• PROSPECT-UPDATE ARCHIVE
It was hard to focus on the 2018 NHL draft prospects Saturday, in the wake of the tragic bus accident that killed 10 Humboldt Broncos players and five members of the team staff. Watching elite young players, it's sometimes easy to forget that they are still just kids. In an instant, so many lives were cut short.
All draft prospects have one thing in common: They ride on buses to get to their games. Sometimes the journey takes endless hours, but those hours help a team bond. The team bus should be a warm, safe place for all young hockey players, which makes Friday's crash all the more upsetting.
Below are Saturday's top performances by draft prospects. As you look through them, think about these players as the kids they are -- kids who just as easily could have been on that bus. Never forget that despite their talent, these hockey stars are as fragile as anyone else. It's a big reason to be so happy for them when they hear their names called on draft day.
STEPHEN DHILLON -- Dhillon, a 19-year-old goaltender who has already slipped through to NHL drafts, made 47 saves in defeat, as Niagara fell 3-2 in overtime at Hamilton. Despite the loss, he was honored as the game's No. 1 star after stopping 15 of 16 shots in the first period, 13 of 14 in the second, all 11 in the third, and eight of nine in OT. The OHL playoff thriller ended at 6:25 of overtime, as Dhillon suffered his second straight hard-luck OT loss. (Note: Second appearance on this list in 2017-18)
LUKAS DOSTAL -- Czech junior goaltending superstar Dostal led Brno Kometa to a 4-3 OT win that clinched the Czech Under-20 title. His 28 saves included eight in the first period, eight in the second, nine in the third and three in overtime. Dostal utterly dominated the U20 playoffs, winning all seven of his starts with a 1.40 goals-against average, .959 save percentage, and two shutouts. He has a very bright NHL future. (Note: 20th appearance on this list in 2017-18 -- leads all goaltenders)
BENOIT OLIVIER-GROULX -- Groulx had a big game in defeat for Halifax, scoring a goal, setting up another, firing six shots, and winning 21 of 36 face-offs in a 7-4 playoff loss to Charlottetown. The Mooseheads forward was the No. 3 star -- assisting on a power-play goal at 8:06 of the second period to cut the lead to 2-1 and scoring at 18:21 of the third to make it a 6-4 game. Groulx has a four-game playoff point streak, but his team is in a 2-0 series hole. (Note: Eighth appearance on this list in 2017-18)
EMILIO PETTERSEN -- The Denver recruit had a goal and two assists for Muskegon in a 5-3 USHL win at Madison. Pettersen started with the primary helper on a power-play goal at 14:35 of the first period, stretching the lead to 2-0. He picked up another assist at 6:25 of the second for a 4-0 lead, and made it 5-0 by scoring minutes later at 11:24. With goals in back-to-back games, the Norwegian import now has 14 goals and 46 points in 58 games. (Note: Fourth appearance on this list in 2017-18)
ALEX STEEVES -- Dubuque's Steeves had a goal and two assists in the Fighting Saints' 5-4 OT loss to the U.S. NTDP Under-17 Team. The game's No. 3 star scored at 16:04 of the first period for a 1-1 tie, picked up a primary assist at 4:32 of the second for a 2-1 lead, and set up another goal at 13:06 of the third to force overtime. Set to continue his career at NCAA powerhouse Notre Dame, Steeves has 18 goals and 54 points in 53 USHL games this season.