Faceoff Factor

Super-Series Brings Two Youngsters To Forefront

Jesse Marshall | Juniors

Sep 10, 04:35 PM | Hype this story!

Canada made it look easy as they finished off Team Russia 6-1 yesterday closing out the Super Series. Through these eight games, two young Canadian stars led their team to victory and set themselves apart from the field of prospects they were drafted with.

Sam Gagner went into this year’s draft listed at #6 on Faceoff Factor’s rankings, but his performance during this series was second to none. Gagner’s vision was the selling point of his game as scouts bragged about his soft hands and his ability to make a play out of nothing. Gagner’s head is on a swivel, he’s always looking, and like many greats before him, he appears to see certain plays before they develop. He has all the deadly attributes of a start forward in today’s NHL.

During the Super Series, these skills were on display. Gagner finished with 15 points in 8 games (6+9) and was 6 points ahead of the next forward, 16 year old John Tavares.

The Edmonton Oilers have one of the best natural centers in the CHL game right now. Gagner will be heading back to London where he’ll improve upon his rookie year and make a case for himself as a youngster ready to take the next step in his hockey career.

Karl Alzner isn’t far behind. Touted as the most mature, experienced defenseman in the draft, Alzner was passed up by the Kings early on and was immediately nabbed by the Washington Capitals. With four years of WHL experience behind him, Alzner is ready to make a splash at the next level.

At the Super Series, he exhibited a maturity and an on-ice presence that exceeded all who stepped on the ice with him. Perhaps Thomas Hickey will become a standout defenseman in the NHL, but the Kings may look foolish having passed on this stud.

Alzner and Gagner lead Canada to a convincing series win over the Russians, and I expect them to do the same for each team they play for as their young career’s continue to blossom