Prospecting

A lot of prospects at practice today.

Kent Simpson, Everett’s first-round pick in the 2007 bantam draft, may be here for a long haul. The 15-year-old goaltender will serve as Shayne Barrie’s backup for the duration of Leland Irving’s absence because of World Juniors. That could be as short as one game, as should Irving (or Zach Hamill) be cut from Team Canada’s squad he’s expected back Friday. But if Irving makes the team Simpson will be here for 11 games, and one has to think that since Barrie is an 18-year-old rookie himself, there’s a chance Simpson will play.

Also at practice was Ryan Doner. The 15-year-old forward from Mukilteo is becoming something of a fixture at practice. But it’s not just because of proximity, Doner can play — the little guy has some sick shootout moves. There’s the very real possibility that down the line Doner will be the first true local player (i.e. from Snohomish County) to play for the Tips.

Then there was Tyler Parker. The 15-year-old forward, is in town for the week to practice with the team, though you shouldn’t expect to see him in a game. I don’t remember him being that big. At rookie camp he didn’t seem to stand out size wise, but he’s a pretty good-sized kid (he dwarfs Doner). Interestingly, he plays on the same Kent Valley Selects midget team as Doner, despite living in northern California. Parker takes lessons at home during the week, then meets the team at its tournament destinations on the weekend. In Doner and Parker Everett has a couple good prospects for guys who went undrafted.

Which brings me to the subject of undrafted prospects. There’s always players who slip through the bantam draft. Shea Weber was an all-star defenseman for Kelowna, was one of the most dominating forces I’ve seen in this league, and is now a budding NHL star. He was never drafted, and he’s hardly alone. Everett’s own Dane Crowley is a good example of an undrafted player who went on to become a standout. It’s a common occurrence.

However, it hasn’t been a common occurrence in Everett. Since the team began play in 2003, I can only think of four players who were either listed or brought to training camp as 15- or 16-year-olds who eventually made the team: Michael Wuchterl, Shane Harper, Matt Esposito and Tyler Eskesen. And although all four are still in the league and making progress as players, none is Shea Weber. Most of Everett’s undrafted finds have been late bloomers like Shaun Heshka or Brennan Sonne, who didn’t arrive until they were 18.

But that’s going to change. Next year alone Everett may surpass the previous number of undrafted youngsters who made the team. Forwards Cameron Abney and Brett Chartier, both undrafted 1991-born players who were listed as 15-year-olds, are almost certain to make the team next year, and fellow 91 Byron Froese also has a chance. Add in the possibilities that 92s Doner and Parker — Parker in particular, as he’s already signed an education contract — may make the team and Everett could be innundated with undrafted youngsters. Have to give the scouts some credit there.

Well, enough on that subject. Here’s some other notes from today’s practice. Harper drew the assignment of replacing Hamill as the No. 1 center between Dan Gendur and Kyle Beach. Harper has seen spot duty at center already this season, as well as time on a line with Beach. Also, both Matt Ius and Eskesen have recovered from their concussions, so the Tips will have a full roster to choose from tomorrow — minus Hamill and Irving, of course.