OHL: Brent leads Klein-less Majors

Anaheim draft pick Tim Brent scored two goals to lead the St. Mike’s Majors to a 3-2 victory over the Oshawa Generals, including the game winner late in the third period. OHL correspondent Doug Evinou was at St. Mikes Arena, and files this report on some of the game’s top performers.

The Majors star captain Tim Brent willed his team to victory last Sunday, scoring two goals and providing the gritty leadership the team has come to expect from the dynamic playmaker. Without all-star defenseman Kevin Klein and facing a physically strong Generals’ side that has had some recent struggles of their own, the Majors earned a much-needed two points, and proved they can win without the multi-dimensional Klein. Here are a few notes on some of the games other notable participants.

Ben Eager (PHX), LW, Oshawa

The Generals power forward is an imposing figure on the ice … blessed with great size and skating abilities, Eager is a man amongst boys in the OHL … a tremendous open ice hitter, Eager has a nasty side that intimidates the opposition, but also results in numerous trips to the penalty box …knocked Darryl Boyce out of the game with a bone-crushing hit in the first period … Eager can hold his own in the fighting department, although he couldn’t lure Nathan McIver into a bout during the game … possesses a hard shot, and is most effective crashing the net … on the offensive end, he clearly misses Nathan Horton from last season; Eager needs a skilled centerman to get him the puck … questionable puck skills, it is doubtful that Eager will put up big offensive numbers at the pro level.

Paul Ranger (TB), D, Oshawa

Ranger is the Generals defensive leader … has all the tools to be a fine two-way defenseman … great size at 6-foot-2 and 210 pounds … possesses one of the hardest shots in the OHL … a mobile defenseman who loves to rush the puck … Ranger is prone to costly mental errors at times … doesn’t use his slap shot on the powerplay as often as he should … with his size and balance, it would be nice to see a more physical side to his game … Ranger has a lot of upside … just needs to work on his consistency over the course of the season … Tampa Bay has a nice pick-up for a 6th rounder.

Adam Berti (2004), LW, Oshawa

A darkhouse for the 2004 NHL draft, Berti missed most of last season due to a knee injury/surgery … a big power forward (6-3/195) who can skate, Berti is a relentless forechecker … has earned power play and penalty killing time with strong play so far this season … doesn’t have the stats yet, but exerts consistent offensive pressure … an immovable object in front of the net … Berti is a responsible player in his own end … should climb steadily through the draft ranks this season

Tobias Whelan (OA), C, Oshawa

The OHL veteran is the Generals’ captain this season … he centers the top line alongside Ben Eager and Evan Kotsopolous … a two-way player, Whelan excels on the penalty kill … his offensive numbers have slowly improved over the course of his junior career … a good skater, Whelan plays a feisty style at both ends of the ice … will be looking to catch on with a pro team at the end of this year, although his lack of size and puck skills may hold him back

Justin Peters (2004), G, St. Mike’s

Anointed the Major’s top goalie with the graduation of Andy Chiodo … a stand-up goalie … good glove hand … handles the puck well … not tested often, but solid and consistent when the Generals did attack … at 6-foot-1 and 210 pounds, Peters is unusually big for a young goalie … just eligible for the 2004 draft (DOB: August 30th 1986) … needs to work on his post to post mobility

Ryan Wilson (2005), D, St. Mike’s

The Majors 2nd pick in the 2003 draft, Wilson is a tough, stay-at-home defenseman … an excellent body-checker, Wilson demolished Evan Kotsopoulos with an open ice hit at center ice … his strong recent play made it a bit easier for the Majors to move Kevin Klein to Guelph … Wilson still needs to upgrade his foot work and defensive positioning … Wilson is at his best when he plays physical … hasn’t shown much on the offensive end so far, but it’s still early in his rookie season

Nathan McIver (VAN), D, St. Mike’s

McIver is now the main man on the Major’s blue line with Klein’s departure … McIver plays a strong two-way game … stronger on the defensive end then in the offensive zone … McIver usually mans the power play point with Tim Brent, although Scott Lehman is slowly taking over McIver’s spot … a physical presence, he butted heads with Eager all game long … assisted on Brent’s first goal and was named the game’s third star.