Prospect Update: de la Rose Shines (Dec. 22-28)

For the first time this year, Jacob de la Rose is the top performer, exploding for four points in two games at the World Junior Championship. Nikita Scherbak continued to light the lamp, while Jake Evans was the orchestrator of an amazing comeback. Zach Fucale and Martin Reway are both off to good starts at the WJC, while Jeremy Gregoire finally made his season debut.

Notable Performances:

Jacob de la Rose – C/LW – Hamilton Bulldogs

Drafted 34th overall, 2nd round, 2013

It has been a nondescript season for Jacob de la Rose thus far, posting just five points with the Hamilton Bulldogs. However, after last year’s strong performance at the World Juniors, expectations were high for the Swedish captain. In the first week of play, de la Rose did not disappoint. The big-bodied two-way forward grabbed his first goal of the tournament in his first game, roofing a backhand on a two-on-one. The following game, de la Rose was named Sweden’s player of the game for his excellent three-point performance. De la Rose grabbed the first of three points by driving down the wing and reaching around the defender and sending a pass, linking up with William Nylander for a beautiful goal. De la Rose netted his second of two goals on the week, by kicking the puck to his skate and then ripping a wrist shot past the goaltender. Later in the period, the captain added his second assist with good puck movement on the powerplay.

De la Rose clearly has plenty of confidence at this level. His success against men in the SHL and at the tournament in previous years have really made him a threat. Additionally, de la Rose has rarely lost a puck battle, and looks like a man amongst boys while engaging. The two-way forward is showcasing composure and confidence that has been absent with the ‘Dogs. Hopefully, this gives him the confidence to carry the puck and shoot more often when he returns.

Nikita Scherbak – RW – Everett Silvertips

Drafted 26th overall, 1st round, 2014

With the World Junior snub behind him, Scherbak returned to the ‘Tips and continued to lead the way offensively. He had a bit of a quiet game overall versus Vancouver, but still managed to find the twine. Just ten seconds into a powerplay during overtime, Scherbak unloaded a hard wrister, which beat the goaltender. In spectacular fashion, he slid on one knee down the length of ice, celebrating the victory. Scherbak put in a much more complete effort the following game, creating numerous chances and implicating himself in the play. He added his second and final goal of the week by finishing off a nice passing play into the wide open net.

Not much more needs to be said about Scherbak, who has cemented himself under the “Notable Performances” category. Scherbak continues to play strong hockey, showcasing his full and vast range of tools. However, Scherbak tends to overpass the puck, committing unnecessary turnovers which kill the play. Scherbak, who is celebrating his 19th birthday today, will be eligible to join the ‘Dogs full time next season.

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

Drafted 207th overall, 7th round, 2014

In the first game of the Florida College Hockey Classic, Notre Dame found themselves down 2-0 in the third period. Freshman forward Jake Evans set up Jordan Cross, cutting the lead to one with 6:43 to go. With just 23 seconds remaining, Evans banked a shot off the goaltender, which tricked over the goal line, tying the game. In overtime, Evans grabbed a loose puck, circled the net and fired a shot. The initial attempt was stopped, but Evans’ second found twine, completing the comeback. Unfortunately, Evans and Notre Dame would lose the following game to Lake Superior State University.

Evans has quietly posted a solid freshman campaign for Notre Dame. Evans has amassed 12 points in 20 games, not earth-shattering, but quality numbers for a freshman forward in a good program like Notre Dame. Furthermore, those 12 points are good enough to tie him for fifth in team scoring, just five points back of the team lead.

WJC

Jacob de la Rose – C/LW – Hamilton Bulldogs

Drafted 34th overall, 2nd round, 2013

GP G A P PIMS This Week (WJC) 4 0 0 0 2 Total (WJC) 6 2 2 4 2 Total (AHL) 27 3 2 5 9

Zach Fucale – G – Halifax Mooseheads

Drafted 36th overall, 2nd round, 2013

-Started Team Canada’s tournament opener versus Slovakia, stopping all 12 shots he faced.

-Backed up Eric Comrie the following game, which saw Comrie also record a shutout.

GP W L SV% GAA This Week (WJC) 3 3 0 0.965 0.667 Total (WJC) 4 4 0 0.971 0.50 Total (QMJHL) 24 13 11 0.890 3.20

Artturi Lehkonen – LW – Frolunda HC

Drafted 55th overall, 2nd round, 2013

-Opened the tournament against Team USA (Dec. 26), which was a dominant effort by the States.

-Lehkonen shined as his team’s forward, making solid defensive plays seemingly every shift.

-Had a quiet game against Team Slovakia (Dec. 27).

GP G A P PIMS This Week (WJC) 3 1 0 1 4 Total (WJC) 5 1 0 1 6 Total (SHL) 30 4 7 11 6

Martin Reway – LW – HC Sparta Praha

Drafted 116th overall, 4th round, 2013

-Faced Fucale’s Team Canada to begin the tournament, posting a horrific performance.

-Apart from two chances, Reway created no offence and committed unforced turnover after unforced turnover.

-Had a strong game in Slovakia’s 2-1 upset over Finland (Dec. 27), recording two assists.

-The first assist was an excellent slap pass to Peter Cehlarik, who deflected it past the goaltender.

-The second was a pass to the point following an excellent zone entry by Reway, demonstrating his quick hands and shiftiness.

GP G A P PIMS This Week (WJC) 4 4 0 0 2 Total (WJC) 6 4 2 6 2 Total (CZE) 23 5 16 21 38

AHL

Mac Bennett – D – Hamilton Bulldogs

Drafted 79th overall, 3rd round, 2009

-Like the majority of ‘Dogs this week, Bennett did not have a good week.

-Racked up four shots in just two games, but certainly wasn’t particularly effective offensively.

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)

-Quiet and overall ineffective.

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)

-Started against Toronto (Dec. 26), allowing three goals in the first 14:21.

-Allowed just one goal over the remainder of the game.

-Picked up his ninth loss of the season.

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

Darren Dietz – D – Hamilton Bulldogs

Drafted 138th overall, 5th round, 2011

-Struggled this week, posting two very mediocre performances.

-Racked up 17 PIMS against Adirondack (Dec. 27) for instigating.

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

-Poor week, going pointless and recording just a lone shot on goal.

-Hudon has cooled off, going pointless for four straight games, firing just three shots on goal in that span.

-A huge part of Hudon’s game is his ability to get pucks on net, and he has to start doing that again to regain success.

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)

-Nondescript week.

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

Greg Pateryn – D – Hamilton Bulldogs

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

-The most consistent blue liner on the team over the two blowout losses.

-Wasn’t good, but wasn’t particularly awful either.

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

Jarred Tinordi – D – Hamilton Bulldogs

Drafted 22nd overall, 1st round, 2010

-Struggled against Toronto (Dec. 26), but had an okay game against Adirondack (Dec. 27).

-Dropped the gloves with Trevor Gillies and destroyed Michael Ferland with an open ice hit.

GP G A P PIMS This Week 3 0 0 0 0 Total (AHL) 41 1 6 7 34 Total (NHL) 13 0 2 2 19

Christian Thomas – LW/RW – Hamilton Bulldogs

Acquired via trade with NY Rangers (July 2nd, 2013)

-Was the ‘Dogs best forward over two games, racking up seven shots, but going pointless.

GP G A P PIMS This Week (AHL) 3 0 1 1 2 Total (AHL) 49 10 10 20 18 Total (NHL) 18 1 0 1 7

OHL

Michael McCarron – RW – London Knights

Drafted 25th overall, 1st round, 2013

-Returned to action against Windsor (Dec. 28), posting an excellent performance.

-At the tail end of a powerplay, McCarron walked into the offensive zone and roofed the puck short side over the goaltender.

-Also added a shootout goal, demonstrating quick hands and a good shot.

-McCarron tied his career-high in points of 34 last year in 42 fewer games.

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

-Pointless against Blainville-Boisbriand (Dec. 28).

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

Jeremy Grégoire – RW – Baie-Comeau Drakkar

Drafted 176th overall, 6th round, 2013

-Returned to action after missing the first half of the season.

-Went pointless against Quebec (Dec. 28).

GP G A P PIMS This Week 2 4 3 7 2 Total (Playoffs) 7 7 8 15 10 Regular Season 32 20 21 41 59

WHL

Tim Bozon – LW – Kootenay Ice

Drafted 64th overall, 3rd round, 2012

-Kootenay took on Calgary in a home-and-home (Dec. 27 & 28).

-Bozon had a solid game in the first of the two, recording a pair of assists.

-Also added another assist the following game.

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

-Swift Current took on Regina in a home-and-home (Dec. 27 & 28).

-Lernout went pointless in both.

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

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

Nikolas Koberstein – D – Sioux Falls Stampede

Drafted 125th overall, 5th round, 2014

-Pointless in both games.

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

NCAA

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

Drafted 207th overall, 7th round, 2014

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

NOT IN ACTION

AHL

Stefan Fournier (injury and timetable are unclear)

USHL

Hayden Hawkey (torn ACL/MCL – out for the remainder of the season [occurred November 29])

NCAA

Josiah Didier (no games scheduled – Next game: @ Dartmouth [Jan. 2])

Mark MacMillan (no games scheduled -Next game: vs USNDTP U18 [Jan. 3])

Colin Sullivan (scratched)