Okay so now the roster is down to the twenty three man list, leaving just eleven new players to look at. For these rookies, or perhaps more appropriately the first year guys, it should be noted that the definition of a rookie in the British Columbia Hockey League is less than 29 games played at the Junior 'A' level. One of the eleven players considered to be a first year guy does have more than 29 games at the Junior 'A' level, a few others were called up as affiliated players last year while the rest are truly new to the BCHL experience.
Jeff Datoff, '92 (D) - With his hometown listed as Nanaimo, Jeff Datoff is no stranger to Prince George having been born and raised until he was twelve here. Jeff is one of only the two 17 year old players on the roster heading into the season and does give up a little bit on size and weight, but seems to make up for it with a strong puck sense in his own end.
Jeff Earnest, '91 (F) - From Whittier Alaska, Jeff Earnest played for the San Jose Junior Sharks last season where he scored 17 goals and added 31 assists in 58 games. Jeff is an extremely hard working player that can win battles for the puck in the corners. There is an offensive spark here with grit that helps to add depth up front for the Spruce Kings.
Jonathan Gibson, '90 (D) - Now a resident of Prince George, Jonathan Gibson was playing Junior A hockey last year for the Burlington Cougars of the Central Canadian Hockey League (formerly part of the OPJAHL). Jonathan played in 37 games last season scoring twice including a powerplay goal and picking up 10 assists as well. His strength will be his physical play and using his bigger body to muscle other players off the puck and move the play in an offensive direction.
Chris Gularte, '91 (D) - Another graduate from the prestigious San Jose Jr. Sharks hockey program last season, Chris Gularte tallied 6 goals and 3 assists to go along with 60 penalty minutes in 49 games. Chris is a stay at home defenseman that can be dangerous with his big point shot. Technically an eighteen year old player, but not until late December, Chris has a quiet confidence about him and is looking forward to answering the challenge of playing in the BCHL.
Luke Hannas, '91 (F) - A big strong forward, Luke Hannas has a size and reach advantage and the ability to use it when necessary. An AP with the Quesnel Millionaires last season, Luke has had his introduction to the Junior 'A' game. During camp and the preseason, Luke fit right in and was as much a goal scoring threat as he was a physical presence in front of the net.
Stewart Lambert, '90 (F) - You can call Stewart Lambert a free agent after taking last season off to concentrate on his educational studies. A part of the 2007 BC Major Midget Championship team with the likes of RJay Berra, Nick DeSousa and Justin Fillion, Stewart hasn't looked like a player that has been away from the game for a whole season. With an accurate shot and a good skating stride, he already possesses the ability to show up on the game sheet most nights.
Kyle Manlow, '91 (F) - One of the five American born players on the roster to start the season, Kyle Manlow was second in team scoring last season with the San Diego Gulls of the Western States Hockey League. Kyle averaged 1.4 points a game as a rookie scoring 24 goals and adding 18 assists in 31 games making him a potent offensive player and perhaps the dark horse heading into the season.
Clayton McEwan, '91 (D) - The Spruce Kings had Clayton McEwan in their roster twice last season as an AP and were impressed with his play defensively. Last season Clayton scored one powerplay goal, added 13 assists and was assessed 154 minutes in penalties with the Aldergrove Kodiaks. Although he isn't afraid to look for the big hit to make a play, his edginess appears to have matured for this season and he hasn't been taking unnecessary penalties.
Jesse Scrimbit, '90 (D) - Another tough player, Jesse Scrimbit adds some more toughness on the blue line for the Spruce Kings. Having paid his dues for two years at the Junior 'B' level, desire to stay at the Junior 'A' level alone will see this defenseman playing a tough game intended to wear down the opposition.
Jeremy Wiebe, '91 (F) - A late cut last year from the Vernon Vipers training camp, Jeremy Wiebe took the first opportunity to come to the Spruce Kings and show off his tough style and hard work ethic. Through the training camp and preseason games, Jeremy moved from defence to forward and showed his ability to play both ends of the ice when called upon.
Tim Zwiers. '92 (G) - The only other true seventeen year old player on the roster, Tim Zwiers has looked good between the pipes for the team that AP'ed him last season. During his time in goal through the preseason Tim posted a 3.00 goals against average and really shone while playing in his hometown of Williams Lake where he faced a determined Timberwolves squad that hounded him in the crease but could not get through the door.
Remember that these assessments are mine and mine alone, you watch the newest players on the Spruce Kings roster and let me know what you think.
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