OHL Priority Selection: Belleville Bulls

Belleville Bulls' Head Scout and Director of Hockey Operations Barclay Branch, did a good job of identifying the needs of the team on draft day. The Bulls had a balanced draft taking six forwards, six defensemen, and two goalies. The team jumped on a goalie in the first round (a franchise first) selecting Tyson Teichmann. The team got full value with their second round selection of Michael Curtis, as he could be the best two-way player in the draft. Other notable selections include defensemen Steven Strong and Alex Basso. McKeen's profiles these selections.

Tyson Teichmann (2011), G, Belleville

For the second straight season a goalie from the Quinte Minor hockey system was chosen in the first round with Kevin Bailie (16th overall in 2008) being selected by the Oshawa Generals. Teichmann helped improve his draft stock by winning an OMHA Championship. His play was instrumental in Quinte upsetting the heavily favoured York Simcoe Express, a team that featured three first round OHL selections. Teichmann posted six shutouts and recorded a G.A.A. of 1.64 in regular season play. The butterfly goalie has great technique and recovers quickly. He is able to track down the puck well in traffic and controls his rebounds. Teichmann was always able to come up with a big save that seemed to deflate the opposition and rally his teammates. Even when he seemed completely out of the play he was able to get a sliver of the puck and keep it out. Teichmann's father, also a goalie played for the Bulls in the early 1990's and was only two years removed from junior when he had Tyson. Teichmann, a native of Belleville will invariably have the pressure of playing in front of the hometown crowd but a roster spot next season is not guaranteed. The starting duties will fall on the shoulders of Philip Grubauer and the competition for the backup will be a challenge for him to land considering the depth of goaltending prospects in the Bulls' system.

Michael Curtis (2011), C, Belleville

Team Captain of the most successful Minor Midget program in the province (the Toronto Marlboros), the Georgetown native played a consistent game and always put forth honest efforts. Curtis saved some of his best performances in key games this season including being named player of the game in the OHL Cup final. A capable scorer with 33 goals and 82 points over 79 games, Curtis' versatility to play all forward positions will make him easy to accommodate next season. Curtis scored goals out of creativity not necessarily strength so when he is able to physically mature he could be a very dangerous player who should play on the PP at some point in his junior career. His work ethic and consistent efforts away from the puck showcase his maturity and above-average hockey sense. He is a character player who wants to succeed and as such, was used in every possible situation for his team. He could make a very good role player, as his game has many layers and he can make others better while also buying into team concepts. His play could be compared to a young Mike Richards, however considering coach Burnett's approach in not rushing rookies he may need to make an impression early to garner his icetime.

Steven Strong (2011), D, Belleville

A teammate of Curtis on the undefeated Marlboros team that saw a total of 12 players selected on OHL draft day. The team was coached by Steven's father, Ken a 15-year pro including a three year career with the Toronto Maple Leafs. Strong gives the Bulls a swift skating defenseman with superior puck rushing and puckhandling skills. He is very confident with the puck making designed offensive rushes up the ice. He scored 14 goals and added an additional 52 assists to lead the Marlboros backend in points with 66. Strong lacks size to handle bigger forwards but he did a good job to showcase his mean streak by recording 78 PIM, as he was not easily intimidated. A smart defender who chooses his battles wisely and always seemed to retrieve the puck in scrums. He also liked to sneak into plays backdoor very similar to a young P.K. Subban. The jury is still out on Strong, as he has the skill set to succeed but how he overcomes size issues will be the ultimate test.

Alex Basso (2011), D, Belleville

The Bulls returned to the GTHL for their fourth pick and chose yet another undersized defenseman with good puckhandling skills. A member of the Mississauga Senators, Basso was a consistent performer, despite the fact the team underachieved in the play downs. Basso was very steady in his own zone, limiting his mistakes with a calm, cool approach to the game. He played well within his limits, did not expend energy to make plays and always maintained pressure in the offensive zone with calculated decision making at the line. He showed flashes during the season of controlling the pace of the game but for the most part, he took a backseat to Ben Fanelli (Kitchener 63rd overall) in terms of being the go-to-guy with the puck on the backend. Nonetheless, he should be able to withstand the physical abuse at the OHL level and make for an ideal match-up defender that can and will play with any style of defence partner.