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

[CBGB]

His name is not Hickey

NHL.com - News

(note: I have to start bitching about this NOW. I really do. Now that Boyle is about to make the club)

[HCKYJOC]

Perhaps the people that vote actually give the award to defensive defensemen rather than what the Norris voters seem to do? We can only hope Hickey's offensive upside out weighs any potential defensive liabilities.

[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.

[symbology]

Alzner sure looks good, but so does Hickey.....

One thing to keep in mind is that Alzner has just finished his 4th full year in the WHL, while Hickey has finished his 3rd. (Alzner is 6-7 months older than Hickey and got an earlier start) He has had an extra year of experience and development and at 19 years old, that is huge.

Doughty is in the same situation as Alzner, as he is the oldest of the top D this year. Doughty has just finished his 3rd year, while Bogosian and the others have just played their 2nd.

[The Natural]

Matt likes pie.


Especially in his face.





No, I wouldn't know from personal experience.

[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!!!

[keyTOarson]

Originally Posted by Bogey Man

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

It bothers me when people say this about Hickey...

[Kngcussion]

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!!!

Exactly!

[Bogey Man]

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!!!

The way this was written, it gives the impression the Kings had the option to draft Redden ahead of Blanchard.

Wade Redden's profile at hockeydb.com

Sean Blanchard's profile at hockeydb.com

[TonySCV]

Alzner has accomplished just as much as Hickey has at the NHL level.

-----

WHL Defenceman of the Year - Bill Hunter Memorial Trophy

WINNER
Karl Alzner (Burnaby, BC), Calgary Hitmen

RUNNER UP
T.J. Fast (Calgary, AB), Tri-City Americans

- T

[Die Radio Die]

Originally Posted by keyTOarson

It bothers me when people say this about Hickey...

A lot of people are going to be surprised when they actually do get to watch him play.

Karl Alzner had a fine year but the fact of the matter is success and even dominance at the Junior level does not always translate to success at the NHL level.

Can the hind-sighters maybe wait until both or even one of the players gets a full shift in the NHL before declaring one a better pick than the other?

[Hatter]

Originally Posted by Yog S'loth