CANES COLIN FRASER, THE NEXT GREAT PLAYMAKER?
Carolina
While the Carolina Hurricanes franchise continues to succeed in both the professional and junior ranks, the Canes future continues to look bright. Often overlooked in some of the forecasts is the speedy playmaker Colin Fraser. With shifty moves and a knack for finding the open man, Fraser has spent most of the time in the lower junior rankins while higher profile centers like Jeff Carter, Michael Richards and Brian Boyle receive the quality ice time on the top junior squad.
"Sure it has been difficult but the guys down here are getting hungry for the next level," said Fraser. "This year I am set to take some classes, try and get my puck possession better and work with some of the vets on my passing. I think right now I can step in but I'm hoping after all of this, I'll be that much better."
Not noted as a sniper by any stretch, Fraser has quietly put up some solid numbers in the junior developmental league. Playing alongside Justin Keller, the duo has started to make other squads take notice.
"We have a good connection and I think we are starting to produce the numbers that are being asked of us."
The Canes centers are deep at the moment. In pro, the Canes have a duo of potentially explosive centers in Kyle Wellwood and Tim Brent. Both have picked up a lot of playing time recently and Wellwood has really gained the respect of his fellow team mates. Joffrey Lupul also has been thought of as a future pivot.
In Junior, the Canes are as deep as any with the aforementioned Richards, Boyle and Carter. Drew Stafford, the NCAA collegian star is also a notable in the center position while junior captain Brandon Reid also looks as though some day he too could be an option.
"Center is definitely not a weakness on this team," said Hurricanes head coach Joel Quenneville. "The draft has treated us well over the past couple of season and we have stockpiled a plethora of talent up front. With 6 first rounders in the upcoming draft, I figure whatever we need, we should be able to snag, but I wouldn't expect many to be centers, if you know what I mean."
Indeed, with 6 first rounders this spring, the Canes look as though many options could possibly open up. A notably strong draft for goaltenders, the Canes may very well use one of those picks for one of the higher profile netminders like Michigan University standout Alvaro Montoya or possibly Kamloops Blazer Devan Dubnyk.
"I think the offseason will give us a better indication of what will be on its way up to pro and what will remain in junior. We try and maintain a lot of balance between the two, and dealing pros for kids has never been a problem for this franchise. We like our depth and plan to keep it that way."
The Junior Canes have had a couple dyas off to prepare for it's upcoming battle with the Tampa Bay squad. Goaltender Rob Zepp has been under the weather as of late and it is likely that Konstantin Barulin will get the start.
While the Carolina Hurricanes franchise continues to succeed in both the professional and junior ranks, the Canes future continues to look bright. Often overlooked in some of the forecasts is the speedy playmaker Colin Fraser. With shifty moves and a knack for finding the open man, Fraser has spent most of the time in the lower junior rankins while higher profile centers like Jeff Carter, Michael Richards and Brian Boyle receive the quality ice time on the top junior squad.
"Sure it has been difficult but the guys down here are getting hungry for the next level," said Fraser. "This year I am set to take some classes, try and get my puck possession better and work with some of the vets on my passing. I think right now I can step in but I'm hoping after all of this, I'll be that much better."
Not noted as a sniper by any stretch, Fraser has quietly put up some solid numbers in the junior developmental league. Playing alongside Justin Keller, the duo has started to make other squads take notice.
"We have a good connection and I think we are starting to produce the numbers that are being asked of us."
The Canes centers are deep at the moment. In pro, the Canes have a duo of potentially explosive centers in Kyle Wellwood and Tim Brent. Both have picked up a lot of playing time recently and Wellwood has really gained the respect of his fellow team mates. Joffrey Lupul also has been thought of as a future pivot.
In Junior, the Canes are as deep as any with the aforementioned Richards, Boyle and Carter. Drew Stafford, the NCAA collegian star is also a notable in the center position while junior captain Brandon Reid also looks as though some day he too could be an option."Center is definitely not a weakness on this team," said Hurricanes head coach Joel Quenneville. "The draft has treated us well over the past couple of season and we have stockpiled a plethora of talent up front. With 6 first rounders in the upcoming draft, I figure whatever we need, we should be able to snag, but I wouldn't expect many to be centers, if you know what I mean."
Indeed, with 6 first rounders this spring, the Canes look as though many options could possibly open up. A notably strong draft for goaltenders, the Canes may very well use one of those picks for one of the higher profile netminders like Michigan University standout Alvaro Montoya or possibly Kamloops Blazer Devan Dubnyk.
"I think the offseason will give us a better indication of what will be on its way up to pro and what will remain in junior. We try and maintain a lot of balance between the two, and dealing pros for kids has never been a problem for this franchise. We like our depth and plan to keep it that way."
The Junior Canes have had a couple dyas off to prepare for it's upcoming battle with the Tampa Bay squad. Goaltender Rob Zepp has been under the weather as of late and it is likely that Konstantin Barulin will get the start.
posted by Lohaus at 11:12 AM
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