Originally published on HockeyCanada.ca in 2005
By Lucas Aykroyd
At this stage of Alexander Edler’s career, some observers might project the 19-year-old to be a poor man’s version of Nicklas Lidstrom. That wouldn’t be a bad thing. But don’t forget something else: both those Swedish defencemen were drafted in the third round of the NHL Entry Draft […]

Originally published on HockeyCanada.ca in 2005
By Lucas Aykroyd
The surname “Ryan” has frequently been associated with American excellence, whether it’s the legendary baseball pitcher Nolan Ryan or Tom Clancy’s fictional hero Jack Ryan. The USA’s Bobby Ryan is hoping to join those illustrious ranks with a strong performance at the 2006 IIHF World Championship. Coming […]

Originally published on HockeyCanada.ca in 2006
By Lucas Aykroyd
Even though this is the first time Vancouver has hosted the World Juniors, the West Coast metropolis of 2 million has plenty of historical connections to this elite tournament.
The legendary Ernie “Punch” McLean was best-known as the coach of the WHL’s New Westminster Bruins, which played in a […]

Originally published in Prospects Hockey in 2004
By Lucas Aykroyd
When a playoff game goes into overtime, you often hear dramatic rock songs like Europe’s “The Final Countdown” or Survivor’s “Eye Of The Tiger” blasting through the hockey arena. But that’s to set the mood for fans. Coaches can’t let themselves get swept up in the moment. […]

Originally published in Prospects Hockey in 2007
By Lucas Aykroyd
In 1958, a Canadian forward named Connie Broden won an IIHF World Championship in Oslo, Norway, and then a Stanley Cup with the Montreal Canadiens the following month. Since today’s senior World Championship rosters generally consist of players eliminated from NHL playoff contention, odds are we’ll never […]

Originally published in Prospects Hockey in 2004
By Lucas Aykroyd
For today’s hockey coach, neglecting to use video analysis effectively would be about as dumb as trying to go 12 rounds with Muhammad Ali in his prime–while blindfolded.
You just can’t overlook a tool like this when every other coach is taking advantage. Right into the 1970’s, your […]

Originally published in Prospects Hockey in 2005
By Lucas Aykroyd
Winning one Memorial Cup is hard enough. So how about back-to-back titles? Since most major junior careers last only three or four seasons, the odds of “doing the double” are slim indeed for any player or team.
“You have to consider the graduating factor,” says Trevor Linden, who […]

Originally published in Prospects Hockey in 2004
By Lucas Aykroyd
Hollywood movies like The Towering Inferno and Backdraft are as close as many of us ever come to confronting a fire raging out of control. But for the citizens of Kelowna, the sight of homes and forests ablaze became a terrifying reality in the late summer of […]

Originally published in Prospects Hockey in 2004
By Lucas Aykroyd
Today, North American fans are accustomed to watching Russian players strut their skills on this side of the Atlantic. But recently, some Canadian CHL graduates have reversed the trend by heading over to Russia.
Few are better qualified to describe that experience than former goalie Vincent Riendeau, who […]

Originally published in Prospects Hockey in 2005
By Lucas Aykroyd
Most hockey observers believe Corey Perry of the Anaheim Mighty Ducks has a bright future. But will the 6-3, 197-pound center give Sidney Crosby and Alexander Ovechkin a run for their money in the quest for NHL Rookie of the Year status? Or will he require a […]