Camp Confidential: Top Unsigned Prospects Making Their Mark
September 3, 2022 – Western Hockey League (WHL) – Portland Winterhawks News Release
Neely Cup presents different opportunities to different players each year. For returning veterans, it’s a chance to hit the ice before preseason ramps up soon after. For younger prospects and invitees, it’s their first taste of WHL-caliber hockey.
Following camp, most prospects will return to their youth teams. Some prospects have already put pen to paper on WHL Standard Player Agreements and could feature at some point in the 2022-23 season, but a few higher-round selections from the December and May drafts remain unsigned – not that that’s stopping them from putting on a show in the VMC this week.
While the Winterhawks brass continue to evaluate the plethora of talent on display, unsigned, highly-drafted players like Kyle McDonough (2022 2nd round), Ryan Miller (2022 3rd round) and Alex Thompson (2021 4th round) aim to get their feet under them in the Rose City.
“It’s been amazing. I never dreamed of…these guys are nuts. The players here are so strong and fast, it’s just great to have competition like that and it’s a really cool facility…the coaches and trainers treat you like a pro so it’s awesome,” said McDonough.
Each player expressed gratitude to be drafted into the organization, but as everyone on the ice this week knows: the real work is just beginning.
“(Draft day) was really special because, before the draft, you don’t really know where you’re going and going to Portland, that’s the one WHL team I really wanted to go to so it was really exciting,” said Thompson, “(getting drafted) feels like it’s another step in the process.”
Miller, a native of Medicine Hat, Alta., echoed those sentiments. After a stellar 59 points in 30 games with the Northern Alberta Xtreme prep team, Portland was pleased to pick up a talent like Miller in the third round.
“It was kind of a hectic experience, really, but I was thankful to be drafted by the Portland Winterhawks with the great program they have here,” said Miller.
Miller says he likes to contribute in all areas of the ice, with his high-energy style generating plenty of offense for Team Carruth through two days of games.
“(I’d probably describe myself as) a two-way forward, a bit of a playmaker,” he said, “But I can score too.”
On the blue line, his counterpart Thompson plays a similar high-tempo style well-suited for what Head Coach Mike Johnston and his staff looks for in players. In fact, one of the players he models his game after is already lighting up the WHL for Portland.
“I feel like I play more like a quicker defenseman and make plays like Quinn Hughes, similar to (Luca) Cagnoni,” said Thompson, “I watched him a lot through playoffs and I try to compare myself to that.”
With more than 70 players from all across western North America descending on Portland for Neely Cup, it’s fair to expect a bit of a learning curve on and off the ice. But it’s the ones who acclimate most quickly that will get the most out of this week.
Experienced Winterhawks like Marcus Nguyen, Dawson Pasternak, Tyson Kozak and have stepped up to help new players get up to speed while making sure each prospect is able to find his own way through the camp process.
“You can’t be shy to make new friends. Some of the vets have been talking to me to make me feel more comfortable here, and I think it’s really helped me,” said McDonough.
“The veterans are always good, they always take you under their wing and show you around. You just become comfortable after the first day or so,” echoed Miller.
With a few days now under their belt and initial nerves out of the way, prospects can focus on their goals for the week.
For McDonough, the reining Alberta Elite Hockey League Top U15 forward, that means getting better every day and making sure that he leaves Neely Cup with no regrets.
“I think throughout the week, you just always try to get better and stay increasing to show them what you’ve got and you just can’t hold back,” he said.
With half of training camp in the rearview mirror, players know their time in front of scouts’ eyes is dwindling, but they’re keeping it all in perspective.
“Hopefully I’m lucky enough to play for the team, but I hope to just bring on some memories and have fun here,” said Miller.
“And score some goals.”
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