Thursday, November 20, 2014

3 Tigers Make NHL CSS Preliminary List

http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=739668


The Following Tigers made the list and rated as "C" prospects.

NACBRADLEYMATTMEDICINE HATWHL5'11.25"187C
NACHOBBSCONNORMEDICINE HATWHL6'1.0"188D
NACSCHNEIDERNICKMEDICINE HATWHL6'1.75"160G

Matt Bradley and Nick Schneider had very strong openings to the season, and worked their way onto the lists. The pre-season list only had Connor Hobbs on the list.

Another Tiger who was a bit of a late bloomer into the season who I think will make the Mid-Term lists is Ty Schultz. I'm a bit surprised he isn't on this preliminary list but they way he has improved I can understand why he isn't on this list. I think his chances are strong that next go-round he will be on there if he keeps working hard.

Connor Hobbs
According to the SJHL twitter feed Connor Hobbs was added to the roster of the 
Nipawin Hawks (SJHL)   so that pretty much confirms he will not be rejoining the Tigers. 


WHL Website
I don't know how many times I have been frustrated by their website. I check players stats often and find it often doesn't work. For those that don't know there is an alternate site http://media.whl.ca/
where you can check out players stats and such when the main site isn't working. I've replaced it as by bookmark on the main site.

68 comments:

Anonymous said...

Good on Trevor Cox lifting the monkey off his back and scoring a hat trick! I hope this list lights a fire under Bradley,s ace He needs to be grittier, finish checks, create more chances and just be better, use that body and do some body checking!

TigerTurf said...

Yes was Great to see Cox score some goals.
Also great to see Labelle score his first of the year too.

Bradley was listed on the CSS scouting list today that should fire him up. I agree that there is small lull compared to the opening part of the season, but that is normal for first year players to have strong starts then a bit of a lull. The really good players come out of it and show a consistent improvement afterwards.

With Ast, Butcher, and Eisenschmid out, and relying on 2 first year 17's on the 2nd line to come up with offence.

3 forward lines + a spare.....its incredible to see them popping in 7 goals in Kootenay
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For world juniors Possibly see Vannelli gone at christmas, and Eisenschmid if he is healthy.

Anonymous said...

I am so happy to see Schneider on the list. He is a great goaltender who has been patient for games. The games he has played he has been excellent. I hope he sticks on the list.
Can not help but wonder what impact missing time in the WHL will have on Hobbs remaining on the list.
Go tigers go!

Anonymous said...

For those of us who dont know, what is a "C" prospect?

Anonymous said...

Is anyone else having problems with the Neulion website. I try to log in and it clearly does not log me in - yes, yes, I have the right password and ID - I hate the site as it does not work well, but it is our only option.

04Forever said...

Must not be a lot on the table for Hobbs

Anonymous said...

I agree, they must be getting offered nothing for him. I also am guessing teams do not like how he left the team, no one wants to pick up an attitude problem. Hope something works out for a return for the Tigers.

Anonymous said...

This Hobbs situation is dragging out not because of his fault or the tigers but it looks like no team is bitting for him. I just wish he could be moved and everyone move on.

Anonymous said...

Had a look at the list, a "C" rating seems to be a dime a dozen on there. And a lot of listed guys for way fewer spots. Hope our Tigers can hang on to be drafted.

Anonymous said...

In all fairness would not put a lot on the table for a guy who quit a team like he did. Attitude, effort and team first mindset mean a lot to many teams. So this lack of interest is not a shocker.

TigerTurf said...

C just means their on the radar as a possible mid to late round pick Lot's of C's that don't get drafted.

• C Rating -- Indicates a 4th/5th/6th round candidate from the NHL website
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Also with Hobbs It's all speculation. To the fans it seems like a long time, but if the right deal isn't on the table there is no sense in rushing. The Tigers could hold onto him all year and deal him in the off-season if nothing comes up. No reason to make your opponent better if your not getting a good deal. Also some teams may decide to become sellers later like december as well so there could be limited amounts on the table

There has been a bunch of movement the last 2 days.

04Forever said...

It's always frustrating watching Calgary or Edmonton every year load up with trades that never compromise their future for a long run and the Tigers seem to sit and wait, Id say the most frustrating part (espically last year) was the Tigers had a team that could compete with Edmonton in the playoffs and they sat back and hardly did anything to make themselves better (Ast trade is a train wreck so far). This team is so talented this year with an incredible goalie duo but they are not a long stretch playoff team and I hope the coaching staff adds a few players so the Tigers can play their game while not getting hit out of the playoffs

Anonymous said...

I woudl like to see the Tigers for once be a buyer. I think team had the key components. I think adding a bigger guy or two up front. We will have too many 20s next year and I think honestly, one couple be packaged up in a trade without hurting the team, like Ast of Labelle as long as we were able to bring in some talent that would help the team. I like our back end, I think we have talent and we have talent for years to come. I dont think packaging up a pick or two would really hurt this team as they seem to have good depth in the future. I dunno, I would like to see this team go for it!

Anonymous said...

Todays game in RD shows that we need to get a bigger guy.
I agree that the Ast trade was not good. Package him up with Hobbs. He will not play next year with the Tigers as a 20 anyways.

TigerTurf said...

Another loss to the rebels. Didn't watch the game.

I don't think we can blame them though. They have half of their top 6 out with injuries...its waaaay easier to focus on 1 guy on the top-line than worrying about a balanced attack where 3 lines can score.

When first year 17 yr olds are plugged into the top 6....its not really a recipe for success.

Their scoring depth was a question going into the season and they have been performing above expectations, but with 3 key guys out ist too much to expect a consistent performance.

To be honest I think it will be benefical for them in the future...more in 2nd post coming up shortly.

TigerTurf said...

Their rookies are getting valuable ice-time it will help them later in the season when they play 5-6 minutes a game.


Anon @ 6:07

That's really the argument that is now coming up in the public eye, that I've been wondering about for 4-5 years now.

With the new playoff format...the Tigers being in the same division as calgary and edmonton will now suffer with the formula of just being good every year and not going for it. The new format almost forces teams to have "go for it" years.

Every year when they have had above average teams they have had a slight weakness over teams who have paid to put their team over the top.

-------------

I've also had a few drinks, but I generally don't like seeing a team make a major deal in early Novemeber, as its possible to overate them, quite easily...it doubly makes it tough when they have injuries to figure out if their capable of being a contender.

However preseason I thought they had goaltending, and defense. Their forwards have performed above expectations. Their defense while good has been suffering from overconfidence and getting away with bad habbits. I want to see them add an impact forward.

Anonymous said...

That sounds good in theory. What would you have to give up to get an impact forward. Don't have the players to make a trade, would have to use draft picks which impacts your future.

TigerTurf said...

That's the thing their in a tough spot.
Draft picks only get so much.

2nd
Hobbs
a cut 16/17 yr old.

What value does that bring in?

04Forever said...

Ideally it would be great if the Tigers could package up one of the 19 year olds with maybe a few picks to get a power forward but from where and who? I think the Tigers also need a big mean dman, I'm not fond of Stanton (shot blocking master) or Lewington dropping the gloves on a regular basis and have the chance of breaking their hand but with the Tigers have made that trade next to impossible by keeping 2 20 year olds on D. Becker looked the best he has looked at the beginning of the season was hitting, scoring, clearing guys in front and playing sound defensively but now it seems his play is starting to slip from where it was in September/October but I'm assuming the Lewington, Stanton, Vanielle, Schultz, Quennvielle are untouchable with it being very unlikely Becker moves. So if they trade Hobbs or who ever and bring back a 17/18 year old dman where does he fit? The only scenario i see is the Tigers acquiring 2 power forwards and then keeping Staples as that 7th dman that can plug in at forward when needed and then he gets released next year?
Im curious what your take on the future trades situation could be TigerTurf, could they go after an Iverson on Portland or Crunk on Victoria?

Anonymous said...

Great effort on Saturday night by all...Langhammer made some fantastic saves when needed.

Has there ever been a game with NO 50/50 winner? 2nd winner has until Friday at 5:30pm to claim the prize...going to be long 50/50 lines on Saturday if the prize is carried over!

Anonymous said...

Heard on the radio this morning that Anthony Ast will make his season debut.

TigerTurf said...

Very Lucky win against the rebels. I thought the rebels were the better team, but it was good to see the Tigers get a comeback win!

2 Tigers scored their first goals of the season.

I thought as a team they looked very flat and it was the worst first 2 periods we have seen this season so far.

Would have liked to see the 4th line played more in a game like that but they were double shifted late in the game and scored the game tieing goal which was awesome to see.


Anonymous said...

Good game and welcome back Anthony Ast and Fischer too played like a determined sparkplug!!

longtimefan said...

Was nice to see fischer, Rassell and shaw get rewarded with a goal after their hard work tonight. Wasn't the best defensive effort, to many giveaways and odd man rushes but good teams win games when they aren't at their best. Lewington stepped up and showed why he has the C and Ty Schultz keeps getting better. Thought he was terrific tonight.

Anonymous said...

Was a weird on tonight as loose as I have seen the tigers play defensively, but I do think RedDeer is the toughest on our team so far. Great to see AST in the line up, brought some life to the team. Thought the young guys played great on forward and our horses not as sharp as usual. Way to go tigers take the points

Orange blood said...

Another gritty win tonight. I hope that with Shaw no gone for the rest of the season that we bring someone up to replace him. Looking at the roster now we only have one spare forward and one spare defenceman. Are the Tigers too hard up to be able to keep another couple players around?

Anonymous said...

Not sure why they havent brought anyone up this is the first year with no spare players...who knows...Put Cox on the 3rd line and try Butcher out with Sanford.

Anonymous said...

So Ast comes back on.. .plays a decent first game.. team struggles a bit in this weekends two games and no adjustments made. The guy has more goals per game average then anyone except Valky, and close to Sanford and he is on 3rd line... I don't get it. Yes, they won but they won ugly both games. Nice vote of confidence!

longtimefan said...

Just curious anon 11:44, why would you move the guy who is 4th in league scoring down to the 3rd line.

Anonymous said...

Ok LTF Because Butcher trys so much harder than Cox and works harder point production would double. Sanford is the shooter if you get him the puck he always burys it.

longtimefan said...

So to your point anon 12:22, Sanford has 17 goals so far and Cox has assisted on 13 of them. Would seem to me he is doing a pretty good job of getting Curtis the puck.

Anonymous said...

ok 12:22 washing machines work hard too!! that doesn't mean they are productive players. Just because a player is an efficient skater it doesn't mean they are not working. A player doesn't have to be all arms, head and leg movement to mean they are working hard. I think Cox's numbers speak for themselves. Butcher had a great start to the year but has been very quite since coming back from injury. I will like to see this team in another week or two when you have line 1a and line 1b it will be very difficult for any team to defend against them

TigerTurf said...

I think one of the bigger differences is that they have been cheating defensively.

I was watching their overall defensive coverage the last couple games and their positioning was getting really shaky. They were like a bunch of dogs following a frisbee. It's not just one guy, but all of them. Didn't see the game against Edmonton.

Anonymous said...

I like the way Butcher gets the puck in deep. Cox cant get it in deep he is stopped at the blueline 9x out of 10 but he is a good passer.

Anonymous said...

wouldn't it make sense to get someone who can play with Sanford and cox and maybe win a faceoff. every lost faceoff means working to get the puck back,seems like a no brainer to me but what do I know

Anonymous said...

If Quennvielle is hurt the Tigers need to make a move this week, going on the US road trip with no healthy scratches player is a nightmare waiting to happen and looks terrible on management for player safety. If I'm not mistaken now that Shaw is done, if Quennvielle is hurt they don't even have enough healthy players to dress a full time

T_roy said...

If Willie D and Carriere could get the Tigers to the Mem cup every 3 years How many years is Clouston planning on taking before he even makes a trade?

T_roy said...

Hey longtimefan are you Bob Ridley who is Curtis?

Anonymous said...

Clouston has made playoffs every year. Can't say that for a lot of teams. A Mem cup showing every 3 years is not the norm.
Also, Carrier was terrible coaching!

longtimefan said...

T-roy no I'm not, and my mistake, I meant Cole not Curtis.

Also to anon 12:28 while Carriere gets a bad rap for not being a good coach remember that when he came here the Tigers were the worst team in the league by a long shot. Not only was the existing roster bad but their protected list was the worst in the league as well. Most people lay all the praise for the turn around on Willies shoulders, which he was a big part of, but if you ask those in the know Carriere was the guy who rebuilt the organizations foundation and got the players here that turned the team into a winner again.

TigerTurf said...

Carriere did an Amazing job while he was here!!
Butcher still looks great on the ice IMO. Points will come soon.


Sanford NEWGUY Cox
Eisenschmid Owre Butcher
Ast Bradley Mowbray
Rassal Labelle Fischer

I do like the possibility of a first line centre, although so does every team, and every fan of that team..

Yea could be wise to Callup a rookie for the US road trip.

Anonymous said...

Tigerturf, those line combos don't include Penner, who has looked great the past few weeks.

If there is a casualty among the forwards, I'd think it has to be Labelle. Hard to keep a 19 yr old exclusively for the pk and limited physicality.

TigerTurf said...

That was a mistake....

Sanford NEWGUY Cox
Eisenschmid Owre Butcher
Ast Bradley Penner
Rassal/Fischer Labelle Mowbray
Rassal/Fischer

Anonymous said...

Tiger,

Why not have Eisenschmid as your first line center?

LGT said...

Isnt there a Darren Reid or a Chris Stevens out in the Ajhl that the scouts can find from doing homework anymore? We have a good team this year like most years. But we have been a player or two away more than once, The year we had Kundratek, Vey, Etem,that was a good team but could have used another good player to go farther. We have the best goalies and defense this year imo it is our year to take all.

Anonymous said...

Nov 30 4:02 yeah Cox must not get the puck deep +42 last year and +16 already this year. Those sound like numbers to a player who is giving the puck up 9 out of 10 times. It's fine to like a player over another but don't post silly comments. Besides you are comparing a right winger to a left winger. Maybe play Butcher with Cox and see what happens.

Anonymous said...

I like you Trevor Cox and have praised you when you have been outstanding I am just posting what I see at the blueline 9x out of 10.Nothing wrong with a little critisism to fire you up and prove me wrong on the ice. Go Tigers GO!

TigerTurf said...

Eisenschmid has played mostly left wing with the Tigers. So I put him there....


Honestly I really want to see a better defensive game before bad habbits start becoming normal habbits. lately they have had a tougher time with a high pressure forecheck, and have been running around leaving guys open.

I liked the neutral zone adaptation they deployed against the rebels on friday. Simple change that was quite effective.

longtimefan said...

Tommy Vanelli was not named to the U.S. team for the upcoming world junior tournament.

TigerTurf said...

I was wondering about that. He was cut at the summer development camp. It is mind boggling though because they will have a young team.

One of the better puck moving defenceman in the CHL. Seems like a shot at not going the ncaa route...I don't understand it..

TigerTurf said...

November 25th against Vancouver

6'4 212 lb Mason Geertsen of Vancouver received a 1 game suspension for jumping 5'10 165 lb Chad Butcher. It was Butcher's first game back from a concussion injury...

They play on January 9th, and January 21st again

Anonymous said...

If you foot play by the National Development rules you cease to exist in their eyes. And that is from direct experience with this group.

Oscar said...

They picked 9 CHL players for their camp - 9 guys who also shunned the NCAA route - so tempting as it mat be to lay blame there, that dog just wont hunt.

Could be that he is in the conversation but just not quite at the level of the guys invited. Brandon Carlo, for example, is a stud. (you cant teach 6'5)

Personally, I've always found Vanelli a tad over-rated/over-hyped

TigerTurf said...

Vannelli Does have elements of his game that needs work, but I do a couple big step improvements in his game this season over last season.

These teams are often built by having set roles and filling it with the player they feel best suited to fit that role...Seeing as Vannelli was cut during the summer it seems like they already made their mind that their are other players they feel would be better suited for a mobile puck moving PP guy.
------

I guess this year Tiger fans will be cheering for team Germany and Markus Eisenschmid, as Langhamer is too old this year.

Anonymous said...

Vanielle is the best player on this team hands down

longtimefan said...

Nice start to the roadie beating the top team in the US division. Five goals against a very stingy defensive team. Hopefully when Marcus returns he can wake up Butcher who has not been the same player since he was hurt.

Also, trade Cox or move him down to the third line. He's not adding a thing to the lineup:)

Anonymous said...

longtime fan you are being silly cox played the best game of his career.

Anonymous said...

not sure what you so called fans are watching - first cox is just plain old good trade him really top 5 scoring??? like who are you guys ??, Vanelli is he good yes, but the best lets not get carried away, Sanford, Cox Lewington and Langhammer might have a word on that one, this team is not full of super stars but has a lot of really talented players, thats why they are where they are so far

TigerTurf said...

longtimefan was joking fyi.


Good to see Cox have a great game, when he moves his feet he is a dangerous player in both zones. He is 5th overall in scoring in the whl now.

Anonymous said...

Lol Langhammer maybe Lewington will more than likely stay around in the AHL cox and Sanford college bound Vanielle has potential to be in NHL 5-6 Dman on a team like the blues

Anonymous said...

I want the Tigers to get Gropp from Seattle. He would fit in nicely!

TigerTurf said...

Hobbs invited to the World Junior A Selection Camp.

Hobbs has 4 PM's in 4 games with Nipawin Hawks.

04Forever said...

Any news on Butcher? That man has the worst luck, always seems to be on th receiving end of 5min majors

longtimefan said...

Nice trip by the boys, especially tonight with a short lineup. Nice to see guys like Rassel starting to chip in along with Chad Labelle who really stepped up his play recently.

TigerTurf said...

In regards to Butcher, I wouldn't be surprised if It's a concussion.

He was on the halfwall and a puck was flipped up. Butcher was Concentrating on the puck and the Winterhawk player came in from slightly past parallel position with Butcher half turned in towards the boards, and hit him pretty hard.


It's the type of hit that is very borderline. We see often with players with their backs turned/half turned expecting a hit...You hit a player too hard you get a penalty, you don't hit them hard enough and they get away with the puck... I think with Butcher concentrating on the puck, being in a vulnerable position, and the strength of the check were big factors.

It was hard to see but looked like the bottom part of his head slammed in hard against the glass.

TigerTurf said...

Might be the type of hit where a 1 game suspension might have been more appropriate. Butcher had hardly any time to react from concentrating on a puck that was flipped up.

TigerTurf said...

*delete delete delete*

Anonymous said...

Looks like the Tigers are finally running out of steam. Looks like management are just happy making the playoffs every year instead of making a run for the cup. Don't get me wrong anything can happen in the playoffs but its all beginning to be tiring now when there isn't any ambition by Clouston to have a big push. No wonder fans are becoming bored and not coming to games anymore. The excitement of loading up for a long playoff run hasn't happened for a long time now.