Glove: Left
Position: Goaltender
Birthdate: May.20, 1983
Hometown: Canmore, Alberta
Height: 6'1"
Weight: 185
Played the 1997-98 and 1998-99 in the Alberta Junior Hockey League, garnering Scholastic Player of the Year honors in both season. Went on to be selected third overall by the Kootenay Ice in the 1998 WHL Bantam Draft, the highest ever selection for a goaltender. Captured a bronze medal for Team Pacific at the 2000 Under-17 Championships. Set the WHL record for shutouts by a rookie in 1999-00 with three, also taking home honors as the WHL's playoff MVP in backstopping Kootenay to the Memorial Cup.
Blackburn continued to reap the rewards of a superb rookie year, being named to the 2000 CHL All-Rookie Team, as well as the Rookie of the Year for both the Western Hockey League, and the entire CHL. He took home a gold medal at the 2000 Four Nations Under-18 Cup in Slovakia later in the year. His success continued into the 2000-01 season, with Blackburn playing his way onto the 2001 WHL Eastern Conference All-Star Team, as well as participating in the 2001 CHL Top Prospects Game for Team Cherry. He is seeded #2 among North American goaltenders in the NHL Central Scouting Service's final rankings.
Despite standing a shade under 6-1, Blackburn fills the net, playing at the top of his crease and appearing larger than his measurements suggest. He is adept at squaring himself to the shooter, while remaining compact and leaving few holes to shoot at. His lateral movement is excellent.
His style is best described as hybrid, a cross between the traditional stand-up and butterfly styles. Blackburn lures shooters with a generous five hole, but features quick reflexes and the ability to flash or close the pads quickly. He is a big game goalie, making crucial saves and staying strong under pressure. His ability to recover and reposition is very good. Is an on-ice leader who handles the puck well, and has extreme mental toughness. The best talent from the WHL in 2001 by a long shot.
Plays a similar style to: Curtis Joseph
