1. Brock Higgs, C – Kingston Voyageurs (OJAHL): Higgs will be suiting up for Canada East in Summerside and if his run in last year’s Ontario Junior League playoffs is any indication, the kid is great under pressure. Higgs tallied 22 goals and 39 points in 25 post-season games as the Voyageurs took the title. But like a good soldier, Higgs notes it was a team effort.
“Just the way the guys gelled was great,” he said. “There were no egos on that team.”
Higgs, who was drafted by his hometown Kingston Frontenacs in the OHL, is playing Jr. A while sussing out his NCAA options for next season. He hopes to make a decision in the next few weeks and isn’t worried about playing Jr. A during his NHL draft year.
“If you’re good enough, they’ll find you,” Higgs said. “There’s more than one option and I’ve always been good at school.”
The shifty pivot is also pretty good at hockey. Size had previously been an issue, but Higgs is now 5-foot-10 and 180 pounds and has 18 points through 13 games this season.
“Although I’m heavier, I don’t feel as heavy,” said Higgs, who weighed 165 pounds last season. “It’s a good weight.”
Modeling his game after Steve Yzerman (and whose No. 19 he wears in honor), Higgs still wants to hammer out his footwork, but believes he can be a well-rounded threat.
“I try to model myself as a player who sees the ice,” he said. “I act before reacting.”
Draft eligible in 2010
