Features

Below is the complete set of this June’s “Draft Countdown: 2008″ featuring five of the NHL’s best and brightest stars of tomorrow.

DRAFT COUNTDOWN - ZACH BOYCHUK INTERVIEW

Zach Boychuk is the lightning-quick speedster from Airdrie, Alberta and most recently, is one of the top prospects up for grabs at the upcoming 2008 NHL Entry Draft. He has represented Canada at the World U-18 Championships, the Summit Series and the World Junior Championships while leading his WHL team Lethbridge Hurricanes to the finals, where they lost to the eventual Memorial Cup champion Spokane Chiefs.

Before he set off for Ottawa for this weekend’s draft, Zach was kind enough to grant FanInVan.Com an exclusive interview, where he talks about the possibilities of being a Canuck, his year with the Hurricanes, and what he’s looking forward to in the future. Boychuk headlines this year’s Draft Countdown.

F: The first question Vancouver Canuck fans want to know: Did the Canuck organization contact you or interview you at the Draft Combine?

ZB: Yes, they were my last interview after meeting with 23 teams in total.

F: If the Vancouver Canucks were to draft you on June 20th, which Canuck player would you be looking forward to playing with the most?

ZB: Markus Naslund.

F: How excited are you for the draft, and can you describe what you’re feeling as it gets closer?

ZB: I am getting more and more excited the closer it gets. [However,] I’m really looking forward to relaxing with my family prior to the draft and touring some parts of Ontario.

F: You played almost 200 games in a Lethbridge Hurricanes uniform and got them past the first round in the postseason for the first time in 11 years. How important was it for your development to play in the WHL?

ZB: Playing in the WHL with the Lethbridge Hurricanes has been so important for my development not only as a player, but as a person. They really helped me improve my game in all areas, as well as school and other things away from the rink.

F: Sticking with your development, did you ever entertain any offers to possibly play in the NCAA, and if yes, why did you choose the WHL?

ZB: No; when I was drafted to the Hurricanes, I was committed on playing in the WHL.

F: Given the success of smaller players like Patrick Kane and Sam Gagner, do you think NHL teams no longer believe size is an issue when drafting players?

ZB: Players like Patrick Kane and Sam Gagner are helping change the game and opening more and more people’s eyes that smaller players can be great even at the NHL level. I love watching those guys play and obviously they deserve to be where they are. A lot of small players get stereotyped as strictly skilled guys that shy away from the tough parts of the game but they are always right in the middle of everything and I hope to be like them when I play in the NHL.

F: There are a lot of scouts and armchair GMs who want to steer clear of you simply because of your size. In your opinion, what sorts of strengths separate you from the rest of the top ten picks?

ZB: I think there are lots of good things that separate me from the other players in the draft but my main strengths are my will to win, competitiveness, and determination… As well as a few dangles once in while.

F: You’re from Airdrie, Alberta. Who did you cheer for growing up, the Calgary Flames or Edmonton Oilers?

ZB: The Flames.

F: As an Alberta boy, was Calgary’s 5’6” Theoren Fleury (one of the NHL’s smallest players in history) an inspiration to you growing up?

ZB: Yeah, he was an amazing player in the NHL and getting to watch him while I was growing up was definitely inspiring and also helped me realize my goals were achievable.

F: Which NHL arena are you looking forward to playing in the most? Why?

ZB: I’m looking forward to playing in the arena where my home team plays. I guess you would have to ask me after the draft, and then I’ll tell you. I’ve always dreamed of playing in front of 20,000 fans that are cheering for you.

F: Which current NHL goalie would you least like to face in the shootout? Why?

ZB: Mathieu Garon, because he is a lefty.

F: Last question. Are you looking at playing in the NHL next season or returning with the Lethbridge Hurricanes, or are you simply going to go wherever your prospective NHL team wants to place you?

ZB: Right now, my main focus is to work as hard as I can so I can create an opportunity to play in the NHL next season with the team I am drafted by. Just like any other training camp I’ve been to, I’ll try to take someone else’s spot on the roster and if the team feels I am not ready, then I will go back to Lethbridge and have another great year.

DRAFT COUNTDOWN: CODY HODGSON

A player that oozes both exceptional two-way play and leadership, Cody Hodgson should be a coveted option by any of the teams drafting from seven to twelve. Although he is not physically imposing by any means, Hodgson represents a blend of skill, determination and character. To Vancouver Canuck fans, he can be seen as a player similar to Trevor Linden.

The Skinny: Hodgson captained the Canadian World Under-18 team to a gold medal finish this past year and had a very good year with his OHL Brampton Battalions. He has an incredible work ethic which allows him to play in all situations and that makes him capable of being a very good second line player or even a first line centre. There are a handful of teams drafting in the top ten who don’t want to take a chance on risky picks and would like the “safe pick” and go with Hodgson.

The Statistics: (Courtesy of nhlentrydraft2008.com)

Ranked in the top 20 in OHL scoring with 40 goals and 85 points, leading the Battalion in goals with 40 in 68 contests. Also scored five goals in five playoff games before Brampton was eliminated in the first round.

Led all players at the IIHF U-18 World Championships with two goals and ten assists, helping Team Canada win the Gold.

Was voted as the OHL Eastern Conference’s smartest player in 2008 according to the OHL Head Coach’s Poll.

They Said It: (Courtesy of nhlentrydraft2008.com)

Strengths: “Cody is a treat to watch. He is a very skilled centerman who’s hockey sense has him quarterbacking the power-play from down at the half boards. He knows when to shoot and when to pass – his point total reflects that. He’s also a good face-off guy; he can take face-offs with the best of them and win them at the OHL level. Quite an all-around asset to any team that draft’s him.”

Areas to improve: “With a little bit of continued maturity he will add a bit of size and strength to his frame and he won’t lose any of that hockey acumen or any of that ability to see the ice.”

Outlook: “In the NHL he is going to be a skilled centerman and he’s going to be on one of your top two lines. If you’re a really good team you are fortunate to have him as your second centerman because he is capable of being your first centerman.” — E.J. McGuire, NHL Central Scouting

“Cody’s a great two-way player for our team. He’s kind of one of those guys who goes under the radar. But when you see what he does for our hockey team as a 17-year-old, you gain a greater appreciation for him … he’s a game breaker. He’s made a difference everywhere he’s played, and those types of players are hard to get.” — Stan Butler, Brampton Battalion Head Coach

The Knock: Since Hodgson plays a mature game which involves strong two-way play, a lot of scouts wonder whether or not he can develop into a scoring forward or if he has reached the potential of his game. Hodgson can also take physical hits, but many believe if he could get a little meaner and aggressive he would become a more complete player. Hodgson also isn’t overly big compared to some of the other players available.

The Video: A look at one of Hodgson’s best plays from this past season.

The Verdict: To me, I don’t see a whole lot of difference between Hodgson’s game and Colin Wilson’s. Both are very good forwards who have promising two-way skills that could put them anywhere between second and third line duty for their future NHL teams. In the case of Hodgson, he has better leadership but is smaller than Wilson. However, there is still time for him to fill out into an NHL body.

DRAFT COUNTDOWN - MIKKEL BOEDKER

Danish-born forward Mikkel Boedker can be described in one word: Explosive. Boedker’s skating and speed are among the best in this year’s crop of NHL prospects and that will surely garner him a top ten selection by the time June 21st rolls around. Most recently he led his OHL Kitchener Rangers to the Memorial Cup final, compiling impressive numbers in the process. And while countryman Lars Eller holds the best draft position by a Danish player at 13 last year, he won’t hold that honour for long.

The Skinny: Since Boedker is the first European to be considered for the Vancouver Canucks selection, the first question you’re probably thinking is if he can play physical. And beyond a shadow of a doubt, Boedker demonstrated this season that he can handle the physical intensity of the North American game when he finished second in points in OHL playoff scoring and had nine game winners during the regular season. But Boedker’s ability to get from Point A to B in a flash is what makes him an elusive and coveted option. And given the success of today’s speed and skill players, Boedker could find himself in NHL superstar status.

The Statistics: (Courtesy of nhlentrydraft2008.com)

Ranked third overall among rookies in points with 73 (29-44-73) and tied for second overall in the league with nine game-winning goals in 2007-08.

Participated in the 2008 World Junior Championships for Denmark alongside his older brother, Mads. He finished second in team scoring with six points (2-4-6) in six games.

Finished tied for second with 26 assists and second overall with 35 points in 20 playoff games helping Kitchener win the OHL championship in 2008.

They Said It: (Courtesy of nhlentrydraft2008.com)

“Mikkel, although he is 5′11″, plays low to the ice and as a result is a real solid player. This Team Denmark product is currently a versatile player for the Kitchener Rangers and I think that is what he is going to be for his NHL team. Right now, he quarterbacks the power-play as a forward from the point for the Rangers and does an effective job.

I think he has adjusted well to the North American game and needs to continue to drive to the net and use his shot at effective times. There are times when he passes the puck when he should shoot and shoots when he should pass, but that’s the type of second-guessing that comes from me being a scout. — NHL Director of Central Scouting, E.J. McGuire

Mikkel has world class speed and skill. He has adjusted to the North American game very well and will be an impact player at the NHL level one day.” — Peter DeBoer, Kitchener Rangers Head Coach

He always uses great body position to protect the puck, he is very strong on the wall, has a rocket for a shot and is also a great penalty killer.” — Mike Torchia, Rangers colour analyst

The Knock: Boedker is a phenomenal player who has a great shot, but he tends to think pass first and shoot second. He has the uncanny ability to drive to the net with disregard but the fact is if he fired the puck on net a handful more times his numbers would greatly improve. At 5′11”, Boedker could stand to fill out a little bit more to better himself for the NHL game.

The Video:

The Verdict: To me, this is a no-brainer. If the Vancouver Canucks have the chance to take Mikkel Boedker at number ten, it will be a heist. Although he is a left winger and the Canucks could use more depth down the middle, Boedker is too much of a skilled player to pass up. His unparalleled speed has drawn several comparisons to Marian Gaborik, another player who poses a wonderful blend of speed and skill. Put this Danish forward with the Canucks’ other Dane Jannik Hansen and chemistry could be made.

DRAFT COUNTDOWN: COLIN WILSON

He’s drawn comparisons to Rod Brind’Amour for his leadership qualities and has said he tries to pattern his game after Peter Forsberg. He’s the son of former Calgary Flame Carey Wilson, who played over 500 NHL games. In addition, he led the United States WJC team in points with six goals and seven points. He plays for Boston University. He is Colin Wilson.

The Skinny: The greatest thing about Wilson’s game is his vision. He reads the ice very well for a player of his age and that has paid tremendous benefits over his young career. His hockey sense is probably top three in this year’s draft crop and a lot of teams may be tempted to take him simply for his smarts. But at 6′1” and 215 pounds, Wilson also has an NHL frame and could even crack the pros this oncoming fall. Wilson also wowed scouts and teams at the NHL Combine two weeks ago, doing 21 reps on the bench press, shattering the day’s record previously recorded by prospect John Carlson with 16.

The Statistics: (Courtesy of nhlentrydraft2008.com)

Became the fifth player in Boston University history to be named Hockey East Rookie of the Year after posting 35 points (13-22–35) in 37 games with the Terriers in 2007-08. Wilson finished second in scoring among Hockey East rookies and third in scoring on the BU Terriers.

Participated in the 2008 World Junior Championships, tying for the goal scoring lead with six (6-1–7) for Team USA.

Won gold with Team USA at the 2006 IIHF Under-18 World Championship in Sweden and tied for the tournament lead in scoring with 12 points (5-7–12) at the 2007 Under-18 World Championship in helping Team USA to a silver medal.

Had 12 goals and 22 assists for 34 points in 34 games with Boston University this season.

They Said It: (Courtesy of nhlentrydraft2008.com)

“Colin is a combination of a skilled and power forward. He is very strong, has excellent hands and is a very good passer and playmaker. He makes and takes a difficult pass extremely well. He is tough and strong on the puck and is a very smart player who is aware of where teammates are at all times. He anticipates the play at both ends of the ice very well. When he gets the puck he responds instantly and knows where to put the puck. He is very reliable defensively, has incredibly quick feet and he can turn quickly while maintaining puck control.” — NHL Central Scouting’s Gary Eggleston

“Colin is a really smart player who sees the ice really well. He can really move the puck because he has what I refer to as ‘Larry Bird court-sense’. He knows where everybody is and can see plays develop in front of him. He knows where to go when he has the puck and when he doesn’t have the puck. An asset that never seems to surprise me is that he always collects the pass near him, so that the puck stays with him.” — Jack Parker, Boston University Head Coach

The Knock: The one main knock on Wilson is that his skating is not strong; he has a lack of speed and his first stride is not at an NHL level yet. Perhaps you can chalk up his lack of speed to the outstanding size he has, but Wilson’s speed will not deter many teams from drafting him. In addition, Wilson has neither the game-breaking talent of Steven Stamkos or the upside of Kyle Beach, but instead can be regarded as that prototypical “safe pick”.

The Video:

Colin Wilson is #33 in white. Skip ahead halfway and you will see a few shifts before he helps put away the Maine Black Bears in overtime.

The Verdict: Colin Wilson could possibly be a tremendous player in the NHL with his combination of size and skill, but his lack of speed leaves something to be desired. However, he brings intangibles like leadership and a team-first attitude to the table which will help offset his flaws. His NHL-sized body gives teams more reason to want to draft him if the club is looking to shore up their depth at centre. From a Canuck perspective, Wilson can be likened to a better skilled Ryan Kesler with a little more offensive upside. And for a club which has little depth down the middle, Wilson will be a coveted option for the team at draft day.

DRAFT COUNTDOWN: KYLE BEACH

With the NHL Entry Draft a mere ten days away, it is now time to start profiling some of the names you’re going to hear for the next while. The NHL Draft is both an opportunity for general managers to place building blocks for their team’s future and also a sense of graduation for eighteen year olds who have been dreaming of one day playing in the NHL.

Today, we’re looking at Kyle Beach of the Western Hockey League’s Everett Silvertips. After consensus number one pick Steven Stamkos, Beach may be a darkhorse to crack an NHL team in training camp in September. The Vancouver Canucks, who are selecting at number ten, may possibly look at taking this Kelowna, BC product. And now, the dirt on Beach.

The Skinny: At 6′3” and 203 pounds, Kyle Beach has an NHL body. Unlike many of his other draft counterparts in the first round, Beach plays the style of a true power forward, muscling his way past defenders with his heavy shot. He has also shown a nasty side in his play, willing to drop the gloves with anyone (including ex-Vancouver Giant Milan Lucic). In addition, Beach possesses a wealth of talent which could see him excel in the NHL.

The Statistics: (Courtesy of nhlentrydraft2008.com)

Finished second overall in goals and third overall in points (27-33–60) on the Everett Silvertips in 2007-08.

Was the only player in the WHL in 2007-08 to average a point-per-game while averaging over three penalty minutes per-game (3.7) — the next closest player is Kelowna’s Brandon Leavold, who averaged a point per-game with 2.36 penalty minutes per-game.

They Said It: (Courtesy of nhlentrydraft2008.com)

“Kyle Beach is one of the top forwards in this year’s draft and is probably the most competitive – from the blue line in there is no one that competes like him. He’s feisty, he’s got a reputation for being physical and agitating a little bit, but he definitely ranks in there as a power forward and is the power forward in this year’s draft. He has good scoring skills and a very accurate shot, and from the blue line in, once he gets the puck, he almost owns it.” - Blair MacDonald, NHL Central Scouting

“Kyle is a really unique player, probably the most unique player in the draft this year in the fact that he plays a difficult game and is a difficult player to play against. He’s physical, he’s strong, he has skill, he has every dimension needed to be a power forward in the National Hockey League.” - John Becanic, Everett Silvertips Head Coach

The Knock: Alright, so by now you’ve figured out that Beach is your prototypical NHL power forward. He plays physical, he fights, and he can get downright dirty if needed; and while those are some vital things in the NHL, they can also be his downfall. Fighting and playing a reckless game has resulted in two concussions for Kyle Beach. He is also recovering from a sports hernia injury which saw his play drastically limited in the second half of the season.

The Video:

The Verdict: Kyle Beach is a wonderful player, but the fact remains his concussion problems are a bit of concern. There are whispers that his attitude is lacking, but that can easily be corrected with proper maturity and the right atmosphere. All that being said, Beach is talented, and he has a burning desire to win, a trait that hasn’t been seen in Canuck draft picks since Ryan Kesler was taken in 2003. It is so rare these days to see a homegrown British Columbia product who plays a tenacious and talented game. As a Canuck fan, I am hoping Mike Gillis takes a long and hard look at what Kyle Beach can offer to the club.