Senators Prospect Roundup: March 27, 2012
A way to keep a pulse on the health of an organization's prospect depth is how much news comes cycling through. Obviously, some news can be better than others (players doing well > injuries). But lots of news certainly trumps little (lots of players > not that many players). For the Senators, it's been more than enough for me to cobble together a once weekly post offering updates. This week, some of the notable news is Mark Stone being named to the WHL Eastern Conference All-Star Team, marking his second year being given that honor. His fellow Eastern All-Stars include Alex Petrovic, a second round selection, Emerson Etem (a first) and Jordan Weal (a third). More than that, Stone was named the Eastern Conference finalist to win the WHL's sportsmanship award. (Lady Byng next, yes?) It can't be a surprise with the past two seasons Stone has had. He's been sensational.
The Brandon Wheat Kings are fighting their way in the WHL playoffs, currently leading the Calgary Hitmen- once their playoff run is done, he can get himself ready to join the Binghamton Senators. If they pull past the Hitmen, there won't be enough games in the AHL season to justify his visiting upstate New York. Not just yet.
Already in Binghamton are new college free-agent signee Cole Schneider, Matt Puempel who has freshly recovered from a long-lasting concussion and University of Ohio-Miami product Chris Wideman (Joy Lindsay has a good piece on Wideman's transition). Along with Stone and whoever else falls through the cracks of training camps after turning professional, these players can look to make a change in the dynamic of the Binghamton Senators. A handful of snipers and a mobile defenseman can do wonders for a team. Whoda thunk?
Prospect Notes and Observations:
- How many are Ottawa's ties to Brandon? Obviously, everyone's favorite sixth round pick plays there (Stone), our former coach went there straight from the tarmac, and one of last year's crop in Jordan Fransoo. There's also the lesser known connection- Binghamton Senator David Dziurzynski's brother Darian Dziurzynski (5th round selection of Phoenix in 2011) plays there- at times on a line with Stone.
- Stefan Noesen is starting to really roll, along with the Whalers. After falling down a stunning 2-0 against the Guelph Storm, Noesen and his team have pulled themselves together maybe just a teensy bit- what's a 7-1 win in the playoffs, right? It counts as five points for Stefan Noesen, four of which have come on the powerplay.
- The Senators had Matej Machovsky signed on an amateur tryout last year during development camp- he's not Sens property, but does have the best GAA so far in the OHL playoffs for the Batallion.
- After getting injured earlier this month, Jean-Gabriel Pageau returned to action against Acadie-Bathurst- he's got two points.
- Semi finals for Silfverberg. Nothing seems to get past the Brynas leadership duo of Dackell/Silfverberg.
