The 2004s.
Luke Shipley (D, R, 6’0″, 186, Brandon Wheat Kings, 08/08/2004)
Comments: Strengths: Luke Shipley excels in controlling play from the point, demonstrating advanced poise and hockey IQ. His ability to walk the blue line effectively opens up passing and shooting lanes, creating opportunities for his teammates. Shipley’s crisp puck movement, particularly on the power play, highlights his capacity to quarterback from the middle, leveraging time and space to manipulate opposing defenses. His skating is smooth and purposeful, allowing him to transition the puck with control and find seams in the neutral zone, aiding his team’s offensive setup. Shipley also displayed excellent situational awareness, evidenced by his ability to draw defenders and create high-danger scoring chances for others. Defensively, Shipley’s high number of takeaways (9) shows his ability to read the game and disrupt opposing plays. He was also trusted with significant penalty-killing minutes, where his positional awareness and quick stick contributed to his team’s success. Weaknesses: While Shipley showcases offensive prowess and confidence with the puck, his decision-making in high-pressure situations still requires refinement. His four giveaways during the game highlight areas for growth in puck management under duress. Shipley’s defensive-zone play is solid, but he could benefit from adding physicality to his game to handle larger opponents and win more net-front battles. Increasing his strength and explosiveness would help him compete at the next level against more powerful and skilled forwards. Projection and NCAA Fit: Playing in an NCAA college hockey environment would benefit Shipley immensely. The additional time for off-ice strength training would allow him to add muscle to his frame, improving his physicality and explosiveness. The NCAA schedule, with fewer games and more practice opportunities, would enable Shipley to focus on refining his decision-making and defensive-zone play. Shipley’s skill set and skating ability align with modern professional hockey, where puck-moving defensemen are highly valued. With time to develop in an NCAA program, Shipley could mature into a dependable two-way defenseman capable of quarterbacking a power play and playing key defensive minutes at the professional level. His hockey sense and composure under pressure make him a strong candidate for NHL development systems.
Marcus Nguyen (RW, R, 5’11”, 178, Brandon Wheat Kings, 08/02/2004)
Comments: Strengths: Marcus Nguyen is a relentless and fearless competitor who thrives in high-traffic areas, making him a constant offensive threat. His willingness to crash the net, absorb contact, and battle along the boards allows him to create opportunities for both himself and his teammates. In tonight’s game against Swift [Current], Nguyen demonstrated these qualities by scoring two goals, recording five shots, and generating four grade-‘A’ scoring chances. Nguyen’s puck protection is a significant strength. He uses his body effectively to shield the puck, maintaining possession under pressure and buying time to make plays. His instinct to drive the net front and get into the low slot consistently creates havoc for opposing defenders. He also has a knack for finding soft spots in coverage, with the puck seemingly following him in the offensive zone. Nguyen is also a physical forechecker who engages opponents with well-timed hits. His board play, combined with his ability to generate turnovers and extend possessions, makes him an effective energy player who can spark his team. Weaknesses: While Nguyen’s physicality and offensive drive are evident, his overall puck management could improve. His three giveaways in this game highlight the need for better decision-making when handling the puck in contested areas. He also sometimes limits his options by committing to the boards or net-front plays without surveying the ice for additional opportunities. At 5’11’ and 178 pounds, Nguyen has a solid foundation but could benefit from further strength development to enhance his ability to withstand the physicality of higher levels of play. His skating is effective but lacks the explosiveness that would make him more dynamic in transition or on the rush. Projection and NCAA Fit: Nguyen’s game would benefit significantly from an NCAA college hockey environment. The extra time for off-ice strength training would allow him to add muscle to his frame, improving his physical play and durability. The NCAA’s emphasis on skill development in practice would also help refine his puck management and decision-making, addressing one of his primary areas for growth. His hard-nosed playing style and ability to generate offensive chances in the dirty areas could make him a key contributor at the collegiate level. With further development, Nguyen has the tools to become a bottom-six NHL forward who provides energy, forechecking, and secondary scoring. NHL Projection: While Nguyen may not project as a top-six scorer, his ability to create offense through effort, physicality, and a strong net-front presence makes him a potential depth NHL player. His style of play translates well to roles that require grit and intensity, and his knack for being in the right place at the right time suggests that he could carve out a niche as a dependable depth forward in professional hockey.
Nolan Flamand (LW, L, 5’10”, 190, Brandon Wheat Kings, 01/12/2004)
Comments: Strengths: Nolan Flamand plays with a relentless compete level that makes him an asset to any team, even if his offensive production doesn’t scream ‘NHL scorer.’ His work ethic, consistency, and ability to set the tone in all situations stand out. Flamand’s high motor and willingness to engage make him the type of player who could instill day-to-day accountability within an organization, especially at the minor league level. In tonight’s game against Swift [Current], Flamand showed flashes of offensive creativity with three grade-‘A’ scoring opportunities. His ability to drive play in key moments, even in an unspectacular offensive role, complements his strong defensive instincts. While his 8-of-18 faceoff success rate indicates room for growth, it also shows his willingness to take on important in-game responsibilities. Defensively, Flamand’s six takeaways highlight his active stick and ability to force turnovers. He has the potential to be a valuable penalty killer with further development, as he demonstrated in his 0:42 of short-handed time. Weaknesses: Offensive consistency remains a question mark for Flamand. Despite his strong compete level, his nine giveaways in this game point to areas where decision-making and puck security can improve. At 5’10’, Flamand lacks the size that might help him compensate for his middling offensive impact, and his overall game could benefit from enhanced explosiveness and strength. Flamand’s offensive ceiling is likely limited, which may prevent him from earning a top-six role at higher levels. However, his effort and leadership qualities can keep him in the mix as a player who fills depth roles and supports team structure. Projection and NCAA Fit: An NCAA environment could be ideal for Flamand’s development. The increased practice time and off-ice training opportunities would give him a chance to refine his skill set and enhance his strength, while also developing his leadership qualities in a setting where accountability is crucial. His high compete level and two-way play could allow him to carve out a role as a captain or key leader at the collegiate level, preparing him for similar responsibilities in professional hockey. While Flamand may not project as an NHL regular due to his offensive limitations, he could serve as a valuable organizational player. His drive, work ethic, and ability to lead by example make him a candidate for a leadership role in a minor league system. NHL organizations often rely on players like Flamand to set the tone for highly skilled prospects who may need guidance in adapting to professional hockey.
Eric Johnston (D, L, 6’0″, 188, Swift Current Broncos, 02/18/2004)
Comments: Strengths: Eric Johnston is a physical presence on the ice, especially down low where he excels in the corners. He plays with an aggressive edge, knocking opponents off the puck and delivering powerful checks against the boards. His physicality and willingness to engage in battle make him a challenging defender to play against. Johnston’s strength on the puck and in one-on-one situations in the defensive zone allows him to consistently win battles in the dirty areas. Defensively, Johnston plays a disciplined game, maintaining a tight gap and making sure to stay with opposing forwards on the rush. His stick positioning is particularly effective, often making well-timed poke checks to disrupt offensive plays before they develop. He is a reliable defender who limits opposing scoring chances by using his positioning and strength to suffocate the opposition. Offensively, Johnston shows promise with his ability to push the pace and transition the puck out of his zone. He is comfortable carrying the puck up ice, looking for opportunities to make stretch passes or skate it himself when the lanes open up. On the power play, he walks the blue line with confidence, finding lanes to get pucks through to the net. His ability to move the puck and generate offensive chances from the back end is a valuable asset. Weaknesses: Johnston’s offensive contributions were limited in tonight’s game, and his -2 rating highlights some potential struggles defensively, particularly in terms of managing high-danger chances in his own zone. He finished the game with 10 giveaways, which is a concern, as it indicates a lack of puck management in critical situations. His turnovers can be costly, especially when they occur in the neutral zone or under pressure. His decision-making in terms of when to carry the puck versus when to pass could use improvement. While Johnston shows confidence in skating the puck out of his zone, he occasionally holds onto the puck too long or makes risky passes that can lead to turnovers. This is an area that will require attention in his development. Projection and NCAA Fit: Johnston’s physicality and defensive abilities would benefit greatly from the structured environment of NCAA college hockey. The extra time to refine his puck management and decision-making in transition would be invaluable. NCAA hockey would provide him with the opportunity to focus on both his defensive game and improving his offensive consistency. With the additional time for off-ice training, Johnston could add strength to further enhance his physical presence and better handle the rigors of professional hockey. Playing in the NCAA environment would also give Johnston the opportunity to hone his offensive skills while maintaining his strong defensive foundation. His ability to quarterback the power play and contribute offensively from the back end would flourish in a system that emphasizes skill development and tactical play. NHL Projection: Johnston’s combination of physicality, defensive reliability, and potential offensive upside makes him a strong candidate for a depth defender role. While his consistency and puck management are areas that need refinement, he possesses the traits of a defender with the potential to contribute in both the defensive and offensive zones. If he can improve his decision-making and reduce turnovers, Johnston could become a valuable depth defenseman who adds grit, strong defensive play, and some offensive punch from the back end at the professional level.
Carlin Dezainde (C, L, 5’11”, 166, Swift Current Broncos, 12/29/2004)
Comments: Strengths: Carlin Dezainde’s game is centered around his offensive instincts and ability to create scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates. When he is moving his feet, he demonstrates good speed and an explosive first stride, allowing him to drive hard to the net and create havoc in high-danger areas. His quick release around the net is a significant asset, as he can elevate the puck in tight spaces, making him particularly dangerous in goalmouth scrambles and close-quarter situations. Dezainde’s puck skills stand out, particularly his soft hands and excellent passing ability. He consistently shows good vision in the offensive zone, patiently waiting to find open teammates and threading accurate passes. His hockey IQ allows him to read plays effectively and position himself as either a scoring or passing option, making him a dual threat. On the rush, he uses his elusiveness and just enough top-end speed to challenge defenders and create space for himself or his linemates. Off the puck, Dezainde is effective on the forecheck, utilizing his stick skills to disrupt plays and create turnovers. While not overly physical, he compensates with good anticipation and stick positioning to pressure opponents into mistakes. Weaknesses: Dezainde’s tendency to become flat-footed at times is a notable area of concern, as it can lead to him being caught out of position and struggling to regain his defensive coverage. His play without the puck, particularly in transition, would benefit from greater consistency in keeping his feet moving and maintaining an active presence on the ice. His shot, while accurate in tight, lacks the power and range to be a consistent threat from the perimeter. Developing a harder, more deceptive shot will be critical for him to expand his offensive game and force defenders to respect him from multiple areas on the ice. Physically, Dezainde’s lack of size and strength limits his ability to win battles along the boards and in front of the net. Adding muscle to his frame would help him compete more effectively in physical matchups, particularly at the professional level where strength and durability are key. Projection and NCAA Fit: Dezainde’s offensive upside and hockey sense would flourish in the NCAA environment. College hockey’s rigorous training schedule and additional practice time would provide him the opportunity to add strength to his frame, address his flat-footed tendencies, and develop the power behind his shot. The structured systems and emphasis on two-way play in NCAA hockey would help him round out his game, particularly in the defensive zone and during transitions. The collegiate level also offers Dezainde the chance to refine his playmaking and skating against older, stronger competition. His natural creativity and unselfishness would allow him to thrive in systems that prioritize puck possession and high-tempo play. The NCAA setting would also provide the time and resources necessary to develop his physicality and become a more complete player. NHL Projection: If he can address the inconsistencies in his skating and add strength to his game, he could be a reliable depth forward capable of contributing on the second power play and driving momentum at even strength. His ability to play a thoughtful, creative game will make him a valuable asset to any team looking for a versatile, high-IQ forward to pair with a young up and coming high draft pick. While his size and current lack of shot power present challenges, the right development path—such as added time and training in an NCAA program—could unlock his full potential and position him as a legitimate professional prospect.
Logo Courtesy of The Swift Current Broncos