2006 Prospects Tournament

McKeen's was on hand for the year end Prospects Tournament and files notes on ten players who should have an impact in the OHL next year and beyond.

T.J. Brodie (2008), 5'10, 160, Chatham-Kent Cyclones

A great defenseman who has no panic point and can effortlessly control the game from the back end .. tremendous plays with the puck, great first pass .. is a mature player who sees the ice well as he makes passes to where players should be .. needs to shoot more .. defensively he is astute and simply does not get beaten at this level .. quick feet and good speed in a few short strides.

Outlook: Brodie is a smart defender who would be a welcome addition to any OHL club. He is a mature player who can slow the game down to his level and should only improve with better players.

McKeen's Rank: 39th Overall

Luc Comtois (2008), D, 5'11, 170, Sudbury Nickel Capitals

A swift, smooth defender who has soft feet and an effortless stride .. great skater who attacks the offensive zone but is cautious not to get caught .. good understanding of the game as he positions himself well in all three zones .. offensively he can carry the puck, shoot it and pass it making him a threat to score.

Outlook: One look at his game and you can tell he played at a higher level of competition this season, (Major Midget) as he shows remarkable poise with the puck. He is a tad on the small side but a talented defender who should find himself into an OHL line up.

McKeen's Rank: Early 3rd Round

Kevin McCarey (2008), LW, 5'11, 165, Syracuse Jr.A

American is a smooth skater who has great acceleration and is a solid technical skater .. has some offensive talent .. finishes checks and tries to play a physical game, competes along the boards .. good shot and can fire it off quick off any foot.

Outlook: It is difficult to gauge whether or not an American will play in the OHL, however traditionally Syracuse kids show up. He still needs to mature physically and improve his play away from the puck.

McKeen's Rank: 3rd Round

Michael Lomas (2008), LW, 5'10, 165, Burlington Eagles

A fast skating aggressive winger who finishes checks .. is ultra aggressive and has shifts were he displays high intensity but needs to show same level throughout the contest .. amazing first step quickness .. creates turn overs with his speed .. great stick handler, goes around players with ease.

Outlook: Brother of David Lomas of the Kitchener Rangers. He has a great skill set and is a magician with the puck. Will need to fine tune certain aspects of his game but has the potential to play in the league.

McKeen's Rank: 3rd Round

James Marsden (2008), 6'1, 175, Huron-Perth Lakers

Smart player who is very calculated in his play .. will not waste energy, conserving it and than exploding on a loose puck when it presents itself, making plays on quick break outs the other way .. long fluid stride with average speed .. supports the back check and plays good defence .. makes other players better with his puck distributing skills however his offensive skills are not high end.

Outlook: A good all around player that needs to be seen more and more for him to grow on you due to his hockey sense and smarts. Should hear his name called and will probably play Jr.B next season.

McKeen's Rank: Mid 5th Round

Behn Robertson (2008), LW, 5'11, 160, Markham Majors

Is a good up and down skater .. not overly mobile, but builds momentum with few quick strides .. positionally sound and smart in the offensive zone .. boasts decent offensive skills.

Outlook: Played on a relatively weak team that didn't score many goals. He is a late round pick who will need considerable seasoning.

McKeen's Rank: 9th Round

Mike Ryan (2008), C, 6'0, 170, Elgin-Middlesex Chiefs

Is always going to areas to score .. great work ethic as he powers his way to the net .. smooth skater who shows good touch around the net .. readily defends his team mates .. nice shot selection as his wrist shot has considerable zip.

Outlook: Ryan should be able to play Jr.B next season however his hope of reaching the OHL is likely a few seasons away.

McKeen's Rank: Late 5th to Late 6th Round

Tyler Carroll (2008), LW, 6'1, 180, Elgin-Middlesex Chiefs

Average skater who uses brute force to get into areas to score .. strong shot off of a good release .. not overly skilled at handling the puck .. playing defence is not a particularly strong suit .. mean streak and will drop the gloves as he has a short fuse.

Outlook: Carroll was one of the few bright spots on the Chiefs this season that did not fare well in the playoffs. He will get drafted but it is uncertain if he will play in the OHL.

McKeen's Rank: 7th Round

Eric Wellwood (2008), C, 5'10, 145, Sun County Panthers

Is a pitbull who takes the most direct route to the net .. despite his small size he goes to the net hard and does not stop banging away till the puck is in the net .. shows no hesitation to sacrifice his body .. is unbelievable strong considering his light weight as he can remove bodies from the crease in the defensive end .. a fast skater with remarkably quick feet.

Outlook: Wellwood is a mad-dog who does whatever it takes to win. He is fearless and it is that type of play that will make him an OHL player. He may not suit up this season, but he will be given every chance if he continues to play with this win at all cost attitude.

McKeen's Rank: 6th Round

Daulton Levielle (2008), C, 5'9, 155, St.Catharines Falcons

He could be one of the fasted skaters in the minor midget circuit .. his speed intimidates many defenders who are afraid of getting beaten one-on-one .. drives many players to the outside and than cuts to the inside getting his shot off in mid flight on both the fore hand and backhand .. quick hands and is a good goal scorer.

Outlook: Offence is the name of his game. He is very small and brittle but his speed is sensational. He will hope to add some much needed strength in the off season and most likely begin the year playing in the Golden Horse Shoe Jr.B league.

McKeen's Rank: Mid 6th to Mid 7th