In case anybody is curious, I've complied a list of draft eligible players from the
WHL that are willing to drop the mitts.
Frequent fighters:
Sena Acolatse - Arguably the best fighter in the draft. Although Abney would be right there with him. Acolatse is a defenseman although he spent a decent amount of time last season on the wing. He isn't overly aggressive but he's a smart fighter (very technical) and seems to have pretty decent power. He is short, but pretty thick and well grounded. I think his value has dropped a little because he hasn't produced point wise as much as a lot of scouts would have hoped.
Cameron Abney - Very impressive end of the season for Abney holding his own against some tough veterans and beating a few top fighters rather decisively. I think he has a good chance of getting drafted simply because of his fighting ability and the fact he is very willing and seems to enjoy the role.
Tayler Jordan - I had a lot of hope for Jordan a couple of years ago but he hasn't progressed very much, IMO. Pretty skinny but he has a long reach and is very willing to drop the gloves. I wouldn't count on him getting drafted but you never know.
Tyler Halliday - Good team player and a very willing fighter. Unfortunately he isn't the best fighter by any stretch but he had a surprisingly good season and has become a leader for Prince George. He may not get drafted at all but with his decent offensive totals he may get a look.
Mitchell Callahan - Very aggressive player, more of an agitator although not your typical agitator as he was tied for 2nd in the league for fighting majors (he would have finished 1st if you include post season fights). He also took on some tough customers that were out of his size class and held his own.
Garrett Mitchell - I don't know if he'll get drafted (doesn't have much skill) but he works really hard and plays with his heart on his sleeve. He's a smaller player but a pretty entertaining wide open style middleweight.
Brayden McNabb - Not necessarily a fighter per say, but he's willing to stand up for his teammates and play physical. Pretty good hitter and I'd consider him decent with the mitts off.
A few other players that aren't necessarily tough guys or fighters per say, but are willing to drop the mitts nonetheless.
Will fight occasionally:
Brayden Schenn - Hard not to like this kid. Does a little of everything. For such a skilled player it's nice to see him willing to go in the corners, initiate physical contact and stick up for his teammates. He'll be a good one.
Jared Cowen - The only flaw I see in his game is that for his size, he isn't overly aggressive or physical, IMO. That being said he isn't a complete cream puff by any means. And he is willing to play physical and stick up for teammates, but I'd like to see that a little more.
Landon Ferraro - Unlike his father, Landon actually has a sack and is a fairly gritty player. You won't see him fight very often but he's willing to mix it up.
Brennan Yadlowski - Pretty gritty player also on the smaller side. He's another guy I don't really look at as a fighter, but he seems like a good team guy and is willing to play that kind of game if necessary.
Brett Ponich - Ponich is kind of a sleeper here. I don't even think of him as a fighter, however he can fight. I wish he did more as he seems to do pretty well and was involved in a couple of dandy tilts this season.
If anybody has any questions or comments, feel free to ask.