Halifax Floor Hockey League***EDITOR'S NOTE*** This story written before the late addition of Greg Foran to the list of prospects. Foran's doctors have given him the green light to play after his injury previously reported here.
The pre-season has ended and as the roster deadline / 1999B Entry Draft approaches we examine each team and attempt some predictions about their rosters:
LAN Hackers:
Although this newscenter earlier reported that the LAN Hackers were close to signing Don Abbott, it appears that negotiations have broken down. We are now hearing rumors that GM John Dulong wants to protect all-star defenceman John Fenton from the draft and place Don Abbott on waivers. It is possible that this is simply a negotiation tactic on the part of the crafty Dulong. We already know that he will protect recently signed Dave Walsh and John Price.
Keane Fire:
The team with probably the most difficult decision to make, the Keane Fire must choose from players such as the Sasco twins, power forward Trevor Murphy and last year's team scoring leader, Kevin Haddad. Left out of the running is the untested Stephen Barriault, who unfortunately was sidelined with injuries through most of last year, solid defenceman Barrie Harvey, and winger Mike Montgomery who was rumored to be in Europe training with Alexei Yashin. We have no idea who will be chosen, but GM Mike Griffiths must make some serious changes to an underacheiving team that had serious problems last season.
Lite-Sabres:
GM Richard MacMillan has a more simplified decision to make, although it is not an easy one. With Kenzie Royal being part of a 3 player package deal, MacMillan will have to choose between the Royal brothers and his core of McMaster, Rinco and Angelopolous. We anticipate that the Royals will be an interesting possibility for the draft.
Sunnydale Slayers:
The first two picks for this team should be fairly easy. Star center Tim Farrell and line-mate Mark "Sharky" MacIssac have announced their intention to return to the Slayer's lineup this year. GM Paul Chui is left with difficult third pick however. With the rest of their roster scoring 7 points or less last season, Chui has to decide who brings the most value to his club. With Scott Wilson taking the season off to devote more time to his family, Chui's likely choice will be the league's premier fore-checker Steve Uchacz or gritty forward Chris Bleichert, known for being a pest around opposing nets.
Although it is difficult to determine who the teams will pick, one thing is certian. The top rookie chosen will be Steve Chaisson. Depending on who is left unprotected, it is also possilbe that Chaisson will go first overall, after a very strong showing in the pre-season. Here are the ADCSI rankings of the top prospects:
ADCSI Top 5 Rookies
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1. Steve Chaisson
2. Randall Leard
3. Jason Royal
4. Bruce Walden
5. Ryan MacDonald
Pre-Season Ends, Entry Draft Approaches
October 1, 1999
