During each month of the season, QMJHL scouts provide us with reports on some of the top prospects for the upcoming QMJHL Entry Draft presented by Fenplast.
Here is their analysis of the prospects for the month of April.
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Zack Arsenault – Forward – Séminaire St-François Blizzard
Zack Arsenault is a right-hander who has one of the best shots at the U18 AAA level this season. He stands out for his constant involvement in the offensive zone, in addition to always getting open and finding shooting lanes. Zack’s ability to score in a variety of ways makes him extremely dangerous in all circumstances. He also has very good hands, which enable him to get out of battles with defenders.
Despite an injury during the season, he still finished with 24 goals in 23 games. His impressive 1.74 points per game average was the best in the LHM18AAAQ this season for a player born in 2009.
- Frédéric Lévesque, CSR Scout
Olivier Charron – Forward – Châteauguay Grenadiers
Olivier Charron has a player profile that is very interesting for scouts. An explosive skater with excellent skills, he often seems to score the big goals, especially when the game is on the line. A very versatile player, he manages to adapt to many different game situations. Charron’s style of play is more physical at times, and he has often demonstrated that he is not afraid of going to war.
The forward continues to work to improve his consistency with his coaches, who greatly appreciate his efforts. Many teams will be seeking his services at the next entry draft.
- Benoît Payment, CSR Scout
Mathys Fortin – Goaltender – St-Eustache Vikings
A big sized goaltender, Mathys Fortin moves well laterally thanks to some strong pushes. He has also shown good power and explosion in his legs as he moves around his crease. Fortin can be considered more of a positional goalie, but he is not afraid to abandon his technique when battling for loose pucks.
When trying to reposition himself on rebounds, he does look out of control at times. Overall, Fortin had a good season, putting up some interesting numbers along the way. He is, in my opinion, one of the best prospects at his position ahead of next June’s Draft.
- Maxime Ouellet, CSR Goaltending Specialist
Loïk Gariepy – Forward – St-Eustache Vikings
Hampered by an injury in the first half of the season, Loïk Gariépy never let adversity slow his progress – on the contrary, he emerged more determined than ever. Recognized as a complete player, he distinguishes himself as much by his intensity in the offensive zone as by his unfailing involvement when backchecking. He has a strong character on the ice, demonstrated by his combative attitude and great confidence in his game.
Combining composure and excellent puck control, he sets his own pace and refuses to let the opposition dictate theirs. Effective at protecting the puck, Loïk also stands out for his excellent vision. This quality enables him to quickly spot his open teammates and generate high-danger scoring opportunities. The complementarity of these assets with his quick, accurate shooting makes him a constant threat in the offensive zone.
- Jérémie Bergeron, CSR Scout
Zakary Horvat-Edouard – Forward – Laval-Montréal Rousseau Royal
Zakary Horvat-Edouard is a small but solid centerman. He’s capable of winning his one-on-one battles and, thanks to his talent for rolling when being bodychecked, he’s very difficult to neutralize. Offensively, he’s very dangerous, as he’s a specialist on the power play.
His exceptional vision enables him to make quick decisions with the puck, and to make clever passes. His teammates must always be ready to finish off plays, as he usually spots them when they’re open. At every level of his minor hockey career, and again this season, he has been a true offensive catalyst.
- Daniel Noonan, CSR Scout
Alexis Joseph – Forward – Collège Esther-Blondin Phénix
Alexis Joseph is a big, left-handed centerman with a solid, powerful skating stride and a big-league wrist shot. Identified by many as the top prospect in the upcoming draft, he performed well despite a ton of pressure and his young age.
The LHM18AAAQ’s second-highest scorer among 15-year-olds, just one point behind the leader, Alexis focused on working on his overall game to become a more complete player. Despite this, he maintained an average of over a point per game, season and playoffs included.
In addition to excelling on face-offs, with an efficiency level approaching 62%, he was used by his coach in a variety of ways: on the starting line-up, on the power play and shorthanded, in the dying moments of periods, and so on. Alexis has all the tools needed to succeed at the next levels.
- Pierre Cholette, CSR Director
Phenwick MacLean – Forward – Dartmouth Steele Subaru
Phenwick MacLean is an elite talent and the top prospect out of Nova Scotia this year. He combines a high hockey IQ and offensive ability with his great work ethic. He is a player that loves to score goals and has an elite shot and release, which was evident in his ability to score from anywhere whenever the puck was on his stick this season. A good passer as well, MacLean doesn’t shy away from the physical nature of the game.
He competes well and is hard on pucks, he doesn’t give up on plays, and he’s always willing to work to get the puck back. A player who elevates his play in big moments, MacLean is seemingly able to keep his composure and never lets the moment get too big. He has all of the tools to be a top offensive player at the next level.
- Taylor P. Burke, Nova Scotia CSR Scout
Marc MacPhee – Forward – Moncton Flyers
MacPhee is a right-handed centerman that makes everyone around him better. An offensive minded player, he sees the ice very well and makes plays not many players think of. He drives the offense with his skating ability and creative thinking. Very quick and shifty in the offensive zone, he protects the puck very well against bigger defenders. His awareness on the ice allows him to find open teammates with ease. He also has great hands that allow him to move around defenders and a quick release that often surprises goalies.
MacPhee’s high hockey IQ makes him a great player all over the ice. He doesn’t cheat in his own zone and often facilitates breakouts. He’s very good in transition and excels at entering the opposing zone and setting up the offense. Because he does all the little things right when he’s on the ice, he’s an asset that can be used in all aspects of the game.
- David Landry, New Brunswick CSR Scout
Quinn Norman – Defenseman – Vaughan Kings
Quinn is a left-handed defenseman who is one of the best skaters in this year’s draft class. His agility, explosiveness, and quickness are all top notch. Through his skating ability, Quinn is able to join the rush, escape forechecks, and be decisive all over the ice. He has a high-end skill set with the puck and the ability to transition quickly and effectively as well.
Quinn’s confidence with the puck is also displayed in all three zones. He has no issue with being pressured by opposing forwards on the blue line and will often draw players in before escaping to create dangerous plays. He must continue to work on making quality decisions with the puck and improve his timing by not always relying on his skating ability. All signs seem to indicate that he will become a steady, mobile defenseman at the major junior level.
- Marcus Power, Newfoundland and Labrador CSR Scout
Antoine Provencher – Forward – Collège Charles-Lemoyne Riverains
Antoine is definitely an all-round forward. A good skater with good size, he is capable of excelling on the forecheck when retrieving pucks but is also able to demonstrate finesse in order to feed his teammates. A player as intelligent as he is skilled, he has a good understanding of the game and makes good decisions rather than forcing plays.
Thanks to his good vision, he is effective with and without the puck, and is able to find open spaces and high-danger spots in the offensive zone. Known for his reliability, he’s the kind of player coaches are always looking for.
- Jean-Pierre Belzil, CSR Scout
