THE HOTTEST PLAYER IN THE LAND

If I asked you who led the entire CHL in scoring, how many of you would have answered Brendan Shinnimin of the WHL's Tri City Americans?  My guess is not many. 

The fact is, right now, the 21 year old from Winnipeg is stating a case for player of the year honors. He currently is on some kind of roll. For many junior players, 23 goals and 18 assists for 41 points is a great season. That's what Shinnimin has done this month.

A matter of fact, the current WHL player of the week accounted for 19 points in his last 4 games.

The 5'10, 175 pound winger led the way in the CHL scoring parade entering Tuesday's action with 115 points, 10 more than the next closest competitors, Mark Stone of the Brandon Wheat Kings and Yanni Gourde of Victoriaville.

In what has been a great year for individual scoring performances in the WHL overall, Shinnimin is on pace to easily surpass the highest WHL total since 2000-2001 when Justin Mapletoft of the Red Deer Rebels won the league race with 120 points.

Undrafted at both the WHL and NHL levels, Shinnimin may threaten the league's highest total since 1988-89 when Pavel Brendl led the way with 134 points. NHL teams are starting to take notice. With those numbers, how could they not?

Shinnimin has 318 career points, so consistent scoring has never been an issue. The question mark is his size.  However, this winger is an excellent skater who is relentless on the puck, and yes he can finish. 

In my opinion well worth taking a chance on. And this week, well worth noting.

Peter Loubardias