NHL Central Scouting has added Bonnyville PONTIAC defenseman Brinson PASICHNUK to its Players to Watch List. Defencemen Brinson Pasichnuk (Bonnyville PONTIACS) and Reece Soukoroff (Okotoks Oilers), as well as forward Riley Smith (Olds Grizzlys) were added to the list on November 7th
In September, two AJHL players were originally identified on the NHL Central Scouting Players to Watch list, which lists the top 2016 NHL Draft Prospects. Forwards Taden Rattie (Calgary Mustangs) and Justin Young (Whitecourt Wolverines) were identified with a 'C' Rating, listing them as a 4th/5th/6th round candidate.
From the Bonnyville Nouvelle:
The 17-year-old Bonnyville Jr. A PONTIACS defenseman used a stellar month of October to turn heads and pop onto the Central Scouting radar.
Pasichnuk recorded seven goals and 14-assists through 12 games in October en route to the AJHL Player of the Month honours.
“There are quite a number of great players in this league, so it is a pretty special honour,” said Pasichnuk, who learned he had been named Player of the Month after receiving a congratulatory text from a classmate.
“I have to keep going everyday try not to let that get to my head. I have to keep working hard and hope more points will come along.”
Of the five ranked Alberta skaters, Pasichnuk leads the way offensively with eight goals and 28 points through 23 games.
“What people focus on with Brinson's game is his offensive statistics, however it is important to recognize that he plays the game the right way and plays in all key defensive situations,” said Rick Swan, head coach and GM of the Bonnyville PONTIACS. “The honor is well deserved and we only expect him to be better as the season progresses.”
Over the course of the 12-game tear, Pasichnuk scored two game winning goals, including a goal eight seconds into overtime on Oct. 17 to defeat the Calgary Mustangs.
While those goals were memorable Pasichnuk is most proud of his accomplishment at the AJHL showcase in Camrose over a weekend in early October.
“Those two goals were pretty special, but the coolest moment was probably getting a hat-trick at showcase weekend,” said Pasichnuk. “I haven’t scored a hat-trick since atom so it was pretty sweet.”
Pasichnuk’s hat trick kicked off his impressive month, which included an AJHL Player of the Week honour for his play during Oct. 12 to 18.
He was also a key contributor to the PONTIACS nine-game winning streak that went on from Sept. 26 to Oct. 17.
Pasichnuk, who is in his second year with the PONTIACS, has committed to the University of Vermont for the 2017-2018 season.