OHL: Campoli builds on strong NHL camp
The Erie Otters caught a bit of a break heading into St. Mike’s Arena on Sunday, as the Majors lost star defenseman Kevin Klein to a knee injury in their Friday night game against the Kitchener Rangers. Majors’ coach Dave Cameron was forced to use his top forward, Tim Brent, along the blue line to fill the void, leaving the struggling Toronto squad short in the scoring department. The Majors were also missing top goalie Justin Peters, who missed the game due to suspension. Otter veterans such as Brian Lee, Chris Campoli and Brad Bonello were front and center in Erie’s 4-2 victory.
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Brian Lee (ANA), D, Erie
The Otters’ assistant captain is a mammoth presence along the blue line ... known mostly as a defensive defenseman, Lee contributed offensively with a goal and an assist on his way to being named the first star of the game ... a punishing hitter, Lee took a number of Majors out of plays with bone-crushing body checks ... still needs to upgrade his skating and outlet passing before he makes a splash at the pro level, however.
Chris Campoli (OA), D, Erie
Leads the offence from the back end with his solid skating and puckhandling skills ... contributed assists on the final three goals .. has patience and poise when quarterbacking the power play, however, he could still benefit from shooting more frequently ... plays tough, but can get carried away and undisciplined at times ... was passed over at the draft due to a lack of size (6-0/190), but should earn a pro contract at the end of year if he continues his strong early play.
Ryan O’Marra (2005), C, Erie
Erie’s first-round pick in the 2003 OHL draft (4th overall) has adapted quickly to the league with three goals in six games … pegged as a potential first rounder in the 2005 NHL draft bases on size (6-2/185), skating and skills … has a wicked shot and a quick release … currently on the second line and takes a regular shift on the team’s second power play unit … caused havoc in the Majors’ end of the ice all game long, finishing checks with zeal and forechecking with vigour … the Mississauga native should only get better as the season wears on.
Brad Bonello (OA), LW, Erie
The third year Otter winger has improved steadily over his OHL career and looks poised to have a career season … does everything well at this level, however, his lack of size (5-11/175) and lack of any special dominant skill have contributed to going undrafted ... didn’t get his name on the scoresheet tonight, but had nine points in five games heading into this contest … plays with an edge as evidenced by the 18 penalty minutes he has already accumulated … combines well with Rob Hisey and Michael Blunden to give the Otters a strong first line.
Thomas Waugh (2003), F, St. Mike’s
The 18 year old forward has had an impressive start to his OHL career … won league Rookie-of-the-Year honours while playing for the Summerside Capitals (Jr-A) in Prince Edward Island last season, recording 37 points in 50 games .. Waugh is a buzz-saw in the offensive zone, using his speed and feistiness to win battles for the puck and create general havoc … currently lines up on the third line with fellow Summerside alumni Conner Cameron … is undersized by pro standards (5-10/180), but has the attitude and work ethic to overcome his lack of height … should move up Toronto’s rather thin depth chart if he continues his strong play through the course of the season.
Scott Lehman (2004), D, St. Mike’s
Lehman’s role on the Majors has expanded dramatically since the beginning of the season, although mostly out of necessity rather then spectacular play … the injury to Klein and the departure of Shane O’Brien, who agreed to terms with the Anaheim Mighty Ducks, leaves St. Mike’s counting on Lehman to step up his game … plays a solid two-way style and has decent size at 6-foot-1 and 195 pounds … is a good skater by OHL standards, but will have to continue to improve in this area to play professionally … beginning to show more confidence in his offensive game, carrying the puck with greater frequency and showing some creativity on the rush … eligible for the 2004 NHL draft, and should have plenty of opportunity to impress the scouts who make the trip to St. Mike’s.