Brock Cripps – WHL Stars of Tomorrow – U15 Prospects

The WHL Stars of Tomorrow series highlights the biggest and brightest prospects on the cusp of becoming household names in the Western Hockey League.

This series will focus on U15 players as they navigate their WHL draft-eligible season, with player comparisons and reports from WHL scouts from around the league.

 

BROCK CRIPPS – DEFENCEMAN – RIGHT SHOT

VICTORIA, BC – 5’11 – 150 lbs

 

“One of the most impactful players in this draft. Skates quite well, has a hard accurate shot. Very good QB on the PP.”

WHL Scout 1

“Excellent combination of mobility, skill and competitiveness. Rare to describe a defenseman as a natural goal scorer, but this young man is one – don’t give him an uncontested shot from 50’ out, especially if he’s got a screen at the net.”

WHL Scout 2

“Brock is a master of deception on the ice, outsmarting opponents with quick decisions and creative plays. He is an ideal powerplay quarterback.”

WHL Scout 3

“Great offensive instincts. Quick, evasive skater. Makes those around him better.”

WHL Scout 4

With this goal, Brock Cripps notched his 70th point of the season in U15 Prep.

In male competition, that's tied for the most points in a season from a defenceman in #CSSHL history, tying Oliver Gabrielson's 70-pt U15 Varsity season in 2017/18@ATHLETICSaints | #CSSHL pic.twitter.com/z89lfxTbDs

— CSSHL (@CSSHL) March 3, 2024

NHL PLAYER COMPARISON

JOSH MORRISSEY (Prince Albert Raiders / Kelowna Rockets)

“Josh at the U15 level was elite, rushed the puck a lot, able to produce a ton, and he was able to carry that into the Western Hockey League. I see a similar offensive toolbox when I watch Brock play. I think the challenge for Brock will be that Josh was able to also turn that into being an elite shutdown defender. When the competition gets stiff, Brock is able to elevate his game and bring those elements. Certainly, there’s no reason to doubt he can reach those levels.”

– Taylor Green (WHL Manager of Hockey Operations)