WHL Prospects Draft Preview: Scout’s Edition (Part 3)
The Prospects Draft Preview Presented by Windsor Plywood Prince Albert continues with Part 3, featuring Raiders Alberta Regional Scout, Al Cherniwchan.
“I’m from Edmonton, and I scout Northern Alberta,” Cherniwchan said. “This is my 11th season scouting, I started back in 2013. I’d say I scout anywhere from 150-175 games per season.”
As has been the theme with most scouts, Cherniwchan got into scouting after a lengthy playing career. Once his playing days were over, he wanted to stay involved in the game, which is where he said scouting became an opportunity.
“I played hockey growing up as a little kid, and then I moved onto coaching which I really liked. I got out of the game after that for a while, but I wanted to get back into it at some capacity, so I thought scouting would be a great way to do it. I’ve been doing it ever since 2013 when Dale Derkatch hired me.”
So where did Al play hockey as a kid?
“I played minor hockey in Edmonton at 10 years old and played all the way up to U15 and U18AAA. From there I went and played in the WHL for a bit with Spokane in 1985-86, and then went to Brandon. After that I played in the AJHL for a couple of years and then I ended up finishing my hockey career at NAIT (Northern Alberta Institute of Technology).”
With 11 years of scouting experience, there has been a seemingly endless list of players that Cherniwchan has watched play from rink to rink. When asked if there are any players he has been especially proud to have a role in Prince Albert drafting, he was quick to say he was proud of all of them. However, that championship team in 2019 did have a couple of players that still bring a smile to his face.
“I think we’re pretty proud of drafting all of our players, but I’d probably go back to my first year. We took Parker Kelly, Zack Hayes, and those guys went in the later rounds. Those guys came a long way and had a great work ethic and character. They didn’t let anything stop them, and now they’re both playing professional hockey.”
Kelly and Hayes were integral parts of the 2019 championship team, and Cherniwchan described what he looks for in a player that makes them that important piece. A lot of it, he says, has to do with their character and how they are with their teammates. The on ice skills are important, but being a guy you can rely on in the room is just as important.
“Most like other teams, we look at skating, hockey sense, and their character. You have to learn how to play in this league; it’s fast, you have to think on your feet quick, and you have to keep up. You have to be good in the dressing room, that’s where the character comes in. If you’re not a good teammate, you won’t last long. We like to have kids that are good in the community. We look for ultra compete level and being a good person on and off the ice.”
When he’s not busy in the rink scouting the next generation of Raiders, Cherniwchan likes to enjoy his summers at the lake and on the golf course. It’s his time to enjoy some much deserved relaxation after hours on the road.
“Sometimes there are a couple skates in the summer that I’ll check out and take a look at the second year U15 guys. I like to spend a lot of time on the golf course as well, so that’s what I do most of the time.”
The 2024 WHL Prospects Draft is coming up on Thursday, May 9th. The Raiders hold the second and ninth overall picks in the first round.