Kabanov, Gormley, playing a key role in Moncton

QUEBEC CITY P.Q. — Dreaming to wear NHL jersey, being able to make the NHL team one day is something all young 17-year old players playing junior hockey hope for, but lots still to be done before seeing their dream become reality. Seeing your name on Central Scouting list, being consider prospects is the first step in that direction. To have the chance to compete against all eligible players in your league trying to attract scouts attention is a challenge players are eager to accept.   
 
In the QMJHL, like in other junior leagues lots of players began to be scrutinize by NHL scouts in hope to be select next June in the NHL draft. Everyone has the chance to show their abilities to begin with, but at the end only several players will have the chance to hear their name called and that’s the first step to the true beginning of a hard road to the big league.
 
In the following article, you will have the opportunity to read about names you fans will see or hear lots about. Some will be key players from QMJHL teams others might one day be consider role players, for others unfortunately, their dream of hearing their name being call by an NHL team will be gone and will have to count on receiving an invitation from NHL team and prove to everyone that even if they weren’t be selected, they can make the NHL. For lots other the dream of being draft won’t be realized.
 
Now, let’s have a look on some interesting prospects from the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. Depend on the list you read or peoples you talked to several names seem to make the unanimity. Karill Kabanov, Brandon Gormley, Stanislav Galiev, Guillaume Asselin, Michael Bournival and Peter Straka are players NHL scouts consider very interesting for now. As far as goaltenders Louis Domingue and Maxime Clairmont seem the two best netminders from the Q. These are the players mostly mentioned to begin the season. What will be most interesting will be to see where these players will be rank when come the NHL draft? The next question will be who will be the first QMJHL players to be select?
 
The International Scouting Services identified Karill Kabanov as the best player come out of the QMJHL in his October edition. “Electrifying,” said the Director of scouting Dennis MacInnis when asked to describe the talented left winger. “He’s simply the most gifted player to play in the QMJHL since Sidney Crosby.”
 
Offensively the 6’03” 175 pound is tremendously gifted player. Fans of junior hockey that will have the occasion to watch him more closely will be able to see a player with explosive offensive skill with very good hockey senses.
 
Talking about Kabanov maturity and his offensive skill, the ISS Scouting Director agrees qualifying the left winger offensive skill as being explosive. “His offensive skill is one of the most offensive gifted of his age group, and his skill level and maturity are exceptional.”
 
The Russian player will certainly score lots of goals for the Moncton Wildcats this year, fans might even seen him scored goals that make highlight of the week during the regular season, he is definitely a key player in Wildcats head coach Danny Flynn system. But, the author of 13 points in 10 games needs to work on some of his flaws, before seeing him playing in the NHL one day.
 
Like Mr. MacInnis of the International Scouting Services recognize, the young Moscow native need to work on his defensive game and need to bulk up. “Kabanov need to work on his defense, he need to work on his defensive side of the game and need to be stronger physically. Beside that the young kid has all the chance to be an impact player at the next level.”
 
Another player will be heavily scrutinized by the NHL scouting staff will be defenseman Brandon Gormley. All teams look for potentially very good defenseman who will be able to become key element for them. Whether the kid will get chance to play quarterback on power play unit, being able to play regularly at even strength on first two defensive pair or spend time killing penalty.
 
When NHL teams get a chance to scout a young athlete answering these criteria they follow the young kid hoping he will still be available when their time of selection come along.
 
In the case of young Moncton right defenseman, Gormley played very impressive hockey since the regular season began. Already playing as a 16 year old in 2008-09 seasons, the 6’01” 175 pound look like very impressive for Danny Flynn’s team.
 
“There is a lot of interest in the skill puck moving defensemen and rightfully so,” said the ISS Director of Scouting MacInnis. “He was easily the top defensemen at the recent Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament. He displays great leadership qualities, has great work ethic and phenomenal hockey IQ.”
 
To hear an experienced scout like Mr. MacInnis talk about a young kid like Gormley doesn’t mean the kid is a sure thing at the next level, but it’s certainly a good start to see other person to recognize that he is a talented players.
 
As a 16-year old, the first round selection overall in 2008 played 62 games last year ending with 27 points (7 goals). This year, with already 20 played the right hand defenseman has 14 points (5 goals).
 
“He demonstrates good control and patience in handling the puck. He has the ability to find open man and move the puck to him with good crisp passes. He has all the tools to be an elite player in this game. He has to be more physical without the puck.” The ISS Director of Scouting concluded talking about Moncton talented right hand defenseman.
 
The junior hockey season still young, things can change, when all eligible players will be rank, but it will be interesting to follow the progression of those young QMJHL talented players during the up coming regular season, and the playoff.  
 
Contact the author at: serge.poulin@prohockeynews.com