EMERGING FROM THE PACK
The Rangers’ American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Hartford Wolf Pack, opened its 2014-15 season on Sunday afternoon against the Syracuse Crunch. Oscar Lindberg registered two goals, including the game-winning goal in overtime, as the Wolf Pack defeated Syracuse, 4-3.
THREE STARS OF THE WEEK
Pavel Buchnevich, LW, Severstal Cherepovets (KHL) – Buchnevich had a terrific week offensively for Severstal, registering four points in three games. The Rangers’ third-round pick (75th overall) in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft tallied three points (one goal, two assists) and posted a plus-three rating in a 7-3 victory against Metallurg Nk on October 6. Buchnevich also tallied an assist in Severstal’s 4-3 loss on October 9. Through 17 games this season, the 19-year-old is tied for the team lead in goals (six) and points (13), is tied for third on Severstal in assists (seven), and is tied for fifth in plus/minus rating (plus-six).
Link to Buchnevich’s goal on October 6 against Metallurg NK: http://video.khl.ru/quotes/246261
Daniel Walcott, D, Blainville-Boisbriand Armada (QMJHL) – Walcott, who was selected by the Rangers in the fifth round (140th overall) of the 2014 NHL Entry Draft, returned to the Blainville-Boisbriand lineup this past week after missing the start of the QMJHL season with an injury. The Armada captain was named the Third Star of the Week in the QMJHL, as he tallied a point in all three games he played in this past week. He registered four points (one goal, three assists) and posted a plus-four rating in the three contests, as the Armada recorded five out of a possible six points (2-0-1 record). Walcott concluded the week with a primary assist on the game-winning goal as part of a two-assist effort on October 12 against Sherbrooke. Despite missing the first nine games of the season, the 20-year-old is tied for second on the team in plus/minus rating (plus-four) and is tied for second among team defensemen in assists (three) and points (four).
Adam Tambellini, C, Calgary Hitmen (WHL) – Tambellini continued to be Calgary’s most consistent offensive performer over the past week. In two contests, the 19-year-old registered three points (one goal, two assists) and posted a plus-three rating. Tambellini has registered a point in six of seven contests this season, including a goal in five of those, tallying nine points (five goals, four assists) in the seven games. He ranks second on Calgary in points (nine), is tied for second on the team in goals (five), is tied for third in plus/minus rating (plus-six), and is tied for fourth in assists (four).
PROSPECT SPOTLIGHT: DANIEL WALCOTT
Daniel Walcott didn’t follow the traditional path to becoming an NHL draft pick. The Ile Perot, Quebec native played one season of high school hockey in Chicago and one season of college hockey at Lindenwood University in St. Louis before joining Blainville-Boisbriand prior to the start of last season.
Walcott’s development was accelerated after he joined the Armada, and he began to get noticed by scouts as a result.
“Major Juniors is probably the most scouted junior league in the world,” Walcott said. “That visibility truly helped me.”
Last season, Walcott ranked second among Blainville-Boisbriand defensemen in goals (10), assists (29), and points (39) during the regular season, and led all defensemen on Blainville-Boisbriand in goals (four) and points (10) in the playoffs. He also was named to the QMJHL All-Star Team for the Junior Super Series, which is a tournament featuring the top junior players in the world.
SCOUTING REPORT
“Daniel’s determination stands out when he’s on the ice, and with his skill level he can provide solid plays in both zones and all situations. He has exceptional skating ability.” – Daniel Dore, Rangers Amateur Scout
QUICK HITS
Brandon Halverson, G, Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds (OHL) – Halverson maintained his perfect record to start the season as he won both games he appeared in with Sault Ste. Marie this past week. In six appearances this season, Halverson is 6-0-0 with a 2.33 GAA, a .927 SV% and 1 SO. He is tied for first in the OHL in wins, is tied for second in shutouts, ranks fourth in GAA and SV%, and ranks sixth in saves (178). In his last 11 OHL games (dating back to last season), the 18-year-old has posted a 10-0-1 record, along with a 2.26 GAA, a .934 SV%, and 2 SO.
Troy Donnay, D, Erie Otters (OHL) – After returning to the Otters, Donnay tallied three points (one goal, two assists) and posted a plus-six rating in two contests this past week. Donnay ranks second among Erie defensemen in plus/minus rating and is tied for second among Erie defensemen in goals and point this season.
Cristoval Nieves, C, University of Michigan (NCAA) – Nieves, who tallied an assist in Michigan’s regular season opener on October 4, recorded an assist in each of the Wolverines’ two exhibition contests during this past week (three assists over the span).