Training Camps Open

Sure, You're Good at 15, but...
The exceptional Western College Hockey Blog, a usual stopping point for me, contains an interesting analysis of the 2002 Select 15 Festival, and what that snapshot shows about player development.

Player Movement
With the major junior training camps now open and exhibition season in full gear, a few potential NCAA picks have made their decision about their future course. Two highly regarded Ontario '89 defenders, Steve Tarasuk and Kevin Mole each selected the OHL route, after having their rights traded from the Ottawa 67s. Mole, whose brother is at Yale, plays for the Kingston Frontenacs, and Tarasuk was traded to the Kitchener Rangers. Ottawa also had Scott Pitt ('88) leave the team after having earned a roster spot, choosing instead to take a scholarship with Mercyhurst. Lastly, Ohio State lost its first '90 commitment when Kelly Geoffrey, who had been picked in the 3rd round of the OHL draft, elected to play with the Erie Otters.

Early Returns
Getting out of the gate strong in the BCHL is Riley Nash, a highly regarded 89 with the Salmon Arm Silverbacks. In Vernon, tiny '90 dynamo Kyle St.Denis, a top scorer in Jr.B and a member of this year's BC Under-17 team, recorded in 4 points in his first game of the year. In Alberta, highly regarded Tyler Gron has set an early pace that should make him one of the top recruits from the league.