Expect Cody Eakin to be out of the Broncos line-up after Christmas and into the New Year.
Yes, it's true.... and we might as well start preparing now.
Why?
The first 20 goal scorer in the WHL continues to make a case to land a spot on Canada's World Junior selection and at this pace how can they leave him off?
Only Eakin and Windsor F Spitfires Taylor Hall have collected 20 goals across the Canadian Hockey League so far this season. For the record, Hall is the odds on favorite to go #1 overall at this summer's NHL entry draft.
Eakin was a late invite to the summer evaluation camp held in Saskatoon after an injury to Stefan Della Rovere. Now the "replacement player" may just be doing enough to earn a spot on that 22 man roster.
20 goals in 20 games for Eakin and he's not even considered a "pure goal scorer". He's more known for his incredible hockey sense, penalty killing and defensive abilities.
The fact is Eakin has done it all this season. His 20 goals leads the WHL. Bretton Cameron (Tigers) and Jason Bast (Warriors) follow close behind with 18 and 17 respectively but both are over-agers and ineligible to even receive a camp invite. American born Emerson Etem is 4th in goals with 16.
I know it's not about the numbers.... leading the way in offensive categories is by no means a ticket to World Junior camp. But, if you want to run down skills and attributes, Cody stacks up pretty well in those categories too.
So, do what you will Hockey Canada, but the Broncos #21 is a player you can't afford not to keep.
Cody, enjoy your Christmas in Saskatoon.
Jon
2 comments:
Agreed
What the world junior staff is looking for is a player who is at the peak of his game. Eakin is obviously there. Good for him.
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