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When the San Jose Sharks selected forward Charlie Coyle with the 28th overall pick in the 2010 NHL entry draft, it caught many by surprise. However, when you talk to Sharks General Manager Doug Wilson, the team obviously saw something that draft experts didn't. Even with Emerson Etem, the 8th ranked North American skater, still on the board the Sharks selected Coyle, ranked 24th in Central Scouting's final rankings.

"We liked both players, to be quite honest with you," Wilson said. "However, we like Charlie a lot, we saw him a lot, and he can play many different positions. There were many players who dropped a bit today, and there were some surprises in regards to where people fell to. Charlie was a guy our staff and I identified as a player who may have gone earlier in the round."

For San Jose, who hadn't drafted in the first round for two straight years, the 28th overall pick in 2010 was a significant one for the franchise. Fan expectations were high, and the positional prospect pool behind a select few notable names (Logan Couture, Nick Petrecki & William Wrenn) had dried up in recent years. So when the Sharks chose Coyle instead of Etem, it turned a few heads.

Now, it seems, Coyle's play is what's getting all the attention.

Coyle isn't near as flashy as Etem, who became somewhat of a sensation on YouTube for his highlight reel style goals. Instead, Coyle describes himself as "a good two-way player who likes to battle hard", and "a pretty good passer who can make hits and play physical." 

He's letting those skills shine at the United States World Junior Camp.

Currently being held in Lake Placid, New York this week, Coyle has been turning heads with his gritty two play and scoring pop. During the intersquad games that began the week, Coyle was placed on Team White where he notched two goals and one assist in three games, helping to guide his team to a three game sweep over their blue counterparts. Following that performance, Coyle was placed on the official roster for the international scrimmages, earning rave reviews from in the process.

USA Today's Kevin Allen reports that the play of Coyle, Nick Bjustad (FLO), and Brock Nelson (NYI) have been the talk of the camp thus far.

"They are very involved in the play," USA Hockey assistant executive director Jim Johannson told Allen. "They all appear to be solid all-around players. If the three centermen are the real deal, and they have been so far, we should have a formidable group."

Coyle, along with his Team USA teammates, haven't dissapointed thus far during international play. Coyle notched the game winning goal when the United States defeated Sweden 6-3 in their first game, and the Americans also went on to defeat Finland 6-3 a day later. Although Team USA lost 4-1 in a rematch against Sweden earlier this afternoon, they will have an opportunity to sweep the Finns tomorrow afternoon at 1:00 PM.

Interested parties will be able to stream the game live at  USAHockey.FASTHockey.com tomorrow afternoon.

Although Coyle, who will head to Boston University in the fall, won't be cracking the San Jose lineup for the coming season, the early returns on their investment seem to be coming along well. And while playing against 20U competition is a far cry from the rigors of an 82 game NHL season, the fact that Coyle has been the talk of the camp thus far is nothing but a positive, both for the Sharks organization as well as USA Hockey as a whole.

Go Sharks.

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Eric Lindquist has been the play by play commentator for the Worcester Sharks the last three years, and currently assumes the duties of Director of Public Relations and Broadcasting.

Mr. Lindquist was nice enough to be our resource for all things related to the Worcester Sharks during last year's run through the Calder Cup playoffs, and has returned to shed some light on the state of the San Jose Sharks' AHL affiliate in Massachusetts as they enter their second round matchup with the Manchester Monarchs. You can catch listen to the play by play for all Worcester's games on WTAG AM 580, and visit the Worcester Sharks site for more info on the team.

Plank and TCY would like to thank Eric and the Worcester Sharks organization for making this interview happen. Enjoy.

Al Stalock has been setting all kinds of franchise records down in Worcester this season. Give us some insight as to why Tyler Ennis won the Rod Garret Memorial Award for rookie of the year.

We were obviously voting for Stalock, but Worcester only plays half the teams in the AHL and every team gets three votes-- coaching staff, players, and media. If you don't see him play and just take a look at the stat packs, you see that he's not in the top twenty for goals against or save percentage. I think a lot of the Western Conference teams that didn't see him play looked at those, and therefore didn't give him their votes.

Ennis was the top rookie point-getter, and Stalock kind of got looked over because of that. His numbers weren't awesome but he makes the big save when it counts and was able to pile up thirty nine wins. Perhaps Logan Couture took some of the votes away from Stalock league-wide as well. Worcester had three of the top rookie point getters in the AHL, with McCarthy, Ferriero, and Couture. Ennis was the main guy in Portland, and I think that helped him get noticed.

How has Stalock managed to start all those games and still keep up his performance? He started a lot more games professionally than he was used to in college.

He's been an absolute workhorse, even in games that he isn't playing he's focused and ready. Stalock likes the heavy workload and I don't think he would want it any other way. With the unique goaltending situation we had this season, where Tyson Sexsmith wasn't one hundred percent from the start of the year, Stalock really took the bull by the horns right off the bat. Roy Sommer decided to ride the horse that was running well.

Stalock likes winning, and isn't a guy who is especially concerned with the save percentage or goals against-- he's a team guy, and no matter the score, the Sharks winning is what keeps him satisfied.

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Three days after setting a franchise attendance record during a 2-1 win over Providence on Saturday, the Worcester Sharks entered last night's game at the DCU Center with an opportunity to set a few more.

And they did just that.

Despite playing without their best forward in Logan Couture, Worcester continued their phenomenal season by defeating the Syracuse Crunch 3-1 in front of an announced crowd of 2,603.  Andrew Desjardins scored two goals, including one just 11 seconds into the third, to bring his season total to 18. T.J. Trevelyan also found the twine to bring his team-leading total to 25.

But the real story last night was how they rewrote the record books.

The win over Syracuse set a franchise record for both home (25) and total (44) wins in a season. And with ten games left to play, you have to figure that bar might be set just a little higher for any future teams looking to surpass the mark.

Al Stalock also continued his season long dominance, making 24 saves en route to his 36th win of the year. That victory propelled him to first place all-time for wins by an AHL rookie goaltender, surpassing Corey Hirsch who had 35 with the Binghampton Rangers in 1992-1993.

Stalock had already broke the Worcester Sharks franchise record for wins by any goaltender earlier this season, eclipsing the 30 win mark set by current Shark Thomas Greiss in 2008-2009. Furthermore, Stalock holds the franchise record in shutouts (2), and will likely break the appearance (57) and minutes (3,346) mark by the culmination of this year.

In an interview with Fear The Fin earlier this season, Stalock spoke about what has helped prepare him for the extensive amount of ice time he has seen.

"I think that part is taken care of in the summers, preparing yourself for a year long season. If you’re in the weight room or on the bike, or just getting your body ready," Stalock said. "We do that during the year too, to keep it up, but I think it’s crucial in the summers to make up ground in your conditioning, keep it at a high level so you’re ready to go from the start."

He also gave some insight into how he approaches stopping the puck.

"There's two different breeds of goalies, guys that rely on reflexes and a lot guys that rely more so on blocking and percentages," Stalock said. "For me, I like to rely on my athletic ability and natural reflexes to make saves along with my competiveness. Those all combine into the style of game I like to play."

Stalock and the Sharks are now sole proprietors of the Atlantic Division top spot, leading second place Portland by five points. And although a seven game road trip looms large on the docket, with a date against the league-leading Hershey Bears this upcoming Saturday, there are still a few more opportunities to continue setting milestones in 2010.

With another creeping up just around the corner.

Go Sharks.

[Editor's Note]: Confirmed with Worcester Sharks PR Representative Eric Lundquist.

Courtesy of Plank's email inbox:

Hey Fear The Fin I was listening to the Worcester Sharks radio broadcast tonight and they mentioned that Logan Couture was being called up to play against Vancouver tomorrow night. We recently have been on a four game win streak that got snapped so it hurts to lose him before playoffs but the big boys need him right now so that's that I guess. I don't have a link for you like you mentioned you would like when we talked last month but I can assure you this isn't being made up.

- Nick

This is nothing but good news.

TCY and I have been big fans of Logan Couture for a good long time, and my wonderful blogging partner even bought a jersey earlier this year at the same time I acquired a McGinn Black Armor.

We're pretty cute like that.

At any rate, business. I previously called for Couture to get the nod once the trade deadline had passed, stating that he would be a good fit as a third line center with McGinn and Clowe. TCY reiterated that point in an article two days later, stating that McGinn and Couture could be the key to the San Jose Sharks playoff success.

In an interview with Fear The Fin over the Olympic break, Jamie McGinn mentioned chemistry when speaking about his former Ottawa 67 teammate.

"He is one of those guys where I seem to know where he is on the ice at all times, and he knows where I am," said McGinn. "He just seems to be able to put the puck in the net and be able to put it on my stick and vice versa. It's nice to have that."

In summation, I really like this move. The Sharks need a kick in the pants right now after struggling after the Olympic break, and a new addition to the lineup will hopefully allow Todd McLellan to establish some consistent lines before the playoffs. Here is what I would like to see tomorrow night:

Dany Heatley - Joe Thornton - Devin Setoguchi

Patrick Marleau - Joe Pavelski - Manny Malhotra

Jamie McGinn - Logan Couture - Ryane Clowe

Jed Ortmeyer - Scott Nichol - Torrey Mitchell

Could this be the catalyst San Jose needs? Tune in tomorrow to find out.

Go Sharks.

Mike Moore

#55 / Defenseman / San Jose Sharks

Height: 6-1

Weight: 200

Born: Dec 12, 1984

According to capgeek.com, Mike Moore has signed a two year contract extension worth $1.25MM. The cap hit sits at $512,000 for a full NHL season, starting in 2010. As mymclife pointed out below, the second year of the deal is one-way, so he's guaranteed NHL pay (thanks Evilducks) that year. I still stand by the notion that the one way deal means that San Jose believes he'll be in the NHL in 2011-2012.

Moore is known as a physical, stay at home defenseman. By most accounts, he would have seen some time with the big club this year if not for an injury that took a good part of his season from him. In 38 AHL games this year, he has 1 goal, 11 assists, and is a +5 on the season. Moore is the Sharks 9th ranked prospect according to Hockey's Future.

This is interesting because Wilson usually doesn't negotiate contracts midseason, but maybe he has different rules when it comes to AHL players. 

I'll update this post as moore (ugh) news comes out of Worcester.

When you are drafted only 8 players after NHL 10 cover boy and (insert taxi cab joke of choice here) Patrick Kane, there's bound to be some hype around your arrival. That hype is bound to turn to pressure when you're compared favorably to NHL legend Steve Yzerman and are one of only three players selected in the top ten by your team in the decade.

Oh yeah, and you're 17. Good luck with all that.

Couture wasn't ready to succeed at the NHL level when he was selected 9th overall by the San Jose Sharks in the 2007 NHL entry draft. That's actually to be expected, considering the team he was drafted by. Although it's something that happens mostly in the later rounds, the Sharks love drafting project players. Players who aren't great skaters (Joe Pavelski), players who don't accelerate well or struggle with consistency (Ryane Clowe), or need to add some size to their frame (Marc-Edouard Vlasic). Well, Couture needed to work on most all of those things heading back to juniors.

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Eric Lindquist has been the play by play commentator for the Worcester Sharks the last three years, and currently assumes the duties of Director of Public Relations and Broadcasting. He also won the Showcase Showdown on the Price is Right, but Plank and TCY were unable to confirm if he kissed Bob Barker upon winning. Mr. Lindquist was nice enough to be our resource for all things related to the Worcester Sharks during last year's run through the Calder Cup playoffs, and has returned to shed some light on the state of the San Jose Sharks' AHL affiliate in Massachusetts. You can catch Eric's play by play for all Worcester's games on WTAG AM 580, and visit the Worcester Sharks site for more info on the team. Enjoy.

[Editor's Note] We had the usual conversation with Eric this month, but also asked some questions about the city of Worcester and the experience of attending an AHL Sharks game. Those answers, along with additional questions about the Sharks prospects, can be found after the jump.

Alex Stalock has put up some impressive numbers through nine games this season, posting a 1.84 GAA .931 SV%. Has he shown that he could step up and contribute in San Jose if Evgeni Nabokov (who will be a UFA next season) is not brought back?

Stalock has been very impressive. He's gotten a lot of attention throughout hockey circles, mostly because his excellent stick work allows him to act as a third defenseman on the ice. Alex is real fun to watch, you can see his "fire" when he plays in net. He simply reeks of confidence. You can tell that the Sharks know they have a chance to win every time he is in net.

By most accounts, Nick Petrecki has struggled at the professional level so far. Do you see any problems with his game? In your opinion, what does he need to work on?

What accounts? Everyone forgets he is just twenty years old and only played two years at Boston College.  Im my opinion, he has gotten better with every passing game. Nick has a presence about him, in addition to terrific size and strength. He also has a mean streak, and when he hits, the opposing player feels it. I look forward to seeing him play after 20 games, and 40 games...

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Eric Lindquist has been the play by play commentator for the Worcester Sharks the last three years, and currently assumes the duties of Director of Public Relations and Broadcasting. He also won the Showcase Showdown on the Price is Right, but Plank and TCY were unable to confirm if he kissed Bob Barker upon winning. Mr. Lindquist was nice enough to be our resource for all things related to the Worcester Sharks during last year's run through the Calder Cup playoffs, and has returned to shed some light on the state of the San Jose Sharks' AHL affiliate in Massachusetts. You can catch Eric's play by play for all Worcester's games on WTAG AM 580, and visit the Worcester Sharks site for more info on the team. Enjoy.

With the big club currently having some issues in the defensive zone, we're wondering how well Nick Petrecki is adapting to the professional game. Is he playing against opposing team's top lines, or has Ray Sommer sheltered his minutes while he makes the transition?

Petrecki has played very well logging minutes in all situations and taking regular shifts.  He is the only rookie defenseman to have dressed in all three games. Petrecki has a great physical presence on the ice, and received first fighting major against Michael Haley of Bridgeport on October 9th. He showed great emotion after the bout. 

Jamie McGinn has been stuck in the AHL-NHL revolving door for most of his professional career. When do you think he finally sticks in the NHL, and what is his ceiling as an NHL player?

McGinn seems to be an all around player that can, and will, do everything to win.  He will stick up for his teammates and score that big goal when needed. He scored some big goals for us last season in the playoffs and regular season. McGinn has a positive attitude, and he's still just 21 years old. This guy is a player.

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