OHL: Improving Leaps and Hounds

With a strong group of forwards and a work ethic encouraged by coach Craig Hartsburg, the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds are projected to be top contenders in the West division. While many of their rookies did not get a chance to produce on a veteran-laden team last season, the door is open for them this time around. Backed by James Livingston, the fifth overall selection of the 1990 OHL draft has already been instrumental in the team's quick start. McKeen's correspondent David Burstyn reviews several draft-eligible Greyhounds along with Josh Godfrey, a second round selection for the Washington Capitals.

James Livingston (2008), RW, Sault Ste. Marie

The towering winger has already come close to matching last season's statistical totals in his first two games .. he has had consecutive three-point games and was named second star for both .. a tall power forward in the making, he goes to the net with his stick down and finishes down low, often the receipt of garbage goals .. has the unique skill of being able to bury his chances .. long, fluid stride that is powered by lower body strength and good push-off .. he can shoot in motion and is able to get considerable power on his shot .. he has good offensive instincts but would better his game if he did not rush things .. when he takes an extra second he is much more effective, as he can evaluate his options better .. has the frame to shield the puck so once his confidence grows, he should gauge how long he can hold onto the puck .. has a mean streak, looks to hit, and is not afraid to fight, as was witnessed against the 6-foot-6 Breen (Saginaw) .. is a player the opposition already hates playing against .. possesses NHL size and a maturing skill set .. should he be able to bolster his point totals it can only increase his chances of making it to the NHL .. a player who is definitely on the rise.

Sean Jones (2008), LW, Sault Ste. Marie

A quick promotion to the second line has Jones quickly becoming an option for the Greyhounds .. a darting skater, who will go to the net and shows no fear in danger areas .. he is still relatively underdeveloped and as a result, he often gets pushed around however, his resiliency to stay with a play is an enduring trait .. he is a very elusive player, able to escape defensive coverage and find open seems in the offensive zone .. he is a tricky puckhandler, as he can make plays in traffic with his quick wrists .. he will need to locate his options better, as he could do a better job passing the puck .. on a line with MacKinnon and Import Fischhaber and is considered to be the natural finisher on the line.

Simon Fischhaber (2008), C, Sault Ste. Marie

The German centre is already a cornerstone on the second line and sees ample playing time in all situations .. a great addition to the team, he is both a threat on the PP and the PK due to his exceptional smarts and impressive skill set .. he thrives without the puck on his stick, as he is defensively aware .... has adjusted nicely to the pace of the league .. he is always moving and while he is not a great skater, he makes up for his shortcomings by expanding his wing span, cutting down the ice and moving into areas that limit the oppositions ability to mount attacks .. tall and lanky frame but he plays a hardnosed game .. he needs to be mindful of poor penalties and be less assertive especially when a player's back is turned .. as he adjusts to the league, he will slowly realize what he can and cannot do however, the future looks very bright for him and gaining valuable tutelage under coach Hartsburg will help.

Chris Mackinnon (2008), RW, Sault Ste. Marie

Passed over in last year's draft despite playing in 55 games and producing modestly considering his icetime .. an electrifying player who dazzles with sensational stickhandling abilities .. can make moves around defenders standing still and very hard to contain down low once he gets momentum .. a slick skater, he has a quick and reliable first step that serves him to create chances and to avoid physical beatings .. he has a quick release but would benefit greatly from added strength to give his shot more zip .. a conscious two-way player, he has become a regular for coach Hartsburg in his ability to defend and produce .. should see quantum leaps in his offensive totals but a lack of size may prohibit him from going further.

Josh Godfrey (Wsh), D, Sault Ste. Marie

Following a spectacular season where he was drafted in the second round of the 2007 NHL Entry draft, the Collingwood native has already started the season on the right foot after participating and playing admirably in the Canada/Russia Super Series .. has not made upgrades to his overall speed however, he has developed a meaner streak and punishes forwards with bone-crushing hits .. his skating needs work, as he often comes up on the shorter end of loose puck battles but due to his ability to manhandle forwards down low, he can often retrieve the puck as a result .. could have the best slapshot in the league .. his first pass is good but inside his own zone, he has learned to deliver passes more accurately and with more finesse .. protects the puck well skating out of the zone .. will be leaned on heavily in all PP situations and as a result, could lead the league in goals for the second straight season from the backend.

Michael Fine (2009), C, Sault Ste. Marie

Former OHL Cup winner (the now defunct Mississauga Jr. Ice Dogs), was a second round selection for the Greyhounds after being highly touted to go first overall entering the draft year .. seemed to lack intensity and consistency, which resulted in his stock falling .. came into camp in tip-top shape after shedding 14 pounds .. appeared quicker even though his start up still needs work .. a smart two-way player with a nice set of hands .. saw third line duty and performed well given his lack of minutes .. focused on marking his man and not being caught up ice .. knows where to be in the defensive zone .. getting minutes and playing at the OHL level should help his development, as he has several tools to draw from .. a committed effort by him in the strength and conditioning side of the game is necessary.