred by injuries but Murphy managed to recoup a lot of his lost time with a very impressive showing at the Under 18’s where he scored the game winning goal in overtime against the Russians. Murphy is a big guy with a good shot and a pretty enticing package of solid defensive play and offensive upside. It would be naïve to think that most teams don’t have the Miami-Ohio commit on their first round radar and it wouldn’t be a shock to see a team step up and take him in the middle portion of the first round.</address>
<p><iframe src="http://www.eliteprospects.com/iframe_player_stats.php?player=45417" width="100%" height="175" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" ></iframe></p>
<h2><span style="color: #000080;">32. RW Tyler Biggs &#8211; USNTDP U18 (USHL)</span></h2>
<pre><strong>DOB: Jan. 30/93 | Shoots: R | Height: 6.02 | Weight: 210lbs
</strong>Midterm Rank: 32 | League Rank: 6th USHL | Country Rank: 7th USA</pre>
<address> Biggs certainly merits consideration as a prospect due to his size, physical play, skating ability and determination.  It’s difficult though to see him as a first rounder since he does not possess the offensive skills that would be worthy of such a high pick.  Biggs may only top out as a 15-20 goal guy who can provide some grit and nastiness which fits nicely on some clubs but the ceiling doesn’t seem high enough to justify anything other than the second round. </address>
<p><iframe src="http://www.eliteprospects.com/iframe_player_stats.php?player=38619" width="100%" height="235" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" ></iframe></p>
<h2><span style="color: #000080;">33. LD David Musil &#8211; Vancouver (WHL)</span></h2>
<pre><strong>DOB: Apr. 09/93 | Shoots: L | Height: 6.03 | Weight: 200lbs
</strong>Midterm Rank: 14 | League Rank: 6th WHL | Country Rank: 1st Czech</pre>
<address> After a very solid initial campaign as a 16 year-old last season, some unfair expectations were placed on Musil this year.  Going into the season, Musil was looked upon as a potential lotto pick although it didn’t look like he had the offense to support such a pick.  Musil plays in all situations for the Giants and he is able to chip in a little offense but won’t likely be expected to provide that offense at the NHL level.  With his dad and uncle combining to play well over 2000 NHL games and his mom being a former pro tennis player, David has some good athletic genes.  Like his dad, Musil is a steady defender having very good size and strength, while being good at taking care of his own end.  While Musil may be one of the best defensive defensemen available in the draft this year, he needs to work on improving his quickness.  His slow acceleration and top end speed make him vulnerable during puck retrieval plays, as well as his ability to contain the fastest players in the league.</address>
<p><iframe src="http://www.eliteprospects.com/iframe_player_stats.php?player=23298" width="100%" height="370" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" ></iframe><br />
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<h2><span style="color: #000080;">34. RW Dmitri Jaskin &#8211; Slavia Praha (Czech)</span></h2>
<pre><strong>DOB: Mar. 23/93 | Shoots: R | Height: 6.01 | Weight: 196lbs
</strong>Midterm Rank: 23 | League Rank: 1st Czech | Country Rank: 2nd Czech</pre>
<address>Jaskin is a tough player to get a read on as he has a tremendous skill-set, but doesn’t bring it consistently enough. The big Czech winger had an up and down season and had a lot riding on the Under 18’s, where he was fairly average over the course of the tournament. His season never quite took off after an early season injury, but when he’s on, he is a talented winger who can play with a bit of jam. His status as a surefire first round pick has probably come and gone, but there’s a lot to like for any team that is picking in the late part of the first round.</address>
<p><iframe src="http://www.eliteprospects.com/iframe_player_stats.php?player=65564" width="100%" height="250" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" ></iframe></p>
<h2><span style="color: #000080;">35. LD Joe Morrow &#8211; Portland (WHL)</span></h2>
<pre><strong>DOB: Dec. 09/92 | Shoots: L | Height: 6.01 | Weight: 198lbs
</strong>Midterm Rank: 42 | League Rank: 7th WHL | Country Rank: 16th Canada</pre>
<address> Joe Morrow climbed up the draft rankings progressively after coming off an early season injury. Morrow has had some injury troubles throughout his junior career, but has shown that he can be an effective puck moving defenseman in the WHL. Morrow is an excellent skater, and makes a nice first pass out of his own zone, seamlessly starting his team’s breakout. He also has a deceptive shot that he ably gets through traffic and on net, generating strong scoring chances for his teammates, particularly on the power play.</address>
<p><iframe src="http://www.eliteprospects.com/iframe_player_stats.php?player=37180" width="100%" height="160" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" ></iframe><br />
<a href="http://www.thescoutingreport.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Joe-Morrow-2.jpg" rel="lightbox"><img src="http://www.thescoutingreport.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Joe-Morrow-2.jpg" alt="Joe Morrow 2 2011 NHL Draft Top 100 Skaters: (26 50)" title="Joe Morrow 2" width="500" height="390" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-3750" /></a></p>
<h2><span style="color: #000080;">36. RD Adam Clendening &#8211; Boston University (NCAA)</span></h2>
<pre><strong>DOB: Nov. 26/92 | Shoots: R | Height: 5.11 | Weight: 190lbs
</strong>Midterm Rank: 48 | League Rank: 2nd NCAA | Country Rank: 8th USA</pre>
<address>Clendening is a player who has quietly gone under the radar despite having a pretty impressive freshman season with BU. Up front, the big question with Clendening’s game is what type of a role you can expect from a somewhat undersized defenseman who doesn’t have overly explosive feet and lacks the big-time shot at the point. These are valid concerns, but in a draft that seems to thin out on defense, Clendening is a solid puck-moving prospect who will likely hear his name pretty early on Day 2. His ability to move well laterally and buy time for himself are two qualities that you can’t undersell him on, and Clendening is also a very smart puck mover and makes great passes in transition. Definitely not a flashy player, but he’s a dependable prospect who could have some untapped upside yet to come. </address>
<p><iframe src="http://www.eliteprospects.com/iframe_player_stats.php?player=20714" width="100%" height="220" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" ></iframe></p>
<h2><span style="color: #000080;">37. LC Victor Rask &#8211; Leksand (Allsvenskan)</span></h2>
<pre><strong>DOB: Mar. 01/93 | Shoots: L | Height: 6.02 | Weight: 194lbs
</strong>Midterm Rank: 17 | League Rank: 1st Allsv.| Country Rank: 6th Sweden</pre>
<address>What was previously a year under the radar quickly developed into a year to forget for this former “can’t-miss” prospect. Rask had issues with ice-time, attitude, and on-ice performance; factors that have certainly changed a once favourable opinion of him. While there are a lot of negatives about Rask, he does still have an intriguing skill-set which should be enough to secure him a spot in the Top 50. Rask’s great shot and combination of size and vision indicate a lot of potential, but he’s going to need to show more drive and passion if he ever wants to realize any of it.</address>
<p><iframe src="http://www.eliteprospects.com/iframe_player_stats.php?player=15747" width="100%" height="385" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" ></iframe></p>
<h2><span style="color: #000080;">38. RW Tomas Jurco &#8211; Saint John (QMJHL)</span></h2>
<pre><strong>DOB: Dec. 28/92 | Shoots: L | Height: 6.02 | Weight: 193lbs
</strong>Midterm Rank: 24 | League Rank: 5th QMJHL | Country Rank: 1st Slovakia</pre>
<address>Jurco is relatively comparable to Oshawa Generals forward Nicklas Jensen, in that he has that rare game-breaking ability that is extremely rare amongst prospects. He’s a player that can absolutely fly and has all the dynamic puck moves you would want to accompany that level of speed. He’s a fairly good finisher, although he could probably stand to take opportunity on more of his chances, but the talent is there. Jurco’s issue has been finding consistency, however, as he can go through spells where he can’t generate much of anything on the scoreboard. He might remind you a lot of Michael Grabner, and maybe an NHL team will step up in round one hoping that Jurco can eventually find that type of success in the NHL as a game-breaker.</address>
<p><iframe src="http://www.eliteprospects.com/iframe_player_stats.php?player=34751" width="100%" height="205" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" ></iframe></p>
<h2><span style="color: #000080;">39. RW Nikita Kucherov &#8211; CSKA Moskva (MHL)</span></h2>
<pre><strong>DOB: Jun. 17/93 | Shoots: L | Height: 6.00 | Weight: 165lbs
</strong>Midterm Rank: NR | League Rank: 1st MHL | Country Rank: 3rd Russia</pre>
<address>It’s tough to find a player that made a bigger case for himself at the U18’s than Russia’s Nikita Kucherov. The dynamic Russian winger absolutely shredded the competition in Germany with an astronomical 21 points in 7 games. Kucherov actually had quite a strong season in the MHL this past year and even had some seasoning in the KHL so it’s not like he’s coming out of left field. His offensive instincts and dynamic skills could probably justify a first-round selection, but the likely “Russian” fears and concerns about strength might push him into the second round.</address>
<p><iframe src="http://www.eliteprospects.com/iframe_player_stats.php?player=77237" width="100%" height="175" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" ></iframe></p>
<h2><span style="color: #000080;">40. LW Brandon Saad &#8211; Saginaw Spirit (OHL)</span></h2>
<pre><strong>DOB: Oct. 27/92 | Shoots: L | Height: 6.01 | Weight: 196lbs
</strong>Midterm Rank: 11 | League Rank: 11th OHL | Country Rank: 9th USA</pre>
<address>Suffice to say, TSR’s thoughts on Saad have plummeted as the 2010/2011 season progressed. We had very high expectations for Saad this year; his first in the OHL, but have never seen the type of game that warrants the pre-season hype. Saad is a big winger with good speed, a hard shot, and a fairly good head for the game, but he lacks the drive you need to be a top line player at the next level. Saad shies away from contact despite being a big player and never really uses his body to his advantage. He doesn’t drive the front of the net enough and just isn’t willing to pay the price. All is not lost with Saad, as he does have goal scoring talent, but he needs to show a lot more if he wants to have that opportunity in the NHL.</address>
<p><iframe src="http://www.eliteprospects.com/iframe_player_stats.php?player=31264" width="100%" height="205" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" ></iframe></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thescoutingreport.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/Brandon-Saad.jpg" rel="lightbox"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2894" title="Brandon Saad of the Saginaw Spirit. Photo by Aaron Bell/OHL Images" src="http://www.thescoutingreport.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/Brandon-Saad.jpg" alt="Brandon Saad 2011 NHL Draft Top 100 Skaters: (26 50)" width="269" height="336" /></a></p>
<h2><span style="color: #000080;">41. LW Mario Lucia &#8211; Wayzata (HS-MN)</span></h2>
<pre><strong>DOB: Aug. 25/93 | Shoots: L | Height: 6.02 | Weight: 183lbs
</strong>Midterm Rank: 49 | League Rank: 1st HS-MN | Country Rank: 10th USA</pre>
<address>Draft trends would indicate that there should be one high school player going in the first round this year, and if that holds to be true, Mario Lucia is probably leading the way to be that guy. The son of University of Minnesota head coach Don Lucia, the younger Lucia remains uncommitted in the NCAA but plans to spend next season with Sioux Falls of the USHL. Lucia is a big, strong center with very good feet for a player of his size. He generates a lot of his offense from his speed and has the ability to make his teammates better players while being a very dangerous player in his own right. As he fills out, it should allow him to become more of an effective offensive forward and use his size to his advantage more often. </address>
<p><iframe src="http://www.eliteprospects.com/iframe_player_stats.php?player=75068" width="100%" height="175" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" ></iframe></p>
<h2><span style="color: #000080;">42. LW Lucas Lessio &#8211; Oshawa (OHL)</span></h2>
<pre><strong>DOB: Jan. 23/93 | Shoots: L | Height: 6.01 | Weight: 201lbs
</strong>Midterm Rank: 40 | League Rank: 12th OHL | Country Rank: 17th Canada</pre>
<address>Lessio had a pretty average season based on the high expectations he had coming in, but is still entrenched as a very solid early to mid second round pick. The third Oshawa Generals forward on our list, Lessio is a blue-collar winger who competes hard and plays well along the boards and in front of the net. He has agile feet, allowing him to be effective on the forecheck or in the cycle; and while he doesn’t possess elite speed, he can fight through checks with his powerful stride. Lessio does a lot of little things well to generate offensive chances, but lacks the high-end finish you would expect from a first-round pick. The end of his season is something he’d like to forget, as he’ll be serving a two-game suspension to start 2011 after his actions following Oshawa’s defeat against Niagara. </address>
<p><iframe src="http://www.eliteprospects.com/iframe_player_stats.php?player=45173" width="100%" height="160" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" ></iframe></p>
<h2><span style="color: #000080;">43. LW Matthew Nieto &#8211; Boston University (NCAA)</span></h2>
<pre><strong>DOB: Nov. 05/92 | Shoots: R | Height: 5.11 | Weight: 183lbs
</strong>Midterm Rank: 21 | League Rank: 3rd NCAA | Country Rank: 11th USA</pre>
<address>Nieto was projected to be a first-round pick coming into the year, but had a pretty tough start to his NCAA career and was never quite able to recover the lost ground. He’s undersized, but makes up for it with great speed and the ability to change gears into “breakaway” speed. Handles the puck well and is a pretty opportunistic player who can create for himself with some silky smooth hands. Nieto will have to address some of the deficiencies in his game such as competing harder and showing that he’s willing to sacrifice his body in the corners to make things happen.</address>
<p><iframe src="http://www.eliteprospects.com/iframe_player_stats.php?player=20723" width="100%" height="235" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" ></iframe></p>
<h2><span style="color: #000080;">44. RD Ryan Sproul &#8211; Sault Ste. Marie (OHL)</span></h2>
<pre><strong>DOB: Jan. 13/93 | Shoots: R | Height: 6.04 | Weight: 185lbs
</strong>Midterm Rank: NR | League Rank: 13th OHL | Country Rank: 18th Canada</pre>
<address>Signing with the Greyhounds proved to the be the catalyst that Ryan Sproul needed to get his name on the map this year. The hulking defenseman had some struggles working his way up the depth chart in the early going, but by the midway point of the season, Sproul was finding himself as one of the most reliable defensemen on the team. He has a big-time shot that he is not afraid to use and can be a huge asset at the top of the umbrella or a player you run an overload through. He is still showing a bit of growing pains on the defensive side of the game and will need to continue to improve his positioning and understand how to utilize his size, but Sproul is a pretty intriguing player with a high ceiling.</address>
<p><iframe src="http://www.eliteprospects.com/iframe_player_stats.php?player=62407" width="100%" height="160" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" ></iframe></p>
<h2><span style="color: #000080;">45. RC Rickard Rakell &#8211; Plymouth (OHL)</span></h2>
<pre><strong>DOB: May 05/93 | Shoots: R | Height: 6.01 | Weight: 185lbs
</strong>Midterm Rank: 41 | League Rank: 14th OHL | Country Rank: 7th Sweden</pre>
<address>Rakell is the type of players that coaches love to have, but just lacks that offensive punch that would justify him going too much higher. He will strike you as being a very smart, almost methodical player who appears to think the game one step ahead of everyone else. He’s a very good player on the forecheck and does a great job anticipating the play and disrupting passing lanes. Very good defensive player who can play against any trio the opposition throws out and won’t be liability in doing so. His offensive upside is the only real question right now, as he doesn’t quite have the skills and offensive instincts to be a major offensive threat.</address>
<p><iframe src="http://www.eliteprospects.com/iframe_player_stats.php?player=17435" width="100%" height="370" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" ></iframe></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thescoutingreport.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/Rickard-Rakell.jpg" rel="lightbox"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2840" title="Rickard Rakell of the Plymouth Whalers. Photo by Aaron Bell/OHL Images" src="http://www.thescoutingreport.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/Rickard-Rakell.jpg" alt="Rickard Rakell 2011 NHL Draft Top 100 Skaters: (26 50)" width="420" height="336" /></a></p>
<h2><span style="color: #000080;">46. RW Seth Ambroz &#8211; Omaha (USHL)</span></h2>
<pre><strong>DOB: Apr. 01/93 | Shoots: L | Height: 6.02 | Weight: 211lbs
</strong>Midterm Rank: 27 | League Rank: 7th USHL | Country Rank: 12th USA</pre>
<address> Ambroz’s skating was an issue coming into the season and by all accounts it hasn’t improved enough to keep him in the first round.  He has continued to be productive and possesses the good hands, heavy shot and quick release teams covet.  Ambroz also plays a physical game along the boards and battles for space in front.  He can either try to improve his puck skills and skating at Minnesota or further enhance his physical game in the WHL with Seattle.  The next few years will prove whether or not he has chosen the right path and if so, the team selecting him may get a bargain.</address>
<p><iframe src="http://www.eliteprospects.com/iframe_player_stats.php?player=37875" width="100%" height="175" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" ></iframe></p>
<h2><span style="color: #000080;">47. RC Colin Jacobs &#8211; Seattle (WHL)</span></h2>
<pre><strong>DOB: Jan. 20/93 | Shoots: R | Height: 6.02 | Weight: 204lbs
</strong>Midterm Rank: 35 | League Rank: 8th WHL | Country Rank: 13th USA</pre>
<address> Colin Jacobs came into the season with lofty expectations on a young Seattle team, and though he didn’t fully live up to those expectations, Jacobs quietly had a solid season. The Coppell, Tex. native has NHL size and has proven to be very durable in his two seasons in the WHL, while posting solid, if not spectacular point totals. Jacobs is a work in progress, (as evidenced by his -52 combined ranking in the last two seasons), but he is a solid skating, physical center with good offensive instincts, and is good on the defensive side of the puck as well.</address>
<p><iframe src="http://www.eliteprospects.com/iframe_player_stats.php?player=32767" width="100%" height="145" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" ></iframe></p>
<h2><span style="color: #000080;">48. LC Phillip Danault &#8211; Victorialville (QMJHL)</span></h2>
<pre><strong>DOB: Feb. 24/93 | Shoots: L | Height: 6.00 | Weight: 170lbs
</strong>Midterm Rank: 56 | League Rank: 6th QMJHL | Country Rank: 19th Canada</pre>
<address>Danault has quietly become a player that has enamoured TSR with his hard work and consistency throughout the course of the season with Victoriaville. Danault comes to play every shift and you will often find the puck near him as he seems to always be involved in the play. He played with some talented players in the regular season which may have inflated his numbers a bit, but Danault rested some of those concerns with some pretty solid play during the post-season. He seems to be a player that just does a lot of things well and certainly is worthy of being slotted in this range.</address>
<p><iframe src="http://www.eliteprospects.com/iframe_player_stats.php?player=45282" width="100%" height="145" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" ></iframe></p>
<h2><span style="color: #000080;">49. LD Joel Edmundson &#8211; Moose Jaw (WHL)</span></h2>
<pre><strong>DOB: Jun. 28/93 | Shoots: L | Height: 6.04 | Weight: 200lbs
</strong>Midterm Rank: NR | League Rank: 9th WHL | Country Rank: 20th Canada</pre>
<address> After playing midget hockey last year, Edmundson made the jump to the WHL this year.  At 6’4 and growing, Edmundson has a large frame that will appeal to many teams.  Not only is he a big guy, but Edmundson plays the game much the same way that his teammate (and 2010 NHL 1st rounder) Dylan McIlrath does.  Tough and strong, Edmundson makes life hard for opposing players.  Edmundson is a decent skater and is able to move the puck up ice.  While there has been some improvement in his production from the start of the year, Edmundson still projects as a defensive player that is hard to play against.</address>
<p><iframe src="http://www.eliteprospects.com/iframe_player_stats.php?player=59478" width="100%" height="145" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" ></iframe></p>
<h2><span style="color: #000080;">50. LW Jeremy Boyce &#8211; Timra (SEL)</span></h2>
<pre><strong>DOB: Aug. 28/93 | Shoots: L | Height: 6.00 | Weight: 170lbs
</strong>Midterm Rank: NR | League Rank: 5th SEL | Country Rank: 8th Sweden</pre>
<address>Here’s a guy that is definitely going to get some recognition after the Under 18’s, where he had a bit of a coming out party on the biggest scouting platform of his season. Boyce can flat out fly and uses his speed as the centrefold to his game. Despite being pretty wiry and a fairly raw talent overall, he’s still got an attractive package of offensive tools that will surely improve as he mature physically and mentally. He’s a bit of a project, but a few more seasons in Sweden should help him refine his skills. </address>
<p><iframe src="http://www.eliteprospects.com/iframe_player_stats.php?player=22021" width="100%" height="325" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" ></iframe></p>
<p>Be sure to check out the rest of our Top 100: <a href="/tsr-2011-top-100-skaters-125">(1-25)</a> <strong>(26-50)</strong> <a href="/tsr-2011-top-100-skaters-5175">(51-75)</a> <a href="/tsr-2011-top-100-skaters-76100">(76-100)</a></p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<slash:comments>2</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>TSR’s 2011 NHL Mid-Term Top 60 Skaters Rankings (1-30)</title>
		<link>http://www.thescoutingreport.org/tsrs-2011-midterm-top-60-skaters-130/</link>
		<comments>http://www.thescoutingreport.org/tsrs-2011-midterm-top-60-skaters-130/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 30 Jan 2011 18:28:31 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Scott Campbell</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[2011 Draft Rankings]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[2011 nhl draft]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[2011 nhl draft prospects]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[2011 nhl draft rankings]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Adam Larsson]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Alexander Kokhlachev]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Brandon Saad]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[David Musil]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Dmitri Jaskin]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Dougie Hamilton]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Duncan Siemens]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Gabriel Landeskog]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Joel Armia]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Jonathan Huberdeau]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[JT Miller]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Mark McNeill]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Mark Scheifele]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Matthew Nieto]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Matthew Puempel]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Mika Zibanejad]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Nathan Bealieu]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Nicklas Jensen]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Robbie Russo]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Rocco Grimaldi]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Ryan Murphy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Ryan Nugent-Hopkins]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Ryan Strome]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Scott Mayfield]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sean Couturier]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Seth Ambroz]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sven Bartschi]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tomas Jurco]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Ty Rattie]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Victor Rask]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.thescoutingreport.org/?p=2942</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[TSR is pleased to release our Mid-Term Top 60 skaters for the 2011 NHL Entry Draft. The list is broken up into two separate articles for ease of reading, but we hope you enjoy the guide! ]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h240/mikek_02/TSRBanner2.jpg" alt="TSRBanner2 TSR’s 2011 NHL Mid Term Top 60 Skaters Rankings (1 30)" width="475" height="81" title="TSR’s 2011 NHL Mid Term Top 60 Skaters Rankings (1 30)" /></p>
<h3 style="text-align: center;"><strong><a href="http://www.thescoutingreport.org/tsrs-2011-midterm-top-60-skaters-3160/" target="_blank">Click here for Part Two of the Top 60 Skaters (31-60)</a></strong></h3>
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<h2 style="text-align: left;">Introduction:</h2>
<p>Welcome to this year&#8217;s edition of TSR&#8217;s Mid-Term Top 60 Skaters! I&#8217;d like to personally thank all of our staff for putting in a lot of time and effort to help put our list together and offer some tremendous insight on the prospects of the 2011 NHL Draft Class. I&#8217;d also like to thank a few anonymous sources who have helped us with some of the European prospects as well as those playing high school and prep hockey, their help is a great resource. With that being said, we hope you enjoy this list and appreciate you visiting TSR as a source for your hockey prospect information!</p>
<h2><span style="color: #3366ff;"><strong>1. RD Adam Larsson – Skelleftea AIK (SEL)</strong></span></h2>
<pre><strong>DOB: Nov. 12/92 | Shoots: R | Height: 6.03 | Weight: 220lbs </strong></pre>
<pre><em>Season Statistics (Jan 28th): 28GP 1G 7A 8P 37PIM</em>
---</pre>
<address>Larsson is no longer the consensus number one pick he may have been a year ago, but he&#8217;s still an enticing player that has a lot of NHL ability. He&#8217;s a composed defender with solid skills at both ends of the ice, and while he might not be a franchise type player, he certainly has top pairing potential.<br />
</address>
<address style="text-align: center;">&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;</address>
<address> </address>
<h2><span style="color: #3366ff;"><strong>2. LC Sean Couturier – Drummondville (QMJHL)</strong></span></h2>
<pre><strong>DOB: Dec. 07/92 | Shoots: L | Height: 6.04 | Weight: 191lbs </strong></pre>
<pre><em>Season Statistics (Jan 28th): 39GP 21G 44A 65P +31 17PIM</em>
---</pre>
<address>Couturier also has not been as dominant as he was a year ago, but the rangy pivot still has an elite skill-set to match an imposing frame. Again, he doesn&#8217;t project to be a dominant player at the NHL level, but he could be a very good first line center with his size and ability to score in a tight-checking league like the NHL. </address>
<address style="text-align: center;">&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;</address>
<address> </address>
<h2><span style="color: #3366ff;"><br />
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<strong>3. LC Ryan Nugent-Hopkins – Red Deer (WHL)</strong></span></h2>
<pre><strong>DOB: Apr. 12/93 | Shoots: L | Height: 6.00 | Weight: 164lbs </strong></pre>
<pre><em>Season Statistics (Jan 28th): 47GP 13G 49A 62P +15 35PIM</em>
---</pre>
<address>Nugent-Hopkins has had some struggles finding the back of the net this season, especially at even strength, but his dynamic skill-set is a can&#8217;t miss. He may very well have the highest ceiling of any player in this draft due to his exceptional speed and creativity, but his smallish frame will need to mature for him to become that type of player at the NHL level.<br />
</address>
<address style="text-align: center;">&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;</address>
<address> </address>
<h2><span style="color: #3366ff;"><strong>4. LW Gabriel Landeskog – Kitchener (OHL)</strong></span></h2>
<pre><strong>DOB: Nov. 23/92 | Shoots: R | Height: 6.00 | Weight: 201lbs </strong></pre>
<pre><em>Season Statistics (Jan 28th): 32GP 25G 20A 45P +24 43PIM</em>
---</pre>
<address>Landeskog has made a very impressive surge this season and is now in the same company as the former &#8216;big three&#8217;. The Swedish winger is a hard-nosed player with plenty of grit and should be a very safe pick, but doesn&#8217;t quite have the high-end upside of the other three. Still a very close race at this point and most will consider the top four fairly interchangeable.<br />
</address>
<address style="text-align: center;">&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;</address>
<address> </address>
<h2><span style="color: #3366ff;"><strong>5. LW Matthew Puempel – Peterborough (OHL)</strong></span></h2>
<pre><strong>DOB: Jan. 24/93 | Shoots: L | Height: 6.00 | Weight: 190lbs </strong></pre>
<pre><em>Season Statistics (Jan 28th): 45GP 27G 31A 58P -30 45PIM</em>
---</pre>
<address>Puempel has been a faller in many people&#8217;s eyes this season, but we&#8217;ve been impressed by his ability to be a dominant offensive player on one of the weakest offensive teams in the OHL. He&#8217;s got an elite release on his shot and exceptional offensive hockey sense, but he&#8217;s also showed more of an ability to create on his own this season. Still guilty of disappearing for periods of a game, but his innate offensive ability would look good on the top line of an NHL team. </address>
<address><a href="http://www.thescoutingreport.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/Matt-Puempel-2.jpg" rel="lightbox"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2848" title="Matt Puempel 2" src="http://www.thescoutingreport.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/Matt-Puempel-2.jpg" alt="Matt Puempel 2 TSR’s 2011 NHL Mid Term Top 60 Skaters Rankings (1 30)" width="420" height="336" /></a><br />
</address>
<address style="text-align: center;">&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;</address>
<address> </address>
<h2><span style="color: #3366ff;"><br />
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<strong>6. RD Ryan Murphy – Kitchener (OHL)</strong></span></h2>
<pre><strong>DOB: Mar. 31/93 | Shoots: R | Height: 5.10 | Weight: 165lbs </strong></pre>
<pre><em>Season Statistics (Jan 28th): 43GP 18G 40A 58P +15 22PIM</em>
---</pre>
<address>A dynamic player with a skill-set that rarely comes along, Murphy could end up going anywhere from the Top 3 to outside of the Top 10. Has the ability to go end to end with exceptional skating ability and puck handling skills. Has great up-ice vision and is very dangerous in the offensive zone as well. Has really started shooting the puck more this year, and has erased a few concerns about his shot last year. Still has some defensive issues and sometimes loses his man because he&#8217;s caught looking for opportunities to turn the play the other way. Size is still a concern as well, as his strength is going to be tested in the NHL.<br />
</address>
<address style="text-align: center;">&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;</address>
<address> </address>
<h2><strong><span style="color: #3366ff;">7. LC Jonathan Huberdeau – Saint John (QMJHL)</span><br />
</strong></h2>
<pre><strong>DOB: Jun. 04/93 | Shoots: L | Height: 6.01 | Weight: 171lbs </strong></pre>
<pre><em>Season Statistics (Jan 28th): 46GP 29G 42A 71P +41 55PIM</em>
---</pre>
<address>A similar player to Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Huberdeau is a lanky centerman that makes up for it with a dynamic skill-set and the ability to be a game-breaker on a consistent basis. Huberdeau has a high ceiling and while he could knock on the door of the Top 5, his potential is up there with any of the players in this draft.<br />
</address>
<address style="text-align: center;">&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;</address>
<address> </address>
<h2><strong><span style="color: #3366ff;">8. LD Duncan Siemens &#8211; Saskatoon (WHL)</span><br />
</strong></h2>
<pre><strong>DOB: Sep. 07/93 | Shoots: L | Height: 6.03 | Weight: 200lbs </strong></pre>
<pre><em>Season Statistics (Jan 28th): 48GP 4G 24A 28P +28 72PIM</em>
---</pre>
<address>One of the youngest players in this year&#8217;s draft, Siemens is an all around defenseman with the prototypical nastiness of a WHL defenseman. This year has been a break-out one for him, as he has refined his offensive game and showed improvements in his ability to move the puck. Loves to take the body and has the size and strength that makes him an extremely difficult player to play against.<br />
</address>
<address style="text-align: center;">&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;</address>
<address style="text-align: left;"> </address>
<address> </address>
<address> </address>
<h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #3366ff;"><strong>9. RW Joel Armia – Assat (SM-Liiga)</strong></span></h2>
<pre style="text-align: left;"><strong>DOB: May 31/93 | Shoots: R | Height: 6.03 | Weight: 191lbs </strong></pre>
<pre style="text-align: left;"><em>Season Statistics (Jan 28th): 36GP 16G 8A 24P 12PIM</em>
---</pre>
<address style="text-align: left;"> Armia has been the big wildcard riser in this draft thus far,  and despite a bit of an average showing at the World Junior&#8217;s, he&#8217;s  firmly entrenched himself as a Top 15 pick. Some may be a little leery  of a Finnish player rising this much, but Armia is a big winger with a  lot of offensive skill. He&#8217;s still a little raw and needs to continue to  add strength and grow into his frame, but he has the tools to be a  quality goal-scoring forward in the NHL.</address>
<address style="text-align: center;">&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;</address>
<address> </address>
<h2><strong><span style="color: #3366ff;">10. RC Ryan Strome &#8211; Niagara (OHL) </span><br />
</strong></h2>
<pre><strong>DOB: Jul. 11/93 | Shoots: R | Height: 6.01 | Weight: 183lbs </strong></pre>
<pre><em>Season Statistics (Jan 28th): 47GP 25G 48A 73P +21 60PIM</em>
---</pre>
<address>We were very high on Strome coming into the season, but he&#8217;s managed to exceed our expectations for him. Strome is a very creative offensive player who also has underrated finishing ability. He has great one on one moves and is very deceptive and has a good burst of acceleration. Strength is still a major issue for us as he loses a lot of puck battles, but he has improved in that regard since his MM season with the Toronto Marlies.</address>
<address><a href="http://www.thescoutingreport.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/Ryan-Strome.jpg" rel="lightbox"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2659" title="Ryan Strome" src="http://www.thescoutingreport.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/Ryan-Strome.jpg" alt="Ryan Strome TSR’s 2011 NHL Mid Term Top 60 Skaters Rankings (1 30)" width="420" height="336" /></a><br />
</address>
<address style="text-align: center;">&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;</address>
<address> </address>
<h2><strong><span style="color: #3366ff;">11. LW Brandon Saad &#8211; Saginaw (OHL)</span><br />
</strong></h2>
<pre><strong>DOB: Oct. 27/92 | Shoots: L | Height: 6.01 | Weight: 196lbs </strong></pre>
<pre><em>Season Statistics (Jan 28th): 43GP 23G 21A 44P +12 32PIM</em>
---</pre>
<address>Saad had a quick start to the OHL season, but has struggled to elevate his game since to the next level, like many of the other top prospects in this draft. He&#8217;s a big guy with good speed and protects the puck well, but just doesn&#8217;t compete hard enough on a consistent basis and has minimal grit to his game. Has slowed down a bit offensively, and will need to start to produce to avoid falling further.<br />
</address>
<address style="text-align: center;">&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;</address>
<address> </address>
<h2><strong><span style="color: #3366ff;">12. LW Sven Bartschi &#8211; Portland (WHL)</span><br />
</strong></h2>
<pre><strong>DOB: Nov. 05/92 | Shoots: L | Height: 5.10 | Weight: 185lbs </strong></pre>
<pre><em>Season Statistics (Jan 28th): 45GP 26G 32A 58P +15 38PIM</em>
---</pre>
<address>Bartschi has really come out of nowhere this season, but has quickly made a name for himself playing in the latest North American hotbed for Swiss prospects. Does a good job of going to the net and playing hard despite being undersized. Has a good touch around the net and has found a lot of chemistry with linemate Ty Rattie this season. Defensive zone play needs some improvement as Bartschi needs to be more aware of his responsibilities in zone.<br />
</address>
<address style="text-align: center;">&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;</address>
<address> </address>
<h2><strong><span style="color: #3366ff;">13. RD Dougie Hamilton &#8211; Niagara (OHL)</span><br />
</strong></h2>
<pre><strong>DOB: Jun. 06/93 | Shoots: R | Height: 6.04 | Weight: 193lbs </strong></pre>
<pre><em>Season Statistics (Jan 28th): 45GP 9G 34A 43P +35 61PIM</em>
---</pre>
<address>Very capable defender on the offensive end, and solid on the defensive end. Has great size and mobility and isn&#8217;t afraid to use his speed to move the puck. Has a big shot and does a good job of getting it through, especially as an asset on the powerplay. Sometimes makes poor decisions moving the puck and also has issues handling opponent&#8217;s forechecks. It&#8217;s tough to gauge what type of role he might have at the next level which is why we&#8217;re a little leery of having him in the Top 10.<br />
</address>
<address style="text-align: center;">&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;</address>
<address> </address>
<h2><strong><span style="color: #3366ff;">14. LD David Musil &#8211; Vancouver (WHL)</span><br />
</strong></h2>
<pre><strong>DOB: Apr. 09/93 | Shoots: L | Height: 6.03 | Weight: 200lbs </strong></pre>
<pre><em>Season Statistics (Jan 28th): 39GP 4G 16A 20P +9 40PIM</em>
---</pre>
<address>Once billed as a lottery pick, Musil has seen his stock progressively slide this season as his game hasn&#8217;t quite taken that next step forward from a stellar rookie season a year ago. He&#8217;s a big guy who is very strong and positionally sound defensively. Can be an effective puck mover, but doesn&#8217;t play an offensive oriented game. He&#8217;s still a pretty safe pick and projects well as a second pairing type 3/4 guy, but he doesn&#8217;t quite have the high-end upside of some of the guys in front of him.<br />
</address>
<address style="text-align: center;">&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;</address>
<address> </address>
<h2><strong><span style="color: #3366ff;">15. RC Mark Scheifele &#8211; Barrie (OHL)</span><br />
</strong></h2>
<pre><strong>DOB: Mar. 15/93 | Shoots: R | Height: 6.03 | Weight: 200lbs </strong></pre>
<pre><em>Season Statistics (Jan 28th): 47GP 11G 36A 47P -19 24PIM</em>
---</pre>
<address>Another TSR favorite since the start of the season, Scheifele&#8217;s impressive season is starting to get some attention around the league. He&#8217;s got a good frame and plays well in the difficult areas. Good along the boards and is very deceptive around the slot. Scheifele sees the ice very well, has a lot of creativity and while his 11 goals won&#8217;t blow you away, he actually has a pretty good release but needs to utilize it more frequently. Still needs to add a lot of strength to his frame, and also needs to continue to work on his first few steps, but don&#8217;t be surprised if he inches forward a little more after the second half of the season ends.</address>
<address><a href="http://www.thescoutingreport.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/Mark-Scheifele-3.jpg" rel="lightbox"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2849" title="Mark Scheifele 3" src="http://www.thescoutingreport.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/Mark-Scheifele-3.jpg" alt="Mark Scheifele 3 TSR’s 2011 NHL Mid Term Top 60 Skaters Rankings (1 30)" width="420" height="336" /></a><br />
</address>
<address style="text-align: center;">&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;</address>
<address> </address>
<h2><strong><span style="color: #3366ff;">16. RD Scott Mayfield &#8211; Youngstown (USHL) </span><br />
</strong></h2>
<pre><strong>DOB: Nov. 14/92 | Shoots: R | Height: 6.04 | Weight: 200lbs </strong></pre>
<pre><em>Season Statistics (Jan 28th): 26GP 2G 3A 5P +2 101PIM</em>
---</pre>
<address>Mayfield has gotten a lot of praise from our USHL Contributor since the beginning of last season, and he&#8217;s solidified himself as the premier defensive player in the USHL this year as an 18 year old. Mayfield is an imposing figure who does all the little things that coaches love such as blocking shots, playing sound defensively and effectiveness in every situation. His offensive production has really flat-lined this season, but NHL teams will be taking him as a potential shut-down guy down the road.<br />
</address>
<address style="text-align: center;">&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;</address>
<address> </address>
<h2><strong><span style="color: #3366ff;">17. LC Victor Rask &#8211; Leksand (Allsvenskan)</span><br />
</strong></h2>
<pre><strong>DOB: Mar. 01/93 | Shoots: L | Height: 6.02 | Weight: 194lbs </strong></pre>
<pre><em>Season Statistics (Jan 28th): 37GP 5G 6A 11P 8PIM</em>
---</pre>
<address>A player that has gone under the radar a bit this season, but still has a lot of potential. Rask has a lot of strong offensive qualities and is a creative player with adept finish. Hasn&#8217;t quite had the type of year some were likely hoping for, but he&#8217;s still a promising player who has very capable NHL potential. </address>
<address style="text-align: center;">&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;</address>
<address> </address>
<h2><strong><span style="color: #3366ff;">18. RW Nicklas Jensen &#8211; Oshawa (OHL)</span><br />
</strong></h2>
<pre><strong>DOB: Mar. 16/93 | Shoots: L | Height: 6.03 | Weight: 186lbs </strong></pre>
<pre><em>Season Statistics (Jan 28th): 39GP 23G 20A 43P +13 26PIM</em>
---</pre>
<address>A big riser from our previous OHL rankings, Jensen has exploded since coming back from the World Junior D-1 Championships. He&#8217;s a dynamic player with great skating ability and with his size, he can fight through checks and use his skating ability to go end to end or break plays through the neutral zone. Consistency was an issue for him, but he looks to be bringing it more every game now.<br />
</address>
<address style="text-align: center;">&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;</address>
<address> </address>
<h2><strong><span style="color: #3366ff;">19. RC Mark McNeill &#8211; Prince Albert (WHL)</span><br />
</strong></h2>
<pre><strong>DOB: Feb. 22/93 | Shoots: R | Height: 6.02 | Weight: 210lbs </strong></pre>
<pre><em>Season Statistics (Jan 28th): 49GP 20G 32A 52P +1 40PIM</em>
---</pre>
<address>A forward that coaches can turn to in any situation, McNeill is a hard nosed player who competes at both ends of hte rink. He may not have the most pure skills when compared to some of the top draft-eligible players, but with his hustle and anticipation, he is able to jump on loose pucks and he will be able to contribute at the NHL level.  He has managed to be a PPG player with very little help on a subpar Raiders team this year.</address>
<address style="text-align: center;">&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;</address>
<address> </address>
<address> </address>
<h2><strong><span style="color: #3366ff;">20. RW Ty Rattie &#8211; Portland (WHL)</span><br />
</strong></h2>
<pre><strong>DOB: Feb. 05/93 | Shoots: R | Height: 5.11 | Weight: 170lbs </strong></pre>
<pre><em>Season Statistics (Jan 28th): 49GP 21G 42A 63P +16 37PIM</em>
---</pre>
<address>Since his huge October, he has seen his point per game total dip after posting 23 points in 12 October games. There is no question that Rattie has the potential to be a top 6 forward in the NHL one day.  Rattie is an above average skater who sees the play extremely well and is very skilled at creating quality chances in the offensive zone.  He also has the scoring touch to finish off those opportunities.</address>
<address><a href="http://www.thescoutingreport.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/Ty-Rattie.jpg" rel="lightbox"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-3059" title="Ty Rattie" src="http://www.thescoutingreport.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/Ty-Rattie.jpg" alt="Ty Rattie TSR’s 2011 NHL Mid Term Top 60 Skaters Rankings (1 30)" width="395" height="209" /></a><br />
</address>
<address style="text-align: center;">&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;</address>
<address> </address>
<h2><strong><span style="color: #3366ff;">21. LW Matthew Nieto &#8211; Boston University (NCAA)</span><br />
</strong></h2>
<pre><strong>DOB: Nov. 05/92 | Shoots: R | Height: 5.11 | Weight: 183lbs </strong></pre>
<pre><em>Season Statistics (Jan 28th): 24GP 6G 3A 9P 6PIM</em>
---</pre>
<address>Hasn&#8217;t posted outstanding numbers at BU, but still is an exciting player who works hard every shift. Has a great skill-set and also has very good hockey sense. He will need to have a good second half to the season, but more importantly just needs to continue to show that he&#8217;s a player that will battle every night.</address>
<address style="text-align: center;">&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;</address>
<address> </address>
<h2><strong><span style="color: #3366ff;">22. LD Nathan Beaulieu &#8211; Saint John (QMJHL)</span><br />
</strong></h2>
<pre><strong>DOB: Dec. 05/92 | Shoots: L | Height: 6.03 | Weight: 191lbs </strong></pre>
<pre><em>Season Statistics (Jan 28th): 46GP 9G 24A 33P +31 36PIM</em>
---</pre>
<p>Isn&#8217;t a dominating defenseman, but does a good job of  controlling the pace of a game and does a good job of playing within his  means. Makes a very good first pass out of the zone and does a good job  of jumping up in the rush when he sees a chance but needs to avoid  doing it at inopportune times. Isn&#8217;t overly physical but does have good  reach and uses it pretty effectively.</p>
<address style="text-align: center;">&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;</address>
<address> </address>
<h2><strong><span style="color: #3366ff;">23. RW Dmitri Jaskin &#8211; Slavia Praha (Czech)</span><br />
</strong></h2>
<pre><strong>DOB: Mar. 23/93 | Shoots: R | Height: 6.01 | Weight: 196lbs </strong></pre>
<pre><em>Season Statistics (Jan 28th): 25GP 3G 5A 8P 12PIM</em>
---</pre>
<address>Jaskin had a knee injury that derailed his season a bit back in November, so don&#8217;t be surprised if he works his way up the list over the next few months. He is a well rounded player who has a lot of jam and rarely takes shifts off. Pretty good with the puck and makes good decisions as well. Skating is a bit of an issue, and he&#8217;ll need to work on improving his stride.<br />
</address>
<address style="text-align: center;">&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;</address>
<address> </address>
<h2><strong><span style="color: #3366ff;">24. RW Tomas Jurco &#8211; Saint John (QMJHL)</span><br />
</strong></h2>
<pre><strong>DOB: Dec. 28/92 | Shoots: L | Height: 6.02 | Weight: 193lbs </strong></pre>
<pre><em>Season Statistics (Jan 28th): 39GP 18G 16A 34P +28 13PIM</em>
---</pre>
<address>Jurco is arguably the biggest game-breaker in this draft, and has made no shortage of high-light reel plays so far in his year and a half long tenure in the QMJHL. Still has issues finding consistency with his game, however, and after a quick start his production has slowed down significantly. Does he remind you of Michael Grabner&#8217;s 2005/06 season with Spokane at all?<br />
</address>
<address style="text-align: center;">&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;</address>
<address> </address>
<h2><strong><span style="color: #3366ff;">25. RC Mika Zibanejad &#8211; Djurgarden (SEL)</span><br />
</strong></h2>
<pre><strong>DOB: Apr. 18/93 | Shoots: R | Height: 6.01 | Weight: 195lbs </strong></pre>
<pre><em>Season Statistics (Jan 28th): 15GP 1G 2A 3P 0PIM</em>
---</pre>
<address>Big center who plays both ends of the ice and has great leadership abilities. Zibanejad has benefited from playing in the SEL this season, and it should drive him to continually work on his skating which is an area of his game that he needs to work on.</address>
<address><a href="http://www.thescoutingreport.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/Mika-Zibenejad.jpg" rel="lightbox"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-3060" title="Mika Zibenejad" src="http://www.thescoutingreport.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/Mika-Zibenejad.jpg" alt="Mika Zibenejad TSR’s 2011 NHL Mid Term Top 60 Skaters Rankings (1 30)" width="403" height="227" /></a><br />
</address>
<address style="text-align: center;">&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;</address>
<address> </address>
<h2><strong><span style="color: #3366ff;">26. RC Rocco Grimaldi &#8211; US U18 Team (USHL)</span><br />
</strong></h2>
<pre><strong>DOB: Feb. 08/93 | Shoots: R | Height: 5.06 | Weight: 163lbs </strong></pre>
<pre><em>Season Statistics (Jan 28th): 14GP 9G 8A 17P +8 14PIM</em>
---</pre>
<address>Grimaldi easily has Top 10 skills but at 5’6” he will cause NHL GM’s to do some soul searching as to whether they should take a chance on a kid who has never let his lack of size stop him from producing.  Grimaldi owns such pure and  technically sound offensive skills, a picture perfect skating stride, puck distribution and protection skills and the ability to find the net from all parts of the ice.  Grimaldi leaves everything on the ice and shows no fear when the play takes him to the boards.  With Grimaldi, his size is  the only question mark….the rest is absolute.</p>
</address>
<address style="text-align: center;">&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;</address>
<address> </address>
<h2><strong><span style="color: #3366ff;">27. RW Seth Ambroz &#8211; Omaha (USHL)</span><br />
</strong></h2>
<pre><strong>DOB: Apr. 01/93 | Shoots: L | Height: 6.02 | Weight: 211lbs </strong></pre>
<pre><em>Season Statistics (Jan 28th): 28GP 14G 12A 26P +8 37PIM
</em>---</pre>
<address>Ambroz may not have held on to Top 5 status as some were predicting but he remains an interesting prospect.  He has continued to increase his production since his rookie USHL campaign as a 15 year old and is currently at a point per game pace.  Ambroz provides offense through his natural goal scoring ability and quick hands in front.  He also provides a physical presence and shows no fear or reservations on the ice.  The question on Ambroz has been and remains his skating.  Before you see him play, you tend to expect more due to the hype and can leave disappointed, until you look at the score sheet.  It will be interesting to see if he stays the NCAA route with Minnesota or takes his game to Seattle in the WHL.</p>
</address>
<address style="text-align: center;">&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;</address>
<address> </address>
<h2><strong><span style="color: #3366ff;">28. LC Alexander Khokhlachev &#8211; Windsor (OHL) </span><br />
</strong></h2>
<pre><strong>DOB: Sep. 09/93 | Shoots: L | Height: 5.10 | Weight: 172lbs </strong></pre>
<pre><em>Season Statistics (Jan 28th): 45GP 26G 31A 57P +4 24PIM</em>
---</pre>
<address>A dynamic Russian forward who has been a consistent offensive  performer all season long. He’s got very good offensive creativity and  has the ability to really break down a defense with his stickhandling  ability and elusiveness. Prone to disappearing at times, but when he’s  on his game, he has the ability to take it over. Especially dangerous on  the powerplay when given time and space. Strength is a bit of a concern  as he can be neutralized by physicality. Could certainly be a riser in  the second half.</p>
</address>
<address style="text-align: center;">&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;</address>
<address> </address>
<h2><strong><span style="color: #3366ff;">29. RD Robbie Russo &#8211; US U18 Team (USHL)</span><br />
</strong></h2>
<pre><strong>DOB: Feb. 15/93 | Shoots: R | Height: 5.11 | Weight: 193lbs </strong></pre>
<pre><em>Season Statistics (Jan 28th): 15GP 0G 3A 3P +3 6PIM</em>
---</pre>
<address>The more you see him, the more you have to come away impressed with Russo’s intangible abilities.  His hockey sense is at an elite level both offensively and defensively as he seemingly has the puck on his stick most of the time he’s on the ice whether he’s skating with it through the neutral zone or intercepting opposing passes.  Russo is very smooth and effortless as he skates the puck into the attacking zone and has the ability to find the seams in the opposing team’s forecheck and exploit them through his quick passes or by skating it himself.<br />
</address>
<address style="text-align: center;">&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;</address>
<address> </address>
<h2><strong><span style="color: #3366ff;">30. LC JT Miller &#8211; US U18 Team (USHL)</span><br />
</strong></h2>
<pre><strong>DOB: Mar. 14/93 | Shoots: L | Height: 6.01 | Weight: 198lbs </strong></pre>
<pre><em>Season Statistics (Jan 28th): 12GP 1G 9A 10P +4 37PIM</em>
---</pre>
<address>Miller is a very strong, powerful skater and he uses his speed to help him both offensively and defensively.  Miller is an extremely hard worker and has the ability to get to loose pucks as well as separate the puck from the carrier seemingly at will.  He has strong puck skills to go with his skating and is very dedicated to his end of the ice.  The only knock on Miller is that when you see him play and admire his skills, you wonder why he doesn’t produce the numbers to match those skills.</address>
<address style="text-align: center;">&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;</address>
<h3 style="text-align: center;"><strong><a href="../tsrs-2011-midterm-top-60-skaters-3160/" target="_blank">Click here for Part Two of the Top 60 Skaters (31-60)</a></strong></h3>
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		<title>USHL Feature: Green Bay Gambler Draft Prospects</title>
		<link>http://www.thescoutingreport.org/green-bay-gambler-draft-prospects/</link>
		<comments>http://www.thescoutingreport.org/green-bay-gambler-draft-prospects/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 13 Nov 2009 15:16:01 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Rich Michalowski</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[TSR Features]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Aaron Harstad]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Chris Crane]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Ludwig Karlsson]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Matthew Mahalak]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Nick Czinder]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Scott Mayfield]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.thescoutingreport.org/?p=675</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The Green Bay Gamblers have a few players who are on the NHL radar. Our USHL writer had a chance to take in a Gamblers game recently against the Youngstown Phantoms and review some of the high profile players on the Green Bay roster. ]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="size-medium wp-image-564 aligncenter" title="USHL" src="http://www.thescoutingreport.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/USHL-300x101.jpg" alt="USHL 300x101 USHL Feature: Green Bay Gambler Draft Prospects" width="300" height="101" /></p>
<p>The Green Bay Gamblers have a few draft eligible players and one not selected last year who may hear their names called at the 2010 draft.</p>
<h6><strong>Aaron Harstad            D              6&#8217;2&#8243;         183</strong></h6>
<p>Harstad has all the physical attributes that would interest an NHL team.  He has good size and is an excellent skater.  Harstad can handle the puck well, makes good decisions with the puck and has a hard shot.  Harstad&#8217;s trust in his skating allows him to play well in one on one situations by keeping tight gap control.  On several occasions, attacking forwards were forced to dump the puck in or were rushed into bad decisions as a result of Harstad&#8217;s presence.  He was also strong on the boards and was happy to throw a few big hits, the most notable one on Youngstown&#8217;s 6&#8217;5&#8243; 215lb Nick Czinder.   On these skills alone, Harstad could be selected in the top 120.  However, on two occasions he was on the ice for breakaways that resulted from passes made deep in Youngstown&#8217;s zone to an awaiting forward at or near the middle of Green Bay&#8217;s blue line.  On both instances, Harstad was near the boards in no man&#8217;s land by himself.  It was hard to determine the breakdown between Harstad and his partner, but Harstad&#8217;s ice time went down after those instances.   Some seasoning and coaching at Colorado College should help.  His raw athleticism alone should entice a team to take a chance on him in June.<br />
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<h6><strong>Chris Crane       F          6&#8217;1&#8243;     193</strong></h6>
<p>Crane is the the prototypical energy forward.  He&#8217;s a quick skater who will fly to the puck and create havoc.  He thrived as the game became more physical and attempted to rally the Gamblers when they got down in the game by challenging some of the bigger Phantom players.  However, he had no takers.  Crane was on the ice in critical PK situations and acquitted himself well.  My opinion is that he would need to hone his puck skills and smooth out his skating at Ohio State before a team would draft him next year or take a shot as a free agent.</p>
<h6><strong>Ludwig Karlsson      F          6&#8217;2&#8243;     200</strong></h6>
<p>Karlsson was not drafted in 2009 and his name has been mentioned as someone who could possibly be selected in 2010.  It&#8217;s easy to see that Karlsson wishes to play a skilled player&#8217;s game by relying on his puck handling.  However, Karlsson was routinely stripped of the puck by backchecking forwards.  He would be more suited to play a power forward&#8217;s game  by dishing to his linemates and getting his big frame in the dirty areas in front but did not show a willingness to do so.  He was consistently out-muscled on the puck.</p>
<p>A few other notes on the game:</p>
<p>Youngstown goalie, Matthew Mahalak, a 2011 eligible played particularly well in goal.  The Phantom&#8217;s were outshot 35-9 and were still able to win 3-2 because of Mahalak&#8217;s strong play.  The 6&#8217;2&#8243; 185 netminder displayed good positioning and rebound control.  He was also impressive in that he was never visibly rattled as Green Bay scored 2 third period goals to draw the game close and was never bothered by traffic in front of the net.   Mahalak will certainly draw interest next year.</p>
<p>Two players previously mentioned in my reports, 2010 eligible Nick Czinder and 2011 eligible Scott Mayfield continue to improve.  The skating and footwook of both players have gotten noticeably better.  Mayfield has the look of a top 60 player and will probably merit first round consideration if he continues this path.   I will update both as the season progresses.</p>
<p><strong> </strong></p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<item>
		<title>USHL Feature: Tri-City Storm vs. Youngstown Phantoms Recap</title>
		<link>http://www.thescoutingreport.org/tricity-storm-youngstown-phantoms-recap/</link>
		<comments>http://www.thescoutingreport.org/tricity-storm-youngstown-phantoms-recap/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 27 Oct 2009 03:30:22 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Rich Michalowski</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[TSR Features]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Jaden Schwartz]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Nick Czinder]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Scott Mayfield]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.thescoutingreport.org/?p=561</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Jaden Schwartz was on display against the Youngstown Phantoms this weekend, and the Wilcox, Saskatchewan native was quick to show why some scouts are starting to consider him as a first round pick in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="size-medium wp-image-564 aligncenter" title="USHL" src="http://www.thescoutingreport.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/USHL-300x101.jpg" alt="USHL 300x101 USHL Feature: Tri City Storm vs. Youngstown Phantoms Recap" width="300" height="101" /></p>
<p>On Saturday, the Tri-City Storm completed their two game weekend sweep against the Youngstown Phantoms.   The Storm&#8217;s Jaden Schwartz displayed the skills that have NHL scouts excited about this talented forward. Another draft eligible forward from the Youngstown Phantoms, Nick Czinder, might be the kind of player NHL teams may take a chance on in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft.</p>
<h6 style="text-align: center;"><strong>Jaden Schwartz     F        5&#8217;10         180           Tri-City</strong></h6>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><img class="size-medium wp-image-567 aligncenter" title="Jaden Schwartz" src="http://www.thescoutingreport.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/Jaden-Schwartz-300x300.jpg" alt="Jaden Schwartz 300x300 USHL Feature: Tri City Storm vs. Youngstown Phantoms Recap" width="180" height="180" /><br />
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<p>Saying that Schwartz was the best player on the ice is not exactly going out on a limb.  Schwartz possesses innate abilities that cannot be taught.  His hockey sense is uncanny as the puck seems to follow him all over the ice.  In addition, Schwartz&#8217;s ability to see the ice and the developing plays put his teammates in position for scoring opportunities.  Schwartz was credited with 2 assists but he contributed to several more quality scoring chances with his ability to distribute the puck and in some cases, catching his linemates off guard by threading passess through legs and sticks.  Schwartz also displayed strong skating with separation speed when he had the puck and the ability to quickly transition from backchecking to pouncing on loose pucks in the neutral zone and passing the puck ahead.  Schwartz&#8217;s size did not keep him out of the dirty areas in front of the net both offensively and defensively.  He also seemed to find another gear when he was battling for the puck on the boards and rarely lost those battles.  The only thing lacking on this night was the ability to finish on chances Schwartz created on his own.  On one occasion, the puck simply rolled off his blade when he was fed in the slot.  The Colorado College recruit&#8217;s ability to score goals this year might be the difference between being a first rounder, or sliding out of the Top 30.</p>
<h6 style="text-align: center;"><strong>Nick Czinder     F         6&#8217;5&#8243;          215          Youngstown</strong></h6>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><img class="size-full wp-image-568 aligncenter" title="Nick Czinder" src="http://www.thescoutingreport.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/Nick-Czinder.png" alt="Nick Czinder USHL Feature: Tri City Storm vs. Youngstown Phantoms Recap" width="200" height="200" /><br />
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<p>NHL.com recently rated Czinder as Youngstown&#8217;s best pro prospect for this year&#8217;s draft.  He did not play in the previous Phantom&#8217;s game I attended but he did play Saturday.  Size is clearly what  Czinder brings to the table.  He displayed decent straight line skating and was able to effectively backcheck and provide puck support offensively.  Also, Czinder was able to throw his weight around and buried the Tri-City defenseman, directly leading to Youngstown&#8217;s goal.  However, Czinder must improve his skating in traffic as he often became entangled in other players&#8217; bodies and fell to the ice.  If he improves that aspect of his game, an NHL team could take a shot at him, although he will be a bit of a project to develop.<br />
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Also, a quick update on Youngstown defenseman Scott Mayfield who is a 2011 draft eligible.  Mayfield has certainly improved since the beginning of the season.  His skating is slightly better but his confidence with the puck is what was noticeably improved.   Also, Mayfield was on the ice in Penalty Kill situations and could be heard barking out instructions on the ice to his partner.  It will be interesting to see how much further this kid will develop this year.</p>
<p><span style="color: #ff0000;"><em>All images are the property of their respective team/website. These logos and photographs are used soley for factual purposes, and TSR in no way claims these logos to be their own. All rights remain with the owners of the logos and images. Special thanks to Blitzen Photography.</em></span></p>
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		<title>USHL Feature – Indiana vs Youngstown Recap</title>
		<link>http://www.thescoutingreport.org/ushl-recap-indiana-youngstown/</link>
		<comments>http://www.thescoutingreport.org/ushl-recap-indiana-youngstown/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 05 Oct 2009 13:40:09 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Rich Michalowski</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[TSR Features]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Andrew Lamont]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Brian Ferlin]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[John Parker]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Nick Mattson]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Scott Mayfield]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.thescoutingreport.org/?p=405</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The season opener for both teams featured a lot of USHL talent on display, including Indiana defenseman Nick Mattson who is expected to be a Top 60 NHL pick at this point]]></description>
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<p>
The defending Clark Cup champion Indiana Ice opened their 2009-10 season against the Youngstown Phantoms this past Saturday and skated to a 6-2 victory. It was the first game in the USHL for the Phantoms and it showed as the former NAHL squad struggled to compete with Indiana. A few of Indiana&#8217;s players distinguished themselves as potential NHL draft picks in 2010 in the game, while there were also a couple of Youngstown players who will be worth keeping an eye on this year. Without further ado..</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="size-medium wp-image-268 aligncenter" title="USHL" src="http://www.thescoutingreport.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/USHL-300x101.jpg" alt="USHL 300x101 USHL Feature – Indiana vs Youngstown Recap" width="300" height="101" /></p>
<p><br/><br />
<strong>Nick Mattson | Indiana | D | 6&#8217;1&#8243; | 190</strong><br/><br />
The former USA U-18 defenseman displayed the skills that should allow him to be selected in the first two rounds in the June entry draft.   Mattson&#8217;s keen hockey sense and awareness put him in position to stifle several Youngstown attacks.  His ability to handle the puck and make crisp first passes enabled Indiana to quickly transistion to offense.  Mattson is a good, fluid skater and was able to quickly gain the blue line but was not able to muster much offense himself once in the zone.  He was able to get off a few shots but they served as little more than dump ins on the goalie to get a whistle.   Mattson also seemed much more effective when he was on the ice with better players and was able to play at a higher level himself.  He should continue to develop nicely this year before attending North Dakota next fall.<br/><br />
<strong>John Parker | Indiana | F | 5&#8217;11&#8243; | 175</strong><br/><br />
Parker got off to a rocky start being on the ice for both Youngstown goals in the first period.  However, he also seemed to jump start the intensity and wake up his teammates with some feisty play as the period wore on.  Parker showed a powerful stride which was evident as he  backchecked and forechecked relentlessly.   He also showed a willingness to play within Indiana&#8217;s system  and was their best defensive forward and skater.  Parker also was called upon to kill penalties and generated some chances on his own with some nifty puck skills.  If he is able to develop  those skills to accummulate points this season, he may be worth a late round pick.<br/><br />
<strong>Brian Ferlin | Indiana | F | 6&#8217;1&#8243; | 196</strong><br/><br />
Ferlin is a very intriguing prospect.  The Florida native has committed to Cornell in 2011 and should be given that time to develop his skills.   He has a good stride that needs refined a bit but should develop into a strong skater.  Ferlin showed the knack for finding open spots and was able to move through the neutral zone with speed while taking all passes in stride.  He was also able to get around the Youngstown D with some deft puckhandling as well.  Ferlin also showed a good, hard shot&#8230;.he just needs to work on releasing it a bit quicker.  Also, as a right handed shot on the left side, he had a tendency to make a move to his backhand when he might have been better served shooting.  To his credit though, his quick hands enabled him to get around the defenseman each time.  He&#8217;ll need to address that habit as he gets acclimated to the pace of the league.<br/><br />
<strong>Scott Mayfield | Youngstown | D | 6&#8217;3&#8243; | 175</strong><br/><br />
Mayfield is a late &#8217;92 and not eligible until 2011 but he should be showing up on scout&#8217;s radars.  Mayfield possesses a powerful accurate shot, sees the ice well, blocks shots and attempts to make the right play defensively every time.  He is also very willing to get his nose dirty and does not shy away from the physical stuff.  The only negative is that he is slight and somewhat awkward on his skates but again, he makes the right play.  This will be easily addressed as he grows into his body and becomes stonger.  Mayfield is committed to Denver in 2011.<br/><br />
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<strong>Andrew Lamont | Youngstown | F | 5&#8217;11 | 170</strong><br/><br />
If you like smart, tough, hardnosed, in your face, skate through the boards players, you&#8217;ll like this kid.   Lamont was a 7th round pick out of the Philadelphia Jr. Flyers organization and he is just now getting a taste of USHL hockey.  He is very athletic and agile on his skates and thinks the game at a high level.  I&#8217;m looking forward to watching him as the season progresses.  If he can get acclimated to this level quickly and contribute, he might be a sleeper that falls way under the radar.<br/><br />
For TSR, I&#8217;m Rich Michalowski</p>
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