NHL Draft: OHL Overview Part III

In this installment of NHL drafted players from the OHL, McKeen's correspondent David Burstyn looks at Golden Horseshoe Jr. B St.Catharines Falcon, Daultan Leveille and Stouffville Spirit forward Corey Trivino. Goaltender Thomas McCollum and centers Philip McRae and Eric O'Dell are also featured.

Daultan Leveille (Atl), C

The pick acquired by the Penguins as part of the Hossa deal enabled the Thrashers to select quite possibly the fastest player in the draft. Slated to go to Michigan State, the undersized Leveille is years from reaching his potential in the NHL. Leveille did not exactly turn heads with his regular season point totals, as he averaged a shade over a point a game. However, his dynamic playoff performance had scouts flocking to dingy old rinks in both the St.Catharines and Thorold area to watch the finals of the Golden Horseshoe Jr. B loop. Leveille was particularly impressive in the finals extending the series with a GWG in game six to extend the series. Despite him averaging over two points a game in the playoffs the Thorold Blackhawk's won game seven of the finals and the opportunity to compete for the Sutherland Cup. Leveille and the Thrashers organization made history when they selected him as he became the first player from that league to be chosen by an NHL team. Other players such as Brian Bellows and more recently Nathan Horton have played in the league as underage players but were drafted from OHL teams. Leveille's biggest drawback is his lack of size and courage. He will be tested and it will be interesting to see how he responds to that type of adversity.

Thomas McCollum (Det), G

It was only two years ago that McCollum found himself playing in the same league as Leveille with the Wheatfield Blades, but a shrewd Guelph scout recommended he receive a tryout with the Storm. He made such an immediate impact that the Storm rested their laurels on the young netminder in just his first month of playing that they dealt away their starting goalie at the time - Jason Guy. Since then, McCollum has not disappointed. He struggled to start the season but settled down nicely in the second half of the season vaulting his team to a fifth place finish. The feat was even more monumental considering the lack of production of the Storm forwards. Only two players scored more than 20 goals last season, Buck at 29 and Nigro who potted 24. McCollum, is the first goalie ever taken by the Red Wings organization in the first round. He joins another fellow American Jim Howard (Detroit 1st pick 64th/2003) as the one-two punch in terms of organizational depth at the goaltending position. The retirement of Dominik Hasek and the age concern of Chris Osgood could have the Wings shopping for a quick fix until one of these two goalies rivals for a starting position. McCollum has an impressive resume under his belt, as he has already once represented his country on the international stage and was nominated for Goalie-of-the-Year in the OHL during his rookie campaign.

Phil McRae (StL), C

The Chesterfield Missouri native will not have to travel far to pursue his NHL aspirations. Drafted in the second round may have come as quite a shock considering his paltry 18-goal campaign however, Basil, his father a former St.Louis Blues' player and now scout had to be considered the driving force for the selection. In a feel good story the Blues presented him with jersey #17, the same number his father wore. The younger McRae has sharper offensive instincts than his father however, considering Basil was known more for his fists that might not be saying much. McRae needs to work on many facets of his game, most notably his skating, as it simply lacks explosiveness. McRae has had to deal with several growth spurts during his hockey playing career and at 6-foot-2 it appears he has finally stopped growing. This may allow him to settle down and play a more effective game at the OHL level next season, as McRae has the potential based on his achievements with Team USA to produce much more than he currently has. With a better supporting cast surrounding him next season, he should be able to pad his stats and perhaps not having the pressure of being drafted may garner some favorable results.

Corey Trivino (NYI), C

Trivino has always been one of the better players amongst his age group, he just chose the OPJHL to showcase his talents. Trivino's skill was not overlooked just because he chose not to play in the OHL, as he was recognized on all the National teams during his junior career. Most recently, he was the only member of the OPJHL to represent Canada and the Under-18 tournament. Trivino also participated for Team East in the World Hockey Challenge and took home a silver medal for his efforts. Trivino will attend Boston University next season and the move should give him plenty of time to mature physically while still playing against increased competition. Trivino lit it up this season for the Souffville Spirit, as he scored 69 points in 39 games, however it was his effort in the playoffs that made many NHL scouts take notice. Trivino, along with Ethan Werek and Darren Archibald formed an outstanding tandem to lead the unlikely Spirit into the third round of the playoffs. Trivino is still undersized and has the body frame that resembles more of a soccer player than a hockey player. He joins the Islanders surging youth movement at the centre position and will be monitored extensively, as the Islanders cannot afford to have his development crippled.

Eric O'Dell (Ana), C

The old saying is 'good things come to those who wait' and that could not be more apt for O'Dell. He originally started the season with the Cumberland Barons and only a midseason trade with Sudbury gave him a chance to shine at the OHL level. He immediately responded and scored at over a point a game before earning a roster spot on Team Canada's Under-18 squad. Coach Quinn used him in many situations and O'Dell rewarded the confidence his coach had in him with a solid two-way effort that even saw him chalk up four points en route to a gold medal. O'Dell is a rare prospect in that he emerged from out of nowhere and continued to get better. This is a true testament to not only his hockey skill but his character, as he embraced challenges and found ways to overcome them. O'Dell should benefit next season from a better supporting cast around him, including OHL first overall selection John McFarland and CHL first overall Import selection Nikita Filatov, a player widely speculated to join the Wolves next season. On a sad note, moments after O'Dell heard his name announced by the Ducks, his grandfather passed away.