OHL: Over-Eager

Notes on several Oshawa Generals prospects, including Ben Eager and draft eligibles Adam Berti and Brett Nasby.

Ben Eager (Phoenix Coyotes)

Known for his terrific skating, but has average hands .. hard-nosed forward is a willing scrapper and piles up major penalty minutes .. hockey sense is not on par with his skills, makes questionable decisions with the puck .. pucks skills are far from great .. a physical menace, an excellent bodychecker with a big, bulky body .. a strong, relentless player around the crease .. has the ability to buzz around the net and wreack havoc, yet cannot seem to maintain appropriate offensive focus for the full duration of the game .. loves to intimidate and get on people's nerves, but his emotional eruptions often come at bad times, especially considering his go-to role on the team .. possesses a hard, explosive slapshot .. will make for a decent-to-solid pro, but was not worth a first round pick.

Adam Berti (2004)

Big, strong kid finds a spot for himself and will not be denied of his desired destination .. ties up his man well .. strong on the puck and dishes out hard, well-timed body checks .. hard, crisp slapshot .. a strong body near the net, but doesn't have a really quick stick which costs him opportunities .. okay hands, but not a true finisher .. all-around solid.

Bret Nasby (2004)

This guy looks like a potentially solid player who sees the ice well .. has a pretty good zip to his shot, but must keep it lower to the ice .. quick first step .. clears his end quickly and effectively .. well-rounded mentality, but raw physicality .. physical game is not terribly impressive, does not appear capable to adequately manhandle an opponent along the boards, despite solid frame .. lacks a necessary mean streak .. only average decision-making abilities .. solid basic skills, good vision, above-average mobility and solid lateral skater who plugs defensive holes well .. smooth back skater, reacts well to changes of pace .. a calming defensive influence and logs considerable minutes on the Oshawa blueline.

Justin Wallingford (2005)

Huge, hulking rearguard with somewhat of a casual, lazy stride .. has a hard, crisp slapshot with impressive accuracy .. takes no crap, will stand up for himself and take the body .. however, we see no first step from him at all, he kind of glides and does not appear to want to show his full speed .. has a really nice, big reach which he uses to effectively steal pucks .. a really tough player to go around when motivated, but at his worst he's a still statue .. technically a physical type, but immature, green and needs to tie up his man better .. on to-do list: improve first step, asap.

Tyler Donati (2005)

Chippy, bouncy player .. a darting skater .. not very strong, but does not shy away from traffic and takes his punishment .. quick sparkplug has an explosive first step and outraces opponents to loose pucks very well .. always in motion and a quick thinker .. has a decent shot, but needs a crisper release .. stickhandling abilities are okay, but not up to par with his skating, which is currently keeping him from greater offensive exploits.

Andrew Gibbons (2004)

Mobile, hard-working player is an effective banger along the boards .. shows great hustle .. a nifty stickhandler and a good puck mover with somewhat surpisingly good vision .. impressive poise and quick instincts .. occasionally plays the point, including on the powerplay due to his impressive puck skills and good passing abilities .. pretty strong on the puck .. does little things well, like keeping the puck in the offensive end .. good size, somewhat lanky .. better player than numbers indicate.

Additional Notes:

Anthony Guadagnolo (2004) Ottawa 67's

- Replaced the struggling Lukas Mensator to start the second period in a resulting 5-4 victory for Ottawa over Oshawa. Was named the second star of the game.

A laterally solid butterfly goalie with good size .. plays a somewhat awkward style .. a springy, intense netminder with a terrific, lively glovehand .. opens up holes but, to his credit, closes them very quickly .. good skater with quick legs and a great oft-used poke check .. must work on his puck cover .. gets on and off his feet fast, but is focused too much on the lower part of the net, relying highly on his glove for shots up high .. not always pretty to watch, but will make spectacular saves at times.