OHL Draft: Central Division Review

The annual OHL entry draft was held on May 3, as 20 OHL teams looked to restock their prospect cupboards. A total of 301 players were selected in the 15 round draft. The Toronto Jr. Canadiens led the way with 14 players chosen from their OHL Cup winning roster including the first overall selection John McFarland, who was selected by the Sudbury Wolves.

In the first of a four-part series, McKeen's correspondent David Burstyn profiles many key players that were drafted by the Central division, which includes the Sudbury Wolves, Barrie Colts, Mississauga St. Michael's Majors, Niagara IceDogs and the Brampton Battalion.

Sudbury Wolves

The Wolves made the best of their league leading 18 picks. They chose one goalie, five defenseman and 14 forwards. Scoring goals was a problem for the Wolves, as they finished with a league worse 175. Their first three forwards, John McFarland, Steven Beyers and Drew Collinson combined for 178 goals. Due to a rash of trades, the Wolves were able to acquire three picks in the third round, however the real gem of the draft was first overall selection John McFarland who has the game-breaking ability to return the Wolves to the postseason.

John McFarland (2010), C

Last season, John McFarland (6-0, 190), applied for exception status but was returned to minor hockey where he exploded for 96 goals in 57 games and averaged well over two points a game. McFarland comes from good hockey roots, as his brother Paul played for the Memorial Cup winning Kitchener Rangers in 2003. A solid, well-put-together centre whose aggression and mean streak allot him additional time and space. He physically manhandled his peers this season. At times, he allowed his temper to get the best of him, which resulted in numerous suspensions and game misconducts. For as detrimental as that was for his team at the time, it showcased to OHL scouts that he had grit and sandpaper. He has sensational speed, as his first two steps are explosive. He blew by players by either driving them wide or challenging defenseman head on. His best offensive weapon is his shot and release. He scored many goals playing the point on the PP with his booming slapshot. His shot was so respected that he could often fake it to gain additional ice for a better scoring opportunity. A gifted playmaker but is considered more of a finisher. At times, McFarland would try to do too much on his own and often spearheaded offensive attacks attempting to beat the opposition's entire team. In his defense, he did apply himself responsibly in the defensive zone and played an active role in puck pursuit and forechecking in PK situations. McFarland should have no problem adjusting to the OHL. His size, speed and finish will be a welcome addition to the Wolves and playing with the likes of Eric O'Dell and/or Dean Howard should help him rival for Rookie-of-the-Year honors.

Nick Quinn (2010), D

Quinn (6-0, 190), was actually a former teammate of McFarland's in their bantam season. An off-season move saw Quinn get traded to the Toronto Red Wings for Michael Sullivan (295th Brampton). Quinn is an exceptionally mature defenseman with a strong offensive skill set. He has a great shot from the point and displayed remarkable poise on the line while being the QB the PP. His feet and overall agility are lacking, however his high offensive game more than compensates for his shortcomings in the skating department. Quinn loves to play the body. He has a mean streak and really improved the timing of his checks from the beginning of the season. His team imploded with a series of off-ice issues that resulted in him to finish the season on a sour note. He played very average in the playoffs, as he was suspended for a game and failed to be a difference maker in their opening-round loss to the Markham Majors. Quinn should be able to step in and play in the league next season. He will be groomed slowly but should find himself inserted into the lineup on a regular basis.

Steven Beyers (2010), C

Beyers (5-10, 155), and Quinn share the same birthday and hopefully their present will be a roster spot with the Wolves to start the season. Beyers is a very offensive-minded player with great separation speed, as he has multiple levels of acceleration. Beyers developed many bad habits throughout the season including not competing hard enough for the puck and trying too often to stickhandle through an entire team to score a highlight-reel goal. However, he is a skilled hockey player who is capable of scoring and is lethal on the PP with additional time and space. He was instrumental in team success leading his Halton Hurricanes to a first place finish in their respective division. He disappeared in the playoffs and had a very ordinary OHL Cup tournament registering a mere two assists in four games. Beyers has many tools and could be an effective player in the OHL, however his intensity and overall competitiveness are areas of concern.

Drew Collinson (2010), LW

Collinson (6-2, 165), has all the tools to be a player cut from the same cloth as a Shawn Matthias. The problem lies in Collinson's consistency, which ultimately scared many OHL scouts. His skill set rivaled if not bested that of his peers Gregg McKegg and Steven Shipley the second and third overall picks. He handles the puck incredibly well and was even slotted on the backend in several contests this year when the Chiefs ran into injury problems. With Collinson's size and skill set, he always left you wanting more after every view. He has game-breaking and take-you-out-of-your-seat ability but could also disappear completely and make you wonder if he was even in the lineup. He needs to assert himself more in close, as too often, he was muscled off the puck. He has a great shot and scored the majority of his goals from just above the dots. The type of goals he scored will be very hard to duplicate at the OHL level, as his snap and wristshot are good but still lack the velocity to be a perimeter goal scorer at the OHL level. Collinson should be able to develop at the Jr. B level this season and land a roster spot on the St. Thomas Stars. His development next season will be essential to him being a player for the Wolves.

Jake Cardwell (2010), D

The Wolves got full value with this pick in the third round. Cardwell (6-1, 175), is a player that likes to hurt players. He received multiple game misconducts this season for hits that were just too aggressive. Cardwell was the QB on the Niagara Falls PP and did an admirable job setting up his teammates at the line. Cardwell showed confidence with the puck, as he often led an offensive breakout deep into the opposition's zone. His point totals were modest but his 14 goals were second in SCTA scoring behind only Stephan Silas (19th overall Belleville Bulls). Cardwell needs to keep his game simple. He tends to try too much and as a result, can lose the puck or make mental errors, but errors that can be easily corrected. His hockey sense comes into question when he makes errors such as these. Cardwell has many things to learn but considering the intangibles in his game, he could turn out to be a healthy addition to a defensive corps that is slowly maturing into a mean and spirited bunch.

Barrie Colts

The Colts benefited from a strong draft position in each round. They grabbed a much-needed offensive defenseman with their first overall pick. They then followed that up with three forwards with their next three picks that all bring different elements to the table.

Ryan O'Connor (2010), D

O'Connor (5-11, 175), was the second defenseman selected in the OHL draft. He boasts the best pointshot of all defenseman that were available. His shot is an absolute rocket. The reason the Jr. Canadiens were able to launch full-on attacks is because O'Connor could make a great outlet pass but more importantly his attention to detail on the backend also allowed forwards to cheat often. His stickhandling and composure with the puck are great assets that round out his game. His play is not unlike Josh Godfrey in his ability to create offensively. His feet are still a work in progress. He understands his weakness and disguises it well but constantly moving and understanding his position in reference to the developing play on the ice. His lateral mobility could still be improved but it should not be overly exposed at the OHL level. O'Connor should add instant offence to the backend to a team that only scored 12 goals from all of their defenders.

David Mazurek (2010), C/W

Mazurek (6-1, 170), was the heart and soul of the Brantford 99'ers, a team that elevated their game after Christmas to capture their division crown and eventually a spot at the OHL Cup. The rise in standings corresponded directly with the emergence of Mazurek. He should be able to grow another few inches as he has a pro frame. Mazurek is a character player who led by example on the ice with his all around two-way play. He posted modest offensive totals but the measuring stick to his game is character and heart. He possesses many intangibles and could potentially be a future captain for the Colts. Mazurek was flipped from centre to wing and had a difficult time adjusting at times with the revolving door of linemates he had throughout the year. A warrior in the playoffs, it is common for him to be double shifted and play in every key situation. He got better as the season progressed and put an exclamation point on his season with a strong finish at the OHL Cup, averaging over a point a game in the prestigious tournament. Mazurek will need to work on his stickhandling skills and overall finish. Given the landscape of the Colts, Mazurek should be given every opportunity to earn a roster spot with the Colts but may not see himself in the lineup on a regular basis.

Michael Sgarbossa (2010), C

Sgarbossa (5-10, 155), is an exceptional talent with outstanding playmaking ability. He tends to hang onto the puck until the last possible second and always finds his options. His skating hinders him from joining into the rush when a play has developed but when the puck is in his possession, he dictates the tempo of the play. Sgarbossa's main flaw is his lack of physical play. Given the level of competition and size of the players in the OHL, many OHL scouts had a hard time identifying how his game would translate in the OHL. His brother, Rob had a five-year career with the Georgetown Raiders and if the younger Sgarbossa cannot play with more jam, he may be a career OPJHL player just like his brother.

Dean Pawlaczyk (2010), LW, 5'11, 175

Belle Tire played in many tournaments throughout the year in Ontario that gave OHL scouts ample time to witness his play. He was a strong component in the BT win in the Silver Stick tournament, an extremely difficult tournament to win. Pawlaczyk (5-11, 175), is a hardnosed winger with a decent scoring touch who competes and plays each shift like it could be his last. He is well put together and drives through players when he hits them. An average skater, he shows some decent speed once he gets going. A fearless competitor who goes hard to the net and showcases good finish within 15 feet of the goal. Pawlaczyk could turn out to be a very good role player, capable of capturing an energy-role spot.

Darren Archibald (2008), LW

Bypassed in two drafts, Archibald (6-2, 195) actually played in an exhibition game to start the season with the Colts before joining the Stoufville Spirit of the OPJHL, as he was unsigned following his camp with the Colts. Archibald saved his best performance for the playoffs, as the Spirit managed to advance to the third round defeating the top-ranked team in the OPJHL North - the Muskoka-Huntsville Otters - in a dramatic seventh game OT, in which Archibald assisted on the winning goal. He possesses a complementary skill set that is capable of playing on the third line but also has the offensive skill set to play with talented players as well. He was often lined up with Corey Trivino (a projected 2008 NHL draft pick) and Ethan Werek a rookie who is being highly touted for the 2009 NHL entry draft. He is a clutch player who competes and will do the dirty work to make a line successful. His skating still needs work, as he struggles with his turning and his feet can be slightly heavy. He played with a very short stick and while his playmaking ability benefited from it, his shot suffered. Archibald should be able to come in and rival for a roster spot. He will not be competing against his draft class due to his 1990 birth date and given the Colts lack of premium forwards up front, Archibald should be a welcome addition.

Mississauga St. Michael's Majors

Last year, the Majors picked third overall and got full value from their pick of Casey Cizikas. The Majors selected GTHL kids with their first six picks, picking Jr. Canadiens teammates Devante Smith-Pelle and Riley Brace with their first two picks. The Majors then wisely selected the second goalie in the OHL draft - JP Anderson - with a second round pick they acquired from the Saginaw Spirit in exchange for Tyler Haskins.

Devante Smith-Pelly (2010), W

The one thing that cannot be measured with Smith-Pelle's game is his character and determination. Smith-Pelle (5-11, 175), was a beacon of consistency this season, as his work ethic was unrivalled by any of his peers available in this year's draft class. A capable and productive offensive player, Smith-Pelle scored 38 goals playing on the best minor midget team in Ontario this season, the Jr. Canadiens. Smith-Pelle played all three positions at some point during the year and was trusted in every possible situation. Even on a team loaded up front, Smith-Pelle received valuable PP time due to his ability to muscle players off the puck and generate a good down-low game. He accelerates with every stride and with his limbs flailing everywhere, he is very difficult to contain once he is in motion. Smith-Pelle is a very focused player and even when he is not contributing on the score sheet, he does many little things that are instrumental to team success. His game is eerily similar to that of Wayne Simmonds but he could have better hockey sense. Smith-Pelle is a winner and will never cheat you on effort. He brings a level of intensity that is sorely lacking in the Major's lineup. Due to his attention to detail and modest skill set, Smith-Pelle should have no problems making the jump, but do not expect massive point totals.

Riley Brace (2010), RW

Brace (5-11, 160), is the type of player that does everything well. He rode shotgun to John McFarland and did not have a hard time keeping up and even creating offence on his own. Brace is an average skater but he should not have difficulty with the pace of the game once he physically matures. Brace played with very little fear and was at his best when his emotions ran high and he attacked the net. He played his best hockey against his archrivals the Toronto Marlboro's. His stats indicate exactly what type of player he is, as he recorded 47 goals and 131 PIM's. Brace's game is to be abrasive and despite his rather slender frame, he had an uncanny knack for being at the right place at the right time, as he constantly battled for open ice. There are many layers to Brace's game, however it will be interesting to see if he can continue to play 'his' game at the OHL level where the players are bigger and stronger.

JP Anderson (2010), G

Anderson (5-10, 165), played a handful of games this season with the St.Mikes Buzzers of the OPJHL and played admirably. With the Majors set in goal, Anderson will not likely sit on the bench, as that would cripple his development. In all likelihood, Anderson will start the season with the Buzzers, as they have already committed to him. Anderson is viewed as the goalie of the future for the Majors, as they declined to select a goalie last season. The Majors also choose Taylor Edwards in the eighth round but Anderson will be the real gem at the goalie position. Anderson finished the regular season with just one loss, as he played in many of the key games for the Marlboros. His play was modest in the playoffs but he was eventually chased out of the pipes in the GTHL finals against the Jr. Canadiens. Anderson, like most young goalies struggled with consistency. When he was on, he was unbeatable but when he fell behind early, he struggled. His rebound control was an area he tried to show improvement in but there were nights when he just fought the puck too much. A technical butterfly goalie, he remained on his feet for the most part to make saves but against some better competition, he was found too often on his stomach making saves. Anderson should get plenty of experience next season playing in the OPJHL and may even see a brief call-up barring an injury. His next season will be critical in terms of his career as a hockey player.

Joseph Cramarossa (2011), C

The jury may still be out on whether the Majors jumped too early on Cramarossa (5-11, 160). An energy player who fills a very limited role, Cramarossa's best attribute would be his speed and his desire. He works very hard and will always try to create. However, his ability to manufacture offence is crippled by his lack of skill. Nevertheless, Cramarossa did score 31 goals in his draft year but he will not be able to duplicate those totals at the OHL level. He would be more or less penciled in as a third-line checker. He lacks offensive instincts and the shot to be a legitimate scorer. He should be able to land a spot on a Tier II club with St.Mikes and/or Markham being possible destinations. Either program would aid his development immensely, as he will need a good year to be part of the Major's plans.

Eric Bouchard (2010), D

Bouchard (6-0, 175), is a very raw defenseman but brings enough to the table to make him a player. The captain of the Barrie minor midgets, he is a modest-sized defenseman with excellent agility and mobility. More of a defensive-minded player, he shows confidence with the puck. His overall decision-making still needs work, as he is far from complete. He needs to be more alert as to when to rush the puck out of his zone. His first pass is ok but could still be crisper. Defensively, he does a good job with his gap control but can be too aggressive at times, which usually resulted in a penalty. He also had a tendency to lose focus and often found himself playing the puck, not the man. Bouchard has a good frame from which to build on. His reach and effective use of the stick should help him against bigger and stronger players. Bouchard like many other defensemen selected in the sixth round will need to play next season and play often in order for him to realize an eventual roster spot with the Majors.

Niagara IceDogs

The IceDogs drafted bigger players this season after both of their top-round picks last season barely tipped the 5-foot-8 scale. In the IceDogs defense, those players played much bigger than their size, however the draft strategy was clearly to draft the best positional players with their top three picks as they went centre, defenseman and then goalie.

Freddie Hamilton (2010), C

Hamilton (6-0, 175), played up last season with the 1991 Marlboros and ironically is the oldest player amongst the 1992's with a January 1, birth date. This season, he joined his age group and captained the Marlboros. Hamilton is an extremely effective two-way forward who is just as capable scoring, as he is at making a strong defensive play. The knock on Hamilton to start the season was that he took shifts off too often, however toward the end of the season, he quickly squashed that notion. It was common for Hamilton to jump the rush and then be the first forward back to support the play defensively. In a game against the Jr. Canadiens this season, Hamilton was slowed down by the flu but still competed in the game because he knew how important it was to the team. That is the type of player Hamilton is, a character kid who will someday wear a letter on the team he plays for in the OHL. He improved his stock with a strong OHL Cup, as he finished amongst the leaders in most offensive categories. His shot is off his blade quickly and he could have one of the better backhands in close. Not an overly flashy player, he is dependable and due to his mature approach to the game, he should be able to settle down nicely next season. He has all the tools to be a very complementary second-line player in his second season.

Shayne Rover (2010), D

Rover (6-2, 200), teases you with glimpses of brilliance and then follows it up with plays that make a coach completely shake his head. The biggest concern with Rover's game is the mental aspect. He tries to do too much and then gets burned. The coaching staff did an admirable job of harnessing this wild colt and trying to put him in situations where he would limit his mistakes. There are many holes in his game including gambling too heavy on the line and not recognizing the aggressive forecheck, his reverse movement and finally, he often coughs up the puck when pressured. All his negatives aside, the player he may become in a few seasons is an intriguing one. He has many solid attributes including size and potential game-breaking ability with his mad puck-rushing forays. The IceDogs could put themselves in a position to gamble on Rover due to their depth of defensemen already in the system. He also gives the IceDogs an offensive-minded defender who could potentially QB their PP, as they have no heir to that throne once Pietrangelo exits to the NHL.

Mark Visentin (2010), G

The IceDogs made a healthy choice with their third round selection picking Mark Visentin (6-0, 160). He was the third goalie selected behind the likes of JP Anderson and Kevin Baille. Visentin exhibited a high level of consistency throughout the season. Very rarely did he submit a poor game that cost his team the game. On most nights, he was their best player. What sets him apart from other goalies is his penchant for out-waiting the shooter and staying on his feet until the last possible second. Visentin is a hybrid goalie with exceptionally quick reflexes who limits his movement in the crease and sets up quickly after making the initial save. Visentin may find himself in Milton but should only play one season in the OPJHL, as he will soon inherent the starting duties for the IceDogs by his NHL draft season.

Jesse Beamish (2010), RW

Grossly underdeveloped in terms of weight, Beamish (5-10, 150), plays bigger than his overall size, a trait that is a perquisite for the IceDogs. Beamish is a tireless worker who will never give up on a play. His skating is ok in the straight line, but he lacks an explosive quality to it. To his credit, he pumps his feet constantly and willingly engages in puck pursuits down low. The problem lies in his ability to handle the puck, as he is very clumsy with it. He has limited finish in close and despite all the chances he generates by charging the net, he rarely lends his name to the score sheet. Beamish is a pugilistic player who may fill the void on the fourth line, as he is smart enough to play in the league and should not hurt you defensively when the coach throws him over the boards.

Joel Forestell (2010), C

The first player chosen from the St. Catherines minor hockey system was selected by the hometown IceDogs. Forrestell (6-1, 170), brings a highly creative offensive game to the table and his best trait is using his reach to make plays in traffic. He can skate with the puck on a string at times and can confuse defensemen with his shiftiness. He is an awkward skater, as he has a pitchfork-like technique when skating but he manages to get there. Despite his overall appearance, he is fairly agile and turns very well. Not an overly aggressive player, however, he will not back down either. He will compete for loose pucks and thrives in tight-checking games. There should be a roster spot available to him next season in one of the Golden Horseshoe many Jr. B teams. This could turn out to be quite a steal for the IceDogs, as Forestell certainly has 20-goal potential in the OHL.

Brampton Battalion

The Battalion returned to the cream of the crop in the Central division after finishing the season with a 42-22-1-3 record, a 29-point improvement from last season. As a result, the Battalion moved up ten spaces in the draft order but managed to get good value for their picks. With no second round picks, they still managed to grab two solid players in Branden Eden and Cameron Wind in the third round. These players to start the season were slated to go in the first round.

Sam Carrick (2010), C

The brother of Jake Carrick, (Soo Greyhounds) Sam provides the same element of toughness but marries it with flat-out offensive skill. Carrick (6-0, 165), changed the complexion of his game drastically from the start of the season to the conclusion of it. Many scouts who saw him early in the season had to check their lineup cards to make sure they were looking at the same player. Carrick suffered from an identity crisis, as he was unsure what type of game to play. He would often try to beat the opposition with his aggression and fists one night and then another night play more of a finesse style. A series of off-ice issues tore his team - the Toronto Red Wings – apart, however when the dust settled he was named team captain and took the promotion very seriously. An average skater, he does not have a breakaway gear and will have to battle in the trenches to score his goals at the OHL level. He does not mind getting his nose dirty but will need an additional 2 inches and 20-plus pounds to truly play his style of game in the OHL. He took many penalties on account of aggression when his peers did not often hit back due to his strength. Carrick is an interesting project but should be able to succeed. His game will not develop as fast as other first round selections, as he will need a defined role to excel at and build confidence in him becoming a better player.

Cameron Wind (2010), D

Wind (6-1, 195), played up last season with the minor program and then decided to play up playing for the Midget team. Wind is a very smooth skater with excellent change of direction and acceleration. Wind started the season taking abuse from the opposition and rarely retaliated. His calm demeanor changed after Christmas and he tried to assert himself more. His offensive game was not developed and one had to wonder if he played with his own age group, not players two years his senior if he would have received additional PP time and a chance to work on his shot and QB abilities. As a result, he often took a backseat when it came to PP chances. He did not feel overly confident carrying the puck out of his zone either but he did make a nice first pass to architect a play the other way. Wind is a very safe pick that will more than likely play for the Battalion. He is a player that will log many minutes and not make bad decisions or take costly penalties that will prohibit the team from winning hockey games.

Branden Eden (2010), C

Eden (5-8, 175), saw his stock drop considerably this season, as he was involved in a referee infraction that cost him eight games to suspension. A highly skilled player, he probably should not have fallen to the Battalion at 55th overall. A tad on the small side, Eden is a natural finisher with his shot being a very dangerous weapon especially below the dots. He utilizes his snap and wristshot often but does not always protect the puck as well as he should. A good skater, he is guilty of not moving his feet enough and skis on the ice. To his credit, he does battle down low and shows good balance in terms of winning loose puck battles, but he often fails to recover in the defensive zone. Eden has always been a player that has relied on his skill, not so much his hard work. Eden has an uphill battle but being drafted in the third round may be a blessing in disguise for Eden, as it returns him to reality and makes him that much hungrier coming into training camp. He could very easily force the Battalion's hand and make the team as a wild card.

Philip Lane (2010), C

In terms of skill, Lane (6-2, 190), is a first round selection. Lane is an exceptional talent who can score at will. He is a big centre who when he wants too can position himself accordingly to take advantage of his shot in the slot. The problem lies in that Lane only plays when he wants too. He is a very frustrating player to watch, as he has all the skill but demonstrates very little in terms of wanting the puck and/or competing. He is easily taken off his game, as the opposition knows if they stick him early, he will take retaliatory penalties. He needs to move his feet more and plant himself to take one timers but at the same time, he needs to concentrate on being less of a perimeter player and adding layers to his offensively mature game. Lane can disappear for not just shifts but periods at a time. He will require patience and will need to be groomed slowly, that is if he ever decides to don a Battalion jersey.

Nicholas Halkidis (2010), C

Halkidis (5-10, 150), suffered through an injury-riddled season, which limited his viewings to many OHL scouts. His team, the Markham Waxers also failed to qualify for the playoffs once again limiting his exposure. At 195th overall, the Battalion was wise to pick him up. He has a healthy offensive arsenal but needs to work on being less selfish. He was coached to play up high this season, as the team lacked a true finisher and Halkidis was the closest thing that resembled it. His game flourishes inside the offensive zone, however he needs a compass to find the defensive zone. His selfish traits did not translate well with his teammates, as they often tried to do it on their own too and resembled his style of play, which clearly did not translate to success. Halkidis is a player of considerable skill but needs to become more mature, as he does not want to pay the price to become a better player.