AJC > Sports > Thrashers > Blog > Archives > 2007 > May > 12
Saturday, May 12, 2007
Little to make pro debut tonight
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Chicago — First of all, Chicago is a great city. The last time I was here was for a eighth-grade field trip, so it’s been awhile. Arrived here last night, had some pasta at Harry Caray’s and a pint of Bass at a little pub next to the hotel. Good times.
But this morning, it was down to business. I went to the Chicago Wolves morning skate to interview some of the Thrashers top prospects. That’s where I learned that Bryan Little will be making his pro debut tonight against Iowa.
He signed with the Thrashers in late April, and the former first-rounder joined the Wolves shortly after that. According to Wolves GM Kevin Cheveldayoff, Little has been bothered by a shoulder injury but he’s finally ready to go. Everybody, including Cheveldayoff and Wolves coach John Anderson, is looking forward to seeing what Little can contribute to Chicago’s Calder Cup run.
His debut tonight caps an incredible year for Little, who helped Team Canada win the gold in the 2007 World Junior Championships. He finished sixth in the OHL with 107 points this season. He said he’s excited about playing tonight for Chicago as well as joining the Thrashers for their prospect camp this summer. I’ll let you know how he looks in his debut in Monday’s regularly scheduled blog.
The players we’re featuring in five stories in a couple weeks are Little, Brett Sterling, Boris Valabik, Nathan Oystrick and Mark Popovic. But I’m also hearing some good things about Jordan LaVallee and Colin Stuart. LaVallee may still be a couple years away, but more than one person said they expected him to be a regular in the NHL. Stuart, I was told, is playing as well as anybody on the team right now and that’s pretty impressive considering this team also features Jason Krog and Darren Haydar - a pair of forwards who saw NHL time this season.
Lastly, Wolves GM Kevin Chevaldayoff confirmed that he interviewed with the Phoenix Coyotes on Wednesday for the vacant GM position. He said he thought it went well, but that his focus now is on winning a Calder Cup with the Wolves. He’s widely considered one of the best executives in minor league hockey and will likely be running an NHL team sometime in the near future. According to the Hockey News, Chevaldayoff joins former Rangers GM Neil Smith as two of the most serious contenders on a list that the Hockey News speculated may also include Canucks assistant GM Steve Tambellini, Toronto Maple Leafs scout Craig Button and Anaheim Ducks director of hockey operations Bob Murray, among others.
