OHL: Jeffrey Paces Dogs

Quick – give one reason why one should watch the rebuilding IceDogs this season. Still thinking? Well, we've got one and his name is Dustin Jeffrey. After the loss of Patrick O'Sullivan, the team's new identity will be shaped in large part by this young man. We provide a progress report on the draft-eligible centerman as well as some key names on the Ottawa 67's like James McGinn, Jakub Vojta and Logan Couture.

Dustin Jeffrey (2006), C, Mississauga

Talented player on a weak team .. already carrying the bulk of the offense and excels on the PP .. used in all special teams situations .. very active defensively especially in the neutral zone .. causes a lot of turnovers due to his ability to pressure defensemen into making poor plays .. faceoff technique could use some work as he does not position his body effectively to be successful .. aggressively pursues the puck with a full head of steam; able to create on his own .. not overly physical but is strong and able to outmuscle players along the boards .. goes to the net, sets up shop around the side of the goal, looking for tap-ins and tips .. always takes an extra second to survey his options and make sound decisions with the puck .. knee injury that caused last season to end prematurely does not appear to be a problem now.

James McGinn (2006), LW, Ottawa

Has been shuffled around a bit this season as he is getting acquainted to new linemates .. not a go-to-guy but rather a player who will work hard and complement linemates well with offensive savvy and hard-working approach .. so far his offensive totals have not reflected his impressive two-way play .. seems a little tight on the stick and pressure of scouts' expectations might be weighing on his mind .. continues to demonstrate admirable work on the PK, effectively killing time with his ability to elude defenders and protect the puck .. able to contain players along the boards with workman-like style and a quick stick .. most dangerous when working the corners of the rinks, as he cycles very well and sees out of the corner of his eye .. at his best he keeps things simple, drives the net and not worries about scoring.

Tibor Radulay (2006), LW, Ottawa

Bulky winger plays with heart .. always moving his feet but does not seem to have yet adapted to the speed of the North American game .. will have to learn to pick and choose his spots on the ice .. choppy skater with limited speed .. finishes checks, banging and crashing in the corners .. not very gifted offensively with slow hands .. will continue to see shifts due to tireless work ethic.

Jakub Vojta (Car), D, Ottawa

First overall import draft selection impresses with some jump on his feet .. at times gets caught flat footed in the defensive zone and guys just blow right by him .. not a physical player, meaning that his defensive misadventures will have to be fixed or bust .. had difficulty in clearing the zone on many an occasion .. plays the point on the PP but lacks a blistering shot; can effectively wrist one from the point for tip-ins .. logs big minutes right now .. Kilrea and Co. hope that his mind matures so he can become one of the top rearguards in the league; anything beyond that is a light on the far end of the tunnel.

Logan Couture (2007), C, Ottawa

Paying huge dividends already, not only adapting to the OHL, but excelling in it .. strong two-way player who supports his defensemen like few guys can .. quick stick gets to a lot of loose pucks .. skating is not yet great but will get better once he develops his lower body and fills out .. can develop a really explosive stride if he works on strength and conditioning .. impressive vision with the puck and great poise for his age .. most rookies his age will look to shoot, but he takes that extra second or two to observe the goings-on, so that lanes open up .. always thinking and was for good reason compared to former 67 Alyn McCauley by coach Kilrea.

Pat Daley (2007), RW, Ottawa

Second round pick from the Malboros .. stickhandles well in traffic .. able to read plays and attacks the net often .. a decent skater with good up and down speed .. able to break away from checking forwards and get his shots off .. his feet are not as quick as his hands, but the hands can finish and have earned him a spot on the top two lines .. suffered through a bout with mono and only recently has he started to play up to his potential.