Draft Prospect: Goalie Gru

If you watched the Memorial Cup this Spring you heard a growling coming from the crowd when the Windsor goalie would make a save. "Gruuuu!" adapted from the Belleville bleachers to the roaring Spitfire fans who migrated to Brandon, Manitoba. The reigning champions got a boost from the man they call Gru on their way to their 2nd straight title this Spring.

Philipp Grubauer's name came into focus after his trade midseason from the Belleville Bulls to the OHL powerhouse Windsor Spitfires. Grubauer posted a 2.37 GAA and a record of 13-1-2. While leading the star loaded team to a Memorial Cup Championship.

Grubauer's biggest feat may have been in the Division I Group A World Junior Championship. He went 5-0-0 with a GAA of 0.64 and a .974 Save Percentage. This boosted him to the 3rd rated goalie coming into June 25th's 2010 Entry Draft according to the International Scouting Service.

The Hockey News rates Grubauer as he 47th highest ranked player, this translates into a mid 2nd round pick. Goaltending is at a premium in the NHL right now and with many entering free agency this summer. Grubauer set a good stage for himself in WJC and it will be interesting to see how high he goes.

He has plenty of potential and having a 6'0" frame makes him a great prospect. However scouts views differ from top 10 star worthy to late round question. One scout said: "He has all the tools and he's a great kid." Hockeysfuture.com: "Technically sound, calm goaltender." Another scout: "He's quick and athletic."