[Sandman]

Thoughts from today:

-16 year-old F Macklin Celebrini doesn't get the same press as Shane Wright did at the same age, and I have to wonder why? He led the USHL this year in goals and points, and he's not draft-eligible until 2024! His ppg of 1.72 is way ahead of the next best ppg of 1.35. Today, in the U-18's, he had 3 assists, and could've had more, if not for the stellar play of the German goalie. This kid is fast, and his brain is even faster. Sees the ice incredibly well, good shooter, supreme IQ.

-Calum Ritchie was invisible yesterday, but looked great today. His skating is excellent, he uses his size well, and is equally a shooter as he is a playmaker. His stat line took a hit this year in the OHL, because of the team he played on, but make no mistake- this kid is up there with Barlow. Plays a well-rounded, two-way game.

-Barlow had no points today, but he was again counted on in all situations, including PK duty. He skates well, but has room for improvement. His best attribute is his wide array of shots, and deceptive release- he even had a between-the-legs shot that just went off the goalie's shoulder today. He sometimes tries to do too much, and force plays. He reminds me a lot of Mason McTavish. Very good motor.

-Captain Cam Allen is a beauty, potting 2 assists today in 19:07 TOI. Plays the right way, taking care of his own end first. He's great in transition, and is one those facilitators that will get a ton of "third assists". Great skater, great thinker. D Caden Price only played just over 10 minutes- can't recall him getting injured...

-I like LW Andrew Cristall because he doesn't need to be flashy, like a Bedard. He's fast, skilled, and always around the puck. Like I said yesterday- I like his puck-protection, it will serve him well. Uses a ton of deception, too- little head fakes, and stick manouvres to shake off defenders, and fool goalies.

-Dragicevic was the player of the game today. His goal was basically an end-to-end goal off the rush, high corner stick side. Obviously, nobody told him he has skating issues- in other terms, he moves just fine, and will only get better. Manned the point well today, walking the line, and keeping the puck in the zone. I still think he's worthy of first-round consideration. Showed plenty of skill in transition today.

-RW Nick Lardis was first pick in the OHL Priority Draft a few years back by Peterborough, but was traded this season to Hamilton after putting up only 19 points in 36 games for the Petes. The move paid off in a big way, as Lardis put up 25 goals, and 46 points in 33 games for the Bulldogs, and reall opened eyes in the scouting world. His stellar play has continued in the U-18's, being very creative and dangerous yesterday, in addition to putting up 3 goals today. Lardis has the kind of speed that intimidates, and has as good a wrist shot as anyone in this draft class. He also topped fitness testing at the CHL Top Prospects Game. High IQ, high motor-he'll go early in the second round, if he doesn't sneak into the first.

-David Edstrom is a 6'3" Center who moves well, and likes to go to the net. He plays a simple game, but an effective one, with 2-way acumen (+6 in 2 games), and skill. He put up a ppg in the J20 Liiga, and from all accounts, he aquitted himself well in 11 SHL games, playing with men. He was Sweden's Player of the Game today, leading all forwards in ice-time.

-C Zeb Forsfjall is small, but his contributions to his team in this tournament are huge. He has 5 points in 2 games, and has been a real offensive facilitator for Sweden. Despite his diminutive stature (5'9"), he plays with no fear, competing in the hard areas, playing a solid 2-way game, hassling puck-carriers, and hounding the puck. Good skater, with nice edges-changes speed and direction in no time.

-I've really liked what I've seen from D Theo Lindstein. Sandin-Pelikka is definitely more flashy, and will certainly be one of the first D-men taken in the draft this year, while Lindstein has seen his stock drop from being a potential top-10 pick, to being seen as a mid-second rounder. This is a similar situation to that of Caden Price, and Cam Allen, in that all 3 have dedicated their efforts into being good defensively. Lindstein is the first player coming back defensively when he's on the ice, and he's often the one transitioning the other way. He's a bit of a TJ Brodie-type, which ain't bad at all. His goal today was a seeing-eye shot through traffic, nice wrister top corner.

-D Tom Willander is big (6'1"), and has a very smooth stride. Very mobile, and a great 2-way player with puck skill and smarts. Look for him in the second round.

-I Liked C Anton Wahlberg again today. He scored the game-winner by intercepting a pass near the top of the circle, skating to the middle, and unleashing a hard wrister high glove corner. He skates and stickhandles well, 6'3", plays a well-rounded game, and of course- he has a great shot. Shows creativity, but is a bit more goalscorer than playmaker perhaps. Uses his size well in battles, and has no problem carrying the puck in transition.

-C Dalibor Dvorsky is having a disappointing tourney so far, only 1 assist in 2 games. He has the size, but his skating is a little rough- he needs work on his agility, and acceleration, but it's not too bad. I think he's trying to do too much himself, so he's hard to track. One thing that has been on display is his wide array of shots, and his quick, deceptive release. He almost scored today on a backhand from 20 feet out. The good thing is that he pays attention to his defensive responsibilities, and comes hard on the backcheck. He's big and quite strong, and uses it well in battles, and in front of the net.