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Stankoven has the endurance of the Energizer Bunny and the tenacity of Taz the Tasmanian Devil. He has arguably the best motor in all of junior hockey, and he is relentlessly competitive shift over shift and game over game. The Kamloops Blazers are a big draw locally, and their star centre has always been worth the price of admission because he is wildly entertaining to watch, not just when he's scoring (which he does a lot), but also because of the heroic effort he always puts forth. The Blazers hosted the Memorial Cup last year, and Stankoven led the tournament in points. He has a mantle full of gold medals and other awards, adding to that significantly in the past two seasons. He is a textbook example that a player his size can be a truly elite prospect.
Bichel is an uproariously entertaining player to watch, partially because there are so few top prospects out there like him. He's a huge, hulking teen who plays with an old-school edge and seems to highly enjoy throwing his body around. His hits can be absolutely bone-rattling and easily knock opponents off their feet. Don't mistake him for some mindless goon, though: he's whip smart and knows how to be physically dominant without getting into penalty trouble. He's also a powerful skater with long strides. Combine that skating with his frame and strength and good luck trying to slow him down when he gets a head of steam going with the puck on his stick. He left a serious mark playing for the Swiss at the World Juniors, giving fans a great taste of how impactful he will be on the smaller North American ice.
The plan with Harley was always to take the slow and steady route with his development, and even though he looked more than NHL-ready in 34 games with Dallas in 2021-22, the Stars elected not to change course, putting back him in the AHL for most of last season. The results have been very noticeable. While his point totals aren't eye-popping, he has made impressive progression in his overall game, becoming a much more consistent and reliable player. He was jogging with the Texas Stars, got himself warmed up, and when he got called up to Dallas late in the year, he began sprinting. With his reach, mobility, puck skill, and poise he is incredibly well-equipped for how the game is played these days. It's very easy to get excited about just how good Harley could be when he reaches the prime years of his career.
Bourque found his footing as an AHL rookie almost immediately, and while his scoring totals so far are more modest than gaudy, the points will definitely come soon, and in bunches! He's a heady, hardworking centre who watches, learns, and improves with an almost machine-like consistency. He's quiet and subtle in ways that lure opponents into a false sense of security, but when he gets the puck on his stick, Bourque is an assassin. There are few prospects in the entire sport who can work a power play from the half wall like he can. He is an expert passer, with an underrated shot to back it up. Bourque will make the NHL sooner rather than later in a support role, and it won't take him long to work his way up to his natural place in the top six.
Kyrou’s post draft year ended up being a really good one in the OHL as he emerged as one of the top defensemen in Ontario. Nearly every facet of his game progressed in a positive way, giving encouragement to both Stars management and Stars fans that he can develop into a quality puck mover at the NHL level. Without question, Kyrou’s tremendous point shot and his slick four-way mobility remain his two best assets, and his likely calling card to an NHL career. However, his explosiveness, defensive engagement, and decision making all showed great improvement, giving him a better outlook. Splitting the year between Erie and Sarnia, Kyrou really increased his physical intensity level in the defensive end, making him a more assertive two-way player and one who required less sheltering at the junior level. Of course, the pro level will offer an even greater challenge in this regard for Kyrou. Patience will likely be required as he continues to improve his defensive zone effectiveness. However, if afforded the opportunity to quarterback the powerplay, his offensive production could carry over immediately. In a best case scenario, Kyrou could develop into a top unit powerplay quarterback and a reliable top four defender at even strength
Much like John Marino in New Jersey, Bertucci has a real chance to develop into a dependable two-way defender thanks to his length, smarts, and mobility. He had 37 points in his final 38 games with Flint, emerging as a dominant two-way leader for the Firebirds. The key will be building upon that this season to become a more consistent defensive leader at the OHL level. A competent powerplay quarterback, Bertucci has high end four-way mobility, and he does a really good job of getting pucks on net to help generate second chance opportunities. As a defender, he has a clear understanding of how to defend in the modern style. He is aggressive in stepping up early on attackers, using his quickness to stay with puck carriers and his length to disrupt them. There is a need to add strength to improve his assertiveness in high traffic situations and to be more consistent in 50/50 battles. There is also a need to refine his approach as his over-aggressiveness can take him out of position at both ends of the ice. After a few seasons in the OHL, the Stars could definitely have another potential top four defender on their hands if his development goes according to plan.
Blumel was originally drafted by the Edmonton Oilers in 2019, but went unsigned, becoming a free agent two years later, after which he was scooped up by Dallas in the summer of 2022. In this situation, one team's loss is another's gain, as the Czech winger became an immediate fit within the Stars organization. He started his first season in the AHL at a torrid scoring pace and was quickly and deservedly called up to the big club, where he scored his first NHL goal during a six-game tryout. He was back down on the farm for the remainder of the season after that, but maintained his status as one of the top forwards on the team. His shot is undoubtedly his best asset, dangerous as both a wrister and one-timer, but he also does a pretty good job with his puck protection and cycling, and isn't a liability when he has to defend.
This has been an incredibly trying season for Damiani. Not only has his development hit a wall, but it’s also like he has taken a step backwards compared to his first two professional seasons. His counting stats were down, and he has just not been influencing the play like he had beforehand. Making matters even more confusing, the Texas Stars were one of the best teams in the AHL and were rolling all four forward lines, with incredible results. Plus-minus is a flawed stat, but on a team full of pluses, his big minus stuck out disconcertingly. At his best, Damiani is a top notch puck handler and play driver, making high-end passes, using his anticipation and awareness to stay ahead of the flow, and displaying tenacity in battles. However, that version of Damiani hasn't been seen a lot lately, and his absence has become quite concerning.
Martino just gets better year over year, and it only took him until his second season in the NCAA to emerge as the best forward on Clarkson, just like he was previously with both St. Michael's in the OJHL and Omaha in the USHL. He is a dynamic, offense-generating winger, who uses his explosive acceleration to burst through spaces, hits an excellent top gear that can easily gain separation from opposing defenders to lead to breakaways or odd-man rushes, and has little trouble corralling, deking, or passing the puck in full flight. He is also a legitimate driver on the power play, showing how well he can also play at lower speeds. Martino is going back to college for at least one more season, and it won't be a surprise if the Stars push hard to get him signed and turned pro next spring.
Arcuri definitively cemented himself as one of the best goal-scorers currently in the OHL, and that prowess made him a trade target for Kitchener in their championship aspirations last season. He wasted little time acclimating to his new surroundings and continuing his net-filling ways, eventually helping the Rangers upset the Windsor Spitfires (and former teammate Shane Wright) in the opening round of the playoffs. Arcuri is a big-bodied winger who can also make plays fairly well but has limitations with his quickness and skating. Interestingly, that is a very similar profile to Jason Robertson, another former member of the OHL's Kingston Frontenacs who was also drafted by the Stars. While it would be unfair to compare Arcuri too closely to one of the NHL's newest superstars, just how much can his game also grow if his development is handled the exact same way by the team?
It wasn’t the easiest transition to pro hockey for Stranges, which may have been expected given his unique style of play and reliance on the 10 to 2, mohawk stride. However, he finished strong and that provides optimism heading into this year that he can be more consistent.
We certainly didn’t expect Minnetian to fall to the fourth round at this year’s draft. However, the smooth skating defender needs to develop a clear identity on the ice and improve his decision making. Dallas should get a better indication of the finished product after a few years at Boston College.
Gardiner is a versatile forward who was a recent third round selection by Dallas out of Ottawa in the OHL. He can play multiple positions and fill multiple roles. His offensive upside remains a question mark but he is set for a big ice time increase this season with the 67’s.
While there was some hope that his offensive game would develop in the OHL, it is very clear now that what you see is what you get with Grushnikov. He’s a defensive workhorse, but his offensive game is fairly limited. He will turn pro this year with Texas.
Seminoff earned a contract from Dallas thanks to a terrific season for Kamloops last year. An intelligent and tenacious off puck player, he could project as a Michael Bunting type down the line.
Talk about a breakout season. Wheatcroft scored more points and goals last year than he did in all of his other WHL seasons combined. OA signings out of the CHL can be difficult to project, but Wheatcroft is a very intriguing prospect thanks to his high-level skills, quick release, and an ability to navigate traffic well.
Another OA free agent signing out of the CHL, McDonald is a big power forward with a terrific shot. He has clear scoring potential if he can continue to improve his skating. He had a tremendous playoffs with North Bay last year.
Last year, we all got our wish as the “other Matt Murray” got some games in with Dallas, providing those that cover the league with an abundance of double Matt Murray jokes. In all seriousness, Murray, a former UMass standout, continues to improve and could push for a backup role soon.
The last two seasons in the OHL have been very kind to White as he captured back-to-back OHL Championships with Hamilton and Peterborough. There are still some concerns over his ability to defend at the pro level, but the skating is high level.
Drafted out of tier two in Ontario, Fegaras was always going to be a long-term project. After playing last year in the USHL, the Stars should get a better indication of what they have as Fegaras jumps to NCAA Cornell this season. Lots of good attributes, but are any truly above average?
The fact that Harley is currently our fourth ranked Dallas prospect speaks to the high-end talent on the horizon. In our top 200 ranking, Dallas has Logan Stankoven at #22, Mavrik Bourque #26, Lian Bischel #53 and Harley #72. The depth drops off to a certain degree at that point, but the scouting department has a knack for hitting it out of the park with late first, and second round picks. GM Jim Nill has not been particularly active in the trade market in recent years, perhaps as a result. He did move this year’s first round pick for Nils Lundkvist in a package at the start of the season, however. It is the model to win within a salary cap era, if you can keep introducing impactful talent on entry level contracts combined with character veterans.

Stankoven has the endurance of the Energizer Bunny and the tenacity of Taz the Tasmanian Devil. He has arguably the best motor in all of junior hockey, and he is relentlessly competitive shift over shift and game over game. The Kamloops Blazers are a big draw locally, and their star center is always worth the price of admission because he is wildly entertaining to watch, not just when he's scoring (which he does a lot), but also because of the heroic effort he always puts forth. The Blazers are hosting the Memorial Cup this year, and it's hard to imagine another prospect who is more well-equipped to handle that spotlight than Stankoven, who already has a mantle full of gold medals and other awards. He is a textbook example that a player his size can be a truly elite prospect.
Bourque found his footing as an AHL rookie almost immediately, and while his scoring totals so far are more modest than gaudy, the points are definitely going to come soon in bunches. He's a heady, hardworking center who watches and learns and improves with an almost machine-like consistency. He's quiet and subtle in ways that lure opponents into a false sense of security, but when he gets the puck on his stick, he is an assassin. There are few prospects in the entire sport who can work a powerplay from the half wall like he can. He is an expert passer, with an underrated shot to back it up. Bourque will make the NHL sooner rather than later in a support role, and it won't take him long to work his way up to his natural place in the top six.
Bichel is an uproariously entertaining player to watch, because there are so few top prospects out there like him. He's a huge, hulking teen who plays with an old-school edge and seems to highly enjoy throwing his body around. His hits can be absolutely bone-rattling and easily knock opponents off their feet. Don't mistake him for some mindless goon, though: he's whip smart and knows how to be physically dominant without getting into penalty trouble. He's also a powerful skater with long strides. Combine that skating with his frame and strength and good luck trying to slow him down when he gets a head of steam going with the puck on his stick. He left a serious mark playing for the Swiss at the World Juniors, giving fans a great taste of how impactful he will be on the smaller North American ice.
The plan with Harley was always to go the slow and steady route with his development, and even though he looked more than NHL-ready in 34 games with Dallas last season the Stars elected not to change course, putting him in the AHL for most of this season. The results have been readily noticeable. While his point totals aren't eye-popping, he has made impressive progression in his overall game, becoming a much more consistent and reliable player. He was jogging with the Texas Stars, got himself warmed up, and when he got called up to Dallas late in the year he began sprinting. With his reach, mobility, puck skill and poise he is incredibly well-equipped for how the game is played these days, it's very easy to get excited about just how good Harley might be when he reaches the prime years of his career.
Kyrou's progress over the past few seasons has been rapid, and there is good reason to believe that it will continue. His skating isn't at the same level as his older brother Jordan, who is one of the best skaters in the entire NHL, but you'd be hard pressed to find a better influence for the younger Christian to closely learn tips and tricks from. He loves having the puck on his stick and is shifty and elusive at creating space for himself, especially coming off the offensive blueline, aggressively circling the outside of the zone or deking through bodies in the interior as he scans for defensive openings to exploit. Isn't shy at all about firing pucks himself, which is great because he knows how to get into dangerous shooting areas and has a high-end shot for a defender. Projects very well as a powerplay quarterback and is trending upwards as a transporter.
Blumel was originally drafted by the Edmonton Oilers in 2019, but ended up becoming a free agent two years later and was then scooped up by Dallas in the summer of 2022. In this situation one team's loss is another's gain, as the Czech winger became an immediate fit within the Stars organization. He started his first season in the AHL at a torrid scoring pace and was quickly and deservedly called up to the big club, where he scored his first NHL during a six-game tryout. He's been back down on the farm ever since but has maintained his status as one of the top forwards on the team. His shot is incomparably his best asset, dangerous as both a wrister and one-timer, but he also does a pretty good job with his puck protection and cycling and isn't a liability when he has to defend.
This has been an incredibly trying season for Damiani. Not only has his development hit a wall, but it’s also almost like he has taken a step backwards compared to his first two professional seasons. His counting stats are down, and he's just not influencing the play like he did before. Making matters even more confusing, the Texas Stars are one of the best teams in the AHL and have been rolling all four forward lines, with incredible results. Plus-minus is a flawed stat, but on a team full of pluses his big minus sticks out disconcertingly. At his best he is top notch puck handler and play driver, makes high-end passes, uses his anticipation and awareness to stay ahead of the flow, and is tenacious in battles. However, that version of Damiani hasn't been seen a lot lately, and his absence has become quite concerning.
Martino just gets better year over year, and it only took him until his second season in the NCAA to emerge as the best forward on Clarkson, just like he was previously with both St. Michael's in the OJHL and Omaha in the USHL. He is a dynamic offense-generating winger, who uses his explosive acceleration to burst through spaces, hits an excellent top gear that can easily gain separation from opposing defenders to lead to breakaways or odd-man rushes, and has little trouble corralling, deking or passing the puck in full flight. He is also a legitimate driver on the powerplay, showing how well he can also play at lower speeds. Martino is going back to college for at least one more season, and it won't be a surprise if the Stars push hard to get him signed and turned pro next spring.
Arcuri definitively cemented himself as one of the best goal-scorers currently in the OHL, and that prowess made him a trade target for Kitchener in their championship aspirations. He wasted little time acclimating to his new surroundings and continuing his net-filling ways, and recently helped the Rangers upset the Windsor Spitfires (and former teammate Shane Wright) in the opening round of the playoffs. He is a big-bodied winger who can also make plays fairly well but has limitations with his quickness and skating. Interestingly, that is a very similar profile to Jason Robertson, another former member of the OHL's Kingston Frontenacs who was also drafted by the Stars. While it would be unfair to compare Arcuri too closely to one of the NHL's newest superstars, just how much can his game also grow if his development is handled the exact same way by the team?
The Texas Stars have been ludicrously deep at forward all season, so it speaks volumes that Stranges played well enough to force his way up from the ECHL and into the lineup, albeit on an inconsistent basis. Amazingly, he kept finding ways to generate offense and produce points despite the lack of steady playing time and scrambled linemates. As unique and unconventional as his mohawk skating style is, it's undeniable that it works. He's just so elusive, unpredictable and naturally quick that it makes him hard to contain or anticipate. As much attention as his skating derives, he is also an underrated handler, playmaker and shooter. Texas is set to lose a number of forwards to free agency this summer, and there is simply no way that Stranges doesn't get a full-time roster spot and a bigger slice of the pie next season.
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Winners the three previous years, Team USA finished with a bronze medal at this year's event held in Cobourg and Whitby, Ontario.
Since the tournament's inception in 2006, only two teams have won a gold medal, that being Team USA and Team Canada West, with the Americans now holding a 6-to-4 edge in titles. The U.S. have medaled every year except at the inaugural event in `06.
Silver-medal winners in 2013 and 2014, Canada West reclaimed the crown led by Spruce Grove (AJHL) goaltender Matthew Murray and a pair of probable first-round NHL draft picks in Tyson Jost and Dante Fabbro.
Jost fired the winning goal and was named Tournament MVP, while Murray turned in a goaltending gem in the final to guide Canada West to a 2-1 victory.
Team Russia took home silver backstopped by the goaltending tandem of Mikhail Berdin and Vladislav Sukhachev.
Berdin earned a spot on the Tournament All-Star Team, as did forward German Rubtsov, another likely first-round pick in the 2016 NHL draft.
There were some other intriguing draft-eligible players on display at the tournie as well including Max Zimmer of Team USA, who boosted his stock with a strong showing.
U.S. Teammate William Knierem also impressed the scouts - making surprising contributions given his rather limited role on the team, starting the tournie as the 13th forward.
Follow the links below as we will be publishing over 35 in-depth player scouting reports from the 2015 World Junior A Challenge - exclusive to subscribers of McKeen's Hockey.
SCOUTING CANADA WEST: TYSON JOST, DANTE FABBRO, MATTHEW MURRAY
SCOUTING CANADA WEST: DENNIS CHOLOWSKI, BRINSON PASICHNUK, CALE MAKAR
NEXT: TEAM RUSSIA
]]>Penticton star Tyson Jost was as good as advertised as he won tournament MVP honours, led the tournament in points (4-3-6-9), and tied a tournament record by recording four points in a period against Team East in the semi-finals .. instinctive and clever in the offensive zone and has a penchant for not complicating his game .. slick player with better than average puck skills - elusive and keeps the puck close to his body while constantly driving it into scoring lanes .. possesses good puck control and can make creative no-look passes making him even more difficult to defend .. a better passer than shooter .. uses defenders as a screen as his shot is sneaky - yet lacks the top-end velocity needed to be a true goal scorer at this point .. was always dangerous when he entered the offensive zone as he could easily break coverage and draw others out of position with his stickhandling ability .. his skating has a deceptive quality to it - fast but not quick per se, he has good mechanics but short legs .. handled the captaincy duties admirably with a committed game on the back check .. very aware not to get caught chasing plays as he was habitually the first man back .. while his defensive game scored top marks for enthusiasm, he nevertheless lacks structure at this point and got caught playing the puck a handful of times and getting burned in the process .. winning this tournament is yet another feather in his cap to an already successful season to date as he is enjoying personal and team success this season in the BCHL .. captains the best team in the league as the Penticton Vee’s have only lost 4 games this season and he is currently third in league scoring at the Christmas break averaging over two points per game (30-24-37-61) .. what he lacks in size, he makes up for in offence which will be his calling card into the NHL .. committed to a North Dakota program renowned for churning out NHL players.
Dante Fabbro (2016), D, Penticton BCHL
Entered the tournament with considerable hype as the top NHL draft-eligible defenseman and had a decent tournament as he was able to capture a gold medal .. assistant captain logged ample ice time and was entrusted with many responsibilities and handled them well .. his play was not overwhelming in terms of standing out and dominating play - but rather steady and effective .. learned to make adjustments as he had a tendency to try and do too much early in the tournament - yet was smart enough to regroup and make game-to-game adjustments .. played his best game against Team USA recording two assists - however it had more to do with his play away from the puck .. applied a level of staunch defence by suffocating the opposition .. demonstrated strong gap control and exploited a thick body to excel in defensive zone situations - gets a lot accomplished because of his size and strength at this point .. highly successful all tournament in penalty-killing situations .. a bow-legged skater who is powerful but not quick .. lateral quickness and agility are just okay, while his first-step quickness needs refining .. did not really impress with his puck skills however, as he threw the puck away at times while his decision making upon gaining the zone came into question .. not an offensive threat at this event - even though his lofty numbers in the BCHL this season (24-7-21-28) might have suggested otherwise .. most effective when he keeps his game simple with the puck and does not over-think his options .. has a sturdy, well-built frame and a solid pro-like disposition about him - earns top marks for his leadership qualities as he wears a letter for his BCHL team .. a burly defender who can do most things well and has plenty of time to hone his skills at Boston University.
Matthew Murray (2016), G, Spruce Grove AJHL
History of winning following as he backstopped Spruce Grove in 2014-15 to a league championship while posting the best GAA in the regular season (1.72) .. posted a sparkling 15-3 record this season so far for the first-place Saints, sharing duties with Garrett Mason .. played in all four games and grew in stature as the tournament progressed .. turned in a rather ordinary performance against Team Czech Republic, however excelled against Team USA in round-robin play to help secure a bye to the semi-finals .. rose to the occasion in the finals, delivering a spectacular effort to capture the gold medal .. boasts decent size at 6-foot-1 and 180 pounds - and is a highly technical goalie .. very economical in his approach as he doesn't have exceptional speed or mobility - however remains square to the shooter and battles hard in his crease .. can be guilty of playing too deep in his goal at times - particularly when the game gets away from him .. needs to make saves early to find his confidence .. very good at tracking pucks in traffic .. handles and plays the puck well .. his mobility and net coverage will impact his draft status but he played well and answered the bell when needed most.
SCOUTING CANADA WEST: TYSON JOST, DANTE FABBRO, MATTHEW MURRAY
SCOUTING CANADA WEST: DENNIS CHOLOWSKI, BRINSON PASICHNUK, CALE MAKAR
SCOUTING RUSSIA: GERMAN RUBTSOV, ARTUR KAYUMOV, ARTEM IVANYUZHENKOV, VLACHESLAV SHEVCHENKO
SCOUTING USA: ANDREW PEEKE, MAX ZIMMER, WILLIAM KNIEREM, TANNER LACZYNSKI
SCOUTING CZECH REPUBLIC: LUKAS DOUDERA, MILAN DAVIDEK, JAKUB SIROTA, KRISTIAN REICHEL, PAVEL KOUSAL
SCOUTING SWITZERLAND: LIVIO STADLER, LEE ROBERTS, MARCO MIRANDA, TOBIAS GEISSER
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