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Post by Boston_Habs on Jun 23, 2003 14:15:12 GMT -5
Corey Locke is a real long shot.
I think a good comp for him is Brian Gionta, who at 5-7, 175 lbs is about as small an NHLer you will find. The book on Gionta is he has "excellent speed and acceleration... plays with loads of feistiness and energy.... solid 2-way player."
Does that describe Corey Locke? If not, I wouldn't get too excited about those junior stats because that's what you need, IMO, to succeed in the NHL with those kind of size limitations. Donald Audette came into the league 10+ years ago when it was probably easier for small, finesse guys to make a living. Audette has below average skating ability, doesn't play with a ton of energy, but is an above-average passer and shooter. I don't know if he would make it in today's game if he was coming out of junior. That's also the reason Ribeiro probably won't stick: not a strong enough skater and not a high energy guy, which will always limit his ability to play well in the defensive zone.
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Jun 23, 2003 16:48:45 GMT -5
Corey Locke is a real long shot. I think a good comp for him is Brian Gionta, who at 5-7, 175 lbs is about as small an NHLer you will find. The book on Gionta is he has "excellent speed and acceleration... plays with loads of feistiness and energy.... solid 2-way player." Does that describe Corey Locke? If not, I wouldn't get too excited about those junior stats because that's what you need, IMO, to succeed in the NHL with those kind of size limitations. Donald Audette came into the league 10+ years ago when it was probably easier for small, finesse guys to make a living. Audette has below average skating ability, doesn't play with a ton of energy, but is an above-average passer and shooter. I don't know if he would make it in today's game if he was coming out of junior. That's also the reason Ribeiro probably won't stick: not a strong enough skater and not a high energy guy, which will always limit his ability to play well in the defensive zone. The real tough thing is for us arm-chair pros to guess what a guy is going to be like in 3-4 years. So many had written off both Ryder and Ward, and they are finally starting to show some promise. It all comes down to work ethic and what skills are honed and developed post-juniors. The Habs' scouting team puts a huge emphasis on hockey sense and work ethic, and Corey seems to have loads of both. Many of the Habs' past picks that were junior scoring wonders didn't necessarily have the same desire and work ethic, so only time will tell how young Mr. Locke pans out...for now it was a good gamble of a #113th draft pick. |
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Post by M. Beaux-Eaux on Jun 23, 2003 18:35:54 GMT -5
Scouting Report: Was eligible for the 2002 draft, but decided against opting in last summer--a wise decision. Won both OHL and CHL scoring honors in 2002-03, posting a whopping 151 points in just 66 games. Failed to make the Canadian WJC squad last December, despite his record scoring pace. Owns exceptional passing skills and on-ice vision. Loves to dangle with the puck, and isn't afraid to mix it up in order to make plays. Lacks the size needed to peak most scouts' interest. Is considered arguably the most intelligent player available in the 2003 draft. - tsf.waymoresports.thestar.com/thestar/hockey/extras.cgi?dd-e23-t94 |
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Post by GARB08 on Jun 23, 2003 22:45:53 GMT -5
Why is everyone comparing Locke to Ribs? Ribs is 6'1 he can get up to 6'1 200 easily but doesn't. Locke will be a player just watch. He just needs a big winger, give him that and he will be a star. All little centers have big wingers to make room. (goal scorer)-Locke-Ward now theres a line.
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Post by Habs_fan_in_LA on Jun 23, 2003 23:46:45 GMT -5
Scouting Report: Was eligible for the 2002 draft, but decided against opting in last summer--a wise decision. Won both OHL and CHL scoring honors in 2002-03, posting a whopping 151 points in just 66 games. Failed to make the Canadian WJC squad last December, despite his record scoring pace. Owns exceptional passing skills and on-ice vision. Loves to dangle with the puck, and isn't afraid to mix it up in order to make plays. Lacks the size needed to peak most scouts' interest. Is considered arguably the most intelligent player available in the 2003 draft. - tsf.waymoresports.thestar.com/thestar/hockey/extras.cgi?dd-e23-t94Locke is a lock to make it. He will grow (a little). He has determination. The goons in Jr. didn't step aside to let him score. Goons in Jr. hockey are much worse than in the NHL where players earn $1M and have families. Locke will improve his skating too. Bouillion made it on defense with a lot less skill. |
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Post by seventeen on Jun 24, 2003 1:45:10 GMT -5
Why is everyone comparing Locke to Ribs? Ribs is 6'1 he can get up to 6'1 200 easily but doesn't. Locke will be a player just watch. He just needs a big winger, give him that and he will be a star. All little centers have big wingers to make room. (goal scorer)-Locke-Ward now theres a line. Sorry, Garbo, if Mikey gets up to 200 lbs, it will be because he's pregnant. |
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Post by GoMtl on Jun 24, 2003 3:25:30 GMT -5
I haven't seen Corey play a lot, but from his stats he seems like he's quite the gritty player, a Koivu type, he posted 83 penalty minutes in 66 games, if he has the determination I really think his size won't hold him back, he has the talent.
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Post by MPLABBE on Jun 24, 2003 8:46:41 GMT -5
Ladies and gentleman, driving the Corey Locke bandwagon is Matt(also driving his very own Donald Audette bandwagon) and Garb as co-driver...with a few others in the back just chillin as the ride goes on like myself  |
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