Hunter Shinkaruk

[angus]

Got my first look at him last night. Wasn't impressed, but I'm not going to use a single game sample size to evaluate a young talent.

He did remind me a bit of Kane in terms of skating style - he isn't as quick, but looks to be a bit bigger than Kane was at the same age.

Decent speed, fantastic hands, sees the ice really well. The Giants did a great job shutting him down.

[SeaDawg]

I'm very excited about him. I drafted him two years ago in one of my keeper leagues. In that same year I also grabbed Monahan and Lazar, and all three of those are looking to go early next year.

[Zorro]

I wish I was able to draft guys before they were drafted, HAHA.. Ohwell, guess I will have to wait..

[Papps]

Got my first look at him last night. Wasn't impressed, but I'm not going to use a single game sample size to evaluate a young talent.

He did remind me a bit of Kane in terms of skating style - he isn't as quick, but looks to be a bit bigger than Kane was at the same age.

Decent speed, fantastic hands, sees the ice really well. The Giants did a great job shutting him down.

I might be Bias in this situation (only because if from Medicine Hat) but I'm starting to think Hunter is the real deal.. He's a machine with whoever he plays..

Last year he played with Emerson Etem and everyone linked Hunter's point totals to Etem. This year Hunter is playing with Valk (who hasnt been a overwhelming talent) but they seemed to click.

Hunters hands are amazing. His sight on the ice is very good and his overall skill is getting better and better. I went to a game last week where he took the puck on a wrap around, couldnt quite get a good shot.. he then switched directions and instantly backhanded the puck top shelf.. I've never seen a player do that.. His creative ability is amazing..He's been winning CHL and other awards this year.. Also had a 5 point night against Calgary.. 1 goal and 4 assists.. Curtis Valk had 4 goals and 1 assist to match.. That line is very good.

On the downside he does seem to take some nights off. I've noticed he gets timid sometimes against apponents who challenge him..

I'll keep reporting back through the season.

[robmyatt]

I wish I was able to draft guys before they were drafted, HAHA.. Ohwell, guess I will have to wait..

haha. Yeah I know this kid who's 13 in Burlington I think will make the NHL but my league won't allow for this at all.

[SeaDawg]

I might be Bias in this situation (only because if from Medicine Hat) but I'm starting to think Hunter is the real deal.. He's a machine with whoever he plays..

Last year he played with Emerson Etem and everyone linked Hunter's point totals to Etem. This year Hunter is playing with Valk (who hasnt been a overwhelming talent) but they seemed to click.

Hunters hands are amazing. His sight on the ice is very good and his overall skill is getting better and better. I went to a game last week where he took the puck on a wrap around, couldnt quite get a good shot.. he then switched directions and instantly backhanded the puck top shelf.. I've never seen a player do that.. His creative ability is amazing..He's been winning CHL and other awards this year.. Also had a 5 point night against Calgary.. 1 goal and 4 assists.. Curtis Valk had 4 goals and 1 assist to match.. That line is very good.

On the downside he does seem to take some nights off. I've noticed he gets timid sometimes against apponents who challenge him..

I'll keep reporting back through the season.

Thanks for the updates. I appreciate them. I don't get to see him often, but what I have heard is similar to your comments. I suspect (hope) that the inconsistencies will work themselves out as he matures. He isn't an overly big guy, and with Etem gone he is getting more attention from the opposition. If he is going to be a top line NHLer, he is going to have to stand up to the pressure, like Pat Kane.

[angus]

I might be Bias in this situation (only because if from Medicine Hat) but I'm starting to think Hunter is the real deal.. He's a machine with whoever he plays..

Last year he played with Emerson Etem and everyone linked Hunter's point totals to Etem. This year Hunter is playing with Valk (who hasnt been a overwhelming talent) but they seemed to click.

Hunters hands are amazing. His sight on the ice is very good and his overall skill is getting better and better. I went to a game last week where he took the puck on a wrap around, couldnt quite get a good shot.. he then switched directions and instantly backhanded the puck top shelf.. I've never seen a player do that.. His creative ability is amazing..He's been winning CHL and other awards this year.. Also had a 5 point night against Calgary.. 1 goal and 4 assists.. Curtis Valk had 4 goals and 1 assist to match.. That line is very good.

On the downside he does seem to take some nights off. I've noticed he gets timid sometimes against apponents who challenge him..

I'll keep reporting back through the season.

Yeah - as I said, one game sample. I've seen him play three times since then, and he has 13 points in those three games. He is the real deal.

[ericdaoust]

I think it's tough to hold a lack of consistency against a guy that young.

[angus]

I think it's tough to hold a lack of consistency against a guy that young.

especially in the CHL with crazy road trips - a one game or two game sample size doesn't do a whole lot.

[ericdaoust]

especially in the CHL with crazy road trips - a one game or two game sample size doesn't do a whole lot.

I just remember when I was that age, I certainly didn't want to try hard every day.