Thursday, September 9, 2010

Rookie Camp: Guys to Keep Your Eye On

Rookie and training camp rosters were released today, and while everyone knows names like Cody Eakin, Dmitry Kugryshev, and Marcus Johansson, there are the unknown guys that are poised to impress.

 photo by Getty Images

David de Kastrozza
The University of Maine alum was signed by the South Carolina Stingrays this past March.  He joined the team after the signing, and in the three games he played, he registered two assists.  At 6'3" and 205 pounds, the winger is best known for his physical presence (particularly in front of the net), and despite his size, he's a skilled and agile skater.  de Kastrozza was responsible for a Team Red breakaway goal during the final scrimmage of this year's development camp.
Similar to: Brooks Laich

photo by Norwich Athletics

Nikita Kashirsky
Another college alum, forward Kashirsky was a standout on the Norwich University Cadets, earning accolades like RBK first-team All-American (twice), ECAC East's "Player of the Year," and a spot on the ECAC all-conference first team.  Kashirsky grew up in Bethesda, but also played in Moscow - he is a close friend and former teammate of Alex Ovechkin.  Kashirsky joined the South Carolina Stingrays after graduating from Norwich in 2009, and with his skillful puckhandling and knack for scoring, helped them towards the Kelly Cup that year.  Last year, he split the season between the AHL's Springfield Falcons and Manitoba Moose.
Similar to: Alexander Semin
 
photo by goaliej54

Dylan Yeo
The 5'11" defenseman debuted in the ECHL in 2007 with the Victoria Salmon Kings (with whom he was named ECHL's Defenseman of the Year for 2008-09), and spent 23 games over 2 seasons with the Manitoba Moose during callups.  In 2009, the South Carolina Stingrays signed him, and in 49 games played, he earned 30 points.  He also spent 4 games in Hershey last year after being called up.  Yeo tends to be more offensive, perhaps due to his height, but he's certainly strong at 210 pounds.  Yeo also has other talents - during his time with the WHL's Calgary Hitmen, he once sang "O Canada" before a game.
Similar to: Mike Green

photo by Lethbridge Hurricanes

Brandon Anderson
The only goaltender attending rookie camp who has not been drafted or signed by the Washington Capitals, Anderson is an 18-year-old undrafted free agent currently with the WHL's Lethbridge Hurricanes.  He played his first full season as the No. 3 with the Hurricanes last year, but is still inexperienced and had a shaky start to the season, later improving to a 3.49 GAA and .892 SV%.  His stats, however, can also be attributed to an injury that nagged him last season.  Hurricanes coaching staff believe in his potential - next year, he is expected to be the starting goaltender in Lethbridge.
Similar to: Too early to tell!


Note: The fan becomes a member of the media - I've been awarded credentials for rookie and training camps, so expect some in-depth content here and on The Fourth Period's website during camp!  If you have questions for any attendee, let me know in the comments.  I may ask them!

2 comments:

Diane said...

Interesting post on the rookies who are flying below the radar, so to speak. Interesting that you tag Kashirsky as similar to Semin -- well they do share a best friend in common; i.e. Ovi.

Erika Schnure said...

He's known for his incredible stickhandling skills. It screamed Semin to me.