Thought I'd post this is both forums and I know some don't read both.
Drove down this morning and caught all the action today. A good long day of watching hockey. Mind as well share some of my observations. A lot of players to watch and was easy to get distracted. So won't comment on everyone, but just those who stood out good or bad. Not a scout or anything so take it for what it is. Just a fans observations.
Group B was the first group this morning.
Bryan Cameron- Really liked him today. Has a hell of a shot and I really think his skating has improved. Probably a dissapointing year for him last year so hopefully he can rebound and find a scoring role with the Heat. Definetly won't be easy as there is a lot of competition, but I really liked what I saw today.
John Gaudreau- Caught myself watching him most of the sessions. So incredibly small. Seriously his jersey must be 2 sizes to big and he looks like a boy amoung men. Damn though he has all world skill. Real good shot and just great with the puck. Had a little trouble with the power skating(especially going backwards), but still has pretty good speed. Head is always up too. Him and Wahl just put on an absolute clinic on one of the 2 on 2 drills. If he can get some size and strength I definetly think he could be a player. Time is on his side too with him going to college so he can really develop and hopefully become a steal. Definetly the guy I came away today most impressed with.
Horak and Howse- Both were pretty quiet today. Didn't really notice them as much as I would have liked.
MacMillan- Didn't have a roster sheet for this group and had no idea who #38 was. Really surprised to find out it was MacMillan. Was really noticable. Good shot, good speed and was one of the leaders out there.
Negrin- Loved this guy since he was drafted and he was great. Just such a great skater and he seemed a bit bigger. I see no reason why he can't be fighting for a spot on the big club with guys like Brodie, Mikkelsson and Carson. Just really hope he can have a healthy year and prove his worth. Really think he can be a player.
Nemisz- Another one of the leaders out there with Negrin, MacMillan and Wahl. Skating looked great and it looked like he got a bit bigger as well. Should definetly improve on his rookie year.
Wahl- Really great to see him out there and healthy. Great shot and just really good with the puck. He'll have a good season with the Heat.
Wotherspoon- Wasn't out there at all today. Don't know what is up with him.
Group A.
Arnold and Larson- Both players none of us really see much and I was impressed with both of them. Both big bodies that skate pretty well. Larson has a lethal shot. Impressed with both of them today.
Baertschi- Came as advertised. I've been coming to these camps the last 6-7 years and definetly the most skilled forward I've seen at one of these camps. Good skater and a wizard with the puck. A couple of times he was able to take a bad pass off his skates and just bury it. Doesn't waste time getting his shot off and he picks the spots. No doubt he'll get a long look at camp, but I'd probably have him in Portland for the year. No need to rush him unless he forces his way onto the team during camp. Definetly an exciting pick for the flames and us fans. He'll be a player.
Breen- Such a big guy. Didn't notice him during the skating and skills, but during the 1 on 1's and 2 on 1's he really showed why Playfair was high on him. Just a great stick and his foot speed is fine.
Ramage- Same as Breen. Didn't notice him during the skating and skills, but showed his worth on the other drills. Gave the forwards no space and really cut down the open area between him and the forward quickly.
Byron- Don't want to say I was dissapointed, but I was expecting a bit more. He is a fast guy, but I wouldn't say he is the best skater if that makes sense. During the power skating he seemed to struggle especially with drills where he was on his edges. Decent shot and did have some good puck skills. For my first time viewing the kid I didn't come away thinking he would make the team. One viewing though so in no way am I going to write him off.
Bouma- Exactly what you'd expect. Leader out there and he seemed to have added some size too. Definetly have no problem with him being a 4th liner this year.
Brodie- Don't need to say much. He's going to push for a spot again. Looked great.
Dowling- Soft hands in tight. Probably the most impressive tryout. Wouldn't mind seeing him get an AHL deal.
Goalies- Didn't really want them that closely. Ortio seemed like the goalie hardest to beat for the players. I've watched Brossoit quite a bit with the Oil Kings and he has good size and is very positionally sound. I'm definetly planning on catching more OK games to watch him.
Little OT: Conroy is awesome. First time meeting him today after the sessions. No problem taking pictures with me and other people. So friendly and had no problem chatting us up for a bit.
Way OT: Damn. Alex Ruiz. Definetly would have no problem being interviewed by her everyday.
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