[Loob/Backlund]

I just wanted to throw a little love to the Flames prospects in the WHL. It has been brought up in a couple other threads but Mitch Wahl and Ryan Howse are really having excellent seasons. After Wahl didn't get named to the USA jr team I admit I was worried it would hurt his progress. Instead he is having a really strong year, he is 7th in league scoring. Howse has really got me excited! He is a pure goal scorer who is only 18 years old and will only get better. Gaelan Patterson who was drafted as a 19 year old has been a real 2way leader with Saskatoon this season. Lance Bouma is reminding me of a young Steve Ott, he is a super pest but he does have some nice hands as well. Not sure what to think about Spencer Bennett yet. Part of me always wished they would have drafted Brandon Kozun in Bennett's spot, but who knows he is 6'3 with decent hands.

Mitch Wahl: 69 games, 29 goals, 63 assists, 92 points

Ryan Howse: 70 games, 46 goals, 24 assists, 70 points

Gaelan Patterson: 70 games, 26 goals, 33 assists, 59 points

Lance Bouma: 57 games, 14 goals, 29 assists, 43 points, 134 pim

Spencer Bennett: 69 games, 19 goals, 21 assists, 40 points