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The Phoenix Coyotes prospect pool is loaded with players who are already playing professional hockey. Most of these players are playing for the Coyotes’ AHL affiliate team, the Portland Pirates. With the Pirates recently clinching a playoff spot, these prospects will gain valuable post-season experience early on in their careers.

The Coyotes lack a forward with superstar potential, but they have an abundance of role players who possess a strong work ethic.

1. (1) Brandon Gormley, D, 8.0B
Drafted 1st round, 13th overall, 2010

In his first professional season, Brandon Gormley is adjusting quickly to the speed of the game. With 29 points in 68 games, Gormley’s skill really shows when he is breaking out of his zone. He is a smart defenseman who rarely turns the puck over. At the beginning of the season he struggled with positioning in his own end, which was rare to see when he was playing in the QMJHL. He is now back to his old self and is being counted on to not only shutdown opposing forwards, but chip in on offense as well.

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Radim Vrbata recorded his fourth career hat trick and also added an assist, as the Phoenix Coyotes ended their season on a high note with a 5-3 victory over the playoff-bound Anaheim Ducks on Saturday at Honda Center.

The game meant little for either team, as the Coyotes had already been eliminated from playoff contention while the Pacific Division champion Ducks were locked into the second seed in the Western Conference.

Kyle Chipchura and Antoine Vermette each scored once and Jason LaBarbera made 43 saves for the Coyotes, who won two of their final three games to finish 21-18-9.

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