The Calgary Flames are closely watching the duel between the Halifax Mooseheads and the Sherbrooke Phoenix as two of their candidates go head-to-head in this QMJHL Semifinals.
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In the third round of the 2021 NHL Draft, the Alberta team has their sights set on Phoenix forward Cole Huckins in 77th place and defenseman Cameron Whynot of the Mooseheads in 89th place.
Flames scout Patrick Lachance called the shots in this selection, which came in an atypical season due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Maritimes teams had remained in the east of the country and the Mooseheads had not made the playoffs.
“Huckins, I saw him play a game in the playoffs, in the bubble at Shawinigan. Why not, I didn’t get a chance to see him play in person. We have seen many videos! We even drafted an Ontarian, Jack Black, who hadn’t played all season,” Lachance recalled.
Photo provided by Halifax Mooseheads, Trevor MacMillan
Despite everything, the Quebecer was convinced that these two players had the potential to reach the highest peaks. Two years later, he hasn’t changed his mind.
With a first-round pick
For his part, injured and ill, Whynot has missed a number of games this season. His absence was felt at Mooseheads, who, who celebrated his 20th birthday yesterday, plays an important role at this young club.
“We can use it in all sauces, both at an advantage and at a numerical disadvantage,” explains his trainer Sylvain Favreau. He has a good view of the game, with and without the puck. He is more physically mature and participates in one-on-one battles. He’s a lot more confident.”
Didier Debusschere / Le Journal de Québec
Sylvain Favreau
The 6-foot-2, 181-pound defender has always been dominant wherever he skated. He even received a dispensation to play Midget AAA in Nova Scotia a year earlier.
“It was always easy for him, he didn’t need to improve his physical game to be successful,” said Lachance. But as you climb the ladder, the funnel closes. We’re happy to see that he’s been working on his defense and physical appearance. He comes out of the corner with the puck.
Whynot also learned a lot when he met up with one Justin Barron, a former Colorado Avalanche first-round pick who ended the last campaign with the Canadiens.
“Whynot took notes on Barron without having the same style,” says the recruiter. He’s seen what a two-way defender is, reliable in his area and capable of contributing offensively. We plan that for him.”
reboot
As for Huckins, the Acadie Bathurst titan traded him to Sherbrooke last summer. The young man from New Brunswick was not out of place, having already attended Stanstead College in Estrie.
“He needed a fresh start,” said Phoenix coach and general manager Stéphane Julien. One of the reasons for our good season is that players like him surprised us. Cole scored when it worked best for us.
Photo courtesy of Sherbrooke Phoenix, Vincent L-Rousseau
Cole Huckins
The physics of the job
At 6’3″ and 193lbs, Huckins loves the tough game. He’s coming off his best season with 28 goals and 58 points in 64 games.
He spent 79 minutes in prison, finishing with a +33 difference. He has nine points in 12 games since the start of the playoffs.
“A power winger with a tall size who doesn’t walk on the street,” asserts Lachance. He’s not afraid to go into restricted areas. He brings a different identity and takes the pressure off of other players taking the lead game after game.”
- Games five and six of the semifinals between the Phoenix and Mooseheads will take place in Halifax on Saturday and Sherbrooke on Sunday. The row is equal to 2 to 2.