I've been thinking about players who will be expected to take on a bigger role this season. Here are five players I can see having breakout years.
1. Sanfred King, C/RW
2009-10: 34-7-6-13
It's no fluke that King has played nearly 100 games in the WHL. He has skill. Were it not for a broken femur midway through the 2008-09 season, odds are he still would have been with Brandon this past season. King scored twice in his first game with the Klippers last November, but his production lagged after that. Personally, and I've said this before, I find it incredible that he's playing hockey at all after such a brutal injury.
I haven't caught up with him since the end of last season, but you'd have to think an off-season of working on leg strength would do wonders heading into his 20-year-old season. He's pencilled in for the second line and will be given every chance to be an impact player. I expect Kinger to top the 50-point mark.
2. Braeden Adamyk, RW
2009-10: 56-20-27-47
Might seem strange to think of a player with those totals as a breakout candidate, but I think Adamyk has a lot more in him. Moving from centre to the right side last year was an adjustment, especially as a left shot. He also has WHL experience and I think his experience as a mentor and coach at this year's summer camp will give him a sense of ownership in how the team fares.
The line enters the season as the de facto #1 line in the SJHL and Adamyk will face every team's top checkers. That said, he's got great hockey sense, a pinpoint shot and I think he's capable of finishing top five in league scoring.
3. John Sonntag, D
2009-10: 55-1-14-15
Truth be told, last year was Sonntag's breakout season. He went from the odd man out on the blueline to a legit top three defender who intimidated opposing forwards with punishing hits. His offensive game also developed with some PP time and added confidence. This year, the Meadow Lake native - who fights forest fires in the summer - will be counted on to take his game to new heights. He's already developed a rep as a devastating bodychecker, and that should only continue in his 20-year-old season. I'll be shocked if he doesn't make the all-star game. No idea if he'll start the season alongside Kurt Leedahl, but that would be a lethal pairing.
4. Scott Hellyer, G
2009-10: 2-2, 3.93, .888
Let's get it out of the way: the stats look atrocious. The fact of the matter is Hellyer was thrown into a couple of late-season blowouts and, with only a few starts under his belt, they ballooned his GAA and save percentage.
Hellyer was acquired from Winkler on Dec. 1 of last year to replace Joshua Baker. He didn't get his first start until Jan. 17 against Yorkton, on the team's first weekend in Eston (he was scheduled to start against Estevan Jan. 9. I'll let you figure out why that got derailed). He stopped 39 of 41 shots en route to a Klipper win, and turned in similar impressive outings in two of his three other starts. But the most impressive thing about Hellyer was his attitude off the ice. He worked his rear off in practice and never complained, despite sitting on the bench for six weeks straight after being acquired. He's a quiet guy.
Hellyer has experience as a Jr. A starter, playing 43 games for Winkler in 2008-09. I don't expect him to replace Josh Thorimbert, but I do think he can be, at worst, a middle of the pack SJHL starter. And when you look at the rest of the Klipper roster, they can win with that.
5. Riley Down, D/RW/LW/???
2009-10: 41-1-2-3
If hockey ever brought back the rover, Riley Down would be a perfect fit. He squeaked onto the roster in training camp last year, saw limited action on the blueline to start the year, and was eventually moved to the wing when injuries struck. Down did well enough as a forechecker and energy player that he stuck. But he became more than that.
The Kindersley native hit his stride down the stretch, scoring his first goal in the final game of the season and becoming a force in the playoffs. In eight post-season games, he scored three times and added a pair of assists. Five points! Not only that, he scored in games 4 and 6 of the Yorkton series - both road games the Klippers absolutely had to win, and did, after a pair of third period comebacks.
Down is already a fan favourite. Can he go from depth defenceman to top six forward in two years? Who knows?
Honourable mention: Jordon Hoffman, C
2009-10: 58-10-12-22
Hoffman has already established himself as probably the hardest worker on a team of hard workers. He is determination personified, the ideal third line centre. But he has offensive upside as well. He got a few extended stints in a top six role when injuries struck last year, and he has a good shot at a permanent scoring role now, especially if Braeden Johnson sticks with the Blades. I think Hoff could be a legit first line player in 2011-12.
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One thing I forgot to mention in the training camp notes the other day. Larry Wintoneak confirmed to me on Monday that defenceman David Ahl is not returning. He wants to play for a team in Alberta and Larry hopes to get futures (cash) in return.
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The blog is about to hit the 700 visitor mark. It's good to see a lot of people stopping by a place that's only existed for about 10 days. I'm having a blast writing this so far (wait till the season starts!) and I hope readers are enjoying the content. Comments, suggestions or info I may have missed are always welcome.
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