WEEKEND UPDATE!
By Lowetide
7 years agoWe’re back! Starting today and going each Sunday all year, Weekend Update offers the latest on Edmonton’s prospects across all leagues. It was an eventful week on several fronts.
KHL
Paigin played in the first two games of the KHL season, but did not dress in the third game (it was the second game of a btb, no word on benching or injury). He is averaging 17:58 per game and has three shots on goal. A year ago, he averaged 17:45 per game in posting an outstanding year and emerging as one of Edmonton’s top prospects.
CHL
CHL clubs have started training camps and playing intra-squad games—and so far the good news is everyone is in good health (that we know of at this time). Oilers fans will get a look at Bear and other prospects in Penticton at the Young Stars game next month. Jeff Paterson of the Vancouver Province offers a nice overview of the event:
- Paterson: This year’s tournament, which runs Sept. 16-19, will add to that list.
With all four entries coming off disappointing seasons and each boasting
a pick in the top six at June’s draft, Jakubeit is excited to see the
next wave of stars like Patrik Laine, Jesse Puljujarvi, Olli Juolevi and
Matthew Tkachuk. This year’s event will also feature high-profile
rookies Thatcher Demko, Tyler Benson and former Penticton Vees star Troy
Stetcher. - Source
Oilers fans have been able to see future stars in this tournament over the last several seasons, and the idea of a healthy Jesse Puljujarvi is exciting enough to book passage to Penticton immediately! Important for Puljujarvi, Benson and others to enter and exit the weekend in good health, that is job one. Ian Jacques from the Delta Optimist quotes Benson about the coming season with the Vancouver Giants:
- Benson: “It’s been a long summer, but I’m happy to be back and just be back
with the guys. There have been lots of changes, but I’m
excited for the changes. I think it’s going to be a good year. Everyone
is excited to be back and we are ready to prove ourselves and show that
we are a good team.” - Source
FOUR NATIONS
Rasanen has scored a couple of goals and the overall word is he has been flying during this tune up tournament. Increasingly, he appears to be one to watch this coming season among Oilers prospects. One final item: If you are interested in the 2017 draft the scouts tell us that season begins with the Ivan Hlinka Tournament. Steve Kournianos posted a terrific summary of the event on his website.
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