Eagles Biggest Surprise - 2007/08

[crossbar]

I can't believe that training camp is less than a week away. It's always a great time of year where the sins of the past are forgotten (at least temporarily) and it's become a favorite past-time...bordering on a tradition, to head down to the rink in the end of summer to watch to boys in black, gold and grey.

My question is who do you think will be the Eagles biggest surprise player this year? A player that plays high and above their expectations and contributes more than anyone expected before the season starts. I mean there's so many to chose from!

My pick this year is Spencer Corcoran - I really think by seasons end he will be running our power play and will lead all defenseman in scoring for us this year. I saw enough last year, when he had some time on the 2nd unit, to see how comfortable he was. He has good offensive instincts and I think will get a lot of time on defense to show it. Spencer could be the all around defenseman we need to take charge of things on both ends of the ice.

Runners up for me...

Joey Haddad - I hope this is the year he puts it all together. If he starts showing some of the same offensive skills he did in midget, he will be a fan favorite as he's hateful to play against. I'm not prepared to write this guy off. Paul McIlveen wasn't even playing junior hockey full time until he was 19, Joey's got a few years in already at the same age. With ice time, he could flourish.

Coitnoir / Vasseur / Dan Brown (walk on) - I think one of the three is going to make the club this year and really become a fan favorite. I think all three have a shot at making it. Coitnoir is a proven winner, two time playoff MVP of his junior league. Vasseur has shown me that he'd be a great, physical checking centre and I think the door is wide open for a guy like Brown (or anyone else who is prepared to step up) to take the physical, middleweight spot that Brad Gallant will be leaving.

What about Marek Benda or any other players? Thoughts?

[rbh24]

Benda is gonna suprise with all this timo and mayer talk Benda will go under the radar.He's not as good as Pavelec but he can steal games for you guys.

[hfan]

crossbar, I agree with your suggestions about Corcoran's success this year but it won't come as a surprise to me. I expect that type of year and look at Spencer as our logical power play D with his puck carrying ability.

I also really hope that Joey Haddad takes full advantage of a great opportunity to basically start over again but with 2 years of experience in the league. Joey always had good offensive skills and a physical presence that will both be great assets if he can become more consistent and disciplined in his play.

I also like 2 of your honourable mentions in Cotnoir and Vasseur. Cotnoir has had 2 very good years in Jr. A and I still remember the great promise that Vasseur showed as a 16 year old.

However, my nominee for surprise player of the year is Alex Lamontagne who has a chance to live up to some of the hype when he was drafted 2nd overall behind James Sheppard. Mario Durocher must have seen some hidden talents or potential besides his huge physical presence for the Eagles to acquire him. It will be a huge plus if he can really step up his game for the Eagles this season.

I'm also going to mention Alex Quesnel who with his aggressiveness and hard work reminds me of Dean Ouellet's style of play. His physical play could result in top 2 line play possibly.