Two Storm prospects among ‘hidden gems’

Mark Seidel, The Hockey News – As we travel around evaluating players of all ages for the various drafts, one of our favorite parts of the job is to find those who others have passed over or deemed not good enough.

As we find them, we make a point of informing our various clients of their existence because we believe adding these types of kids makes average teams good and good teams great.

We have been occasionally right about some guys and we have been completely wrong in our assessment on others. In my opinion, this is where the good evaluators can make their mark because everyone can identify the Taylor Halls and the Cam Fowlers of the world.

In that context, we present the following hidden gems and the respective groups that should be paying attention to them:

ATTENTION: NCAA COACHES/NHL SCOUTS
Joel Vienneau, Kingston Voyageurs (OJAHL)

After watching a recent Voyageur game, I asked GM and former goaltender Kory Cooper whether Vienneau was always that good or whether he had a great game.

“Well he gave up two goals, which is a lot by his standards, so I guess he was just OK tonight,” he replied.

Although he was drafted in the seventh round by the Guelph Storm, I think he has decided to pursue an NCAA scholarship. Before that happens, however, expect him to be selected this June in the NHL draft in Los Angeles because the 6-foot-3 monster is the real deal.

He has tremendous size and athleticism and has just recently begun working with a goalie coach, which means we may have only seen the tip of the iceberg as it relates to this kid’s talent. NHL scouts should stop in the Limestone City to watch this unique prospect.

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Mark Seidel is the chief scout for North American Central Scouting and co-hosts the radio show “Breakout; The Hockey Show; NHL 2009” on the Prime Sports Network. He is also a regular contributor to Hockey Night in Canada on Sirius Radio as their draft and junior hockey insider. Read his other blog entries HERE.

Taki Pantziris currently playing for the Mississauga Rebels Major Midgets (GTHL).

Joel Vienneau currently playing for the Kingston Voyageurs of the OJAHL, Vienneau leads the league in goals against average (1.69) and save percentage (0.938) and boasts a terrific 12-1-0-1 record for the first place Voyageurs.