2013 - 2014 WHL Preview - Kamloops Blazers

Kamloops Blazers Preseason Roster

OVERAGERS:

With J.C Lipon signing with the Winnipeg Jets and Colin Smith going pro with the Avalanche. It looks like the Kamloops Blazers will be heading into the season with only two overagers in Joe Kornelsen and blueliner Sam Grist. Although both are veterans in the dub, both of these guys are not on the same caliber of other overagers in the Western Hockey League. I beileve Kamloops is heading towards a younger approach with the club and going through a bit of a re-build stage to develop their young players, still a team to watch out for in the future, but this could be an off-year.

2014 ELIGIBLES TO WATCH

Jordan Thomson - Although this draft year for the Blazers is pretty weak, Jordan Thomson is an exception. One of those defenseman who has plenty of upside, but nothing that really jumps out of you in terms of skills.

Edson Harlacher -An Import pick from Switzerland, this lanky blueliner is a decent puck mover and has a decent upside. I personally haven't seen him enough to get a clear judgement on him, but he could be the best eligible player on this Blazer squad in the upcoming season.

Mitch Lipon - Any WHL fan can recognize the last name, but Mitch still has a lot to prove this year. At 5 foot 8 and 160 pounds, the slender Lipon has expectations to live up to. 

GRADES

Offense: C+

With the loss of Smith and J.C Lipon, Tim Bozon should be carrying the load for the Blazers this year, with a supporting cast of Cole Ully and Matt Needham, things seem to be set for the first line. It's looking like some rookies will be making a huge impact which include Nick Chyzowski, Devon Sideroff and Nathan Looysen. You can't forget Chase Souto, Devin Oakes and Mitch Lipon who will be returning and bringing in some depth. With such a young squad, half of the team will be adjusting to the WHL level, which will be a challenge for the Blazers off of the jump.

Defense: C

Losing top defenseman in Joel Edmundson and Tyler Hansen, the Blazers are again looking young on the backend. With the exception of veteran Sam Grist, Jordan Thomson, Ryan Rehill, Connor Clouston, Josh Connolly and Landon Cross, another young and inexperienced group will be patrolling the blueline.

Goaltending: C

Losing Cole Cheveldave in a trade to Prince Albert to help their youth movement, backup Taran Kozun will be taking the role of a starter, with a young Cole Kehler backing up the netminder.

Overall: C

Like I've said, it's looking like Kamloops will be having an off-year in terms of their recent success. A fringe playoff team most likely unless things go their way and rookie adapt quick.