OHL Priority Selection: Kitchener Rangers

For the first time since 2000, the Kitchener Rangers failed to make the postseason. The last time the Rangers were able to draft within the top five they wisely selected Mike Richards fourth overall. This year, they chose a defenseman - Ryan Murphy - in an effort to rebuild their decimated backend. The Rangers first three picks were defenseman with John Moore (2nd round 23rd overall) and Ben Fanelli (3rd round 43rd overall). They jumped on a pair of interesting prospects with the selections of Eric Ming (7th round, 103rd overall) and Ben Thompson (123rd overall), a player who early in the season announced his commitment to Cornell. McKeen's Chief correspondent David Burstyn profiles these players

Ryan Murphy (2011), D, Kitchener

Dynamic in every offensive category! Murphy brings an offensive element to his game and many have already compared him to Ryan Ellis. Cool, composed and calculated in his decisions, Murphy thinks the game three moves in advance and simply processes the game better than anyone in the draft. His constant puck rushes up the ice gave the York Simcoe Express multiple options in their breakouts, as he often acted as the fourth forward. When he had the puck in his possession, the opposition simply could not get it from him, as his curls and blinding puck skills intimidated the opposition to no end. Blessed with breakaway quickness and the ability to make plays at top speed, he was the leading point producer amongst all OHL-draft eligible defenseman with 30 goals and 95 points. His skating draws comparisons to a young Paul Coffey, as he simply floats on the ice. Murphy has a great pointshot but his sheer ability to draw players out of position and then make a sensational pass that makes him such an offensive threat. The drawback to Murphy would be his size, as there is not too much to him at 5-foot-10 and 145 pounds. Despite his small stature, Murphy was able to clip guys consistently with well placed hip checks. The Rangers had a difficult decision to make and debated the entire season between him and Sefton (5th overall, Sudbury) and are hoping that Murphy gives them a premier PP QB capable of racking up the points for many seasons to come.

John Moore (2009), D, Kitchener

Considering the success the Knights had with John Carlson after prying him from the USHL, the Rangers decided to take a stab at the USHL Defenseman-of-the-Year and highly touted NHL draft eligible Moore with their first pick in the second round (23rd overall). Moore is projected to fall in the first round of the NHL draft and may feel his development would be better served in Kitchener rather than honouring his verbal commitment to Colorado College. With several teams hot on the trail for Moore's services including the likes of Western power houses London and Windsor, the Rangers jumped on him early. The Rangers certainly would not have gambled with such a high pick if they did not feel they had a deal close or already done prior to drafting him. Moore is a freakish skater for his size (6-3, 190). His mobility and lateral agility make him comfortable in all areas of the ice. He is an offensive defenseman, as he notched 39 points (14 goals) in 57 games while captaining the Chicago Steel. He played on both special teams and was relied upon heavily to stimulate offence with his breakout ability. Moore is a bit of a high risk, high-reward player cut from the same cloth as a P.K. Subban. At times, his decision making with the puck can handcuff his forwards, as he will venture into the zone, accomplishing very little and trapping his men in deep. Moore should benefit from the tutelage of coach Spott who has worked and developed a handful of NHL regulars including the likes of Matt Lashoff, Boris Valabik and Yannick Weber. Moore will need to be physically tougher and assert himself more as the OHL environment will be a different change of scenery.

Ben Fanelli (2011), D, Kitchener

It was a tad shocking that Fanelli dropped to the third round after being mentioned in the top two rounds for the course of the season. Fanelli is another offensive-minded defenseman who tends to neglect his defensive duties. He scored 13 goals and averaged a point a game in 55 contests. Fanelli was a human breakout, he located his options well at the Midget level, but his tendency to skate with his head down is a cause for concern. There are many facets of his game that need refinement but his puckhandling skills and ability to make plays with the puck are highly coveted. He will be a good positional depth player and considering Moore and Murphy are shoo-ins to make the team there will be no need to rush him. Fanelli needs to learn to shoot more and making safer plays with the puck. A year of Tier II will do his game wonders.

Eric Ming (2011), LW, Kitchener

Ming played two games for the Cornwall Colts this season (CJHL) and scored a goal. A first-line talent on the Eastern Ontario Wild team, he helped lead the club to a surprising berth in the OHL Cup after the Wild made it to the ODMHA finals before bowing out to the Ottawa Senators. The Cinderella team continued to prove the naysayers wrong with a strong performance at the OHL Cup going 2-0-2 in round robin play. Ming was not a factor on the scoresheet but he did play a decent two-way game. When he wants to play, Ming has a great skill set, however bringing out the fire inside his belly is often a challenge. He has a great shot and is capable down low but thrives in PP situations once again due to his lack of competitiveness in 5-5 situations. Ming has average size, (5-11, 155), but he does throw his weight around when the puck is in his proximity. Ming has already advanced out of the Ottawa area for the Under 17 and with a roster spot committed on the Colts next season he should only be in a position to improve.

Ben Thomson (2011), RW, Kitchener

Thomson's season was cut short due to a series of injuries. He made his intentions clear when he announced a verbal commitment to Cornell early in his OHL draft season. His brother is a lacrosse player for the RedMen. Thomson plays a nasty game and marries it with a healthy scoring touch. He moves well in straight lines and likes to bang and crash his way into the zone. His game is based on power not finesse. He lacks stickhandling skills, as his goals will come by whacking away at loose pucks in front. Thomson has average speed, it is not great but he can keep up with the play. His biggest liability is his play away from the puck, as he simply refuses to move his feet when he does not have the puck. He needs to pay more attention to the defensive aspects of the game if he is to mature into a good collegiate player. The Rangers are hoping he reconsiders his verbal commitment and joins them in two seasons.