AHL American Hockey League

AHL class of 2004

by Ron Matejko
Published on October 22, 2004 under American Hockey League (AHL)


CHANDLER, Ariz. -- The second annual look at the next wave of AHL players ready to make an impact in the NHL showed domination by goaltenders. That should come as no surprise, as 2003-2004 proved the year of the goaltender in the AHL. This bodes well for the NHL and its growing roster of aging netminders.

Just Hockey spotlights 10 players who excelled last season and are ready to graduate to the show, once the NHL season gets started.

Jason Bacashihua/goaltender, Utah Grizzlies

Bacashihua's path to becoming an NHL star has been accelerated following an off-season trade to the goaltender-starving St. Louis Blues. His career path likely would have been blocked in Dallas by stalwart Marty Turco, but the uncertainty in goal in St. Louis could lead to a backup role in 2004-2005. He has proved to be a consistent and a big game player at every level and also proved he can carry a team.

Ilya Bryzgalov/goaltender, Cincinnati Mighty Ducks

Some goaltenders take longer to fulfill their promise and Bryzgalov falls into that category. However, his strong Olympic performance in Russia's victory against Team USA shot his name back into the spotlight. This 6'4", 24 year old has been a solid AHL goaltender for three years on an average Cincinnati club, and is ready to fill the backup role vacated by the trade of Martin Gerber.

Wade Dubielewicz/goaltender, Bridgeport Sound Tigers

Talk about great first impressions. Dubielewicz could not have made more of an impact in his rookie pro season if he made a deal with the devil himself. The former University of Denver star went 20-8-5 and set an AHL record with a ridiculous 1.38 goals against average. Dubielewicz also helped backstop the Sound Tigers to a 20-game unbeaten streak. He should have another chance at making a good first impression this season with the New York Islanders as the back up to Rick DiPietro.

Kirill Koltsov/defenseman, Manitoba Moose

This smooth skating offensive defenseman made his North American debut last season and finished seventh on the Moose in scoring (7-25-32). His minus-15 plus/minus rating was second worst on the team, but that was likely due to his adjusting to a new style of play. Koltsov would benefit if an NHL lockout drags on, as he needs more AHL seasoning. But he should join a solid Vancouver Canucks defensive corps sometime this season.

Kari Lehtonen/goaltender, Chicago Wolves

After Lehtonen's performance last season, the highly regarded netminder showed he is ready to begin an NHL career that should be filled with high expectations. His AHL regular season numbers were solid (20-14-2, 2.41 goals against average). But his stellar playoff performance, especially against Calder Cup champ Milwaukee, and his smooth transition during his late-season NHL call up (4-0-0, 1.24 goals against average) may have him starting for Atlanta in 2004-2005.

Ryan Miller/goaltender, Rochester Americans

Miller could have played in the NHL last season if not for a logjam between the pipes in Buffalo. After another solid season with Rochester, the Sabres would like to find room for the former Michigan State star, who Buffalo envisions as a future No. 1. Miller finished last season with 27 wins, a 2.21 goals against average and .925 save percentage, and has proven himself NHL ready.

Hannu Toivonen/goaltender, Providence Bruins

Before the emergence of Calder Trophy winner Andrew Raycroft, Toivonen was considered the Bruins goaltender of the future. The future is still bright though for Toivonen, who displayed his tremendous skills throughout his North American debut last season by finishing with a 2.30 goals against average and .921 save percentage for the P-Bruins. While only 20, this young netminder is ready to backup Raycroft and earn his stripes behind a suspect Boston defensive corps.

Fedor Tjutin/defense, Hartford Wolf Pack

Before last season, Tjutin flirted with having the "bust" label hung on him. However, he enjoyed a breakout season in 2003-2004 and re-established himself as a top prospect in the New York Rangers shallow farm system. He further brightened his star by providing New York with much needed solid defensive play, following a February call up. His offense has lagged since turning pro, but his scoring touch should return as he becomes more comfortable.

Ryan Whitney/defense, Wilkes Barre-Scranton Penguins

Whitney left Penguins fans wanting more after an attention-grabbing performance, following his professional debut during the AHL playoffs. This 6'4" blueliner displayed a blend of scoring, defensive skill and power during his collegiate career at Boston University and made a smooth transition with Wilkes Barre-Scranton. A youth movement in Pittsburgh should mean a regular spot in 2004-2005, although he may start the year in the AHL.

Jeff Hamilton/right wing, Bridgeport Sound Tigers

There is nothing like leading the AHL with 43 goals, including 20 on the power play, in a second season as a pro to get the attention of the parent club. Hamilton caught the eye of the Islanders with his goal total, in spite of missing 13 games with an eye injury. His team-leading 68 points was nearly twice as many as the second-highest scorer. He also broke a 50-year-old league record with his 15 game-winning goals.

Contact the author at NHLXXX@aol.com.

This story appeared in the October issue of Just Hockey magazine. Visit www.justhockey.com to subscribe or to read about what is in the current issue.

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American Hockey League Stories from October 22, 2004


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