Portland Winterhawks – McKeen's Hockey

Kats Krunch: Great Danes – Nikolaj Ehlers & Oliver Bjorkstrand

Gus Katsaros — Tue, 30 Dec 2014 15:43:37 +0000

Denmark sent a representative team to Toronto to compete in the IIHF World Junior Hockey Championships devoid of the star power and name recognition of some of the higher echelon teams.

There’s no Connor McDavid or jack Eichel’s for the draft eligible crowd to fawn over, and missing are a Sonny Milano, William Nylander or Sam Reinhart, drafted players that carry a high pedigree amongst their peers.

Six Danish players adorn CHL team silks in 2014-15, including two great Danes differentiated from the lunch-bucket crew, and the only players drafted by an NHL team.

Some notable players on the Denmark team include Nick Olesen, recognizable by the ‘flow’ and Seattle Thunderbirds pivot, Alexander True a draft eligible player in 2015. Another notable was defenseman Mads Larsen

The Winnipeg Jets are blessed with a plethora of drafted representation in this tournament, none better than the 2014 (9th overall) pick from the Halifax Mooseheads, Nikolai Ehlers. Partnered with linemate Oliver Bjorkstrand, the 2013 3rd pick by Columbus (89th overall) were the offensive catalysts for the Danes, having a hand in three of the country’s six goals scored in the preliminary round.

Nikolaj Ehlers, LW (Winnipeg), 2014

Electrifying with the puck whether it was from a long range rush, or quick bursts in the offensive zone, Jets pick in 2014 was the most dangerous Danish forward all tournament .. pushed back defenders with speed – although guilty of outside lanes and cutting to the goal .. capable of quick and efficient zone entries precipitated by speed through the neutral zone .. in the offensive zone, coupled change of pace with explosive first two-step acceleration in one-on-one situations, isolating a single defenseman to maneuver around .. elusive and tricky along the boards, using quick directional shifts with his feet, or toe drags and pull backs by lightning quick hands .. drove to the net with the puck .. could be forgiven for overhandling the puck at times with limited options without Bjorkstrand on the ice .. likely the fastest player on the sheet for any team he played against .. partnered marvelously with Bjorkstrand in the offensive zone, winning puck battles in tandem and setting each other up for shots on goal .. fired the puck much less versus Sweden, partly a reflection of the 5-1 romp in score, and retaining the puck instead of shooting in reasonable areas – similar to the final game versus the CzechRepublic .. if there’s one reason to be excited in Winnipeg, the Danish speedster is a bright starting point in their youth movement.

Oliver Bjorkstrand, RW (Columbus) 2013

Blue Jackets 1st rounder featured upgrades in skating and balance from his draft year, complimenting a high tempo offensive game featuring a sizzling wrist shot, where he fired from various locations – and close into his body .. more dangerous against Russia than Sweden, where he seemed to adopt a more stationary stance in a support role instead of attacking scrums and hunting for pucks (unclear if this was inherent or a coaching tweak) .. main shooter, lined up on the left side as a shooter on the PP looking for the one-timer set up .. was also the trigger man at even strength, often looked upon for teeing up feeds from linemate Ehlers .. scored tournament opening goal from this spot after a face off win .. dangerous with the puck versus Russia, determined to win every battle along the boards and in open space .. was more focused at attacking from an angle on rushes, forcing defenseman to pivot or make a directional change or shift in footing, less so versus Sweden, where he seemed to drive into the attack head on and through defesnemen .. hard wrist shot from a short wind up, exhibited periodically in the opening game .. fired the puck less, resolved on keeping it for better positioning or an opening, whereas he fired from prime real estate versus Russia .. similar to linemate Ehlers, where they created a lot of Denmark’s offense as a tandem, most of the prettiest efforts never ended up in the net .. lots to be excited about for Blue Jackets fans with this bargain 3rd round pick.

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Keoni Texeira – From California to Portland

Andy Levangie — Fri, 12 Dec 2014 15:14:00 +0000

Keoni Texeira –LD- Portand Winterhawks –WHL

@keoni_texeira

6’0 FT, 203 LBS

Draft eligibility - 2015

Shoots: Left

Photo by Bryan Heim / Portland Winterhawks

One of the first things that jumped out for me about Texeira was his compact reverse stride .. skates in a fluid reverse motion, with solid edges and changes in speed, creating a solid gap control and spacing while defending .. agility and balance aid ability to cover players in a tight and efficient manner .. strong positioning aids in quality defensive reads .. plays opposition tight, with a knack for a prime shot blocker that doesn’t over commit when looking to break up a play .. reduces attacking players options, doesn’t allow easy plays to happen in his space… Battles and hits hard, plays with moderate physicality and a rough style .. uses his body positioning to shield and protect the puck once he’s gained position .. creates time and space to make a play when looking to clear the zone .. can rush breakout attempts and outlet passes despite having time, however .. passes can lack accuracy and off the tape, slowing down a breakout .. lower body strength and positioning are a definite asset to puck protection .. time and space can be optimized for effectiveness .. taking an extra split second to look up and create a crisp, clean tape to tape pass would greatly improve Texeira’s ability to effectively breakout, especially with such a dynamic forward group in Portland to push the puck up the ice too .. Texeira possesses a hard low shot from the point, requiring minimal wind up and with a hard pop .. won't score a lot of goals but drives possession from the back end and sends play toward the oppositions net allowing forwards to go to work .. works the line well and reads offensive plays solid enough to keep zone time alive .. fails to wow with his offensive game, but a solid frame and above average skating ability should entice scouts to take a chance in later rounds.

Thanks for reading

@AndyLevang

thehockeyuniverse@gmail.com

2013 Draft Guide Preview: Seth Jones – Memorial Cup

McKeen's Staff — Wed, 22 May 2013 22:05:24 +0000

Portland pulled out a much-needed victory Monday at the 2013 Memorial Cup, beating the London Knights 6-3 , with some anxious moments for the Winterhawks. In an awkwardly-familiar scenario to the previous nights loss to Halifax, they allowed London to storm back from 3-0 in the second period, with dominating performances by fellow first-round draftees on the opposing team. This time it was Max Domi and Bo Horvat, showing skill and drive to bring the Knights back, teaming up on a brilliant goal to come within one. It is a testament to the coaching staff at Portland, after a season of challenges as an organization, to calm this talented team down and play some disciplined hockey after London tied it at 3-3. It also spoke to Jones growing maturity after a long and intense season of scrutiny. He displayed a level head and provided a solid contribution while leaving the offensive leadership from the back end to Derrick Pouliot, the Pittsburgh Penguins first round pick from last season.

It is likely most NHL teams with early picks in the NHL Draft have watched Seth Jones with interest all season, it is unlikely this tournament will affect their opinion at this point, given the file of notes they have compiled. These experiences can only be crucial to his growth as the potential rock you build your team upon. For this reason the Memorial Cup has already been a success for Seth Jones. More experience at a high level and continued character development through challenges are only seen as positives, somewhat regardless of the outcome.

There are questions about drafting a defenseman first overall given recent high picks Victor Hedman and Erik Johnson’s slow development. This along with questions about his defensive play, his physicality and intensity as outlined in more detail below in our scouting profile have many questioning whether he will be making history as the first African-American to be drafted first overall in the NHL. These questions are fair, but there is no denying the incredible fluid skating skills and the athleticism that allows him to take control of the tempo at times. There is some similarity to Larry Robinson, a fellow big man who relied on skill and instinct while using his size judiciously but wisely. Jones is a young man who has progressed and grown this season, the upside is formidable, and one the Avalanche will not be able to resist.

We discussed the great personal connection Jones has to Colorado in our last article. Here is a video of his father, NBA professional basketball player, Popeye Jones, explaining the tip he received from Joe Sakic. Our scouting report on Seth Jones is below.

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Seth Jones D, Portland Winterhawks
Soared to the top of the charts with a commanding performance in helping Team USA win U20 World Junior gold (7-1-6-7) .. overcame a tentative WHL start last fall to steadily grow in confidence – and wound up capturing WHL ‘Rookie of the Year’ honours .. won back-to-back U18 World Junior gold medals in 2011 (6-0-3-3) and 2012 (6-3-5-8) .. the son of former pro NBA basketball player Ronald ‘Popeye’ Jones .. SCOUTING REPORT .. a vibrant, full-range blueliner blessed with extraordinary athleticism, co-ordination, and mobility .. hands are soft, quick, and strong .. caresses pucks on his blade and shows uncommon confidence and bravado in possession .. stickhandles past checks and spins away from pursuers – with casual ease .. delivers searing tape-to-tape passes with a mere flick of his powerful wrists .. never shy about showing off a booming slapshot and likewise-potent wristshot .. a thoroughbred skater – remarkably nimble and buoyant .. only requires a few long, powerful strides to reach an elite top gear .. reverses direction with the speed and dexterity of a small, quick forward – yet using massive custom-made, size-15 skates .. possesses great elusiveness .. maturing as a puckmover – starting to simplify on breakouts and integrate teammates more effectively .. a constant attacking threat – can go end-to-end – or pry open a defense with a fast, probing strike .. displays a nose for picking opportune times to attack .. still raw and developing defensively .. naturally impulsive – wants to aggressively close gaps with his mobility – yet doesn’t drive through checks and punish consistently .. prone to lapses in intensity and focus – can appear bewildered on extended defending sequences – reactive and labouring to track the puck .. needs to work on his overall positioning while developing stronger 1-on-1 defending postures .. at his best when being patient and staying within the team system – and harnessing a natural wild side.

A great piece with his father explaining the Joe Sakic advice. The video is a little old, when Seth was trying out for the US national team as a 16 year old, but tells the story very well.

Portland’s Nic Petan making large waves

Randy Gorman — Mon, 04 Mar 2013 12:16:16 +0000

If only for another 3-4 inches and Nicolas Petan of the Portland Winterhawks might be a high first-round pick at the 2013 NHL Draft.

That certainly wasn't the thinking coming into this draft season.

In spite of a vast skill-set and uncanny instincts, the 5-foot-8, 165-pound pivot would still have to conjure up something pretty extraordinary to convince the NHL that he could ply his craft and survive NHL warfare.

Petan has done all that and more during a phenomenal breakout second year in the WHL.

The Delta, B.C. native has been a driving creative force behind Portland's juggernaut campaign that blazed a 51-9-3 trail until stumbling recently, dropping their last three games including a 4-2 loss to the Everett Silvertips Saturday night.

The Winterhawks still hold an 8-point lead in the overall league standings - and have a chance to finish 1-2-3 in the individual scoring race in both goals and points.

Currently, Petan and teammate Brandon Leipsic share the overall goal-scoring lead with 44, while the third member of Portland's attack, Ty Rattie, is next with 42 goals, tied with Curtis Valk of the Medicine Hat Tigers.

Leipsic (111 pts), Petan (109), and Rattie (99) also sit first, second, and fourth, respectively, in the scoring race - with Colin Smith of the Kamloops Blazers in third with 100 points.

Petan also leads the WHL in plus-minus at a dizzying plus-61 - with the Winterhawks holding down four of the top five spots - and seven in the top 16 including top-rated draft prospect Seth Jones (plus-37) and Danish winger Oliver Bjorkstrand (plus-35).

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Nic Petan (C/LW, 2013), Portland

Diminutive 5-foot-8, 165-pound center has developed into an exciting and dynamic player to watch .. speedy with a short, powerful part-choppy stride .. hard to knock off the puck due to his low center of gravity .. keeps his balance remarkably well through traffic .. among the most gifted in the league in terms of natural puck and hand skills .. boasts exceptional puckhandling control, for which he has drawn comparisons to former NHL great Joe Sakic, only a smaller version .. his vision is first-rate - sees the ice extremely well .. excels at drawing defenders in and opening up space for teammates .. displays sublime patience with the puck - can pull the puck back for a split second to open up a passing lane and hit his man with a saucer pass - or a touch pass in one motion that doesn’t allow a defenseman to react .. his shot is also a weapon as it explodes off his blade and has uncanny accuracy .. his quickness and ability to match his foot and hand speed to make plays at a heightened pace makes him very difficult to defend .. gritty and determined - not afraid to finish a check or work the boards down low .. comes backs hard and backchecks with enthusiasm .. doesn’t back down when the game gets tougher and can inspire and motivate teammates with his physical injections and through the consistency of his play from shift to shift .. intriguing prospect given his natural skills coupled with a strong compete level .. in the Jordan Eberle manner, where a lack of size appears to be only deficiency.

Madison Bowey at home in Kelowna

Iain Morrell — Tue, 05 Feb 2013 11:34:19 +0000

The clash of the WHL titans is set for this coming weekend - and something has to give.

The Portland Winterhawks (43-7-1-2), the top-ranked team in the Canadian Hockey League, head to Kelowna for games Friday and Saturday night against the fourth-ranked Rockets (40-10-3-1).

Kelowna enter the game riding a 23-game home winning streak - the third-longest in league history - in which they have scored a combined 122 goals while allowing just 38.

They need one win to tie the 1992-93 Tacoma Rockets (24 games) - and six to equal the record of 29 set by the 1993-94 Kamloops Blazers.

Meanwhile, Portland have won six straight including four shutouts heading into a home game Thursday against the Calgary Hitmen.

This weekend's tilt will also give NHL scouts a chance to see four probable top-60 picks in the 2013 NHL Draft, including a pair of thoroughbred blueliners in top-ranked Seth Jones (Portland) and Madison Bowey (Kelowna).

A native of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Bowey has made promising gains in his overall defensive play this season - and steadily moved into first-round contention.

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Madison Bowey (D, 2013),

A mobile, offense-minded blueliner with good size and strength potential .. should easily accommodate lots more weight and muscle on a 6-foot-1, 200-pound pro-type frame .. intense, energetic, and courageous .. plays with urgency and brings a steady physical presence, particularly beneath the goal line .. a dynamic skater propelled by quick, strong feet .. generates excellent acceleration speed from a powerful lower body and long stride extensions .. quick and strong on his edges .. possesses exceptional lateral agility and turning technique which feeds his transitional game .. negotiates traffic by exploiting his mobility - will amp up the footspeed and shorten his stride pattern to make a quick getaway .. his elusiveness is complemented by improving in-close puck control and stickhandling ability .. does experience control issues at times however .. surprises with his passing acumen and offensive vision .. can hit accurate long-range passes and deliver them with pace .. loves to rush the puck but is a wild, untamed puckslinger .. explodes out of the zone like a slingshot, instinctively attacking and supporting the offense .. makes strong athletic plays thanks to a flexible, rangy body accentuated by lengthy extensions - can really stretch his body out .. increasingly more effective in 1-on-1 battles as he is comfortable giving and absorbing contact while getting stick to puck .. ultra-aggressive pinching down the walls - to help sustain offensive drives .. gradually developing better poise and defensive postures .. still raw and immature in certain areas .. must work on being a more patient defender and not trying to do too much - which can cloud his decision making .. his responses to situations can be peculiar - like sprawling flat on his stomach to snuff out a 2-on-1 - yet the next time might stay and protect his lane effectively while leaving the shooter to the goalie .. doesn't manage the puck all that consistently yet .. makes curious decisions moving the puck, leading to glaring giveaways and errant clearances.