6 standouts from the WHL Top Prospects Game

Considering the point totals and high-end draft pedigree, I was impressed with Carels’ physical play. He laid a lot of heavy, bone-crushing hits along the boards. He took a pair of penalties as well for his physicality: a boarding penalty on a big hit, and a goaltender interference penalty for running over the East netminder.

“I just wanted to show my game that I’ve been playing this year,” Carols said regarding what he wanted to show NHL scouts in attendance. “That two-way, hard-hitting defenceman that moves the puck up ice and has a little bit of offence to his game. I was happy with my play. The first period was a little slow start, but I think I recovered from that for sure.”

Carels is going to make any team that selects him in the top-10 in June very, very happy.

Final Game Stats: 0 goals, 4 assists, -1 rating, 4 penalty minutes, 1 shot on goal

Tyus Sparks

RW | Spokane Chiefs | NHL Central Scouting: #63 NA Skaters

Safe to say, Tyus “sparked” his team back into this game, scoring the first two goals for the West. Sparks benefitted from two beautiful cross-ice passes from Carels and Hurlbert, but that shouldn’t take away from his lethal shot.

The zip Sparks was able to get on his shot with such a short wind-up was impressive to watch. He separated himself as one of the top shooting threats and a top goal scorer in this game.

Final Game Stats: 2 goals, 0 assists, -1 rating, 2 penalty minutes, 2 shots on goal

JP Hurlbert

RW | Kamloops Blazers | NHL Central Scouting: #10 NA Skaters

Coming into this game, Hurlbert was someone I was watching closely. The 17-year-old currently leads the WHL in scoring (84 points in 55 games) and is the highest projected drafted forward in this game.

“An overall well-rounded game,” Hurlbert told CanucksArmy pregame when asked what he’s hoping to show NHL scouts. “You know, creating chances and setting guys up and finishing on those chances. It’s the best players in the WHL. So just trying to create plays and hopefully put a few in tonight.”

While his efforts may not have been reflected on the scoresheet early on, Hurlbert made an impression with his strong forechecking, forcing turnovers, creating scoring chances for his team throughout the opening frame, and he drew a penalty behind the opposition’s net.

Hurlbert then found his way on the scoresheet in the third period. He displayed great vision to find Sparks with a cross-ice pass and his stealthy release to tie the game for Team West late in the third period.

He turned his game up a notch when his team needed him the most, and finished with a whopping 10 shots on goal. Hurlbert is projected to go mid-to-late first round, and could be an option for the Canucks with the Minnesota Wild’s first-round pick.

Final Game Stats: 1 goal, 1 assist, -3 rating, 0 penalty minutes, 10 shots on goal

HM: Noah Kosick: Kosick did not find his way on the scoresheet, but the German-born centre was making plays in both ends of the ice. He showed shiftiness to evade pressure in tight spaces and along the blueline to hold the zone, often making the proper pass to set his team up for a scoring chance. In the defensive zone, he was on his check like glue, not allowing much space or separation. However, his defensive highlight was a diving effort that broke up what would have been a sure goal for the East. He could be a decent mid-round centre target for Vancouver.

Team East

Daxon Rudolph

RD | Prince Albert Raiders | NHL Central Scouting: #6 NA Skaters

Had it not been for Carels’ big night, Daxon Rudolph would have been the best player in this game. He was breaking up plays in the defensive zone and made a good first pass to help his team transition offensively. While he didn’t figure on the scoresheet in regulation, his puck-moving ability was evident. However, when the game mattered the most, the East Captain stepped up for his team, scoring the game-winning goal 14 seconds into overtime.

He won’t be waiting too much longer after Carels’ name is called at the NHL Draft in June.

Final Game Stats: 1 goal, 0 assists, +1 rating, 2 penalty minutes, 3 shots on goal

Cooper Williams

C | Saskatoon Blades | NHL Central Scouting: #42 NA Skaters

Cooper Williams had a strong playmaking outing among the WHL’s Top Prospects. He picked up primary two assists, including a long cross-ice pass through traffic on the power play to a pinching Giorgos to extend the East lead to three.

“Offensive-minded, 200-foot player, just being able to play in every situation,” Williams told CanucksArmy on how to best describe his game.

His defensive play away from the puck, packaged with his level of playmaking, could make Williams a strong centre option for the Canucks on Day 2.

Final Game Stats: 0 goals, 2 assists, even rating, zero penalty minutes, zero shots on goal

Zac Olsen

RW | Saskatoon Blades | NHL Central Scouting: #43 NA Skaters

Zac Olsen’s playstyle looks like one that can translate to the NHL level. His 6’1″, 202-lb frame could carve out a scoring, power forward role. Speaking with a Saskatoon Blades representative, Olsen likes to be the agitator and isn’t afraid to get under opponents’ skin. And he did that early on, laying powerful hits and often causing scrums after the whistle.

He and fellow Blades teammate Williams connected on a tic-tac-toe goal, which stood as the prettiest goal of the game.

It was unfortunate he left the game in the second period, as he was having a strong showing. Olsen was seen leaving the game in a sling. Hopefully, this isn’t something that keeps him out for long, as he will be fun to watch down the stretch as he continues to build his draft stock.

Final Game Stats: 1 goal, 0 assists, +1 rating, zero penalty minutes, two shots on goal

HM: Liam and Markus Ruck: Of course, we had to mention the twins. They had a few solid plays early, with some creative passing plays that just missed connecting. But they were finally able to find that connection in the third period, when Liam scored at the side of the net on the second effort. Frankly, we were hoping the twins would take the game over a bit more, but entertainment-wise, they still brought it.

What do you think, Canucks fans? Who stoodout to you in the WHL Top Prospect Game? And which participant would you like to see the Canucks draft in June? Let us know in the comments below!