Balan
 

The Portland Winterhawks (WHL), the team in our hometown, picked Stanislav Balan in the CHL Euro Draft. How did he look in camp, will he play in Portlnd next year? Any and all info appreciated.

I think he's a pretty safe bet to play in the WHL this year. Usually those Euro picks, when they're not for high profile guys(Meszaros, Schwarz, etc) are based on the team knowing the player will come over...such as Lauris Darzins\Kelowna last year.

Balan came with some pretty interesting scouting reports. He's a dynamite stickhandler\flashy scorer type...but his big knock seem to be his beanpole frame. I'll be interested to see how he does in a physical league like the WHL next year. I generally imagine someone like him playing in Quebec.

Not to mention Brent Peterson is part owner of that team....so there is a bit of incentive to come over to NA and impress coaches.

and you're crazy if you think that's a coincidence. Just like Darzins coming to Trotz's longtime best friend's team was a "coincidence." ;)