ISS Hockey 2017 Preliminary Draft Rankings (21 - 30)
Apr 7, 2016 19:34:48 GMT -5
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Post by brentdog on Apr 7, 2016 19:34:48 GMT -5
21. Jordy Bellerive (C) – Lethbridge Hurricanes - WHL
Drafted 2nd overall in the WHL 2014 bantam draft by the Lethbridge Hurricanes, Bellerive is already at more than a point per game this season with 14 goals and 15 assists in 23 appearances. Skilled player who doesn't shy away from the rough-going despite being undersized. Has a real nose for the net and always seems to get open into scoring positions.
22. Luke Martin (RD) - NTDP - USHL
At 6'2” and 206 lbs, St.Louis-born Martin is a tall, strong, mobile defender who plays with a real physical edge. Considered extremely difficult to beat one-on-one; always seems to know where to position himself on the ice. Collapses well and is not afraid to block a shot. Something of a monster in front of the net, moving bodies and picking up sticks to get them away from the crease. 16 points in 15 games show he is no slouch with the puck either.
23. Ostap Safin (LW) – Owen Sound Attack – OHL
An offensive forward with very good size, Safin is a scoring threat whenever he is on the ice. Produced 86 points in 38 games in the Czech juniors and has continued his pace in the OHL with 17 goals and 11 assists in 18 games. Adept at finding space and provides a real physical presence at the crease; always ready to battle to try and tip a shot. Strong on his skates with good foot speed and surprising agility for his 6'4” frame.
24. Sasha Chmelevksi (C) – Sarnia Sting - OHL
A US / Ukrainian dual citizen, Chmelevksi is a talented forward with the skill set to bring people out of their seats. Has 11 points in 20 games for Sarnia so far this season. Sees the ice extremely well and is very unselfish with the puck. Has the skill, skating, and hockey sense to be a top forward in the iNHL.
25. Erik Brännström (LD) - HV71 - SHL
Already playing in the SHL as a 17 year old and has 4 points in 7 games. Smooth-skating offensive defenceman who likes to step up and join the rush. A very 'heads up' player and makes good decisions when passing the puck; sees the open lane extremely well. Not overly physical and relies on positioning to contain his opponent. Will need to bulk up for the iNHL but has significant upside as a puck-moving defender.
26. Stelio Mattheos (C) – Brandon Wheat Kings - WHL
1st overall pick in the 2014 WHL bantam draft, Mattheos has drifted below Bellerive and others due to putting up only 13 points in 22 games on a line with consensus #1 Nolan Patrick. Smart two-way forward who is responsible on the defensive end. Good skater all around who handles the puck nicely in tight areas. Always seems to be around the play, supporting team-mates and engaging in battles for loose pucks.
27. Austin Pratt (C) – Red Deer Rebels - WHL
With 19 points in 20 games for Red Deer, Pratt is a big power-forward who loves to drive to the crease and put the puck on net. Can appear flat-out dominant at times against smaller players; very strong on his skates and difficult to knock off the puck when he gets into his stride. Good on the face-off draw and competes on all areas of the ice.
28. Jake Oettinger (G) – Boston University Terriers - NCAA
An iNHL-sized goalie at 6'4”, Oettinger has strong reflexes and impressive composure and focus levels. Uses his large frame to cover the net and challenges the shooter to beat him. His movement isn’t forced and he controls his rebounds extremely well. Said to have a determined character and mental toughness that allows him to shrug off unforced errors.
29. Urho Vaakanainen (RD) – Chicoutimi Saguenéens - QMJHL
Drafted #1 overall in the CHL import draft, Vaakanainen is a prospect who has been on the radar for many years. Has good puck skills and works well at the point with a fierce shot; does a pretty good job on getting pucks to the net, even from bad angles. Has 15 points in 25 OMJHL games to date. Decision making can be questionable at times but his potential remains high.
30. Nolan Kneen (RD) – Kamloops Blazers - WHL
The third overall pick in the 2014 Bantam Draft, Kneen might be just 6’0″ but he loves to play physical and dish out punishing hits at the back end. Attackers must keep their heads up if coming down his side of the ice as he is always looking to make an impact. Kneen is a very good puck-handler who can join or lead the rush and create offense from the back end as shown by 14 points in 22 games for the Blazers.
Drafted 2nd overall in the WHL 2014 bantam draft by the Lethbridge Hurricanes, Bellerive is already at more than a point per game this season with 14 goals and 15 assists in 23 appearances. Skilled player who doesn't shy away from the rough-going despite being undersized. Has a real nose for the net and always seems to get open into scoring positions.
22. Luke Martin (RD) - NTDP - USHL
At 6'2” and 206 lbs, St.Louis-born Martin is a tall, strong, mobile defender who plays with a real physical edge. Considered extremely difficult to beat one-on-one; always seems to know where to position himself on the ice. Collapses well and is not afraid to block a shot. Something of a monster in front of the net, moving bodies and picking up sticks to get them away from the crease. 16 points in 15 games show he is no slouch with the puck either.
23. Ostap Safin (LW) – Owen Sound Attack – OHL
An offensive forward with very good size, Safin is a scoring threat whenever he is on the ice. Produced 86 points in 38 games in the Czech juniors and has continued his pace in the OHL with 17 goals and 11 assists in 18 games. Adept at finding space and provides a real physical presence at the crease; always ready to battle to try and tip a shot. Strong on his skates with good foot speed and surprising agility for his 6'4” frame.
24. Sasha Chmelevksi (C) – Sarnia Sting - OHL
A US / Ukrainian dual citizen, Chmelevksi is a talented forward with the skill set to bring people out of their seats. Has 11 points in 20 games for Sarnia so far this season. Sees the ice extremely well and is very unselfish with the puck. Has the skill, skating, and hockey sense to be a top forward in the iNHL.
25. Erik Brännström (LD) - HV71 - SHL
Already playing in the SHL as a 17 year old and has 4 points in 7 games. Smooth-skating offensive defenceman who likes to step up and join the rush. A very 'heads up' player and makes good decisions when passing the puck; sees the open lane extremely well. Not overly physical and relies on positioning to contain his opponent. Will need to bulk up for the iNHL but has significant upside as a puck-moving defender.
26. Stelio Mattheos (C) – Brandon Wheat Kings - WHL
1st overall pick in the 2014 WHL bantam draft, Mattheos has drifted below Bellerive and others due to putting up only 13 points in 22 games on a line with consensus #1 Nolan Patrick. Smart two-way forward who is responsible on the defensive end. Good skater all around who handles the puck nicely in tight areas. Always seems to be around the play, supporting team-mates and engaging in battles for loose pucks.
27. Austin Pratt (C) – Red Deer Rebels - WHL
With 19 points in 20 games for Red Deer, Pratt is a big power-forward who loves to drive to the crease and put the puck on net. Can appear flat-out dominant at times against smaller players; very strong on his skates and difficult to knock off the puck when he gets into his stride. Good on the face-off draw and competes on all areas of the ice.
28. Jake Oettinger (G) – Boston University Terriers - NCAA
An iNHL-sized goalie at 6'4”, Oettinger has strong reflexes and impressive composure and focus levels. Uses his large frame to cover the net and challenges the shooter to beat him. His movement isn’t forced and he controls his rebounds extremely well. Said to have a determined character and mental toughness that allows him to shrug off unforced errors.
29. Urho Vaakanainen (RD) – Chicoutimi Saguenéens - QMJHL
Drafted #1 overall in the CHL import draft, Vaakanainen is a prospect who has been on the radar for many years. Has good puck skills and works well at the point with a fierce shot; does a pretty good job on getting pucks to the net, even from bad angles. Has 15 points in 25 OMJHL games to date. Decision making can be questionable at times but his potential remains high.
30. Nolan Kneen (RD) – Kamloops Blazers - WHL
The third overall pick in the 2014 Bantam Draft, Kneen might be just 6’0″ but he loves to play physical and dish out punishing hits at the back end. Attackers must keep their heads up if coming down his side of the ice as he is always looking to make an impact. Kneen is a very good puck-handler who can join or lead the rush and create offense from the back end as shown by 14 points in 22 games for the Blazers.