Big year for Top Prospect Bigras
Written for the CHL by Steven Perko of HockeyProspect.com
When the Owen Sound Attack duo of Chris Bigras and Zach Nastasiuk step on the ice for the 2013 Home Hardware CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game, it will mark the fifth straight year the organization has participated in the showcase becoming the longest active streak in the CHL.
The Elmvale and Barrie, Ontario, natives hope to follow in the footsteps of Scott Stajcer (2009), Steven Shipley (2010), Joey Hishon (2010), Jordan Binnington (2011), and Gemel Smith (2012), all of whom were drafted into the NHL after participating in the game.
Bigras already has experience playing at a high level on a big stage. He won a bronze medal with Ontario at the 2012 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge and then followed that up with a gold medal at the Ivan Hlinka tournament in August.
“It was a great experience,” said Bigras. “The cohesiveness of all the players coming together in such a short time having a great tournament was special.”
Heading into the 2012/13 season, Bigras wanted to improve on his strength and get more physical.
“My goal was to be consistent throughout the whole year,” he said. “I think consistency is a big part in playing at the next level.”
“He continued his improvement from last year into this year and he is much more confident carrying the puck,” said Manny Paiva, Attack play-by-play announcer for Rogers TV. “He’s been our best offensive defenceman.”
Playing alongside veteran defenceman Nathan Chiarlitti, the duo is among the league leaders in plus/minus helping cement Bigras as one of only three OHL defensemen listed among the top-30 North American Skaters by NHL Central Scouting.
“He’s the smartest player I’ve played with,” stated Chiarlitti. “He thinks the game really well. He rarely gets beat one-on-one and he makes the smart plays.”
“Chris is a well rounded d-man who has logged an absolute ton of minutes,” said Mark Edwards, Director of Scouting for HockeyProspect.com. “I like his confident play with the puck and he has good offensive instincts to go along with a sound defensive game. I have liked what I have seen from him on the power play.”
“He’s like a sponge,” added Chiarlitti. “Anything we do in video or on the ice, he just soaks it up. He’s a pleasure to play with.”
Through 41 games this season, the 6-foot-1 defenceman has earned 25 points while showing remarkable discipline. He’s been called for only eight minor penalties.
“I try to keep control of my stick and use my feet to stop guys instead of using my stick, reaching, grabbing,” said Bigras. “I don’t mind taking some of the roughing penalties around the net to protect my goaltender, but you want to stay away from the lazy penalties like hooking, tripping and slashing.”
“Bigras is one of the most complete defencemen in the draft,” noted Ryan Yessie, scout for HockeyProspect.com. “He takes responsibility and pride in playing a strong defensive game.”
“He’s got a good head on his shoulders,” said teammate Cameron Brace. “It will be fun to see what happens come draft time.”
As for his team, the Attack jumped out to a quick start to begin the season, earning points in 17 of its first 20 games, and they’re one of the teams to watch out for come playoff time.
“You always need to have high expectations for yourself and your team,” said Bigras. “We just stick to our systems, and the systems will take care of the wins and points.”