By John B. Spigott /
It could be a long afternoon for the Alberta Junior Hockey League’s top goaltenders the Jan. 25 All-Star Game.
The North Division comes into the game not only having won the last three All-Star Games - including an epic 14-13 overtime win last year in Calgary – but will also suit up the top seven scorers and two of the top six goaltenders in the AJHL. Not to be outdone, the South Division features eight players averaging over a point-per-game playing in front of three goaltenders that have all locked up NCAA scholarships.
Here are a few intriguing players to keep an eye on.
Bryce Williamson - St. Albert
The go-to player on offence for the Steel, Williamvson is making his case for not only an AJHL scoring title, but an MVP award as well.
With 88 points through 50 games, the 20-year-old Williamson held a slim lead in the AJHL scoring race as of Jan. 25, and has consistently improved since he came into the league in 2006-07.
“He has been fantastic for us, and he truly is one of our leaders,” said St. Albert head coach and general manager Greg Parks. “He can win hockey games by himself, and I just can’t say enough about him.”
Zahn Raubenheimer, Travis Dunstall, Dennis Rix - Grande Prairie
Since you can’t talk about one member of the AJHL’s top line without mentioning the other two, it’s fitting all three players will head to Fort McMurray to represent the North.
As of Jan. 25, the trio ranked 2-3-6 in league scoring, and Grande Prairie head coach and general manager Mike Vandekamp says his trio of 20-year-olds have paced the offence all season long.
“We have high expectations for that line, and it’s up to them to find their way out there,” said Vandekamp. “They are all great players, and we’ve allowed them to use their imagination offensively‚Ķoverall, they have been great for us.”
John Dunbar - Calgary Canucks
It has been a breakout season for the 18-year-old Dunbar.
With 60 points in 45 games, Dunbar trailed only Canmore’s Lee Reimer among South Division scorers, and his offensive prowess has helped him not only suit up for team Canada West at this year’s World Junior A Challenge, but also secure a scholarship to Quinnipiac as well.
“He’s just so good with the puck, and he’s got so many tricks up his sleeve offensively,” said Calgary head coach and general manager Don Phelps. “John Dunbar can embarrass you out there, and he does that to a lot of defencemen and goalies in our league.
“He’s a small man, but he’s super skilled and just a real gifted offensive player.”
Sam Brittain - Canmore Eagles
One of only two unanimous selections for the South Division, don’t expect goaltender Sam Brittain to be around for too many more all-star games.
The 17-year-old Calgary-native is expected to go in the first round or second round of the upcoming NHL Draft, and with a scholarship to the University of Denver already locked up, it appears Brittain is on the fast-track to success.
“Sam has been great for us this season,” said Canmore head coach and general manager Andrew Milne. “He’s a big body that moves very quickly for his size, and he is slowly learning the game himself. But that’s part of the process, it’s about learning how to win and be competitive in this league.” |
