Tournament Time for Hurricanes Prospects

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It’s September and it’s tournament time for Carolina Hurricanes prospects. The 2014 NHL Prospects Tournament will be held September 12-16, in Traverse City, MI.  Hurricanes media staff announced that the Hurricanes are taking 13 prospects, including their number 1 draft pick, Haydn Fleury. This will mark the 5th time the ‘Canes have participated in the tournament, which they won in 2009.

Hosted by the Detroit Red Wings, the tournament is a fabulous opportunity for participating teams to get on-ice looks at their prospects.  There are a total of 8 participating teams, with the rosters being comprised of draft picks, free-agent pickups, and invited amateurs.  Charlotte Checkers coach Jeff Daniels will coach the team, and will be aided by his Checkers assistant Geordie Kinnear.

This will be a great chance for Haydn Fleury to shine.

As I wrote earlier here, Fleury is big and tall and has quite the impressive set of credentials from his play thus far.  The Prospects Tournament will give him time in the spotlight with other hungry NHL prospects.  If he does well, it could get him a step closer to legitimate ice time with

Haydn Fleury
Haydn Fleury (Photo by Brad Watson)

the Hurricanes.  He will likely get some time on the ice in the preseason and possibly in the first few games, and then spend the bulk of the season in Charlotte.  But one never knows – his play could make his age and experience non-issues – and set his career forward much in the same manner as that of Jeff Skinner.

According to the ‘Canes announcement, they will meet the Buffalo Sabres in round-robin play on Friday, September 12th, the Dallas Stars on Saturday the 1th, and the New York Rangers on Monday the 15th.  The final games will be on Tuesday the 16th and a tournament winner crowned.  The details of the tournament can be found here.

I’m particularly interested in Brock McGinn.

The 2012 2nd round pick has not had much success breaking into the ‘Canes organization thus far.  The left-winger could definitely use this tournament as a time to elevate his game and his standing with the Checkers Coach Daniels, and eventually get a look from the ‘Canes.  He comes from good stock – both his brothers having plaid in the NHL, and hopefully will be able to use this time in Traverse City to break through.  He’s not been able to turn heads thus far, but I’m hopeful he can change that with a good tournament.

Out of 13 ‘Canes participating, all eyes naturally will be on Haydn Fleury.  Can Alex Nedeljkovic

Victor Rask (WHL.ca)
Victor Rask (WHL.ca)

(2014 – 2nd round) shine between the pipes? Can Victor Rask (2011 – 2nd round) light the lamp from the center position? The jury is still out on all 13 of the Hurricanes’ participants in the Prospects Tournament.  But one thing is certain: it will be fun and a fabulous opportunity to catch the attention of the coaching staff and management.

By the way, this Wednesday the local media will be engaging with GM Ron Francis, Coach Bill Peters, and others from the Hurricanes’ organization in a Town Hall.

Stay tuned…