panoo

Canadian Press
11/15/2006 1:07:51 PM

TORONTO (CP) - Jakub Voracek is No. 1 and James Van Riemsdyk has jumped to No. 2 in 2007 NHL entry draft projections by International Scouting Services.

Voracek, a six-foot-one Czech right-winger with the QMJHL's Halifax Mooseheads, grabbed top spot by amassing 34 points including 13 goals in his first 24 games.

''He's the kind of kid that if he takes a shot and misses the net he'll be the first one on the rebound to pick up the loose puck,'' says coach Cam Russell. ''His feet are always moving.

''I see a lot of Peter Forsberg-like traits. He's solid on the puck, and he's not intimidated.''

Van Riemsdyk, an American left-winger on the U.S. under-18 development team based in Ann Arbor, Mich., had 14 goals and nine assists in his first 16 games. The six-foot-three native of Middleton, N.J., was No. 8 in October ISS projections.

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