2008 WHL Top 10
Matt Bugg
2007-08-04
The title is self-explanatory, so without further ado…
1. Kyle Beach, C (Everett Silvertips)
Height/Weight: 6'3, 180 lbs
2006-07 Statline: 65 GP, 29-32-61, +27, 196 PIM
Scouting Report: Has the physique of a man ten years older. Eric Lindros was the last forward prospect to dominate junior with his strength and body the same way. Premier vision and shot arsenal.
Potential: Star powerforward, 45-55-100, 200 PIM
2. Luke Schenn, D (Kelowna Rockets)
Height/Weight: 6'3, 209 lbs
2006-07 Statline: 72 GP, 2-27-29, -10, 139 PIM
Scouting Report: Often compared to Dion Phaneuf for his no-holds-barred physical game. Mature beyond his years in every aspect. A treat to watch as he uses both his body and stick to effectively remove opponents from the puck. Offensive ability rapdily rounding into form.
Potential: Franchise defenseman, 10-40-50, 200 PIM
3. Zach Boychuk, C (Lethbridge Hurricanes)
Height/Weight: 5'9, 170 lbs
2006-07 Statline: 69 GP, 31-60-91, +19, 52 PIM
Scouting Report: The WHL's 3rd leading scorer at age 16. A dazzling stickhandler who doesn't mind the rough stuff. Outstanding vision and playmaking ability are at or near the tops of his draft class.
Potential: #1 centre, 30-55-85
4. Colten Teubert, D (Regina Pats)
Height/Weight: 6'4, 180 lbs
2006-07 Statline: 63 GP, 3-8-11, +2, 91 PIM
Scouting Report: Crushing hitter with a fantastic defensive game. Quite mobile despite his size. Impossible to beat one-on-one and a respected leader at 16 years of age.
Potential: Top-four defensive defenseman, 5-20-25, +30
5. Tyler Myers, D (Kelowna Rockets)
Height/Weight: 6'7, 194 lbs
2006-07 Statline: 59 GP, 2-13-15, -21, 78 PIM
Scouting Report: A huge project, in more than one way. Used in every important situation in his first full WHL season. Can lay players out, but generally plays a clean, super-effective game in his own end.
Potential: Top-four defenseman, 5-20-25, 100 PIM
6. Jordan Eberle, C (Regina Pats)
Height/Weight: 5'10, 162 lbs
2006-07 Statline: 68 GP, 28-27-55, +13, 32 PIM
Scouting Report: Extremely shifty forward who can blow past even the best defenders. Prefers to go end-to-end with the biscuit and finish it off with a laser wrister.
Potential: Top-six winger, 35-40-75
7. Geordie Wudrick, LW (Swift Current Broncos)
Height/Weight: 6'3, 200 lbs
2006-07 Statline: 67 GP, 13-11-24, -13, 60 PIM
Scouting Report: Former second overall Bantam draft selection lived up to hype with team 5th-most goals and 9th-most points in first full WHL season. Prefers to bull to the net, but can negotiate traffic with ease thanks to soft hands. Very good work ethic and leadership.
Potential: Top-six power winger, 35-30-65, 110 PIM
8. Tyler Ennis, C (Medicine Hat Tigers)
Height/Weight: 5'9, 155 lbs
2006-07 Statline: 71 GP, 26-24-50, +1, 30 PIM
Scouting Report: The smallest of a large class of undersized Dub forwards for '08. Despite that, a huge heart allows him to compete in both ends of the ice. Watch for this gifted playmaker to also wear a letter in the NHL.
Potential: Top-six centre, 25-40-65
9. Dustin Tokarski, G (Spokane Chiefs)
Height/Weight: 5'11, 173 lbs
2006-07 Statline: 30 GP, 13-11-1, 2 SO, 2.80 GAA, 0.903 SV%
Scouting Report: Incredible poise for a goaltender his age. Technically sound with a preference for taking away the bottom of the net. Protects the top with a quick glovehand.
Potential: Starting goaltender
10. Colby Robak, D (Brandon Wheat Kings)
Height/Weight: 6'2, 190
2006-07 Statline: 39 GP, 2-3-5, -1, 12 PIM
Scouting Report: Blessed with a high-level understanding of the game. Never throws the puck away when pressured, and has the skill to make something special happen when the room is there. Could make the NHL on his smarts alone, but is learning how to use those smarts to produce.
Potential: Top-four defender, 5-30-35