Prospect Pulse: Brett Chartier

Note: I was not able to access a computer during the Thanksgiving Break. This PP was due to be published last Friday.

Brett Chartier is a Winnipeg, Manitoba product currently play for the Lincoln Stars in the USHL. A gritty power-forward type, Chartier is also blessed with soft hands and explosive speed to match his willingness to drop the gloves. A product of the MJHL, Chartier plays a bigger game than his 5’9, 175 pound frame suggests. He is very willing to play in traffic and is hard on the puck in all three zones.

Chartier made his way to Lincoln on the recommenation of former Star and current Fighting Sioux forward Jason Gregoire. Like Gregoire, Chartier has the chance to go as high as the second round in the upcoming draft. Though he posseses a lot of skill, his 5’9 stature has tempered the optimism of a few scouts I have spoken with. The 17 year old does have good instincts and hockey sense to somewhat make up for the lack of size, and seems to be adept at finding open space on the ice to use his excellent shot and/or vision.

Lincoln Stars coach Jimmy McGroarty has been impressed thus far with Chartier’s hockey smarts, his quick shot and his feisty nature. Despite giving up pounds and inches in most tilts, Chartier has dropped the gloves a few times this season and more than held his own. He is currently scoring at just below a point per game clip and has piled up 28 penalty minutes to go with a +2. Chartier is very responsible defensively and uses his skating ability to be an effective checker if need be.