OHL Priority Selection: Kingston Frontenacs

For the second straight season, the Kingston Frontenacs had the luxury of drafting within the top four selections. After hitting a homerun with Erik Gudbranson last year, the Frontenacs went in a different direction selecting a centre - Toronto Jr. Canadiens scoring sensation Alan Quine. The Frontenacs focussed on drafting players with size, as their next three picks, Steve Broek, Brett Morgan and Clark Seymour were all 6-foot-2 or taller. The Frontenacs did a great job of unearthing Ryan Davidson in the fifth round, as he should suit up for the Frontenacs at some point in his junior career. McKeen's Chief correspondent David Burstyn profiles these players.

Alan Quine (2011), C, Kingston

Quine's season was cut short by a broken ankle, as he missed a bulk of the regular season and all of the playoffs. He did make a return for the Jr. Canadiens for the OHL Cup where he scored 3 points in 5 games. Quine, an Ottawa native dressed for 11 games in the OPJHL this season and recorded 3 assists, albeit in limited action. Quine is a sensational two-way player who understands the game and boasts uncanny hockey sense. His puckhandling skills and vision opens up the ice for his teammates and like a true superstar, he is capable of making everyone else around him better. Considered more of a playmaker than a natural scorer, too often this season he passed up on shots and could stand to be more selfish. Nonetheless, his stats were identical, as he scored 26 goals and had 26 assists for 52 points in 35 games. His skills would be best illustrated if he was partnered with a natural finisher on his wing and the Frontenacs may experiment with placing Lebar on his line. Quine should be able to step in and play in a top-six role and excel because of his attention to detail away from the puck. Quine appeared to come back stronger than ever from his broken ankle, as his stride lengthened and he became more powerful as a skater. Coach Gilmour will gravitate toward Quine sooner rather than later in all game situations. Gilmour is a firm believer in giving the young players on the team added responsibility to aid in their development. Quine will answer the call and be ready for the challenges that lie ahead, as his passion to become a better hockey player is already evident.

Steven Broek (2011), LW, Kingston

A shocking pick at 21st overall, the justification can be made that the Frontenacs lacked size and a capable finisher on the left side. With only 31 goals scored by their three true left wingers Geoffrey (5), Francella (5) and Derzins (21) (who will be lost to graduation), the Frontenacs selected the Tweed native who scored 43 goals in regular season play for the Qunite Red Devils. Broek is a great finisher but struggles heavily with his skating. His stride is slushy and his first-step quickness is non-existent. To his credit, his stick preparation and ability to set up in the slot is top notch. He uses his size (6-1, 205) to box players out and set up to utilize his rapid release on both his wrist and snapshots. He can score in close when given time, however his lack of speed is unsettling and his time and space will be evaporated. Broek will be introduced to the OHL the hard way and with lofty expectations to be thrust on him early it will be interesting to see how he responds to the pressure.

Brett Morgan (2011), LW, Kingston

Morgan played with his twin brother the entire season as a productive member of the Mississauga Rebels. Brett the younger of the twins had a better season statistically than his brother, yet was elected behind him as Tyler went 29th overall to Owen Sound. Morgan put up 31 goals and scored 51 points in 45 regular season games. The playoffs were a disappointment for the Rebels, as they were quickly eliminated in the first round by the Reps and neither of the twins played their best games. The two are stark contrasts in terms of style of play. Brett plays a much more physical game but still has a tendency to fade into the scenery. He needs to be playing with an edge to be effective and use his size (6-3, 185) to bully his way into the zone and intimidate the opposition. Coupled with his OHL-ready frame is a set of incredible soft hands that are capable of scoring and passing. More adept as a passer, he can surprise goalies by sucking them out of their crease using his long reach and casually flicking the puck behind them. Morgan should be able to make the Frontenacs out of camp.

Clark Seymour (2011), D, Kingston

Seymour was the captain of the Upper Canada Cyclones, a team that finished first in the ODMHA but were stunned in the second round of the playoffs by the Eastern Ontario Wild. Seymour is a no-nonsense defenseman who takes great pride inflicting pain onto the opposition. He relishes the physical side of the play and marries it with healthy mobility and adequate levels of speed. Seymour's game is more of a defensive one, as his puck skills and confidence with the puck needs to be improved. Should he not make the Frontenacs out of training camp he should benefit under Brockville Braves (CJHL) coach and ex NHLer Todd Gill, as he has a spot ready for him on the Braves. Seymour improved throughout the course of the year and did not look out of place during a four game audition with the Braves during their playoff run. At 6-foot-2 and165 pounds, he still needs to fill out but is still growing and could be 6-foot-4 and 210 pounds when he reaches his potential with the Frontenacs, Couple that to his already natural mean streak and athleticism and Seymour could turn into a player many teams wished they had drafted.

Ryan Davidson (2011), C, Kingston

Davidson is the ultimate utility player, capable of playing in any role with any set of linemates. His versatility is what makes him valuable. He has the skill set to score on the PP or grind it out in tough, physical contests. He excelled during the playoffs for the London Knights, as he was able to adapt to any style of game. Davidson has a non-stop motor and is constantly hustling around the ice to inspire his teammates. Even if he is not putting up points, he is doing the little things that breed team and overall success. On the small side (5-10, 155), Davidson chalked up over 150 PIM for his feisty play and always let the opposition know he was around with his combative style, especially down low. Rounding out the package is his commitment to come back and support the defence, as he retreats deep into his own zone to help. Davidson may never be a high-end point producer in the league but he is cut from the same cloth as a Cory Tanaka and/or a Cody Lindsay. The Frontenacs may have stolen him at the 117th overall spot.