Discussions

Just got back from checking out the annual black and gold game. Both sides put on a pretty good show that took a shootout to decide... team White winning 6-5.  
 
A few random thoughts on some of the players that stood out or players I was watching.  
 
Aaron Lewadniuk is a lot more of a player than I'd expected. Very smart, an excellent passer with some creative moves. Even has some bite to him... when McCue was pushing him after the whistle in front of the net, he gave him an even harder push back. Could be a rare 60-70 point rookie (yes we were spoiled last year with the 3 we had :) ). The big question mark will be how well he'll adjust to the less time and space he'll have when the games matter, but so far so good.  
 
Like Rico mentioned in posts about camp scrimmages, Jordan Depape is ready to play with the big boys. Physically mature, hits very wel and already ready to chip in with a bit of offense. May not be many scoring spots open, but deserves a regular spot in the lineup if today was any indication.  
 
I really liked Jason Swyripa. For a 15 year old (inelligible to play this year) player, he's got some real offense and quickness to hsi game that should serve him well in the future.  
 
As a 15 year old himself, Klarc Wilson looked well above average for that age. He worked himself into at least one good scoring chance in front of the net that I can remember.  
 
Is Brayden Schenn ever a gamer. Absolutely nothing to prove, but you can tell how much he loves to play and win. Made his share of nice plays in this game.  
 
Sanfred King was given a chance to play on a line with Schenn but didn't seem to get the kinds of bounces he would've wanted. A lot of pucks bouncing over his stick, etc. He's in a real battle with how few forward spots are up for grabs and how many quality rookies we have.  
 
Interesting to see Chad Erb knock Matt McCue on his behind when McCue tried to pinch on a play in the third period. For those that dont' know, the two are likely in a battle for the third overage spot. There was some jaw wagging afterword and then again a few plays later but Erb wanted nothing of it.  
 
Goalie Graham Hildebrand showed encouraging signs. He seems like he has the ability to cover the bottom of the net real well. Anyone that was hoping he'd be the rare rookie to push for the starters' job may have been jumping the gun though. It was only a half game, but based on that half game IMO he has a bit of work to do on his quickness.  
 
Would be interested to hear thoughts from anyone else that was there about the players I've mentioned and others.  
 
I've posted a few pics from the game for anyone who's interested, including one of the shootout winning goal by Lewadniuk.