1997 NHL Entry Draft
Player Profiles
1. Joe Thornton, c, Sault Ste. Marie (OHL)
Born: July 2, 1979, London, Ontario
6-4, 198 lbs., Shoots left.
Drafted by Boston Bruins
Scouting Report
An excellent skater with a powerful stride, explosive speed, and strong balance... able to
deceive opponents through rapid changes of pace... possesses exceptional puckhandling skills...
has a unique vision of th eice and is able to create and find the open spaces... is a powerful shooter
and an accurate passer who knows exactly when they should be used... an opportunist around the net...
a finesse player who possesses a tremendous amount of aggression... will face up to any challenge and
has the ability to dominate a game... is mentally tough and holds an excellent attitude towards the game...
an unselfish player with a very strong work ethic... a team leader.
2. Patrick Marleau, c, Seattle (WHL)
Born: September 15, 1979, Swift Current, Saskatchewan
6-2, 190 lbs., Shoots left.
Drafted by San Jose Sharks
Scouting Report
An outstanding skater with quick acceleration and speed...uses his speed to jump on loose pucks...
a power forward who is a threat every time he has the puck... likes to handle the puck... has excellent
stickhandling skills... with soft hands, is effective on the power play as well as killing penalties...
has incredible instincts... a competitive player who scores big goals for his team... gets involved
physically... does not run players over but is not afraid to go into traffic... will always take a
check to make a play... his focus is on skating and scoring... has the ability to play an excellent
two-way game... he reads the game and reacts accordingly.
3. Olli Jokinen, c, IFK Helsinki (Finland)
Born: December 5, 1978, Kuopio, Finland
6-2, 198 lbs., Shoots left.
Drafted by Los Angeles Kings
Scouting Report
An offensive minded player with excellent hockey sense... has the ability to make big things
happen... he is a very confident and creative player with an extremely high skill level... he is a
playmaker and a solid, accurate passer... he has a very good attitude towards the game and is eager
to learn... he is a hard competitor and very determined to succeed... he is very unselfish and a good
team player.
4. Roberto Luongo, g, Val d'Or (QMJHL)
Born: April 4, 1979, St-Leonard, Quebec
6-3, 181 lbs., Catches left
Drafted by New York Islanders
Scouting Report
Is a butterfly goaltender... has an outstanding butterfly form... he takes advantage of his size both on his
feet and in the butterfly... he sets up with a big upright stance while he covers the lower net with big pads and fast legs...
he relies heavily on the butterfly but keeps his body upright taking away the upper net... he is very quick and well balanced
and is able to recover from scrambles extremely fast... he maintains a good position in the net and is excellent at covering
the angles... he has solid control of rebounds and can handle shots equally from his feet or the butterfly... he has an
exceptional glove and is very tough to beat in tight... he has an excellent level of concentration and is very focused...
he is very patient and displays a very precise sense of timing... he plays with maturity and tremendous poise... he has the
potential to be a solid franchise goaltender.
5. Eric Brewer, d, Prince George (WHL)
Born: April 17, 1979, Vernon, British Columbia
6-3, 195 lbs., Shoots left
Drafted by New York Islanders
Scouting Report
An excellent skater with good speed and lateral movement... is able to move the puck well...
has the ability to be an offensive force and can rush the puck end to end... has good hands
and a hard, accurate shot... he is a two way player who quickly adapts from defensive to offensive
situations... very strong in the defensive zone... a solid competitor who is very consistent in
his overall play... has a strong physical presence and uses his size to his advantage... possesses a very
good work ethic and desire to improve... a strong leader.
6. Daniel Tkaczuk, c, Barrie (OHL)
Born: June 10, 1979, Toronto, Ontario
6-0, 190 lbs., Shoots left
Drafted by Calgary Flames
Scouting Report
A very good skater with speed and stamina...
A very good skater with speed and stamina... gifted around the net and score or set up a play in
all game situations... works hard in both ends of the ice... has a very high skill level... is a very
creative playmaker and a tenacious penalty-killer... when forechecking, he creates turnovers for scoring
opportunities... a good face-off man... outstanding hockey sense... he doesn't know the word "quit"...
always involved, not shy in a physical game... he plays hard and is willing to pay the price to gain the puck...
a leader and consistent player.
7. Paul Mara, d, Sudbury (OHL)
Born: September 7, 1979, Ridgewood, New Jersey
6-4, 186 lbs., Shoots left
Drafted by Tampa Bay Lightning
Scouting Report
Is a very smooth and powerful skater with excellent speed... he is very mobile for a big defenseman...
takes advantage of his long reach when checking... has very good puck skills and can effectively move the puck up the ice...
likes to join the offensive rush... is an excellent point shot... plays with authority in the defensive end and possesses
a unique ability to anticipate the play... he is used in all game situations and receives a lot of ice time...
can play both right and left defense effectively... he successfully takes out the opponent without emphasizing aggression...
he is a very mature player who gets the job done... he has excellent stamina and a strong desire to win... an excellent
worker with leadership qualities.
8. Sergei Samsonov, lw, Detroit (IHL)
Born: October 27, 1978, Moscow, Russia
5-8, 184 lbs., Shoots right
Drafted by Boston Bruins
Scouting Report
An excellent skater with a smooth, quick stride... outstanding agility and balance...
is able to change direction quickly... elusive with a fast first step... he maneuvers very well in tight spaces...
an outstanding offensive player who sees the ice extremely well... he has a quick release when shooting and is
very capable of scoring picturesque goals... he is very aware of his defensive responsibilities... he is a very
competitive player who plays with poise and maturity... he has an outstanding ability to regain his composure
and resume play after being knocked down.
9. Nick Boynton, d, Ottawa (OHL)
Born: January 14, 1979, Toronto, Ontario
6-2, 210 lbs., Shoots right
Drafted by Washington Capitals
Scouting Report
A strong skater who moves well in all directions with exceptional balance...
as great vision on the ice... excellent knowledge of the game... has good hands
and passes the puck on the tape most of the time... moves the puck quickly to his forwards...
can also carry it cut of his end effectively... shoots the puck hard and accurately from the point...
has quick reaction to any situation... is used in all aspects of the game... plays with poise and confidence...
plays the body with authority... excels one-on-one... has a good physical presence on the ice... throws his
weight arcund when needed... possesses great stamina... is a good all-around player.
10. Brad Ference, d, Spokane (WHL)
Born: April 2, 1979, Calgary, Alberta
6-3, 185 lbs., Shoots right
Drafted by Vancouver Canucks
Scouting Report
A good skater with mobility... very good lateral movements and a said bade wands skater...
possesses good puckhandling skills and passes well... he has a very hard and very accurate point shot...
he is a good two-way player who likes to get involved in the play... an excellent bodychecker who thrives
on the physical game... extremely aggressive in front of the net and punishes opponents along the beards
and in the corners... he is a tough competitor who will initiate a challenge... has a good attitude towards the game.
11. Jason Ward, c-rw, Erie (OHL)
Born: January 16, 1979, Chapleau, Ontario
6-2, 184 lbs., Shoots right
Drafted by Montreal Canadiens
Scouting Report
A strong skater who is hard to knock off balance... has a wide skating stride...
is used in all game situations... has very good strength... is also used on right wing...
is most effective when playing a physical game... has very good skills and hockey sense...
uses his long reach well in one-on-one situations... exemplifies a power forward with his style of play...
uses his size effectively... a very good competitor... a good team player... his intimidating physical
style creates scoring opportunities... can handle himself if challenged... improving agility and quickness
could enhance his overall performance.
12. Marian Hossa, c, Dukla Trencin (Slovakia)
Born: January 12, 1979, Stara Lubovna, Slovakia
6-1, 187 lbs., Shoots left
Drafted by Ottawa Senators
Scouting Report
Plays his position well... has excellent hands and scoring skills...
possesses fine instincts in one-on-one situations ... a natural scorer
with a wide selection of shots ... is a fast skater with fine acceleration...
has a knack for scoring big goals... needs to work on his defensive game.
13. Daniel Cleary, lw, Belleville (OHL)
Born: December 18, 1975, Carbonear, Newfoundland
6-0, 203 lbs., Shoots left
Drafted by Chicago Blackhawks
Scouting Report
A smooth skater who can pull away from an opposing player... one of the better stickhandlers in this year's draft...
turns defensemen inside out one-on-one... uses the point effectively when other areas to pass are closed...
can score with a variety of shots... dangerous in close when opposition is attempting to tie him up...
a good competitor... doesn't initiate physical play but doesn't hide when it occurs... has the character and ability to
succeed in big games... need to be more consistent... worked hard at turning all aspects of his game around after a slow
start this season.
14. Michael Riesen, lw, Biel-Bienne (Switzerland)
Born: November 4, 1979, Aarrberg, Switzerland
6-2, 185 lbs., Shoots right
Drafted by Edmonton Oilers
Scouting Report
A fine two way player with great attitude and dedication to the game...
works hard and is effective close around the net... a natural scorer with very
good hockey sense ... not afraid on the ice, can give and take a big hit... a key player
for the surprising Swiss team at the European World junior Championships.
15. Matt Zultek, lw, Ottawa (OHL)
Born: March 12, 1979, Windsor, Ontario
6-4, 218 lbs., Shoots left
Drafted by Los Angeles Kings
Scouting Report
A smooth skater with good balance and has an excellent burst of speed... creates scoring opportunities by
cutting hard to the net... possesses good, soft hands... passes the puck accurately... has a tremendous shot
but needs to use it more... excels at deflecting pucks around the net... carries the puck very well... has an
excellent physical presence on the ice... plays his position well... strong and tough in the corners and along
the boards... takes a hit to make a play... will not be intimidated... has good desire and attitude.
16. Ty Jones, rw, Spokane (WHL)
Born: February 22, 1979, Richland, Washington
6-3, 210 lbs., Shoots right
Drafted by Chicago Blackhawks
Scouting Report
A strong skater with good speed and acceleration... has very strong balance and is hard to
knock off the puck... he is a power forward with good hands around the net... a solid passer and
a strong puckhandler... he takes advantage of his size and strength and enjoys the physical game...
he is a strong checker... he is usually first to e puck and possesses the size to protect it... he
is primarily an offensive player... has the desire to improve.
17. Robert Dome, rw-c, Utah/Long Beach/Las Vegas (IHL)
Born: January 29, 1979, Skalica, Slovakia
6-0, 214 lbs., Shoots left
Drafted by Pittsburgh Penguins
Scouting Report
He is a very good skater with a powerful stride and excellent acceleration... he has good outside
speed who sees the ice well and is always first to the puck... he has a strong shot with a fast release...
he is a strong backchecker who responds well to play transitions... he is strong in the corners and along the boards...
he goes to the net well and is able to find the open spaces to receive a pass... he is a good competitor who plays
with a mature poise despite his young age in an older league.
18. Mikael Holmqvist, c, Djurgarden (Sweden)
Born: June 8, 1979, Stockholm, Sweden
6-3, 189 lbs., Shoots left
Drafted by Anaheim Mighty Ducks
Scouting Report
An excellent playmaker who can create scoring chances for himself and his teammates...
has very good hands... is a smart, clever player on the ice... needs to learn how to use his size...
could improve his shot... needs to be more active on the ice.
19. Stefan Cherneski, rw, Brandon (WHL)
Born: September 19, 1978, Winnipeg, Manitoba
6-0, 183 lbs., Shoots left
Drafted by New York Rangers
Scouting Report
A deceptive skater with exceptional puckhandling skills... is able to read and react to all situations...
a solid passer with an excellent shot and a quick release... is extremely effective on special teams...
a fierce competitor who will sacrifice for his team and his teammates... an excellent two-way player who
displays desire and discipline.
20. Mike Brown, c, Red Deer (WHL)
Born: April 27, 1979, Surrey, British Columbia
6-5, 185 lbs., Shoots left
Drafted by Florida Panthers
Scouting Report
Is a good skater with a good stride and balance... handles the puck well... capable of making the soft
pass in tight quarters... can score in goal mouth scrambles because he is tough to move... he has
deceiving hands and is a good defensive player... a very solid bodychecker who finishes his check with
authority... mean and nasty... is a good competitor who contributes at both ends of the ice...
needs to play at a high intensity level more consistently... room for improvement on his shot and has to
improve his speed off the mark... played all three forward positions this year but was most effective at center.
21. Mika Noronen, g, Tappara (Finland)
Born: June 17, 1979, Sweden
6-1, 191 lbs., Catches left
Drafted by Buffalo Sabres
Scouting Report
Saw limited action in Finland.
22. Nikos Tselios, d, Belleville (OHL)
Born: January 20, 1979, Oak Part, Illinois
6-4, 187 lbs., Shoots left
Drafted by Carolina Hurricanes
Scouting Report
Has a very wide skating stride and had better than average agility... likes to jump into the offensive
rush and has a good ability to read the play... is a good point man on the power-play - knows when to shoot
and when to look for an alternative... has a good reach for stick-checking... is not an overly physical
player preferring to ride an opponent into the boards or corners... in his rookie year of major junior,
learned as the season progressed how to compete at this level... adapted well to major junior hockey...
a real competitor for the puck in the corners ... needs to improve his acceleration and backwards skating.
23. Scott Hannan, d, Kelowna (WHL)
Born: January 23, 1979, Richmond, British Columbia
6-1, 210 lbs., Shoots left
Drafted by San Jose Sharks
Scouting Report
Is a strong skater... when he gets the room he can rush the puck effectively...
takes the puck wide and to the net well... can handle the puck well in all situations...
a very good passer who hits the open man... can go end-to-end... has a hard wrist and slap shot...
plays with poise and confidence... a good competitor who plays very steady.... not overly aggressive
but will get involved... at times tries to do too much in his own end... he has been very consistent
in his overall play... a team player with a good work ethic.
24. Jean-Francois Damphousse, g, Moncton (QMJHL)
Born: July 21, 1979, St-Alexis-des-Monts, Quebec
6-0, 146 lbs., Catches left
Drafted by New Jersey Devils
Scouting Report
He is a butterfly style goaltender... relies heavily on the butterfly for most shots. using the paddle
down technique in tight... has a good set-up and a strong stance... he is excellent at reading the play
and anticipating the shots, especially through traffic... possesses a great sense of timing and moves
into the shots very well... he moves very smoothly and has an excellent transition to the butterfly
from his feet is very strong at angling and effectively closes down the net... is strong at controlling
shots and rebounds with his pads and stick... has a very strong glove hand and excellent quickness...
he is an intense competitor yet plays with a very cool demeanor... he is a clutch goaltender and is a
valuable asset in tight situations.
25. Brenden Morrow, lw, Portland (WHL)
Born: January 16, 1979, Carlisle, Saksatchewan
5-11, 196 lbs., Shoots left
Drafted by Dallas Stars
Scouting Report
Very strong on his skates and hard to knock off balance... he has good handling skills and
plays with a unique creativity... he has a very hard and accurate shot with a quick release...
he enjoys the physical aspect of the game and is an excellent checker... he is very strong
and refuses to be moved from in front of the net... he is a very determined player with a very
strong work ethic... he is a consistent two way player and is very effective on special teams...
he is an unselfish player who will sacrifice for his team.
26. Kevin Grimes, d, Kingston (OHL)
Born: August 19, 1979, Ottawa, Ontario
6-2, 202 lbs., Shoots left
Drafted by Colorado Avalanche
Scouting Report
He is a good skater with a long, smooth stride with strong balance and fair mobility... he is good in one-on-one
situations and doesn't get beaten very often... he has a good, low, accurate shot from the point... he is very
effective on the penalty-killing unit... he is a very aggressrve player who punishes his opponents in front of net
and in the corners... must learn to control his emotions and use better judgement and timing to prevent
unnecessary penalties.
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