OHL: Majors Checkered Cizikas

McKeen's takes another look at a handful of prospects on the Mississauga Majors.

Casey Cizikas (2009), C, Mississauga

Cizikas has had a difficult time staying in the line up as nagging injuries have taken their toll on him .. the offensive leader on this team, the Majors have struggled without him and only now are showing signs of salvaging their season with him .. a fierce competitor who will always try to make things happen even if he is not scoring .. he will hit, kill penalties and plays a grinding game .. he is very scrappy and will battle for loose pucks, go hard to the net and can finish in close .. these are the things that made Cizikas very successful last season however he has lost some of his tenacity and has not been playing the same Bulldog game he was last year .. lost confidence and injuries have crippled his game substantially .. his skating has not seen much improvement .. he has borderline quickness but he is strong on his skates .. he would be able to capitalize on his chances in former times despite his skating flaws but since he has lost an edge, the points have been difficult to come by as he simply is not given the room this year .. Cizikas can salvage his season with a strong second half.

Brett Flemming (2009), D, Mississauga

Flemming continues to improve with each passing game .. his skating, especially his rapid stop and starts enables him to stay involved in the play constantly .. plays a mature game and marries it with skill that he has not fully developed as Flemming is still not sure just how good he is or can be .. defensively his size has been a liability .. he is not the type to rub his man out but his approach to defensive duties still needs to be better in 5-5 situations .. stepping up on his man, angling off better and becoming stronger in containing his man in front are necessary components for him to improve upon .. Flemming looks comfortable with any type of partner as his game is versatile and his game can compliment a rushing offensive defenseman or more of a defensive minded one .. Flemming is only beginning to scratch the surface of his ability, his OHL career could follow the same path as TJ Brodie as the two play a similar game.

Cameron Gaunce (Col), D, Mississauga

Fresh off an OHL Player-of-the-Week honours, Gaunce has recorded double digits in goals for his second consecutive season .. backed by an absolute cannon of a shot, Gaunce has improved his agility and footwork to get into better positions to unload it .. his improved coordination has helped him become more effective in the defensive zone .. opponents' also have to think twice if they are going to attack his side as chances are they will get a forearm, an elbow or a stick on them .. Gaunce has become the bodyguard on this team and is not afraid to take matters into his own hands if he feels a team mate has been wronged .. he can throw his fists and takes on all challengers .. has always been more of an offensive minded player, he has become smarter with the puck .. his passes are crisper and his confidence carrying the puck has also marked considerable improvement .. Gaunce's feet are his biggest drawback but he brings a lot to the table and should be given ample opportunity to shine in the Colorado organization that lacks a defenseman of his pedigree.

Devante Smith-Pelly (2010), RW, Mississauga

Major's first rounder was used sparingly to start the season but slowly has moved up the depth chart/lines .. a member of the famed Jr. Canadiens team that saw an outstanding five players get drafted in the first round of OHL entry draft last season .. Smith-Pelly has good speed and skates well for his size, generating much of his power from his thick legs and big rump .. he tends to lean over when he skates, which has a awkward appearance to it as his balance is just above the tip of his skates .. he is incredibly strong and can make plays along the boards .. he plays well within his limits, partly because that is how he is being coached and partly because his lack of anticipation thus far does not allow him to join the rush .. his goals come from in close .. his shot is ok but his goals are scored by him using his frame and banging away at loose pucks within 15 feet of the goal .. Smith-Pelly will be participating for Team Ontario at the Under 17's and should be able to skate on any line due to both his offensive and defensive elements to his game.