‘(Josh Bloom) could also be a greater professional than junior. We’re making an attempt to get heavier and sooner. He has what we’re searching for.’ — Abbotsford GM Ryan Johnson
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Josh Bloom was in full bloom in the course of the Vancouver Canucks’ growth camp on the College of B.C. in early July.
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The prospect winger was seen in all zones, acquired to the web and displayed a fast and correct launch. He seemed like a participant, appeared like a participant and even sported the normal hockey mullet. His stage of pleasure was off the charts after being acquired in commerce from the Buffalo Sabres on Feb. 27 for defenceman Riley Stillman.
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And now, Bloom will strut his stuff on the four-team Younger Stars match in Penticton that opens Friday and runs by means of Monday on the Okanagan Occasions Centre.
The Canucks have been enamoured by his capability to play at tempo, be onerous to play towards, play up and down the lineup, kill penalties, discover the web and carry the tradition as a captain within the OHL.
“Once I’m taking part in my finest, it’s with a ton of tempo, with or with out the puck, shifting my ft, getting scoring alternatives and being dependable within the D-zone and on the PK,” Bloom instructed Postmedia Information.
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The Canucks need prospects to take methodical steps to changing into professionals on and off the ice. And in addition perceive what the Okanagan has endured throughout ravaging wildfires.
“The message as we speak was be grateful to be right here with the catastrophe that has gone on for individuals of this space,” mentioned Ryan Johnson, the Abbotsford Canucks common supervisor and assistant to Canucks GM Patrik Allvin.
“There was a time after we have been involved that ought to we be doing this if we have been disrupting first responders or evacuees? Quite a lot of our focus this weekend is to do something we will to assist and in some small method, be some leisure.
“I’m encouraging guys to play on their toes, be aggressive and don’t get caught up with construction and overthinking. I desire a loud bench and to assist one another.”
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The listing of 27 invitees options seven returnees, together with Surrey native Arshdeep Bains. The Abbotsford winger used the Younger Stars’ occasion final yr as a basis to construct his sport and compile 38 AHL rookie factors (13-25) in 66 video games.
Bains additionally spoke on the growth camp about his journey and transition from WHL main scorer — 112 factors (43-69) in his remaining WHL season in Purple Deer — to discovering his position as a professional.
“He gave us an awesome message about shifting to professional and anticipating to be a scoring man,” recalled Bloom. “It was having to search out your sport early and altering your position, and he clearly did an awesome job. He’s shifting up the group quick.”
Listed below are 5 gamers to observe this weekend:
Josh Bloom, 20, LW, 6-foot-2, 183 kilos. Acquired: 2022 commerce with Buffalo.
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The statistics: 2022-23 OHL (Saginaw, GP: 19, G: 7, A: 9, pts: 16; North Bay, GP: 49, G: 25, A: 30, pts: 55.
The thin: First dealt from Saginaw to North Bay in November and completed the season with 71 factors (32-39). Added a dozen factors (5-7) in 20 post-season video games, confirmed up when it actually mattered.
The Johnson take: “He could also be a greater professional than junior along with his attributes. We’re making an attempt to get heavier and sooner, and he fits that. It’s an vital few weeks. He has what we’re searching for.”
Hunter Brzustewicz, 19, D, 6-foot, 190 lbs., 2023 third-round draft choose.
The stats: 2022-23 OHL (Kitchener, GP: 68, G: 6, A: 51, pts: 56.
The thin: Excels in puck motion however wants be onerous on pucks and opposition, and use a thick body to lean on individuals. Good with reads and when to go and when to not.
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The Johnson take: “Makes a very good first move and may play on the offensive blue-line and with some presence. This can be a powerful match however he’ll modify nicely.”
Aidan McDonough, 23, LW, 6-foot-3, 190 lbs., 2019 draft seventh-round choose.
The stats: 2022-23 NCAA (Northeastern, GP: 34, G: 20, A: 18, pts: 38. Canucks, GP: 6, G: 1, A: 0, pts: 1.
The thin: An enormous deal for school gamers is knowing important little particulars at NHL stage. Puck administration is as vital as placing pucks on internet and displaying bodily chew.
The Johnson take: “You want a net-front presence and he’s a man with measurement who can actually shoot and may play in powerful areas. He confirmed a touch of that it Vancouver.”
Aatu Raty, 20, C, 6-foot-2, 187 lbs., 2023 commerce with Islanders.
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The stats: 2022-23 AHL (Abbotsford, GP: 25, G: 2, A: 10, pts: 12. Canucks, GP: 3, G: 2, A: 0, pts: 1.
The thin: A part of Bo Horvat swap. Performed 27 video games with Islanders and 29 with the membership’s AHL affiliate. Wants to enhance battle stage to finally grow to be third-line NHL centre.
The Johnson take: “Very detailed two-way participant, who’s nonetheless very early within the growth course of. Had an excellent summer season gaining lower-body power.”
Filip Johansson, 23, D, 6-foot-1, 176 lbs., 2022 free-agent signing.
The stats: 2022-23 SHL (Frolunda, GP: 51, G: 5, A: 16, pts: 21. Abbotsford (AHL) GP: 3, G: 0, A: 0, pts: 0.
The thin: First-round 2018 choose (Twenty fourth total) not signed by Minnesota. Good puck-mover who joined Abbotsford for the post-season. Ought to assist jump-start full season in Abbotsford.
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The Johnson take: “I give the child full credit score. To go from playoffs with Frolunda to the AHL playoffs, the state of affairs could be very totally different. He adjusted in a short while. He’s good. Ought to be efficient.”
OVERTIME: The Canucks play the Flames on Friday (7:30 p.m.), the Jets on Sunday (2 p.m.), and the Oilers on Monday (1:30 p.m.).
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