Drummondville Defies Logic

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The Voltigeurs players are either banged up or throwing up and yet somehow they were able to pull out a 3-2 overtime victory over the home team Rimouski Oceanic tonight at the Memorial Cup.

And let's be honest - Rimouski dominated Drummondville for most of this game. The first period was spent almost entirely in the Voltigeurs half of the ice, the zamboni may have only needed to flood one side of the rink.

The shots on goal after the first period were 11-4 Rimouski thanks to 6 minutes of power play time. I'd say something like "I don't know how the Oceanic didn't have a 3 goal lead going into the second period" but the fact is I do know - his name is Marco Cousineau and tonight he was fantastic! Drummondville's goalie must have been feeling some heat after a forgettable outing on Monday against Kelowna when he was burned 6 times including a couple he'd like to forget. Well he had people forgetting those softies tonight as he stopped 39 of 41 Rimouski shots en route to the win.

Rimouski scored the night's first goal just over a minute into the second period and I thought the roof might cave in on the Volts. However, 17-year-old Jonathan Brunelle, a late addition to the game roster, scored a beauty with a nice individual effort. When Dmitri Kulikov struck a few minutes later while on the power play, the Oceanic faithful had to have been questioning the justice of it all.

To that point in the hockey game it was Rimouski who had carried the play and had out-chanced and out shot their opponents but just couldn't finish. When Cousineau wasn't robbing them blind the Oceanic were guilty of trying to be too cute - which happened way to much tonight in my opinion.

Rimouski did manage to equal the score when Patrice Cormier snapped one home from the slot. Regulation time expired with the score still tied so for the second time in the tournament the Voltigeurs would head to extra time.

Drummondville, who has the flu bug going through the room, somehow mustered up enough energy to be competitive in the overtime and eventually scored the winner. Eralier in the night Rogers Sportsnet colour commentator Sam Cosentino suggested this was a perfect game for a player like Gabriel Dumont and sure enough, he would be the Drummondville hero that scored the winner. (I think Sam's been standing too close to Loubardias and those dead-on predictions are getting a bit too frequent!)

Final shots in the game were 41-20 in favor of Rimouski but it will be the Oceanic who now have to bounce back from this loss to play Windsor in a tie-breaker game tomorrow. If they win that one it will be right back onto the ice on Friday night for another collision with the Voltigeurs in the semi-final.

Players of note for Drummondville: Obviously goalie Marco Cousineau (ANH) was sensational and the biggest reason why the Volts will rest until Friday night. Gabriel Dumont is an intriguing player - small but a bulldog that isn't afraid of anything. Dumont is undrafted.

Dmitri Kulikov needs to check his equipment because clearly someone had hung a target on his back before the game. The Russian was getting hammered all night long whether it was Cormier or Logan MacMillan's flying elbow at the end of the third period. He was knocked woozy a couple of times but give this guy credit - he's not the stereotypical Euro because not only did he not miss a shift, sometimes he was staying on and playing through the haze he must have been feeling. Top 10 pick this June, no question in my mind.

For Rimouski it was the same guys that I've been liking all tournament. Marc-Andre Bourdon (PHI) wasn't as dominant tonight as he was against Windsor (and I hope he returns to that form tomorrow) but he was sound in his defensive play. I thought Luca Cunti (TBY) was again the best Oceanic forward on the ice tonight.

Dean Millard and I argued on last night's show about Keven Veilleux's performance so far. For my money, he's a 6'5 power forward that is playing like he's 5'11... feel free to hit someone. Tonight he passed up several chances to get the puck on net instead opting for a cutesy pass attempt that inevitably failed. I like his size and he appears to be able to skate pretty well but I'd like to see him be more aggressive and take the puck to the net AND SHOOT.

Philippe Cornet jumps out every once in a while but for the most part is just one of Rimouski's top 6 forwards - not the performance I was expecting from their leading scorer. He's creative and I like to see that but he doesn't look very strong and I don't know if I've seen him shoot the puck more than twice in the past week.

Tomorrow night's game will be interesting. Is Windsor back on track after edging Kelowna (who had nothing on the line Tuesday and played like it)? Can Rimouski bounce back after a loss where they definitely were the better team or has the wind gone out of their sails?

Rogers Sportsnet, 5:00 PM Edmonton time (7:00 PM Eastern).

Top 5 Tuesday: Memorial Cup Moments

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The hardest championship to win, in my humble opinion, is almost halfway over and today in Top 5 Tuesday I'll give you 5 things I've noticed through 4 games.


5. Windsor Winless

Who would have thunk it? Not me and probably not anyone if they are being truthful. A team with so much firepower has yet to win a game. Windsor pretty much steamrolled their way to the Memorial Cup but after an overtime loss to Drummondville and losing to an inspired host team from Rimouski, they need to beat Kelowna tonight and get some help to see the weekend. I can't believe it but maybe I shouldn't be to shocked, after all the #1 team in the country didn't even make the Memorial Cup. After winning 12 straight playoff games, Calgary lost to Kelowna in 6 games during the WHL final.

4. Goaltending Gaffes

With the exception of Rimouski's Maxime Gougeon, the goaltending at the 2009 Mastercard Memorial Cup has been well below average. Each of Mark Guggenberger from Kelowna, Marco Coussineau from Drummondville and Andrew Engelage from Windsor have given up soft goals. Engelage has done it at key times like the goal that forced overtime against Drummondville and the eventual game winner vs. Rimouski. Windsor is reminding me of Regina at the 2001 Memorial Cup. Donald Choukalas started for the Pats but was brutal as they fell to 0-2. Chad Davidson took over and led the host team to within an overtime game of reaching the final. Will Windsor pull the chute on Engalage and go with Josh Unice who played in this tournament with Kitchener last year?

3. Kool Kulikov

I'm really starting to like how Dmitry Kulikov plays the game. Ok so he struggled against Kelowna Monday night, but if we judged a player on one game, Jakob Markstrom wouldn't be so highly rated after his meltdown against Canada in the WJC gold medal game this year. Kulikov seems to know exactly when to dash up the ice and does it smoothly. He's a great power play QB and has a pretty decent shot. Drummondville's Mr. Everything on defence played in Russia's top 4 at the WJC as an underager. He's been hanging around the #10 spot for the past few months in the ISS rankings but one scout I spoke to tonight thinks he'll be gone earlier than that.

2. Barrie Outplaying Ellis

I'm not suggesting that NHL scouts will start ranking Kelowna's Tyson Barrie ahead of Windsor's Ryan Ellis, but in the battle of the pint sized blueliners, Barrie is winning. Barrie is listed at 5.10, 190 lbs and has 4 points in 2 games - including a 3 point night against Drummondville Monday - he's also plus 2. Ellis has just one goal, on the power play, and has been on the ice for 3 goals against giving him a -3 rating. I called Barrie a poor man's Ryan Ellis on TPS last Tuesday, he's ranked 77th by ISS in their May report but some scouts might be moving him up their list.

1. Huska = Memorial Cup Championships

With their win Monday night, Kelowna sent head coach Ryan Huska to the Memorial Cup final for a 5th time in his playing/coaching career, looking for his 5th championship. He won 3 as a player with Kamloops and was an assistant coach to Jeff Truitt when Kelowna won it all in 2004 on home ice. Incredibly this is Huska's 7th time at the tournament, the other 2 times they failed to make the final. So you have to think history is on his side as each time he's reached the title game, he's won it.

Drummondville drops Windsor

After last night's game that was never really in doubt, Memorial Cup fans were treated to a dandy today between Drummondville and Windsor.

Like last night, a Quebec goalie stood on his head, as Marco Cousineau(Anaheim, 3rd round, 08) made several terrific saves for the Voltigeurs. Unlike Rimouski pipeman Maxime Gougeon last night, Cousineau received some offensive support from his mates.

However it was Windsor that opened the scoring after a scoreless first and almost second period. Adam Henrique (New Jersey, 3rd round, 08) was lurking near the net and poked in puck with .02 seconds to play in the middle frame. They reviewed it, but it was clearly a good goal. It was really cool to listen in on TV to the video replay conversation. Nice work by Sportsnet for working this into the broadcast.

In the 3rd, things really picked up. Drummondville got on the board just as a power play was expiring. Dmitry Kulikov (09 draft) made a nice pass to Marc Olivier Vachon (08 draft)who slid a cross crease feed to Gabriel Dumont (08 draft) who tucked it past Andrew Engelage (07 draft).

Windsor regained it's lead when Henrique tipped home his second of the game, but with under 6 minutes to go, Phillipe Lefebvre (09 draft) beat Engelage with a softy from just inside the blueline. It looked like he just missed it with his glove.

That goal aside both goalies were great through 60 minutes, but someone has to give up the game winner, and that was Engelage, although you could hardly fault him on the winner.

Maxime Frennete (09 draft) picked up a loose puck and sent a nice back hand into a gaping cage to seal the comeback win for Drummondville. Frennete is a nice story. He only played today because the V's top forward Chris DiDomenico (Toronto, 6th round, 2007) is out with a broken leg. He started the game as the extra forward but played his way onto the ice in overtime and it paid off for Drummondville.

A few players impressed me in this game. Obviously both goalies were good, but I really enjoyed watching Dmitry Kulikov play. He's smooth, smart and does a great job quarterbacking the power play. I said Tuesday on TPS that I think if the Oilers are going to draft a D-man they should take Kulikov at 10. If he keeps playing like this, he might not be there when they are picking. Taylor Hall was very good for Windsor as well, always seemed to be dangerous on the ice but was snake bitten with his 7 shots on goal.

Next up is Rimouski Vs. Windsor tomorrow where I expect the Spitfires to bounce back.

Memorial Cup Head-to-Head: Defences

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Like yesterday's examination of the four goaltenders at the Memorial Cup, here is a comparison of the defences that will be on display.

Rimouski Oceanic

Offensively, the Oceanic have a pair of defencemen that recorded at least 60 points during the regular season. Sebastien Piché led the blueline in scoring with 72 points including 23 goals. Marc-Andre Bourdon, a 3rd round pick of the Philadelphia Flyers, was acquired during the year and he contributed 60 points combined between Rimouski and Rouyn-Noranda. 5'9 Emmanuel Boudreau also factored in the scoring with 10 goals and 31 points.

Bourdon has kept pace in the playoffs but Piché's production has stalled.

Defensvively, most of Rimouski's blueliners ended the regular season on the good side of the +/- rating. The injured Maxime Ouimet, who came over from Baie-Comeau, posted an impressive +22 in just 27 games with the Oceanic. (He had a -22 rating with the Drakkar). He won the Kevin Lowe trophy as the league's top defenceman so his absence will be felt.

Looking at their roster sheet, the first thing that jumps out at me is their size. It's like the old Wendy's commercial: "Where's the Beef!?"

The biggest Oceanic defenceman is Bourdon who checks in at a solid 6'0 and 215 lbs. That's fine and dandy but there is no one else that cracks the 200 lb plateau (according to their roster).

Drummondville Voltigeurs

For the Voltigeurs it probably starts with 2009 eligible Dmitri Kulikov who led the team's defenders in scoring with 62 points - as a 17-year-old just getting used to North America. 20-year-old Marc-Antoine Desnoyers came next in scoring with 42 points, a pretty big dropoff from Kulikov's numbers but decent on its own. Outside of those two there isn't a lot of flash from the backend in Drummondville.

In the playoffs Kulikov has been a point-per-game player with 19 points. Desnoyers has chipped in 12 points and veteran Czech import Patrik Prokop has upped his production slightly with 8 points in 19 post season games.

The Volts were one of four teams that surrendered fewer than 200 goals during the regular season (189) while Rimouski allowed 223.

Size is going to be a concern as like Rimouski, there is no one that will pose much of a physical threat. Desnoyers is 6'1 and 190 lbs but he's the tallest and the only +200 lb player is Andrew Randazzo who tilts the scale at 215 lbs but stands just 5'10. But a fire hydrant can pack a punch although Randazzo's 40 PIM this year don't suggest an overly aggressive player.

None of Drummondville's defencemen have NHL ties although we know that will change in June as Kulikov is predicted to go in the top 15.

Windsor Spitfires

Ryan Ellis was tops in the OHL for scoring by a defenceman with 89 points, 13 more than the next closest player. His 67 assists were tops in the entire league regardless of position. He finished a single point behind Taylor Hall atop his team in scoring, a club with a celebrated offence. Not enough can be said about what Ellis brings to the table from an offensive standpoint.

Rob Kwiet had a great year with 67 points and Ben Shutron (CHI) provides another veteran punch although the latter is being counted on much more for his defensive play.

The main job of Windor's blueline group, outside of Ellis and maybe Kwiet, is to take care of their own end. The Spitfires have so much firepower up front that they don't really need to do much offensively except get the puck up to their attackers.

Compared to their Quebec-based opponents, the Spitfires defencemen look big. Certainly Harry Young, at 6'4 and 205 lbs, woould be big on any team. Kwiet is 6'1 and nearly 220 lb, while the rest of the group (sans Ellis) hovers near around the 195 lb mark.

Kelowna Rockets

Tyson Barrie is the Rockets' version of Kulikov or Ellis - a smallish, 2009 eligible offensive minded defenceman who more than makes up for his lack of size with his abundance of production. He had 52 points during the regular season.

Converted forward Brandon McMillan (ANH) has been terrific since making the switch to the backend. His offensive instincts are still there but his greatest asset is his speed - he won the fastest skater competition at the 2008 Top Prospects Game in Edmonton.

The biggest name on Kelowna's d-line might be the biggest player in the CHL, from a literal perspective. Tyler Myers (BUF) stands 6'7 on dry land and weighs in at 211 pounds. He is to the WHL what Zdeno Chara is to the NHL. Myers had 42 points during the regular season but has stepped it up in the playoffs with 20 more in just 22 games.

Colin Bowman has a chance at making the Memorial Cup a family affair after his brother Drayson won the trophy last year with Spokane. Bowman is a 2009 eligible prospect.

No question that this is the biggest defensive group in the tournament. Bowman is 6'2, Tysen Dowzak is 6'5 and 212 lbs and then of course there is Myers.

Comparisons

The head-to-head match up between Kulikov and Ellis will be front and center. Both are considered top 15 caliber players for the 2009 draft so all eyes will be on them in this tournament. My co-host wonder aloud on Tuesday if Tyson Barrie might be a "poor man's Ryan Ellis" for Kelowna and I think it's a valid statement. How much will a strong tournament here raise his draft stock, especially if he is able to out perform and possibly outscore his counterparts?

Kelowna has a size advantage but without seeing all of the teams in action this year it would be impossible to argue which 7-man unit is more defensively sound or potent at the other end of the ice.

My hunch is that if there was a coach poll done asking which defensive unit, as a whole, is best over all aspects of the game... that Kelowna's would come out on top. All have offence, all have veteran leadership, all have good two-way puck movers but only the Rockets have the size to match the biggest forwards at the Memorial Cup.

Border battle: Canada Vs. U.S.A, the Hitmen keep on coming, and the Terriers lose 2

Canada took on the host U.S.A in a border battle at the World Under 18 championship in Fargo tonight. Despite the rising waters in southern Manitoba and in Fargo itself the Urban Plains Centre was flooded with Canadian and American supporters for Friday's semi-final game between last year's champs and the bronze medalists from a year ago, team U.S.A.

However the roles have been reversed this time around as it'll be Canada playing for 3rd and the Americans going for Gold after a hard fought 2-1 victory. Future TPS guest blogger Dylan Olsen (Camrose, AJHL) scored what was looking to be the game winner for Canada on a second period power play point shot. Zach Kassian (Peterborough, OHL) ranked 19th in the March ISS report provided a nice screen for Olsen, who is slated 34th, but who should rise after a good tournament when the new rankings come out next week.

But the U.S. didn't fade away in the 3rd, using a pair of power plays of their own to tie things and take the lead for good with 7 minutes to play. Jeremey Morin, (U.S. Nat dev team) projected to be a late first round pick tucked in a Cam Fowler (U.S. Nat dev team) rebound to tie things at 1, before Jerry D'Amigo (U.S. Nat dev team) who picked up the other assist on the tying goal, tipped in a Cam Fowler shot for the game winner. Fowler who's not elegible until 2010 proved why he's a projected top 5 pick with a strong game.

Canadian goaltender Michael Zador was brilliant stopping 42 of 44 shots the Yanks fired at him. He was especially brilliant in the 3rd when the Americans mounted massive pressure outshooting Canada 21-7. Zador isn't currently listed in the ISS report, but you should be seeing him in the April addition. He's using the U-18 experience much like Jake Allen did a year ago when he posted the best goals against average and save percentage and shot up the rankings to become a second round pick of the St. Louis Blues.

Canada will now face Finland in Sunday's bronze medal game while the Americans will take on Russia for Gold.

In the WHL tonight, the Calgary Hitmen destroyed Brandon in game one of the Eastern Conference final. Things started out okay for the visiting Brandon Wheat Kings as they trailed only 1-0 after the first period. Then the Hitmen opened fire scoring 6 times in the middle frame on route to a 9-3 thrashing of the Wheat Kigs. 9 Hitmen players had atleast 2 points with defencmean Paul Postma (Atlanta, 7th round 2007) and Kris Foucault (undrafted) both had 3 points. Foucault now has 8 goals in 9 playoff games after scoring just 9 times in the regular season. Oilers 2007 first round pick Alex Plante scored once as well. Game 2 will go Sunday in Calgary, while Kelowna and Vancouver get going Saturday night (8:00 PM MST-SHAW TV).

In the OHL London evened their semi-final series with Windsor thanks to a pair of goals from John Tavares and 2 goals and an assist from blueliner John Carlson (Washington 1st round 2008). Phil Varone (undrafted) netted the overtime winner for London. I said from the beginning if London can make this a special teams battle they can win it and the Knights notched 3 power play goals tonight. Game 2 goes Sunday afternoon on Rogers Sportsnet starting at 2 PM MST. The other semi-final seems pretty lopsided right now as Brampton smoked Belleville 7-2 to grab a 2-0 series lead. Evgeni Grachev (New York Rangers 3rd round 2008) scored twice and the Battalion let the big guns loose in the 3rd outshooting the Bulls 17-1.

In the Q, Drummondville proved why they were the top ranked Q team in the CHL's top 10. The #3 ranked Voltigeurs anialated Memorial Cup host Rimouski 8-1. Dmitry Kulikov sitting 8th according to ISS had 3 assists for Drummondville who scored just 11 seconds into the game and lead the series 1-0. Quebec doubled up Shawinigan in the other semi-final, which could be seen as an upset, butI picked the Remparts to win the series so it doesn't surprise me. The game was a tight one, tied at 2 heading to the 3rd, before Mikhail Stefanovich (Toronto 4th round 2008) netted the winner 41 seconds into the final frame. Frederick Roy added insurance in a 4-2 victory.

A few other notes, after winning the NCAA national championship, the Boston University Terriers are paying for their success. They already knew senior defenceman Matt Gilroy (TPS guest from March 24th) wasn't coming back and today the Hobey Baker award winner siged a one way, 2 year deal worth $3.5 million with the New York Rangers. BU also saw power forward and Hobey Baker nominee Colin Wilson end his college career after inking an entry level deal with Nashville. The 7th overall pick from last year was expected to leave school this year after a 55 point season in just 43 games. He's physially dominant and when TPS interviewed him before last year's draft seemed very mature. He's a work out freak, and as a bonus grew up in Winnipeg so you know he's a good kid.

One final thought, my good friend and collegue at Global Sports John Sexsmith and I were chatting about coaches today and he brought up a interesting name. Boris Rybalka. John is a fan of TPS, so you know he's smart, but in all seriousness he knows how high we are on the Camrose Kodiak coach. John wasn't throwing Rybalka's name out as a replacement for Craig MacTavish, but maybe for an assistant coaching spot with Springfield next year. I'd have to say I agree with him, in fact it's something I've even spoke to Rybalka about in the past.

A Top Ten Pick, At Least

So the Oilers finish 21st in the league, leaving them picking atleast 10th barring Tuesday's draft lottery, which for some reason is on TV.

The Oilers can move up to as high as 6th overall and here are some players that might be available in the 6-10 spots where they could be drafting this June in Montreal.

Jacob Josefson is a centre who plays in Sweden. He's 6.0 - 187 pounds and is a well rounded player, which is probably code for good but not great offensively. He did have 5 points at the 5 nations in February, but none were goals. Josefson is pretty fast and is playing for his country at the U-18's right now. So far he has a goal and 3 assists in 2 games. Josefson is ranked 10 by ISS.

Dmitri Kulikov is a Russian defenceman who plays for Drummondville of the QMJHL. Kulikov's club has cruised to the Q league semi-final after back to back sweeps and now take on Memorial Cup hosts Rimouski. So far the 6.0 190 pound left shooting rearguard leads all blueliners in playoff scoring with 2 goals and 12 assists in 8 games. This after a 61 point regular season effort in just 54 games. He missed time this season while playing for Russia at the World Juniors where he notched 4 assists, and was plus 4 in 7 games. Kulikov is a potential power play qb who loves eying up forwards with their head down in the neutral zone. He's ranked 9th by ISS.

Nazem Kadri is hoping to play in a second straight Memorial Cup this year after helping Kitchener put on a great show as hosts last year. Kadri was part of the Steve Mason trade that sent this year's NHL rookie of the year hopeful to the Rangers from London. The odd part of the deal was that Kadri stayed in Kitchener until the start of this year and played in the tournament last year. Now he's the Knights second leading playoff scorer with 14 points in 9 games as London gets set to face Windsor in the OHL's semi-final. Kadri was hurt at Canada's World Junior camp and thus didn't make the squad, but he's had a terrific season with 25 goals and 76 points in just 55 games. He's only a shade over 5.11 and tips the Toledos at 180 pounds and while his skating won't wow you he is able to pull away from defenders with an extra gear when he has to. Kadri also isn't afraid to drive to the net. ISS has him slotted at 8.

Jared Cowen at one point was a consensus top 5 pick, with some people slotting him in at #3, but the old saying "out of sight, out of mind" rings true with the Spokane Chief defenceman. Cowen suffered a season ending knee injury in January and since then has fallen in the rankings. Luckily scouts saw him quite a bit last year as Spokane won the Memorial Cup. The skinny on Cowen is anything but. He's over 6.04 and weighs in at 220, and is the prototypical shut down D-man.

Evander Kane, nicknamed after Evander Holyfield is also the real deal. His grandfather was a big boxing fan and scouts are liking what they see from this World Junior champ. Kane who skates with Vancouver of the WHL was originally cut from Canada's squad, but joined the team after Dana Tyrell was injured in pre tournament action. He played a nice enery role for Canada. With the Giants he's Mr. Offence with 47 goals and 95 points in just 60 games, the second best totals of any draft eligible player in the CHL behind only London's John Tavares. Kane is tough, smart and has terrific hands. He's right now ranked 6th by ISS.

Here a two other guys that the Oilers could be looking at, one would have to slip a little, the other the Oilers might be taking earlier than he's ranked or trading down for.

Brayden Schenn is 5th by ISS. He plays for Brandon and can score, hit and and play defence. Jordan Schroeder is 11th by ISS. He plays for Minnesota and has a wicked shot, but is a little on the small side. There are some questions about Schroeder's competitiveness as he put up big points against weaker teams in the WJC while he was less visible in the big games for team U.S.A.

If the Oilers want to trade down even later, guys like Scott Glennie, Zach Kassian and Carter Ashton are big forwards with some pretty nice skill that might fit the bill. And here's a second round pick for you to watch for. Tomas Vincour. The Edmonton Oil King has a lot of what the Oilers are either looking for or has worked for them in the past:

1. He's from the Czech Republic.
2. Has nice size-6.02, 200 pounds.
3. He's a LW with a good shot.
4. He doesn't shy away from tough areas.
5. They will never get a more honest scouting report, as the Oilers own the OK kids.

One final note, I've been reading here or there that Kevin Prendergast should take the fall for the Oilers struggles. I don't understand why some regular media members and some bloggers think this. I can't speak for the Oilers but I do think KP and his staff have done a nice job. Guy might have more on this soon, so I don't want to steal his thunder, but I will point out the following players that Prendergast has been responsible for.

-Sam Gagner-drafted 6th overall 2007
-Andrew Cogliano-drafted 25th overall 2005
-Tom Gilbert-acquired for Tomi Salo
-Denis Grebeshkov-acquired for Marc-Andre Bergeron

Time will only tell whether Taylor Chorney(2nd), Jeff Petry (2nd) or Theo Peckham (3rd) will pan out, but in the last 4 years Prendergast and his staff have done a pretty nice job, with players like Jordan Eberle and Phillipe Cornet enjoying good junior seasons this year.

2009 Draft Prospect Performers Of The Week

Sports Management Worldwide (SMWW) / International Scouting Services (ISS) 2009 Draft Prospect Performers of the Week presented by the Pipeline Show & Hockey Now ending Sunday, February 15, 2009.

Each week, International Scouting Services (ISS), Sports Management Worldwide (SMWW), Hockey Now, and The Pipeline Show recognize the Top Draft Eligible player from each of the WHL, OHL, QMJHL, & USHL leagues for the upcoming 2009 NHL Entry Draft based on their play over the course of the week. Players are nominated and the selected by graduates of the SMWW Hockey GM & Scouting with each of the winners receiving a gift acknowledging their selection.


OHL – Matt Duchene, Brampton Battalion
Center
Born Jan 16 1991 -- Haliburton, ONT
Height 5.11 -- Weight 190 -- Shoots L
Matt Duchene earns this week’s award after scoring 2 goals and adding 4 assists in 4 games for the Battalion. On the season, Duchene has 29 goals and 41 assists to lead his team and sit 7th in league scoring with 70 points. Duchene is a strong player with good speed who is willing to battle for pucks in the offensive zone.


WHL – Levko Koper, Spokane Chiefs
Left Wing
Born Oct 5 1990 -- Edmonton, ALTA
Height 6.00 -- Weight 190 -- Shoots L
Levko Koper earns his first nomination as draft performer of the week after registering 2 goals and 8 points in 5 games for Spokane. Koper currently sits second in team scoring with 19 goals and 33 assists for 52 points, a career high, in this his third season in the WHL.


QMJHL – Dmitry Kulikov, Drummondville Voltigeurs
Defense
Born Oct 29 1990
Height 6.01 -- Weight 195 -- Shoots L
Dmitry Kulikov joins the list of multiple award winners after recording 2 goals and 4 assists in 3 games this week. Kulikov, in his first year in the CHL, is amongst the leading defenseman in scoring with 9 goals and 45 assists for 54 points in 47 games. Kulikov is a skilled defenseman who likes to join the rush and plays in all situations.

USHL – Alex Chiasson, Des Moines Buccaneers
Right Wing
Born Oct 1 1990 -- St. Augustin, PQ
Height 6.03 -- Weight 175 -- Shoots R
Alex Chiasson wins his second award after registering 4 assists and a plus-2 rating in 3 games this week. Chiasson, a native of St. Augustin, PQ is in his first season with Des Moines and is currently leading the team in scoring with 14 goals and 23 assists, placing him inside the top 20 in league scoring as well. Chiasson is a playmaker with good size.

2009 Draft Performers of the Week - Nov. 16/08

Sports Management Worldwide (SMWW) / International Scouting Services (ISS) 2009 Draft Prospect Performers of the Week presented by the Pipeline Show & Hockey Now ending Sunday, November 16, 2008.

ONTARIO HOCKEY LEAGUE – OHL

Ontario Hockey League – Matt Duchene, Brampton Battalion

Matt Duchene is this week’s OHL draft performer of the week after notching 2 goals and adding 5 assists in 3 games while also posting a plus-3 rating. Duchene, a 5’11” centre currently sits fifth in OHL scoring with 12 goals and 31 points in 22 games. The Haliburton, ON native is an offensively gifted player with good mobility.


WESTERN HOCKEY LEAGUE – WHL

Western Hockey League – Nathan Lieuwen, Kootenay Ice

Goaltender Nathan Lieuwen makes his debut as WHL draft performer of the week after two wins including a shutout versus Edmonton Saturday. The 6’ 4” Lieuwen is in his first full season with Kootenay and currently ranks amongst the top goaltenders in Shutouts (2) and Goals Against Average (2.62). The Abbotsford, BC native has a quick glove and has improved his positional play since last year’s World U-17 Challenge.

QUEBEC MAJOR JUNIOR HOCKEY LEAGUE – QMJHL

Quebec Major Junior Hockey League – Dmitry Kulikov, Drummondville Voltigeurs

For the second consecutive week Dmitry Kulikov has been named QMJHL draft performer of the week. Kulikov recorded a goal and 4 assists in three games to give himself 10 points in his last 6 games. The 6’ 1” 195 lb Russian defenseman has 4 goals and 22 points in 20 games this season, his first in the Canadian Junior system. Kulikov is known for his overall offensive prowess and big shot from the blueline.

UNITED STATES HOCKEY LEAGUE – USHL

United States Hockey League – Josh Birkholz, Fargo Force

Josh Birkholz represents the USHL as the draft performer of the week after notching 2 goals and 2 assists in games versus Waterloo and Sioux City. Birkholz, a native of Maple Grove, MN has 4 goals and 4 assists in 11 games this season, placing him third in Fargo team scoring. The 6’ 1” forward is a good skater with a decent shot who plays with a physical edge.