NEWS BY DIVISION
- Northeast GMs still filling roster holes Northeast
- 'Boogey Man' no laughing matter Atlantic
- Halak must prove he isn't all hype Central
- Iginla likes Calgary signings of Jokinen, Tanguay Northwest
- If Kovy stays in the East, then what? Pacific
- FAs not expected to fly Southeast this summer Southeast
COLUMNS
- Drafting well: not an easy task Justin Bourne
- Stock Up, Stock Down Justin Bourne
- Beards And Bruises: The De-evolution of Looks Justin Bourne
| Preds Prospect Taylor Beck named CHL player of week |
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| Futures Watch |
| Written by Scott Rosts |
| Friday, January 22, 2010 11:36 |
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Timing was everything for Taylor Beck. Beck is in his third season with the Storm. So far it's been a season to remember, as he was tied for third in league scoring with 26 goals and 40 assists, for 66 points in 42 games as of Jan. 21. Beck had his first taste of the NHL last fall. In June he attended the Predators' development camp, just shortly after he was drafted 70th overall in the NHL Entry Draft. Months later he laced up his skates with some NHL regulars at the Predators' training camp. Earlier this season, Beck described the experience as "amazing." "Any time you get to play on the same ice with world-class hockey players like Jason Arnott," he said, referring to the Predators forward, "all you have to do is be a sponge and learn as much as you can." The 6-foot-5, 205-pound Beck has already amassed more points this year than his previous season. In his rookie campaign he had seven goals and 14 assists in 56 games. Last season, his draft-eligible year, he more than doubled his output with 28 goals and 58 points in 67 games. His strong season gave him an opportunity to showcase his skills in the 2009 CHL Top Prospects game, where he scored a goal for Team Orr. "I think I was definitely on the (NHL) radar for teams after the Top Prospects game," Beck said. When the big day arrived last summer, Beck had no idea where he would end up. Several teams expressed interest and ranked him 48th overall among North American skaters by the NHL Central Scouting. Beck met up to 20 teams at the NHL draft combine. "It was really nerve-wracking, but as soon as I head my name called, it was a huge relief," said Beck, who was at home in Niagara Falls with friends and family in front of his computer following the draft. "It was just an amazing feeling, and Nashville is a great city and hockey town. I'm really looking forward to my future there." Paul Fenton, assistant general manager of the Nashville Predators, said Beck brings a lot of potential. "Taylor is a very good kid. He's very effective from the circle in, can score and plays well down low, with intensity," Fenton said. "He comes from a very good system in Guelph." Nashville was so high on the Guelph Storm, in fact, that with their next pick at 72nd overall, they took Beck's close friend and teammate Michael Latta. Fenton says Beck was brought into a system that truly believes in development of its young players. Many players on the current Predators roster, including Jordin Tootoo, Shea Weber and Ryan Suter, all came through the draft. A brief view at what Beck could bring to the table came during training camp for the Predators. During a two-game rookie series against rookies from the Atlanta Thrashers, Beck had one goal and two assists, leading the Predators rookies with three points, impressing Fenton and the Predators staff. Being just 18 years of age, however, Fenton said it was predictable that Beck would be sent back to Juniors, however, and he was reassigned Sept. 16. Fenton said they encouraged him to work on his skating and power to take his game to the next level. Beck, who says he tries to pattern his game after Joe Thornton, said the Predators seemed to like his all-around intensity and ability to play "down low." Most of his time spent on the ice is in front of the net, battling for the puck or position in front of the netminder. "They like how I get in front of the net in the dirty areas and try to bang the puck in," Beck said. Beck is looking forward to the future, and hopes to improve his all-around play and skating throughout the rest of the season, as well as serve as a leader on the Storm. He has already been named to the OHL's Western Conference squad for the league's all-star game on Feb. 3. "I just want to play the best I can, and help my team win," he said. "I'm really excited about my future and I'm going to work hard to make it as far as I can." (PHOTO COURTESY OF OHL IMAGES) |
