Edmonton Oil Kings – McKeen's Hockey

Youngblood: 2014 Memorial Cup – Prospects to Watch

Brendan Ross — Wed, 14 May 2014 14:58:07 +0000

We are mere hours away from the puck dropping on the 2014 Mastercard Memorial Cup and the City of London is gearing up to welcome one of the most competitive fields in recent years.

Returning for their third straight Memorial Cup appearance are the tournament hosts, London Knights, after the injury-riddled squad was bounced in the second round of the OHL playoffs by the eventual OHL Champions, Guelph Storm. Joining the Guelph Storm and London Knights are the Champs of the WHL in the Edmonton Oil Kings, and QMJHL victors, Val d’Or Foreurs, both freshly off game seven wins that punched their ticket to the illustrious major junior competition.

The past three Memorial Cups have been hoisted by the QMJHL representatives after Saint John Sea Dogs (2011), Shawinigan Cataractes (2012) and Halifax Mooseheads (2013) each tasted victory.

The Edmonton Oil Kings are looking for their first Memorial Cup Championship since 1966 when they captured it as members of the Central Alberta Hockey League.

Quebec’s Val d’Or Foreurs have participated in the Memorial Cup twice (1998 and 2001) but have yet to walk away victors, coming close in 2001 when the Foreurs lost to the Red Deer Rebels in the finals.

The Knights will be participating in their fourth Memorial Cup event and the team is hoping for similar results as when they last hosted in 2005, the year the Knights skated away as Memorial Cup Champions.

With four previous attempts at winning the Memorial Cup, the Guelph Storm are rolling into their fifth tournament red hot looking to take home the 95-year-old hardware.

Regardless of which team skates off Budweiser Gardens’ ice as Champions, the 2014 Mastercard Memorial Cup is loaded with talented major junior players looking to take the next step in their development. As the electric atmosphere takes over London, Ontario, here are several players to watch throughout the tournament.

Edmonton Oil Kings

Curtis Lazar (Senators – 2013, 17^th overall) Arguably the best leader in major junior, Lazar will eat up a ton of minutes, taking important faceoffs and seeing top line offensive minutes along the way.

Tristan Jarry (Penguins – 2013, 44^th overall) Jarry’s 2.19 GAA and .925 save percentage are impressive stat lines but his ability to make the clutch save behind a strong defense core allows the Oil Kings the opportunity to play a stifling defensive game.

Griffin Reinhart (NY Islanders – 2012, 4^th overall) He’s got great draft pedigree and has slowly progressed with each passing game to become a suffocating shutdown defenseman, utilizing his large wingspan and strength against top WHLers.

Henrik Samuelsson(Coyotes – 2012, 27^th overall) Playing a gritty-in-your-face style of puck that would make his father Ulf proud, Henrik has balanced his aggressive attack and skilled offensive bursts well. Led the Oil Kings in playoff scoring with 23 points over 21 games.

Mitch Moroz (Oilers – 2012, 32^nd overall) Not the prettiest skater or the most refined skilled player, Mitch Moroz’ offers a nice blend of size and soft touch around the net to create room and offensive chances. His size could prove to be an asset against some larger Guelph Storm players when the two teams face off Saturday afternoon.

Brett Pollock(2014 NHL Draft) Industrious and versatile, Brett Pollock forced his way up a veteran laden Oil Kings’ depth chart to find a home in the top six, posting near point-per-game numbers during Edmonton’s WHL Championship run.

Dysin Mayo (2014 NHL Draft) An emerging offensive defenseman, Dysin Mayo has earned the trust of Head Coach Derek Laxdal and his game-changing rushes are only improving his draft stock.

Aaron Irving (2014 NHL Draft) Edmonton’s 9^th overall 2011 selection, Aaron Irving is one of the defensive pillars on the Oil Kings’ blue line who has made life hell for intruding forwards with his physicality and nastiness.

Cody Corbett (Signed by Avalanche, 2014) The third year defenseman played his way to a contract with Colorado after posting 61 points in 65 games from the blueline.

Mads Eller and Ashton Sautner (Re-entries for 2014 NHL Draft) – Two mobile skaters, forward Mads Eller (younger brother of Canadiens’ Lars Eller) and defenseman Ashton Sautner use their speed and edge work to force opponents into uncomfortable positions.

Val d’Or Foreurs

Anthony Mantha (Red Wings – 2013, 20^th overall) Big time sniper brings his 81 combined regular season and playoff goals, the most by any CHLer, to Bud Gardens for all to witness. He will be the focus of defences as the tournament’s most natural goal scorer. It is hard to believe that Detroit traded down to acquire this stud prospect.

Ryan Graves (NY Rangers – 2013, 110^thoverall) Brought over from Charlottetown in trade to boost their blue line, Graves has provided a stabilizing presence using his size and strength to contain opposing team’s top forwards.

Antoine Bibeau (Maple Leafs – 2013, 172^nd overall) Selected in his second attempt at the NHL Draft, it appears the selection of Antoine Bibeau has been a shrewd move after the big goaltender earned QMJHL Playoff MVP honours.

Nicolas Aubé-Kubel (2014 NHL Draft) Taken 7^th overall by Val d’Or in 2012, Aubé-Kubel’s offensive emergence has provided the team with secondary scoring and this skilled responsible forward looks to use the Memorial Cup as one final showing before heading to Philadelphia for the draft.

Louick Marcotte(Re-entry for 2014 NHL Draft) Fourth year forward, Marcotte, nearly doubled his production playing on the Foreurs’ top line and his 42 goals and 100 points may be enough to draw interest at the draft.

Guillaume Gélinas (Undrafted) Undersized overager who dominated every offensive category by a defenseman in both regular season (67GP-23G-92P) and playoffs (24GP-11G-34P) is also playing for a professional contract.

Anthony Richard (2015 NHL Draft) Diminutive speedy centerman with a case of danglitis experienced a breakout sophomore campaign after being selected 16^th overall at the 2012 QMJHL Draft.

Julien Gauthier (2016 NHL Draft) Selected 6^th overall, rookie Julien Gauthier is a budding power forward to watch heading towards the 2016 NHL Draft as he learns how to use his size and strong shot to take over the offensive zone.

Guelph Storm

Kerby Rychel (Blue Jackets – 2013, 19^th overall) Windsor GM Warren Rychel traded his own son, along with LA Kings’ prospect Nick Ebert, at the deadline to Guelph. The Storm may be forever in debt with Windsor after Kerby buried the tying goal and game winner to clinch the OHL Championship.

Zack Mitchell (Signed by Wild, 2014) The Guelph Storm journeyman has bled maroon and grey in his five years of service and after being rewarded with an NHL contract back in March, Mitchell is keen on capping off his OHL career with a Memorial Cup Championship.

Scott Kosmachuk(Jets – 2012, 70^th overall) Among the OHL playoff scoring leaders, Kosmachuk was one of only three players to clear the century mark in points during the regular season and is called upon when the team needs a goal or a big hit.

Brock McGinn (Hurricanes – 2012, 47^th overall) After returning from an eight game suspension, Brock McGinn scored points in all but two playoff games while playing his usual irritating brand of hockey.

Jason Dickinson (Stars – 2013, 29^th overall) Drafted in the opening round in 2013 as a unfinished lanky prospect, the third year Dickinson has really came into his own learning how to use his size as a skilled power forward. Dickinson is one of five Storm players who recorded over a point-per-game in the post-season.

Matt Finn (Maple Leafs – 2012, 35^th overall) Awarded the Mickey Renaud Trophy as the league’s most dedicated and passionate captain on and off the ice, Matt Finn is a true leader and a stabilizing presence on the blue line.

Tyler Bertuzzi (Red Wings – 2013, 58^th overall) Ironically, the Red Wings traded down at the 2013 draft to select Anthony Mantha and received the 58^th pick as a result. That pick was used to select agitating forward Tyler Bertuzzi. Now, Foreurs’ Mantha and Storm’s Bertuzzi will be competing, at all costs, to take home the Memorial Cup. Mark it, Bertuzzi will be a thorn in the side of opposing defenses.

Nick Ebert (Kings – 2012, 211^th overall) Nick Ebert wasn’t the centrepiece of the trade that brought Kerby Rychel to Guelph but he’s been, arguably, the most crucial piece. Leading the team in playoff scoring from the backend, Ebert elevated his game as a member of the Storm.

Zac Leslie (Kings – 2013, 178^th overall) Drafted into the Ontario league in the middle rounds from the Ottawa Jr. 67’s, Leslie has improved on his production with each passing season giving the Storm depth on the blueline and a dangerous powerplay option.

Ben Harpur (Senators – 2013, 108^th overall) The towering 6-foot-6 blue liner will wreak havoc on attacking forwards as he wields his active stick and staples trespassers to the boards.

Robby Fabbri (2014 NHL Draft) No player has experienced a larger potential draft rise than Robby Fabbri, who is coming off OHL Playoff MVP Honours. The undersized yet competitive and skilled forward refuses to lose and his draft rise is reminiscent of former Kitchener Rangers’ forward Jeff Skinner after his 2010 standout playoff performance.

Phil Baltisberger (2014 NHL Draft) Another player exceeding expectations in his draft year, Swiss import Phil Baltisberger displays a strong two-way game with an ability to push the pace with his smooth skating stride. Eats up big minutes on the blue line.

Justin Nichols (Undrafted)and Matt Mancini (2014 NHL Draft) Acquired from Sault Ste Marie prior to the season, Justin Nichols’ game hasn’t been perfect every night but this undersized goaltender has had some of the most electrifying performances in the league. He’s getting noticed just as his understudy, Matt Mancini, is. Mancini is a highly touted young goaltender who continues to learn the intricacies of the game

London Knights

Max Domi (Coyotes – 2013, 12^th overall) Coming off a disappointing post-draft season, albeit by Domi’s standards, the Knights’ leading scorer was medically cleared to play after injuring his shoulder in the post-season. Look for the refreshed Domi to put on an offensive clinic as London attempts to prove their team is deserving of the Memorial Cup host spot.

Bo Horvat (Canucks – 2013, 9^th overall) The astute two-way forward with underrated offensive skills may be playing in his final OHL season and would love to add the elusive Memorial Cup title to his resume. With a history of scoring big goals, Horvat will be leaned upon in every possible situation.

Chris Tierney(Sharks – 2012, 55^th overall) Living up to his 2^nd round NHL Draft status after many questioned San Jose’s thought process, Chris Tierney went on an absolute tear during the playoffs ringing off 17 points in just nine games attempting to single-handedly advance the Knights.

Josh Anderson (Blue Jackets – 2012, 95^th overall) Anderson is a big bodied winger who won’t always fill up the game sheet but his heavy, physical approach and strong cycle game could tire out opposing defenses in a long intense tournament.

Ryan Rupert (Maple Leafs – 2012, 157^th overall) A skilled agitator in every sense of the word, Ryan Rupert, along with twin brother Matt (Undrafted), provide the Knights with outstanding depth as they make an impact by crawling under opponents’ skin or by crashing the net for a goal. The home fans will enjoy them but the road teams certainly will not.

Gemel Smith (Stars – 2012, 104^th overall) A true sniper who relies on his shot and blazing speed, Gemel Smith has had an okay transition to the Knights after coming aboard mid-season but he’s eager to pick up where he left off after a better OHL playoffs (12 points in nine games).

Michael McCarron (Canadiens – 2013, 25^th overall) The big power forward experienced a rather slow transition to OHL life but Michael McCarron has stepped up his game over the final few months showing the skill set that gave Montreal reason to draft him in the first round.

Mitch Marner (2015 NHL Draft) In a similar mold as Guelph’s Robby Fabbri, Marner is a sneaky player who makes an impact on every shift. No player does more with limited playing minutes as Marner and his ability to dance around defenders and find open teammates is only one reason he’s considered a top 2015 NHL Draft prospect. He’s been London’s best player, as a rookie, on most nights.

Christian Dvorak(2014 NHL Draft) One of several Knights returning from the infirmary, Dvorak is hoping to suit up for the first time since December 14^th when he injured his knee. His draft season viewings were limited but positive before being sidelined.

Nikita Zadorov (Sabres – 2013, 16^th overall) The only NHL drafted player on the Knights with NHL experience (seven games), Nikita Zadorov is undoubtedly the most crucial defender on their blueline. His offensive game has progressed to new heights and he’s still capable of intimidating with his bone-crushing open-ice hits.

Brady Austin (Sabres – 2012, 193^rd overall) Cleared to play after battling mononucleosis, overage defenseman Brady Austin is a huge returnee to what was a spotty blue line. After dealing with his illness and the passing of his father, Austin and his teammates will be playing inspired hockey.

Zach Bell (Undrafted) Bell is a bruising defenseman that has his own feel-good story after quickly recovering from a broken leg and his presence will be felt defensively.

Brett Welychka (Undrafted) It wouldn’t be a stretch to consider Welychka one of the most versatile players in the league, after the forward logged big minutes on the blue line when injury struck the Knights’ backend. Look for Welychka to return to the front lines adding to London’s incredible offensive depth.

Anthony Stolarz (Flyers – 2012, 45^th overall) Flying under the radar somewhat is the fact that Anthony Stolarz’ eight-game suspension for his slashing incident was reduced to six, after the Knights were knocked out of the playoffs early. Whether right or wrong, London’s biggest returnee for the Memorial Cup is between the pipes in Stolarz because he is capable of stealing games.

The 2014 Mastercard Memorial Cup action begins Friday evening with the London Knights taking on Val d’Or Foreurs.

Follow @RossyYoungblood for all the #MemorialCup action.

2013 Draft Guide Preview – Curtis Lazar

McKeen's Staff — Sun, 16 Jun 2013 19:53:54 +0000

Curtis Lazar wasn’t content resting on his laurels.

The sophomore pivot and former second-overall pick from the 2010 bantam draft already had a league championship under his belt as he entered his second season. He was a force in the Oil Kings’ run to the Ed Chynoweth Cup championship in 2012, scoring eight goals and 19 points in 20 games.

The weight of expectations in delivering during his second season with the eyes of NHL scouts watching his every move, while also trying to lead the Oil Kings to a repeat as league champions, took a toll early. He failed to score a goal in the month of November, going 14 consecutive games without lighting the lamp.

He regained his scoring touch with five goals in three games in December and wound up scoring 38, nearly doubling his 20 from his rookie season.

Lazar’s game can’t be quantified simply by his point production. Known reputedly as a happy-go-lucky kid, Lazar brings a positive energy and burgeoning leadership qualities to the locker room. He puts team success ahead of individual success, which earns the respect of his teammates.

Lazar brings many good qualities and projects well to the NHL game.

Here is his scouting report from the 2013 Draft Guide:

Curtis Lazar (C, 2013), Edmonton Oil Kings

Shook off a slow start (27-8-9-17) to score 30 times in the final 45 games - and edge out Michael St. Croix for the team scoring crown with 38 goals .. sustained his momentum into the playoffs with a pair of early game-winners, but was not a factor in the finals against Portland (6-1-0-1, minus-5) after losing some teeth in a practice accident late in the previous series .. the only Oil Kings player to post a negative plus-minus rating in the postseason .. emerged in the 2012 playoffs as a key contributor in Edmonton’s first-ever WHL championship .. SCOUTING REPORT .. a responsible and diligent two-way forward .. makes valuable contributions with or without the puck - exploiting sharp hockey sense and good awareness .. powerful, balanced skater when in flight, however, could benefit from additional explosiveness .. hands are more quick and strong rather than finely skilled .. packs a hard shot whose release is both fast and fluid .. dangerous when trailing the rush with speed and firing a one-timer full bore from the slot .. steadily maturing and progressing as a playmaker .. now assesses options before joining the fray and will re-direct pucks to teammates instead of taking low-percentage shots .. should improve his finesse skills and puckhandling in traffic .. can move the puck however as he possesses adept one-touch skills and an ability to execute at a feverish tempo .. can get through defenses with his tenacity - getting key touches on the puck and overwhelming defenders with his speed and persistence .. displays a defensive conscience and positional maturity that belies his age .. neither big nor overtly mean, yet fiercely competitive with deceiving toughness .. continuously engaged both mentally and physically .. comes back deep in strong support positions - and will deliver stiff hits throughout his own zone .. functions most effectively in more of a secondary role - and not front-and-center in the attack.

Interview with Edmonton’s Curtis Lazar

Randy Gorman — Wed, 09 Jan 2013 09:00:15 +0000

Character, heart, coachability are a few of the qualities NHL clubs covet when evaluating draft prospects - and Curtis Lazar is certainly a player who offers a host of intangibles that don't necessarily show up on the scoresheet.

He brings the type of complete game that often translates into playoff success - which is a distinct possibility as his Edmonton Oil Kings (27-9-5) appear well-set to take a serious run at a Memorial Cup crown this spring.

----------

McKeen’s: Where did you play your minor hockey?

Lazar: I grew up in Salmon Arm, B.C., before my family moved to Vernon, where I played my pee wee hockey. My bantam year, I enrolled in the 'Pursuit of Excellence' program out of Kelowna, and then finishing up with midget hockey at Okanagan Academy.

McKeen’s: What was the biggest difference or adjustment you had to make in your game coming from midget hockey to major junior?

Lazar: Just really learning and listening to the coaching staff. It is a big leap from midget to major junior and of course you want to get better at every aspect of the game.

McKeen’s: You have played on the WHL all-star team in the Subway series versus the Russians. Aside from this, how much prior international experience have you had, and how much have you learned from the competition?

Lazar: I’ve been fortunate already to have played in previous World under-17 and under-18 tournaments. Any chance you get to play with the best players in Canada, and against the best players in the world in your age group, it only helps sharpen your skills. You develop a lot of friends along the way. You learn from the positives, and the mistakes, so it has helped me develop.

McKeen’s: Heading into this season did you set any personal or team goals that you wanted to achieve?

Lazar: As a team goal, it’s very simple, we want to get back where we were last season, and that was winning the WHL Championship, and then heading off to the Memorial Cup in Saskatoon in May. For myself, I just want to improve and do the little things right. We are the hunted team this year, it’s tough to repeat, so every team is trying to knock us off.

McKeen’s: How much did you learn last year in your first year in the WHL, and how much has that helped you prepare for this season?

Lazar: It was huge, I mean I got 10 games under my belt when I was 15, and then last year I was brought along slowly, everything was a learning curve, you have to learn what you can and can’t do. I really picked it up last season in our play-off run, and it’s been great.

McKeen’s: Does it bother you that there are so many scouts analysing you, game after game, all season long?

Lazar: Not really, the way I’m going to deal with the draft, is that I’m not going to think about it or let it bother me. I’m just focused on helping the Edmonton Oil Kings get two points each night. So I guess I’m not really thinking about it. It’s like playing in games like the one versus the Russians, where I can go out and have fun and play my game against top-calibre competition.

McKeen’s: You’re a talented offensive player, how important is learning to play defense, especially if you want to advance to the NHL level, and to be a more complete player?

Lazar: It’s huge, and that’s why I’m learning, and taking pride in playing a better defensive game. It’s important to look after the defensive zone first, before transitioning without the puck. You can’t take any short cuts, it’s a lot of hard work, and paying attention to detail in practice. Winning the battles in the corner, blocking shots, and getting the proper defensive position on opposing players. The coaching staff have definitely stressed how important it is to play a good two-way game.

McKeen’s: You are being considered a top prospect for this year’s draft. How do you feel about that?

Lazar: It’s an honour just to be mentioned up there with all the other top players. I’m humbled, and think it’s great that I’m being considered with the best junior players in the world. I’m just going to keep having fun and working hard playing the game I love.

McKeen’s: How did your off-ice training go - and how much importance do you put in gaining weight and strength in the core parts of your body, in order for you to compete and win puck battles against bigger players?

Lazar: It’s huge, I mean I’m not really the biggest guy lining up out there. As teenagers, most of us at this level are still growing, so weight training, eating the right food, and nutrition are all part of the maintenance. We pay special attention with extra weight training sessions for areas of potential injury like the shoulder, hips and arms.

McKeen’s: Who has had the greatest impact on your hockey career to date?

Lazar: There is many people, but at the top, I will start with my parents, they are the ones that have driven me to practice and games. Certainly, coaches, so many to mention, have all helped me get to where I am today.

McKeen’s: Was there anybody you watched as a kid in the NHL, that you wanted to pattern or emulate your game after?

Lazar: Oh, that’s easy, it was Joe Sakic first with the Quebec Nordiques, and then after with the Colorado Avalanche. It was great to see him go into the Hall of Fame. I mean, he’s another BC guy, he had a real good wrist shot that I’m trying to develop and emulate in my repertoire. I wish I could shoot as good as him. But also how classy a guy he was on and off the ice.

McKeen’s: What in your opinion is the strongest part of your game, and what do you want to work on this season?

Lazar: I mean myself, I like to play a simple game, nothing fancy. I’m not afraid to engage in a physical game. I think my speed is my biggest asset, I also like to drive to the net and battle there. I want to improve on my face-offs and playmaking ability.

McKeen’s: Your club, the Edmonton Oil Kings, have a very exciting team. What is it like playing for them and coach Derek Laxdal?

Lazar: It’s very exciting, the core of our team is back this season and we feel we have a chance to win every night. It’s a classy organization, if you need anything, they will take care of it. I wouldn’t want to play anywhere else.

McKeen’s: What is your greatest hockey moment to date?

Lazar: There’s a couple, I mean, just winning the gold medal at the Canada Winter games is a highlight. I will say last season`s WHL Championship and participation in last season`s Memorial Cup was big.

McKeen's: What do you like to do in the off-season?

Lazar: Just training really, besides front-loading my school courses so I can graduate early. Hanging out with my friends at the lake in Vernon, and of course fishing. Spending time with family is also high on the list, as the season is very taxing, and it's hard to see them.