Prospect Update: Bozon’s Back (Nov. 17-23)

Tim Bozon rekindled his scoring touch this past week, posting back-to-back three-point games. Meanwhile, Charles Hudon led the Hamilton Bulldogs to a 2-1-0 week with his four points. Martin Reway continued to produce, but his production must be put into context. In the WHL, Brett Lernout recorded his first WHL hat trick, while Nikita Scherbak went down with injury. Mike Condon posted three excellent performances, while Hayden Hawkey continued to rebound nicely after a slow start.

Notable Performances:

Tim Bozon – LW – Kootenay Ice

Drafted 64th overall, 3rd round, 2012

It was a busy week for Bozon’s Kootenay Ice, as they played four games in five nights. Bozon opened the week with an excellent three-point game, recording a goal and two assists. The following game, Bozon posted three points for the second time in as many games. Bozon took a pass from Sam Reinhart and rang a shot off the post and in, opening the scoring. The sniper scored his second goal of the game with a shot from just outside of the crease. Bozon later added an assist. Although Bozon would go pointless the following night, he played a strong game overall and crease numerous chances. Bozon added an assist, giving him 13 points in just 10 games, in the final game of the week.

As to be expected, Bozon is still regaining his timing in certain areas. He’s not as strong along the boards as he previously was last season, yet he’s still producing. Bozon, thanks to a high-end skill level, is finding the back of the night with regularity. As Bozon regains the timing and the confidence, he is only going to improve.

Charles Hudon – LW – Hamilton Bulldogs

Drafted 122nd overall, 5th round, 2012

Hudon has been incredibly successful this season. Just a season ago, Hudon was unable to build upon his previous success and often looked like a worse player. Now, Hudon co-leads the AHL in rookie scoring and is tied for fifth in overall scoring. Hudon went pointless against Utica (Nov. 19), but grabbed a goal with a rocket of a shot the following game against Toronto (Nov. 21). Hudon was one of the best players on the ice that game, creating chances and utilizing his high-end hockey sense. The following game, Hudon exploded for a three-point game. Hudon took a fantastic feed from Jacob de la Rose and one-timed it past the goaltender, giving him six goals on the year. Near the end of a strong shift on the powerplay, Hudon picked up an assist with a quick pass to Mac Bennett. With the end of the game approaching, Hudon added another assist by stealing the puck from the attacker and sending it up the ice.

Hudon just keeps getting better and better at the AHL. An awkward skating stride and lack of size are hindrances, but ultimately his hockey sense and skill level have allowed him to have success. Hudon hasn’t been the shot-generating machine that he was in junior, but he’s still creating chances and still doing an incredible job of slowing the game down.

Martin Reway – LW – HC Sparta Praha

Drafted 116th overall, 4th round, 2013

It’s been a surprisingly season for Reway to say the least, as he’s contributing at a much better pace than expected. Reway opened the week with an assist against HC Kometa Brno (Nov. 18). The following game, Reway grabbed his third career Czech Extraliga goal, by working the give-and-go and firing a nice shot in the slot. The diminutive winger also tallied an assist with solid puck movement. Reway extended his point streak to four games the following night, with a pass to the point on the powerplay.

There is no doubt that Reway has progressed as a player–he’s working harder and playing smarter–but at 5-on-5 Reway has not made any meaningful impact in the Czech Extraliga. In fact, Reway has just one 5-on-5 point (out of 16), and that came just as a powerplay expired. Nearly 30% of his ice time has come on the powerplay, and he’s far and away the leader in PPTOI/GP on HC Sparta Praha. A near-PPG 19-year-old in men’s league is impressive no matter how you slice it, but it’s important to keep in mind that Reway is been heavily sheltered, and at 5-on-5, he has yet to make a contribution.

Brett Lernout – D – Swift Current Broncos

Drafted 73rd overall, 3rd round, 2014

Lernout’s offence dried up in recent weeks after a solid start. Lernout opened the week with an excellent game against Brandon (Nov. 19), laying some punishing hits and making smart plays. The following game, Lernout was quiet, but closed out the week with a tremendous performance versus his former team, the Saskatoon Blades (Nov. 22). Lernout ended a near-month long goal scoring drought with a quick snapper from the point. Shortly after, Lernout scored his second with a powerful snapshot from the point. The following period, Lernout completed his first career WHL hat trick with another hard snapshot from the point. Swift Current, powered by Lernout’s hat trick, won the game 8-7.

At face value, Lernout’s modest point total of 15 points in 26 games might not seem impressive. However, Swift Current under head coach Mark Lamb has never had a point-per-game defenceman (the closest was Julius Honka). Furthermore, last year’s second leading scorer among Swift Current defencemen, Dillon Heatherington, has a meagre 10 points on the season. Lernout has not only taken Heatherington’s place offensively, but defensively, too. The hulking defender regularly faces the best opposition the league has to offer. Considering the fact that Lernout’s snapshot is more powerful than many player’s slapshots, it shouldn’t come as much of a surprise to find him on the scoresheet. Hopefully the hat trick gives him confidence to shoot more, as he certainly has the ability to grab the points at the WHL level.

AHL

Sven Andrighetto – RW – Hamilton Bulldogs

Drafted 86th overall, 3rd round, 2013

-Grabbed an assist versus Utica (Nov. 19) and played an excellent game overall.

-Quieter against Toronto (Nov. 21).

-Excellent game in the second of the home-and-home against Toronto (Nov. 23).

-Scored a beautiful goal, splitting the defence and then sliding the puck past the goaltender.

-Also created numerous chances throughout the game.

GP G A P PIMS This Week (AHL) 3 0 0 0 2 Total (AHL) 57 14 27 41 42 Total (NHL) 12 2 1 4 0

Mac Bennett – D – Hamilton Bulldogs

Drafted 79th overall, 3rd round, 2009

-A merely okay performance against Utica (Nov. 19) led to Bennett being a healthy scratch against Toronto (Nov. 21).

-Returned the lineup against Toronto (Nov. 23), where he scored a goal with an excellent one-timer through traffic.

-Bennett has five points in his last nine games and has adjusted quite well to the AHL.

-However, Bennett must shoot the puck more, as he has just 11 shots in 14 games.

GP G A P PIMS This Week 2 0 0 0 0 Total 56 4 7 11 10

Daniel Carr – LW – Hamilton Bulldogs

Signed as an Undrafted Free Agent (April 21st, 2014)

-As has often been the case Carr had a good week, but was unable to contribute to the scoresheet.

-Carr’s two-way game, mixed with his offensive smarts and quick decision-making have allowed him to continually make an impact on the ice; however, it just hasn’t translated to the scoresheet.

GP G A P PIMS This Week 3 1 0 1 0 Total 73 23 12 35 21

Mike Condon – G – Hamilton Bulldogs

Signed as an Undrafted Free Agent (May 8th, 2013)

-It appears as though Condon has been given the keys to Hamilton’s crease, as he started all three games this past week.

-Condon performed well against Utica (Nov. 19), but lack of defensive coordination caused three goals against.

-Picked up a win against Toronto (Nov. 21) and was absolutely lights out.

-Condon out-duelled Christopher Gibson, making some crucial saves.

-Saved his best for last, with a 25-save performance, allowing just one goal (Nov. 23).

-Was the best ‘Dog on the night and make numerous show stopping saves.

GP W L SV% GAA This Week 3 1 2 0.902 3.71 Total 46 22 24 0.923 2.39

Connor Crisp – LW – Hamilton Bulldogs

Drafted 71st overall, 3rd round, 2013

-Following a solid start to his pro career at the end of last season, Crisp was expected to make an impact some way or another by now.

-Crisp was quiet in the first two games of the week and was scratched in the final.

-Crisp certainly brings more skill to the table than some may realize, but he has yet to acclimated himself to the speed of the AHL.

GP G A P PIMS This Week 2 0 1 1 0 Total 36 1 3 4 102

Jacob de la Rose – C/LW – Hamilton Bulldogs

Drafted 34th overall, 2nd round, 2013

-De la Rose has been solid contributor for the ‘Dogs since day one, just not in terms of scoring.

-Since scoring his first AHL goal earlier in the month, de la Rose has noticeably gained more offensive confidence.

-It didn’t translate to points in the first two games of the week, but it did in the third.

-De la Rose picked up the puck at the blue line, gained the zone, beat a defender, and sent the puck to Charles Hudon, who was wipe open and scored.

-The assist showcased de la Rose’s skill set–his hands, reach, smarts, and vision.

GP G A P PIMS This Week 2 1 1 2 0 Total 37 6 5 11 11

Darren Dietz – D – Hamilton Bulldogs

Drafted 138th overall, 5th round, 2011

-Dietz has been quiet since scoring his first AHL goal on Oct. 31.

-Has been contributing defensively, but it appears that his confidence with the puck has dried up.

-Dietz has lots of offensive tools; however, he has been unable to consistently apply them since turning to pro.

GP G A P PIMS This Week 3 0 0 0 2 Total 68 4 13 17 57

Charles Hudon – LW – Hamilton Bulldogs

Drafted 122nd overall, 5th round, 2012

GP G A P PIMS This Week 3 0 0 0 2 Total 73 17 38 55 64

Jack Nevins – LW – Hamilton Bulldogs

Signed as an Undrafted Free Agent (December 3rd, 2013)

-Returned from a minor injury against Toronto (Nov. 21).

-Took on David Broll is a crazy tilt.

-The following game, Nevins fought Jamie Devane (Nov. 23).

-Nevins has yet to get on the scoresheet, but he has been involved in more chances as of late.

GP G A P PIMS This Week 3 0 0 0 7 Total 26 0 0 0 74

Magnus Nygren – D – Hamilton Bulldogs

Drafted 113th overall, 4th round, 2011

-Nygren had an adventurous game against Utica (Nov. 19), scoring a goal, but making poor defensive decisions.

-Was quiet against Toronto (Nov. 21), unable to get a single shot on net.

-Excellent game against Toronto (Nov. 23), grabbing two assists, both with smart plays the puck puck.

-Since recording just two assists in his first six games, Nygren has been on fire, with six points in seven games.

GP G A P PIMS This Week 3 1 2 3 0 Total 13 3 5 8 0

Greg Pateryn – D – Hamilton Bulldogs

Acquired via trade with Toronto (July 3rd, 2008)

-Has had a slow start, but has picked it up in recent games.

-Apart from two minor penalties, had a solid game against Utica (Nov. 19).

-As per the usual versus the Marlies, Pateryn played an excellent game, contributing in all facets.

-Hammered in the overtime winner with a rocket of a shot from the high slot (Nov. 21).

-Continued to played well against Toronto (Nov. 23), recording an assist.

GP G A P PIMS This Week 3 1 0 1 0 Total 52 3 11 14 56

OHL

Michael McCarron – RW – London Knights

Drafted 25th overall, 1st round, 2013

-Pointless in return; but contributed on three goals and played a decent game overall.

GP G A P PIMS This Week 2 2 1 3 4 Total (Playoffs) 7 4 2 6 15 Regular Season 56 28 40 68 128

QMJHL

Daniel Audette – C – Sherbrooke Phoenix

Drafted 147th overall, 5th round, 2014

-Recorded an assist in only game of the week (Nov. 21).

-Just Audette’s second point last six games.

-Appears as though Audette’s luck/unsustainable shooting percentage has run dry.

GP G A P PIMS This Week 1 0 2 2 0 Total (Playoffs) 6 2 4 6 0 Regular Season 60 29 44 73 64

Zach Fucale – G – Halifax Mooseheads

Drafted 36th overall, 2nd round, 2013

-Recorded a win in both of his starts

-Backstopped Halifax to a massive win over Rimouski (Nov. 22), stopping 23 of 25 shots.

GP W L SV% GAA This Week 4 3 1 0.906 2.71 Total (Playoffs) 7 5 2 0.896 2.85 Regular Season 41 21 19 0.885 3.21

WHL

Tim Bozon – LW – Kootenay Ice

Drafted 64th overall, 3rd round, 2012

GP G A P PIMS This Week 4 3 6 9 6 Playoffs 6 3 6 9 60 Regular Season 57 35 28 63 19

Brett Lernout – D – Swift Current Broncos

Drafted 73rd overall, 3rd round, 2014

GP G A P PIMS This Week (AHL) 3 0 0 0 0 Total (AHL) 3 0 0 0 0 Regular Season (WHL) 72 14 28 42 68 Total (Playoffs) 4 1 0 1 4

Nikita Scherbak – RW – Everett Silvertips

Drafted 26th overall, 1st round, 2014

-Was just okay against Victoria (Nov. 21), recording an assist.

-Recorded an assist against Seattle (Nov. 22), giving him points in 17 of 19 games this year.

-However, left the game on a stretcher following an awkward collision along the boards.

Further Reading:

–Nikita Scherbak update: Major injury adverted – The Herald

GP G A P PIMS This Week 3 2 0 0 2 Total (Playoffs) 8 3 2 5 6 Regular Season 65 27 55 82 60

USHL

Hayden Hawkey – G – Omaha Lancers

Drafted 177th overall, 6th round, 2014

-Played just one game (Nov. 21), allowing just one goal on 22 shots, picking up his fourth win of the season.

-Has allowed one or less goals in four of his last five starts.

GP W L SV% GAA This Week 1 1 0 0.955 1.00 Total 13 4 9 0.895 2.96

Nikolas Koberstein – D – Sioux Falls Stampede

Drafted 125th overall, 5th round, 2014

-Played just one game (Nov. 22), going pointless.

GP G A P PIMS This Week 2 0 0 0 10 Total 61 4 9 13 138

NCAA

Josiah Didier – D – University of Denver Pioneers

Drafted 97th overall, 4th round, 2011

-Pointless in both games this weekend.

GP G A P PIMS This Week 3 0 0 0 5 Total (AHL) 5 0 0 0 5 Total (NCAA) 40 3 8 11 58

Jake Evans – RW/C – University of Notre Dame Fighting Irish

Drafted 207th overall, 7th round, 2014

-Grabbed an assist in a two-game series versus the University of Massachusetts Lowell.

-Has slowed down a bit after an encouraging start, with just two points in last six games.

GP G A P PIMS This Week 3 0 1 1 0 Total 38 7 10 17 20

Mark MacMillan – RW/C – University of North Dakota

Drafted 113th overall, 4th round, 2010



-Made his return to the lineup last weekend, picking up where he left off.

-Grabbed an assist in the first of two games versus St. Cloud State University (Nov. 21).

-Pointless in second game, although he made his return to centre ice.

GP G A P PIMS This Week 2 0 0 0 0 Total 29 16 9 27 27

EUROPE

Artturi Lehkonen – LW – Frolunda HC

Drafted 55th overall, 2nd round, 2013

-Pointless in a trio of games this past week.

-Played quite well against HV 71 (Nov. 20), but was unable to register a point.

GP G A P PIMS This Week (SHL) 3 0 0 0 0 Total (Playoffs) 11 3 2 5 0 Regular Season 47 8 8 16 12 Total (CHL) 12 2 5 7 4 Total (SHL + CHL Combined) 59 10 13 23 16

Martin Reway – LW – HC Sparta Praha

Drafted 116th overall, 4th round, 2013

GP G A P PIMS This Week (CZE) 2 0 0 0 0 Total (Playoffs) 8 1 6 7 20 Regular Season 34 9 28 37 54 Total (CHL) 8 2 6 8 2 Total (CZE + CHL Combined) 42 11 34 45 56

NOT IN ACTION

AHL

Stefan Fournier (injury and timetable are unclear)

Christian Thomas (injury and timetable are unclear — out November 8)

Dalton Thrower (ankle surgery on May 6 – should be good to shortly)

QMJHL

Jeremy Grégoire (wrist surgery – out 6-8 weeks [occurred September 21])

NCAA

Colin Sullivan (scratched)