Post by Citris on Jan 16, 2018 23:40:03 GMT -4
Figured I'd make a thread recapping some of the things I saw at the recent East Coast Ice Jam in Halifax this past week.
The Wildcats had a few players representing them at the Ice Jam
(17) Stephen Fox - Cape Breton West Islanders - Free Agent
I don't really think there's a reason Stephen Fox can't play Q hockey next year. The kid can fly, and he can finish. He's tearing up the NSMMHL and he seems to score big goals at big moments. He's another smaller guy with speed and skill, he's a bit like G Blackmoore was last year, except probably without some of the vinegar that Blackmoore brings, but maybe a bit more speed. It will be interesting to see how far he takes his team this year, but I really liked his Tournament, the Islanders played in some real tough games against the Moncton Flyers and he scored key goals in some very tight match ups.
(17) Josh Nicholson - Halifax Macs - 10th Round Pick - 2017
Nicholson is an old-school, mean, minute eating defenseman. If he were a few inches bigger he'd be the prototypical kind of defenseman any team from the 90's or 00's would seek. He's got a good all around game, he can skate, not the best puck mover but he's reliable, he can make simple passes and doesn't make many mistakes with the puck, but most of all he's mean, tough, and gets under the opponents skin. Has a weird knack for getting away with plays that should be penalties, cross-checks, slashes, I guess he's just one of those guys who knows just where the line is (or just when the ref isn't watching.). He needs to settle his game down, stop looking for the big hit and just make the smart defensive play, but, I really think he can be a player.
(16) Sean Stewart - Cape Breton West Islanders - 11th Round Pick - 2017
I am actually pretty happy with the progression in Stewart's game, he's showing a lot more confidence and poise, he's always been a smart player, but now he's confident and is becoming dangerous with the puck as well. He's got a pretty nice release and can get pucks through to the net. He still doesn't have the physical tools to really blow anyone away, speed, power, that kind of thing, but he's very smart. He could be something if he fills out and gets stronger and faster.
(16) Mark Rumsey - RNS Riverhawks - 5th Round Pick 2017
The Riverhawks didn't have the best tournament, they didn't seem to have a lot of offensive punch outside Rumsey and the draft eligible Dawson Stairs. Rumsey had a pair of goals in the tournament but didn't do anything to blow me away. He didn't pop often for me, a bit underwhelming for a top 5 round pick in his second year... again, not the most talent to play with, but I expected a bit more.
(16) Connor McCluskey - St. John Vitos - 12th Round Pick 2017
Undersized defenseman with some offensive instincts, he's a fast skater, which is how he makes up for his lack in size. Was a bit surprised he didn't collect any points in the tournament since he likes to jump into the rush. Looks like a good Jr. A player.
I feel like I probably forgot somebody, but, who knows. It's hard enough trying to keep tabs on all the '02's hahaha.
The Wildcats had a few players representing them at the Ice Jam
(17) Stephen Fox - Cape Breton West Islanders - Free Agent
I don't really think there's a reason Stephen Fox can't play Q hockey next year. The kid can fly, and he can finish. He's tearing up the NSMMHL and he seems to score big goals at big moments. He's another smaller guy with speed and skill, he's a bit like G Blackmoore was last year, except probably without some of the vinegar that Blackmoore brings, but maybe a bit more speed. It will be interesting to see how far he takes his team this year, but I really liked his Tournament, the Islanders played in some real tough games against the Moncton Flyers and he scored key goals in some very tight match ups.
(17) Josh Nicholson - Halifax Macs - 10th Round Pick - 2017
Nicholson is an old-school, mean, minute eating defenseman. If he were a few inches bigger he'd be the prototypical kind of defenseman any team from the 90's or 00's would seek. He's got a good all around game, he can skate, not the best puck mover but he's reliable, he can make simple passes and doesn't make many mistakes with the puck, but most of all he's mean, tough, and gets under the opponents skin. Has a weird knack for getting away with plays that should be penalties, cross-checks, slashes, I guess he's just one of those guys who knows just where the line is (or just when the ref isn't watching.). He needs to settle his game down, stop looking for the big hit and just make the smart defensive play, but, I really think he can be a player.
(16) Sean Stewart - Cape Breton West Islanders - 11th Round Pick - 2017
I am actually pretty happy with the progression in Stewart's game, he's showing a lot more confidence and poise, he's always been a smart player, but now he's confident and is becoming dangerous with the puck as well. He's got a pretty nice release and can get pucks through to the net. He still doesn't have the physical tools to really blow anyone away, speed, power, that kind of thing, but he's very smart. He could be something if he fills out and gets stronger and faster.
(16) Mark Rumsey - RNS Riverhawks - 5th Round Pick 2017
The Riverhawks didn't have the best tournament, they didn't seem to have a lot of offensive punch outside Rumsey and the draft eligible Dawson Stairs. Rumsey had a pair of goals in the tournament but didn't do anything to blow me away. He didn't pop often for me, a bit underwhelming for a top 5 round pick in his second year... again, not the most talent to play with, but I expected a bit more.
(16) Connor McCluskey - St. John Vitos - 12th Round Pick 2017
Undersized defenseman with some offensive instincts, he's a fast skater, which is how he makes up for his lack in size. Was a bit surprised he didn't collect any points in the tournament since he likes to jump into the rush. Looks like a good Jr. A player.
I feel like I probably forgot somebody, but, who knows. It's hard enough trying to keep tabs on all the '02's hahaha.
