Hey Dean, Which D-Man Was Named TOP D-Man of the WHL?

[pmd]

Looking at the list of past winners, It's not that big of a deal especially given that Hickey and Alzner have yet to play in the NHL (and the who is better arguement needs about 5-7 years to truely see a winner). The jury is still out on a couple of the recent winners. But, other than Pronger, Hamhuis, and Stuart not much more than replacable NHLers and career minor leaguers. If Berard does not take a stick to the eye then maybe you add him to the list.

2006–07 Kris Russell, Medicine Hat Tigers
2005–06 Keith Yandle, Moncton Wildcats
2004–05 Danny Syvret, London Knights
2003–04 James Wisniewski, Plymouth Whalers
2002–03 Brendan Bell, Ottawa 67's
2001–02 Dan Hamhuis, Prince George Cougars
2000–01 Marc-Andre Bergeron, Shawinigan Cataractes
1999–2000 Micki Dupont, Kamloops Blazers
1998–99 Brad Stuart, Calgary Hitmen
1997–98 Derrick Walser, Rimouski Océanic
1996–97 Sean Blanchard, Ottawa 67's
1995–96 Bryan Berard, Detroit Junior Red Wings
1994–95 Nolan Baumgartner, Kamloops Blazers
1993–94 Steve Gosselin, Chicoutimi Saguenéens
1992–93 Chris Pronger, Peterborough Petes
1991–92 Drake Berehowsky, North Bay Centennials
1990–91 Patrice Brisebois, Drummondville Voltigeurs
1989–90 John Slaney, Cornwall Royals
1988–89 Bryan Fogarty, Niagara Falls Thunder
1987–88 Greg Hawgood, Kamloops Blazers

[pmd]

Originally Posted by Yog S'loth

Once, there was this junior defenseman named Wade Redden. Some people thought he was pretty good, but his final season in juniors, when it came time to announce the CHL defensman of the year - he got passed up... And the Kings had the forsight to draft the guy who DID win the award! That's right, we're talking about future Hall-of-Famer Sean Blanchard!!!

Blanchard won it the year after Redden left juniors. I am not sure what you are implying but Redden went #2 overall in 1995 and Blanchard was drafted in the 4th round (99th overall) in 1997. I am sure if Redden was available in the 4th Round in 1997 then even Al Murray would have selected him.

[Stemmer]

Alzner and Hickey are two different players. Alzner is about defense while hickey will be an offensive dynamo. Alzner didn't look very good against Lethbridge in the play-offs of 2008. Alzner may make to the NHL but before he does that there will be some seasoning in the AHL (Portland)that is a guarantee. He is not going to make Washington right off the bat. And who a **** about Alzner he won't ever be an all star in the NHL. Besides because the Kings **** the bed again this season will are in the position to get a bonafide star on the blue-line..

[symbology]

Don't be surprised if DL does not pick the "2008 OHL Defensemen of the Year" come June!

[Bogey Man]

Originally Posted by Stemmer

...hickey will be an offensive dynamo.

Like Visnovksy, but without all the experience.
Just what the Kings need.

[Mr. Irreverent]

Originally Posted by Bogey Man

A big, defensive defense-man possibly ready for the NHL?

Alzer would have been a fine fit onto the Kings blue-line next season.

Instead, we'll be waiting for another soft, miniature player to someday make it.

Then if/when he does, he'll still be small.

Reminds me of the draft party.... If Hickey doesn't pan out I expect a full arsenal of material from CBGB. Of course the fact that Voracek and Sam Gagner will eventually become star players will also hurt.

[Blaked4]

Originally Posted by Bogey Man

A big, defensive defense-man possibly ready for the NHL?

Alzer would have been a fine fit onto the Kings blue-line next season.

Sorry, but that's not the prototypical NHL defenseman anymore.

Dino prefers the $5.6mil lubo type

[CBGB]

Originally Posted by Stemmer

And who a **** about Alzner he won't ever be an all star in the NHL.

Yeah!

LGK members said the same thing about Corey Perry!

Originally Posted by Mr. Irreverent

If Hickey doesn't pan out I expect a full arsenal of material from CBGB. .

My act is wearing thin (see above) and with not a lot to look forward to this next season, I don't know how much more disappointment I can take.

My focus shouldn't be on LGK, it should be on much more important things.

In the end, who really gives a crap about Hickey or Alzner or anyone else for that matter. Do you think they give a crap about you or me?

[Birdman]

Originally Posted by CBGB

My focus shouldn't be on LGK, it should be on much more important things.

Yeah, you need to knock her up again. You've already ****ed up your life with one, having 4 or 5 more isn't going to change it much more.

[Yog S'loth]

I meant Chris Phillips. Wrong Ottawa draft pick.

[PowrrrPlay]

why some people need to rip a unproven draft pick before they have even made the show. These draft picks are just using their god given talents to get them to the next level - they all can't make it. DL's job is to not only figure out which ones he thinks can eventually make the jump, but which ones will also fit with his club.

Since you never really know as a GM you typically take the best player available. Typically the first 90 draft eligible picks are also extensively interviewed by the scouting staff/GM so that they can get a look at the draft picks character for team chemistry.

Anyone on this board under 36, take a look back at your career when you were 20 years old and tell us what you really knew back then? With that said I can certainly understand ripping Kings management as they are the groomed professionals, not the teenagers.

As far as Alzner bashing, regarding his accolades this past season, try to remember most of his team mates are not going to get a sniff at a pro or semi pro carreer.

I still go back to my statement that the Kings need a top north american forward to go with Kopitar. BTW Kopitar was just interviewed on TSN at the IIHF Championships where he stated he has nobody to work with at the level he needs to get to. Kopy see's it and if I was Lombardi I would be going after Stamkos. Its not like the Kings don't have the arsenal in their organization to make something happen with Tampa. The Kings need some Tier "ONE" forwards. Tier one forwards are much tougher to come by then all the D you guys are asking for. I wouldn't worry so much about the Kings D as the forwards need to pull up their socks and do a better job of not turning over the puck.

This is what DL should be trying to emulate:

- Crosby, Hossa, Malkin
- Zetterburg, Franzen, Datsyuk ; club is sick on offense depth with a great supporting cast; all their D has to do is stop goals, they are not asked to score goals.

And I will disagree with anyone that says Stamkos is not ready for the NHL. The Blackhawks had two 19 year old rookies in their lineup this year. What do you think they are going to be like in two more years when they are only 21? I still say Stamkos is better now than Kane was last year at this time.

Try to imagine taking a skilled kid like Stamkos and pushing him even further at this age. When its there, feed it, don't stifle it.

Cheers





PS. Something is flying under your radar as far as big D are concerned.

[Die Radio Die]

Originally Posted by PowrrrPlay

PS. Something is flying under your radar as far as big D are concerned.

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