In The Nest: Fledgling Report (2009 Prospects)

I intended my “In the Nest” features to showcase the prospects from the most recent draft. So this year I’ve been focusing on the 2010 draft with the likes of Telegin, Melchiori and Owuya. I can’t forget my first babies though, so I deciding to do a “fledgling report.” These guys aren’t fresh out of the egg, but are still “in the nest.”

Levko Koper LW (Spokane Chiefs WHL) -
Levko Koper has been tearing the WHL up this season! In 69 games he has 81 points and is a plus-20! The Chiefs star had four 3 point games and two four point games. Recently Levko displayed his shootout skills while leading the team to their 7th victory in a row. He scored the only goal in the shoot out to help the team beat the Kootenay Ice 4-3. He is also in the Top 20 scorers (18th) in the WHL. Nice job, Levko!

Ed Pasquale G (Gwinnet and Chicago) - Former Sagina Spirit Goalie, Ed Pasquale, has hit the big time. He split the season serving as back up on both the Gwinnet Gladiators and the Chicago Wolves. He played a total of 28 games and had 15 wins. According to my (butchered) math, he had a GAA of about 3.27 and a SV% of .900.

Cody Sol D (Kitchener Rangers OHL) - Cody Sol was playing with a new team this year. The Saginaw Spirit traded him to the Kitchener Rangers where he is now playing with fellow Thrashers property, Julian Melchiori. Valued for his defensive ability and big-bodied stay at home play, Cody’s powerful shot does contribute to the score sheet at times. Cody played 57 games this season and scored 15 points.

Ben Chiarot D ( Saginaw Spirit OHL) - Ben Chiarot has been on Thrashers fans’ radars this week as he’s been in the news for signing an entry level contract with Atlanta. Ben split his 2010-11 season between the Sudsbury Wolves and the Saginaw Spirit. He played a total of 61 games, scoring 34 points (9 goals 25 assists).

Jimmy Bubnick RW (Calgary Hitmen WHL) - Jimmy Bubnick had an eventful season last year that included scoring 53 points, being traded to the Calgary Hitmen and playing for the Memorial Cup! Jimmy’s numbers aren’t as grand so far this season. He’s played in 60 games and has only scored 27 points. The Hitmen as a team have struggled this season and are not expected (as of March 2) to make the playoffs. Jimmy was one of several regulars lost due to injury or illness. Feel better and hit the ice! See you in training camp!

Jordan Samuels-Thomas F( Bowling Green State University) - Another of my favorites from this draft was Jordan Samuels-Thomas, a good Connecticut boy like my husband. In the regular season, Jordan played in 36 games and had 21 points. Post season, Jordan is doing his part to help the Bowling Green Falcons be successful in the playoffs. He has now scored in four of his five career postseason games he has played in. He scored in all three playoff games last weekend.

Carl Klingberg LW (Vastra Frolunda HC Goteborg) - It’s no secret my favorite of the 2009-10 draft is Carl Klingberg. Even after he de-friended me on facebook, I’ve enjoyed following him. Hey I understand, you are a big star and all now. Carl has had an exciting year. In addition to playing 38 games this season with the Frolunda Indians (scoring 3 points) he played 11 games with Timra and scored 5 points. Carl didn’t feel like he was getting enough ice time with the Indians, so he asked for and was granted a loan to Timra. After the SEL season was over, it was reported that Carl was headed to the Chicago Wolves for the remainder of the season though I can’t find any information on him playing there. I guess as of this time (3-16-11) he has not played for the Wolves. Carl also had some international play, representing Sweden along side his brother John in the WJC U20. He played in 6 games and had 3 goals and an assist.