The Kids Are Alright – Prospects Update

 

 

For those unaware, some Flames futures are having themselves a nice spring so far. The Abbotsford Heat managed to sweep their opening series over the Milwaukee Admirals 3-0 while the Portland Winterhawks advanced to the WHL finals by beating the Tri-City Americans.

The Heat took advantage of their sudden roster depth and a slightly shorthanded Milwaukee squad (some of their best players were traveling with the parent club, the Nashville Predators). Like the regular season, Krys Kolanos led the way for Abbotsford, scoring four goals and eight points in just three games. Clay Wilson led the blueline with five points, while Ben Walter (5 points) and Greg Nemisz (5 points) also had noteworthy performances. The only other Flames youngsters to mark the score sheet were Paul Byron (3 points) and Roman Horak (2 points). Max Reinhart appeared in one contest and went pointless while Michael Ferland has yet to suit up.

Dany Taylor stared all three games for the Heat and managed an excellent .925 SV%.

Sven Baertschi and Tyler Wotherspoon will face the Edmonton Oil Kings (probably) in the WHL finals after their 4-1 win over the Americans on Thursday night. Portland fired 61 shots on net en route to a 4-1 win, with Baertschi scoring a goal. He now has 25 points in 15 post-season games. For his part, Wotherspoon has collected five points and +12 rating in the playoffs so far.

Finally, Laurent Brossoit continues to be the best goalie in the WHL playoffs despite a recent defeat at the hands of the Moose Jaw Warriors (the Oil Kings first loss in 20-odd games). HIs .942 SV% is the best save rate amongst any goalie who has started 4 or more games.

When/if the Oil Kings defeat the Warriors to make the finals, it will be interesting to see how prevails out of Baertschi/Brossoit.

We’ll provide more updates as things progress.