2011 WHL US PROSPECT CAMP HUGE SUCCESS

April 22-24 the WHL held another successful U.S. Prospects Camp in Anaheim, CA. In its sixth year, the camp brought together top prospects from across the U.S.  in the 1996 and 1997 age groups. Attended by General Managers, coaches, and scouts from all 22 WHL Clubs, the camp showcased the strongest group ever to attend.

In the 1996 age group players impressed at all positions, including goaltender Nathan Churchill from Lafayette, CA. Nathan played this season with the National finalist Chicago Mission team, and along with Danny Mumaugh of the Colorado Thunderbirds, wowed those in attendance all weekend. Forwards Taylor Vickerman of the Spokane Jr. Chiefs, and Brian Williams of the LA Selects supplied the highlights at the forward position, while rugged Jeremy Briscoe of the Phoenix Jr. Coyotes brought toughness to the camp on the back end.  Carson Vance, also with the Jr. Coyotes, and Riley Hillis with the Colorado Thunderbirds also had stand-out camps at the defense position.

This year’s WHL U.S. Prospect camp, for the first time, featured a notable group of younger players still one year away from being eligible for the WHL Bantam Draft. In net, feisty Anthony D’Aloisio with the Dallas Stars Elite showed his passion for the position, while Keoni Texeira of the LA Selects and Daniel Woolfenden from Seattle impressed at defense. On forward, Auston Matthews and Christian Cakebread, who both made the trip from Arizona, will surely be watched by WHL Clubs next season.

The WHL U.S. Prospects Camp in held annually at Anaheim Ice, the practice facility for the Anaheim Ducks. Eighty-four players attended this year’s camp, which is by invitation only. Players from California, Texas, Arizona, Colorado, Washington, Montana, Nebraska, Minnesota, and Idaho attended, including sixty-six 1996-born players and eighteen 1997’s.