NHL Central Scouting
Who will be looked upon in the dying minutes of a tie game? Who will be counted upon to provide leadership on the long road to a national title? Who will make the key pass? Score the big goal? Make the huge save?
NHL Central Scouting has selected three players from each of the six teams competing in Bonnyville, Alta., that it believes are players to watch at the 2016 World Junior A Challenge.
Who made the list?
CANADA EAST
CAMERON CROTTY mobile defenceman … a factor at both ends of the ice … quick and accurate point shot … dictates pace of play … decisive puck-mover … takes away time and space effectively
LUKE KEENAN strong 200-foot player … good leadership qualities … consistent offensive threat … good hockey sense … effective play-maker … quick release … high work ethic and compete level
BRYCE MISLEY gifted offensive player … high-end puck skills … makes plays at top speed … vision and passing ability make him a constant threat … plays with poise and composure
CANADA WEST
KYLE BETTS very good two-way player … can play in any role … excellent skater … speed and quickness … smart and responsible with the puck … leads by example … big-game experience
CALE MAKAR dynamic offensive defenceman … excellent vision … very quick hands and feet … can create something out of nothing … can beat the forecheck with a pass or quick move … smart
IAN MITCHELL good skater … excellent mobility … makes a good first pass … very good vision … can make a good pass or rush the puck … good decisions on both sides of the puck
CZECH REPUBLIC
DANIEL KUROSVKY power forward … uses size and strength well in traffic … physical skater … protects the puck with his reach … works hard … honest competitor … very effective on the forecheck
ONDREJ PROCHAZKA powerful skater … excellent quickness … hard to check … smart game carrying the puck … plays with intensity … very good passer … effective under pressure … drives hard
JAKUB SIROTA effective in one-on-one play … excellent skater … moves well forward and backward … quick first step … good offensive instincts … passes with authority … responsible defender
RUSSIA
NIKITA ANOKHOVSKIY energy forward … dynamic skill set … good acceleration … skating makes him a difference-maker … work ethic and passion to make things happen … speed, balance and mobility
KLIM KOSTIN offensive power forward … strong skating stride … tremendous hockey sense and vision … good hands and long reach … carries the puck with confidence … utilizes size in tough areas
ALEXEY LIPANOV creative centre … good hands and puck skills … very good balance, speed and acceleration … quick and mobile … strong in one-on-one … good playmaker … reads the play well
SWITZERLAND
SVEN LEUENBERGER smart and gritty … plays a consistent, complete game … good in all three zones … can read and react quickly … high character player … plays with intensity and determination
DYLAN PENA-TRIANA offensively-skilled forward … plays bigger than his size … quick and mobile skater … good top-end speed … good things happen when he has the puck … always a threat to score
DAVID ZEITER plays simple with the puck … makes a good first pass … stays with his check in defensive zone … makes responsible choices … good leadership qualities … trusted in all roles
UNITED STATES
MIKEY ANDERSON Closes in quickly on opponents … strong in one-on-one play … high hockey IQ … finds secondary options quickly … takes hits to make plays … high compete level … strong skater
CLAYTON PHILLIPS excellent skater … very good hockey sense … plays a dynamic game … quick and mobile … handles the puck very well … creates chances off the rush … makes a good first pass
CAYDEN PRIMEAU very good net coverage … plays angles well … always in proper position … calm, poised and consistent … efficient and controlled lateral movement … excellent reactional play