2009 6th Round Pick Brandon Kozun

13 Jul, 2009 | by Keith

Brandon KozunThe Los Angeles Kings used their second 6th round pick in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft (179th overall) to select the smallish Los Angeles native Brandon Kozun from the Western Hockey League’s Calgary Hitmen. In 72 games played with the Calgary Hitmen last season, Kozun (right-wing) put up an impressive 40 goals and 68 assists for 108 points.

Kozun, 19, was a leader in the scoring race in the WHL all year. He was named Boston Pizza’s Player of the Week on December 29, 2008 as well as the HUSKY WHL Player of the Month for December. Kozun led all WHL players in scoring in the month of December. According to OurSportsCentral: “Kozun’s consistent play helped the Calgary Hitmen post an outstanding 10-1-0-1 record through the month of December, which included nine straight wins to wrap up the month, and maintain their first place standing in the WHL Central Division, Eastern Conference and entire League.” Not bad for a smaller guy, eh?

Looking at the observations on Kozun around the intra-webs, they all seem to be positive. While 5’8″ and 162 pounds is very small, we shouldn’t count Kozun out quite yet. Patrick Kane is 5’9″ and 160 pounds and has a Calder Trophy and an impressive playoff resume for the Chicago Blackhawks. Between his fast skating, soft hands and never say die attitude, Kozun could be a dark horse to making the LA Kings roster down the road. Reports from this week’s development camp have also been positive regarding Brandon Kozun. Let’s see how hard he works between now and the start of training camp.

Resources:
Western Hockey League (WHL)
OurSportsCentral

You can read about the Los Angeles Kings previous draft picks right here on KingsCast. So far, we’ve profiled forward Kyle Clifford, defenseman Nicolas Deslauriers, goaltender Jean-Francois Berube, forward Linden Vey, defenseman David Kolomatis and forward Michael Pelech.

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  • nikto
    There is a quote somewhere to the effect that Kozun cold play on any line and still score.
    If he turns out to be good defensively and on the PK, he could turn out like Hakan Loob, a superb world-class player for Calgary in the 80s.

    Loob was tiny, but with unearthly speed, fine hands, and with defensive/PK prowess
    and heart in abundance. He played masterfully in all situations and helped Calgary
    win their Cup in '89.

    But if Kozun turns out more like Yvan Cournoyer instead, it will be OK.
    Lol.

    Seriously, to me, Kozun looks like the type of tiny player
    who makes it all the way.
  • Can you imagine Kozun on a line with Loktionov and Schenn? I'm not even sure if that can happen logistically (left-handers and right-handers).
  • nikto
    The fact he is described as FAST makes him a better prospect than say, the slower Azevedo.

    Kozun could project to be a Butch Goring/Cliff Ronning type.

    A potential Steal Royal for The Kings.
  • Oh but let's not forget Theoren Fleury.
  • I how high you are on Kozun! I'm psyched to see this guy in camp with the pros. I would love to see him make the team some day!
  • I meant to say "I love how high you are on Kozun!"
  • Great observations, Matt! I agree, there is no reason to write a smaller kid off given the success of other smaller-stature players in the league. Not everyone on this team needs to be 6'2", 216lbs.

    I have high hopes for this kid. Another smaller guy who made an impression at camp was Justin Azvedo. He might be a mid-season injury call up.
  • Kozun was the surprise of the Development Camp for me this year. Reading the "5'8, 162 lbs" thing doesnt do it justice... he looked tiny out there. But just because he's small it stature doesnt mean he PLAYS small. He didnt hesitate to go to the net and certainly didnt shy away from contact.

    But forget all that... the guy had NHL hands RIGHT now. There's a reason that he scored 40 goals last year in the WHL (a league known for its defense). Imagine a guy coming down his off-wing, going to his backhand and going top-shelf on the short-side over the goaltender's shoulder. That was the clincher for me!

    As always, good write-up Keith!
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