By Brian Weidler, "Game Time" Prospect Department
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PROSPECT TRANSACTIONS THIS WEEK
11-18-12: RW Cam Reid released from PTO (pro tryout) contract by Peoria (AHL).
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PROSPECT INJURY REPORT
10-27-12: RW Mackenzie Maceachern (Chicago/USHL) out indefinitely with concussion symptoms.
Rivermen now with 73 player games lost to injury after 18 games this season. #pjsrivs #blues
— Dave Eminian (@icetimecleve) November 25, 2012
.@jennybuehler Ponich, Nesbitt, Della Rovere, Cracknell, Barriball, Fairchild, all injured
— Dave Eminian (@icetimecleve) November 25, 2012
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"IT'S THE HOLIDAY SEASON..."
...and as the minor-league and major junior clubs approach and pass the quarter pole of the year, some trends are beginning to emerge.
Look for more on this next week in our various features.
Also, NHL Central Scouting has just released their Preliminary Rankings for the 2013 Entry Draft, which your GTPD plans to attend in person as part of his first-ever trip to the Big Apple. There will be more about potential draftees later in this space, and in Special Comments (Keith Olbermann ain't got diddly on me), but for now, here's a very short list of the players that your GTPD is looking at as probable targets for the Blues in June:
Aleksander Barkov, C, shoots L, 6' 2, 205, Tappara Tampere (SM-Liiga).
Bo Horvat, LW, shoots L, 6' 0, 203, London (OHL).
Elias Lindholm, C shoots R, 6' 0, 189, Brynäs Gävle (Elitserien).
Ian McCoshen, D, shoots L, 6' 3, 207, Waterloo (USHL).
Kerby Rychel, LW, shoots L, 6' 1, 200, Windsor (OHL).
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ANOTHER 'FIRST' THIS WEEK
Congratulations to 2012 draft pick (56th overall) Sam Kurker on his first NCAA point, a goal, for 10th-ranked Boston University in Hockey East action last night.
From the game recap at hockeyeastonline.com:
BU put together a 22-shot barrage in the middle period but were not able to double their lead until late in the stanza. From above the right post, Kurker finished off a 2-on-1 with junior Sahir Gill at 18:54 for his first collegiate goal.
Video of Kurker's goal begins at 0:40 of this clip.
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FEATURES THIS WEEK
The Peoria Rivermen and Evansville IceMen both approach the season's quarter pole with inconsistent scoring, goaltending, and special teams. There are reasons for optimism in both river cities, however. Details and discussion at 2:00 PM Central.
It's a mix of old and new this week in "Trending Up," as new faces take their places alongside some names that have become very familiar to readers of this space. Details and discussion at 3:00 PM Central.
All the prospect scoring, penalty, and goaltending statistics a Blues' fan could want... minor pro, Europe, major junior and college. Details and discussion at 4:00 PM Central.