Here's a quick look at the "Big Three" of the Pittsburgh Penguins collegiate defensive prospects. Each had a strong year as they grow towards wearing the black and gold.
Alex Goligoski - Minnesota Golden Gophers
This year Goligoski earned WCHA Defensive Player of the Year honors in a breakout season that saw the puck-moving defenseman progress in all stages of the game. The second-team All-American earned WCHA Player of the Week honors twice this season. Goligoski finised the year with 42 GP – 9G – 28A and a +24 rating.
Goligoski suffered 2 broken fingers and a severe shoulder injury at the end of the year which was just surgically repaired. No word on whether or not Goligoski will return to Minnesota for his Senior season or will join the Penguins at camp this fall.
Goligoski has earned the image of “offensive defenseman”, however he has come a long way in his own zone and is now effective on both ends of the ice.
Forecast: a strong puck mover who will provide support to the forwards in the offensive zone while being very capable on the back-end as well.
Carl Sneep – Boston College
The 6’3, 210lb right handed shooter played a strong freshman season and got his feet wet for the Eagles playing 38 games in his freshman season and recording 10 points (1+9) on the year.
Sneep played a level-headed game all year and effectively used his size in the defensive zone. Sneep is a good skater for his build and should become more active in puck moving for his second season.
Forecast: a strong defensive presence that can move the puck and use his size.
Brian Strait – Boston University
The true defensive defenseman of the bunch, Strait had a quiet year (3G – 3A) but earned a reputation for a guy that is never out of position on the ice. Strait isn’t flashy but he gets the job done. Two time Hockey East rookie of the week.
Strait earned a good reputation his freshman season and provided clutch ability in the defensive zone.
Forecast: a 4th or 5th guy who is strong positionally and has the ability to throw a devastating open ice hit.
Featured Prospect Story
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
Sunday, March 11, 2007
Letang Earns Defensive Player Of The Month Honors
Penguin prospect Kristopher Letang was honored as the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League’s Defensive Player of the Month for February 2007.
Letang was the driving force behind the Foreurs run of 8 wins in 10 games, as they continue to fight for the top position in the QMJHL whilst maintaining their Telus division lead.
Letang’s play at both ends of the ice was superb, maintaining a +7 on the defensive front, while putting up 14 points in 10 games (3+11).
Letang’s stats included 2 game winning goals and 1 shorthanded tally.
Letang, scrutinized for his defensive game to start the year, has improved in his own end tremendously while also being able to maintain his offensive prowess.
This recent accolade has now given Letang Offensive and Defensive player of the Month awards for the 2006/2007 season, including a gold medal for the Captain of Team Canada in the WJC.
Val d’Or is poised to make a run at the Presidents Cup and Faceoff Factor will keep you updated on the status of Kristopher Letang throughout the playoffs.
Letang’s 2006/2007 Statistics: 37GP – 14G – 38A – 52PTS – 68PIM - +20 – 161SOG
Letang was the driving force behind the Foreurs run of 8 wins in 10 games, as they continue to fight for the top position in the QMJHL whilst maintaining their Telus division lead.
Letang’s play at both ends of the ice was superb, maintaining a +7 on the defensive front, while putting up 14 points in 10 games (3+11).
Letang’s stats included 2 game winning goals and 1 shorthanded tally.
Letang, scrutinized for his defensive game to start the year, has improved in his own end tremendously while also being able to maintain his offensive prowess.
This recent accolade has now given Letang Offensive and Defensive player of the Month awards for the 2006/2007 season, including a gold medal for the Captain of Team Canada in the WJC.
Val d’Or is poised to make a run at the Presidents Cup and Faceoff Factor will keep you updated on the status of Kristopher Letang throughout the playoffs.
Letang’s 2006/2007 Statistics: 37GP – 14G – 38A – 52PTS – 68PIM - +20 – 161SOG
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
Pittsburgh NCAA Prospects, Part 1
The Pittsburgh Penguins have one of the most impressive prospect retinues on the NHL market, and they’re finding some surprise performances in the NCAA are making that possible. With just over a dozen players being groomed at the collegiate level, part of the Penguins future is going to depend on these young skaters and their development; here’s a look at some of the youngsters to keep an eye on in the first half of this two-part Faceoff Factor special.
Tim Crowder, Victoria, B.C. – RW – Michigan State University
6’2 – 180lbs – Shoots R – Drafted in Round 5 of 2005 Entry Draft (#126)
Crowder is developing into a strong and smart sophomore Right Wing for the Spartans. After getting a taste for junior hockey in the BCHL, where he put up consecutive 50+ point seasons, Crowder is enjoying success on a much larger stage. Playing alongside Detroit Red Wings prospect Justin Abdelkader, Crowder is becoming the definition of consistent. His freshman year was no disappointment, he registered 40 points (17+13) in 44 games. Crowder is plugging along nicely; so far he’s notched 17 points (10+7) in 29 games. Crowder may be getting out-scored by his linemates, but by all accounts he’s fitting his role and taking the shots to be a true role-player on his line. The jury on Crowder is still out; we’ll look to see where his strength and size takes him as he continues to grow and develop. One thing is for certain, he has the scoring background and has been tallying big goals for the MSU club. Michigan State is currently 4th in the CCHA and has a chance for some post-season success, Crowder’s performance could play a large factor in that.
Current 2006/07 Statistics: 29GP – 10G – 7A – 17PTS – 64Shots
Chad Johnson, Calgary, ALTA – G – U. of Alaska Fairbanks
6’2 – 175lbs – Shoots L – Drafted in Round 5 of 2006 Entry Draft (#125)
Johnson is splitting time equally with Wylie Rogers for a struggling Nanooks club. Johnson had a solid freshman season where he was eased into playing time, and he’s building on that success this year. Johnson has been praised for his confidence and self-analysis. Always looking to improve, Johnson is on the road to success with a strong work ethic and attitude. He’s dropped several pounds this year, but his size in the net has not changed and he’s agility is improving. He’s drawn heavy praise from the Nanook coaching staff, including this assessment from Coach MacMillain: “‘when you come down on him, he knows exactly what you're doing. He waits you out and he makes you make the first move continually.”
Current 2006/07 Statistics: 16GP – 5W – 5L – 2T – 41GA – 2.88GAA - .892S% - 1SO
Brian Gifford, Moorehead, MN – C – University of Denver
6’2 – 187lbs – Shoots L – Drafted in Round 3 of 2004 Entry Draft (#85)
Gifford is a 21-year-old freshman at Denver, his previous two years of semi-pro experience include a two year stint for the Indiana Ice of the USHL. Gifford has settled into a defensive-forward role for the Pioneers, who currently hold a #7 ranking (20-11-3, 12-9-3 in WCHA). Gifford has always had a strong two-way game, but his experience with the USHL has given him a physical advantage in the NCAA. The knock on Gifford early was a lack of size in weight, but he’s added almost 20 pounds since his departure from the USHL a year ago. Gifford can be an agitator and does much of the Denver dirty work. Gifford is third on the Pioneers in PIM with 49 and has seen power play time on the second unit. He has 2 game winning goals this year. Gifford’s upside is a third line checking center, but it’s a job he’s learning to do well and the Penguins could benefit from his defensive prowess down the road.
Current 2006/07 Statistics: 34GP – 3G – 9A – 12P - +1 – 49PIM
Bobby Goepfert, Kings Park, NY – G – St. Cloud State
5’10 – 170 Pounds – Shoots L – Drafted in Round 6 of 2002 NHL Entry Draft (#171)
Goepfert was a crapshoot pick in the 6th round, but it’s looking as if that gamble paid off for the Penguins. Goepfert, amid controversy and a long NCAA haul, is poised to take the starting goaltenders position for the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Baby Penguins next year. The prestigious MVP of the Huskies is the backbone of the team. Goepfert was released from his original college in Providence and was out of hockey altogether for a year, but now at St. Cloud, Goepfert is doing well on the ice and in the books. Coming from a strong USHL background, Goepfert is short for a goalie of his calibre, but makes up for what he lacks in height with pure speed and positioning skill. Forwards have remarked that he’s the best goalie they’ve ever encountered in the NCAA. His coach has begun to refer to him as “unbeatable” and he is leading St. Cloud State in the right direction alongside Flyers prospect Andreas Nodl. Goepfert may never make a run at Marc-Andre Fleury for the starting job in Pittsburgh, but he could provide services as a formidable backup.
Current 2006/07 Statistics: 25GP – 54GA – 2.12GAA - .929S% - 13W – 6L – 6T – 3SO
Stay tuned for Part 2 of this segment, where we look at Alex Goligoski, Carl Sneep, and many more!
Tim Crowder, Victoria, B.C. – RW – Michigan State University
6’2 – 180lbs – Shoots R – Drafted in Round 5 of 2005 Entry Draft (#126)
Crowder is developing into a strong and smart sophomore Right Wing for the Spartans. After getting a taste for junior hockey in the BCHL, where he put up consecutive 50+ point seasons, Crowder is enjoying success on a much larger stage. Playing alongside Detroit Red Wings prospect Justin Abdelkader, Crowder is becoming the definition of consistent. His freshman year was no disappointment, he registered 40 points (17+13) in 44 games. Crowder is plugging along nicely; so far he’s notched 17 points (10+7) in 29 games. Crowder may be getting out-scored by his linemates, but by all accounts he’s fitting his role and taking the shots to be a true role-player on his line. The jury on Crowder is still out; we’ll look to see where his strength and size takes him as he continues to grow and develop. One thing is for certain, he has the scoring background and has been tallying big goals for the MSU club. Michigan State is currently 4th in the CCHA and has a chance for some post-season success, Crowder’s performance could play a large factor in that.
Current 2006/07 Statistics: 29GP – 10G – 7A – 17PTS – 64Shots
Chad Johnson, Calgary, ALTA – G – U. of Alaska Fairbanks
6’2 – 175lbs – Shoots L – Drafted in Round 5 of 2006 Entry Draft (#125)
Johnson is splitting time equally with Wylie Rogers for a struggling Nanooks club. Johnson had a solid freshman season where he was eased into playing time, and he’s building on that success this year. Johnson has been praised for his confidence and self-analysis. Always looking to improve, Johnson is on the road to success with a strong work ethic and attitude. He’s dropped several pounds this year, but his size in the net has not changed and he’s agility is improving. He’s drawn heavy praise from the Nanook coaching staff, including this assessment from Coach MacMillain: “‘when you come down on him, he knows exactly what you're doing. He waits you out and he makes you make the first move continually.”
Current 2006/07 Statistics: 16GP – 5W – 5L – 2T – 41GA – 2.88GAA - .892S% - 1SO
Brian Gifford, Moorehead, MN – C – University of Denver
6’2 – 187lbs – Shoots L – Drafted in Round 3 of 2004 Entry Draft (#85)
Gifford is a 21-year-old freshman at Denver, his previous two years of semi-pro experience include a two year stint for the Indiana Ice of the USHL. Gifford has settled into a defensive-forward role for the Pioneers, who currently hold a #7 ranking (20-11-3, 12-9-3 in WCHA). Gifford has always had a strong two-way game, but his experience with the USHL has given him a physical advantage in the NCAA. The knock on Gifford early was a lack of size in weight, but he’s added almost 20 pounds since his departure from the USHL a year ago. Gifford can be an agitator and does much of the Denver dirty work. Gifford is third on the Pioneers in PIM with 49 and has seen power play time on the second unit. He has 2 game winning goals this year. Gifford’s upside is a third line checking center, but it’s a job he’s learning to do well and the Penguins could benefit from his defensive prowess down the road.
Current 2006/07 Statistics: 34GP – 3G – 9A – 12P - +1 – 49PIM
Bobby Goepfert, Kings Park, NY – G – St. Cloud State
5’10 – 170 Pounds – Shoots L – Drafted in Round 6 of 2002 NHL Entry Draft (#171)
Goepfert was a crapshoot pick in the 6th round, but it’s looking as if that gamble paid off for the Penguins. Goepfert, amid controversy and a long NCAA haul, is poised to take the starting goaltenders position for the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Baby Penguins next year. The prestigious MVP of the Huskies is the backbone of the team. Goepfert was released from his original college in Providence and was out of hockey altogether for a year, but now at St. Cloud, Goepfert is doing well on the ice and in the books. Coming from a strong USHL background, Goepfert is short for a goalie of his calibre, but makes up for what he lacks in height with pure speed and positioning skill. Forwards have remarked that he’s the best goalie they’ve ever encountered in the NCAA. His coach has begun to refer to him as “unbeatable” and he is leading St. Cloud State in the right direction alongside Flyers prospect Andreas Nodl. Goepfert may never make a run at Marc-Andre Fleury for the starting job in Pittsburgh, but he could provide services as a formidable backup.
Current 2006/07 Statistics: 25GP – 54GA – 2.12GAA - .929S% - 13W – 6L – 6T – 3SO
Stay tuned for Part 2 of this segment, where we look at Alex Goligoski, Carl Sneep, and many more!
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
Baby Penguins Update
Amidst the Pittsburgh Penguins surprising surge to the top of the Eastern Conference standings, the team’s AHL affiliate in many cases has been put on the back burner, despite yet again having an impressive season.
Fans and rumor-mongers are looking to deal Wilkes-Barre/Scranton players with hopes of bolstering
This is a drastic change from years past when fans hardly could wait for some of the “Baby” Penguins to reach the NHL. Now, some of the team’s best players are overlooked, as if they won’t be needed in the future.
So, unlike others, I would like to take a look at the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins for those who may have forgotten about the team.
Team Info:
Record: 32-13-5, 69 points in 50 games. (5-5-0 in past 10 games)
Standings: 3rd in the East Division, 4th in the Eastern Conference, 5th in the AHL.
Offense/Defense: 183 goals for, 146 goals against.
Special Teams: PP 21.9% (ranked 2); PK 84.9% (ranked 9)
Team Stats Leaders:
Points: Filewich, 41; Brodziak, 38; Kennedy, 35
Goals: Filewich, 21; Carcillo, 19; Brodziak, 17
Assists: Kennedy, 23; Schremp, 22; Brodziak, 21
Plus/Minus: Kennedy, +14; Filewich, +12; Welch, +9
Penalty Minutes: Skolney, 172; Carcillo, 168; Bonvie, 107
Wins: Penner, 16; Deslauriers, 14; Dubnyk, 2
Goals Against Average: Deslauriers, 2.43; Dubnyk, 2.94; Penner, 3.06
Save Percentage: Deslauriers, .912; Penner, .884; Dubnyk, .855
Shutouts: Penner, 3; Deslauriers, 2; Dubnyk, 0
Penguins Ranked In AHL Top 50:
Points: Filewich, ranked 38; Brodziak, ranked 49
Goals: Filewich, ranked 23; Carcillo, ranked 35, Brodziak, ranked 47
Assists: (none) -- Kennedy, ranked 51
Plus/Minus: Kennedy, ranked 30; Filewich, ranked 43
Penalty Minutes: Skolney, ranked 1; Carcillo, ranked 3; Bonvie, ranked 32; Carkner, ranked 46 (99 PIM)
Wins: Penner, ranked 10; Deslauriers, ranked 16
Goals Against Average: Deslauriers, ranked 8; Penner, ranked 29
Save Percentage: Deslauriers, ranked 14; Penner, ranked 41
Shutouts: Penner, ranked 4; Deslauriers, ranked 12
Planet
Sunday, February 11, 2007
On the lookout for Letang...
A longshot to even make the team out of camp, Kristopher Letang's brief stint in the National Hockey League was encouraging. In an early game against the New York Rangers, Letang wowed the crowd with a shot he'd made hundreds of times before. On the power play, from the high slot, Letang drove a wicked wrister top-shelf over the glove hand of goalkeeper Henrik Lundqvist.
Penguin fans might want to store that goal from last fall in their memory banks, there's plenty more where that came from.
Since then, Pens fans have enjoyed the success of the parent team, and Kristopher Letang's fall performance is now stored far back in the recesses of a season heading toward a possible playoff birth.
Meanwhile, in Quebec, Kristopher Letang is leading another team to the playoffs: The Val d'Or Foreurs.
Letang returned to the Quebec Major Junior's after his demotion and picked up right where he left off the previous year. He immediately set a blistering pace in scoring, registering a hat-trick and offensive player of the week honors. But Letang would begin to focus on what has been said to be his biggest ailment: defense.
Letang began to silence his defensive critics upon his appearance in Sweden as the Captain of the World Junior Canadian team that captured gold.
Letang veered away from goal-scoring and left that job up to the likes of Jonathan Toews & Co. His defensive ability shined through. His quickness with his stick, supurb vision and his agile skating skills were on display as Kris performed a defensive gem for team Canada. Letang lead the team defensively with a +4 rating and 6 assists in as many games.
What is more staggering is a number that has this writer's eyes wide open. Letang lead the team with 22 shots on goal, as a defenseman. That's almost a modest feat in retrospect, considering he's reached 10 SOG per game several times since his return from the WJC.
Letang's willingness to throw the puck at the net is a viable asset to a Pittsburgh team that is in desperate need of a right-handed defenseman for the point. Ryan Whitney has done a nice job as a left-hander sneaking in backdoor, but he has flubbed several chances by trying to make that hard play of steering the puck into the net on his off-wing. For Letang, that's bread and butter, and a play he's making his name off of all over the world.
Back in Quebec, the playoffs are approaching and Letang is the head of a Foreurs team that is just as offensively loaded as his parent club back in the Steel City. Letang finds himself with 42 points (10+32) in 27 games , with an astonishing +21 rating. And it's safe to say if he hadn't spent time in Pittsburgh and Sweden, he'd be dominating the league (the league leading defenseman, Marin Frechette, has 61 points in over 50 games). Add 114 total shots to his 27 games played, and you see what Kris Letang brings to the table.
Letang has also bulked up, adding an inch to his frame and several pounds. The offical Foruers website now has him listed at 6'0 - 205. A stat that is likely to grow larger as he matures.
If his 7 NHL games are any indicator, Penguins fans will enjoy a long reign of Letang wreaking havoc on the Pittsburgh PP.
Just ask Henrik Lundqvist.
Penguin fans might want to store that goal from last fall in their memory banks, there's plenty more where that came from.
Since then, Pens fans have enjoyed the success of the parent team, and Kristopher Letang's fall performance is now stored far back in the recesses of a season heading toward a possible playoff birth.
Meanwhile, in Quebec, Kristopher Letang is leading another team to the playoffs: The Val d'Or Foreurs.
Letang returned to the Quebec Major Junior's after his demotion and picked up right where he left off the previous year. He immediately set a blistering pace in scoring, registering a hat-trick and offensive player of the week honors. But Letang would begin to focus on what has been said to be his biggest ailment: defense.
Letang began to silence his defensive critics upon his appearance in Sweden as the Captain of the World Junior Canadian team that captured gold.
Letang veered away from goal-scoring and left that job up to the likes of Jonathan Toews & Co. His defensive ability shined through. His quickness with his stick, supurb vision and his agile skating skills were on display as Kris performed a defensive gem for team Canada. Letang lead the team defensively with a +4 rating and 6 assists in as many games.
What is more staggering is a number that has this writer's eyes wide open. Letang lead the team with 22 shots on goal, as a defenseman. That's almost a modest feat in retrospect, considering he's reached 10 SOG per game several times since his return from the WJC.
Letang's willingness to throw the puck at the net is a viable asset to a Pittsburgh team that is in desperate need of a right-handed defenseman for the point. Ryan Whitney has done a nice job as a left-hander sneaking in backdoor, but he has flubbed several chances by trying to make that hard play of steering the puck into the net on his off-wing. For Letang, that's bread and butter, and a play he's making his name off of all over the world.
Back in Quebec, the playoffs are approaching and Letang is the head of a Foreurs team that is just as offensively loaded as his parent club back in the Steel City. Letang finds himself with 42 points (10+32) in 27 games , with an astonishing +21 rating. And it's safe to say if he hadn't spent time in Pittsburgh and Sweden, he'd be dominating the league (the league leading defenseman, Marin Frechette, has 61 points in over 50 games). Add 114 total shots to his 27 games played, and you see what Kris Letang brings to the table.
Letang has also bulked up, adding an inch to his frame and several pounds. The offical Foruers website now has him listed at 6'0 - 205. A stat that is likely to grow larger as he matures.
If his 7 NHL games are any indicator, Penguins fans will enjoy a long reign of Letang wreaking havoc on the Pittsburgh PP.
Just ask Henrik Lundqvist.
Tuesday, February 6, 2007
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