OHL Priority Selection: Mississauga Majors

The Mississauga Majors took a gamble on defenseman Nick Ebert, a highly ranked blueliner who played as an under-ager in the USHL. The Majors followed up their selection of Ebert with another defenseman Ryan Duhaime and left winger Grant Syrette, who could arguably be the toughest player in the draft. McKeen's Director of Scouting, David Burstyn, profiles these three prospects.

Nick Ebert (2012), D, Mississauga

Ebert excelled as an under-age player as a member of the Waterloo Black Hawks in the USHL. He was thrust into many situations and performed admirably considering his youthful age. Well put together at 6-feet and 180 pounds, he does not assert himself to defend, but angles-off players and forces them to the outside. He is an accomplished skater who can switch directions well and move well in a reverse movement. Not asked to play an offensive role despite his capable puck-rushing skills. He showed flashes of being a dominant offensive force logging the puck up in PP situations but was still very mindful and selective in his reads. Ebert has not committed to either Mississauga or the USNDTP even though he has been offered a spot on both teams. He may still decide to play another two years in the USHL with Waterloo. The Majors may try to leverage his rights in a trade prior to the January deadline to strengthen their roster in preparation for the Memorial Cup.

Ryan Duhaime (2012), D, Mississauga

Duhaime left teams with a positive impression after his commanding performance in the OHL Cup. He showcased a solid two-way game and married it with a competitive edge. Duhaime plays more of a shutdown game, as he is big and strong. He took his game to another level when he was matched up against the top players in his age group and embraced the challenge of shutting them down. Duhaime boasts good puck-moving skills and can execute an accurate first pass. His feet will need to improve as will his overall agility, but that should come within time and physical maturation. Duhaime has the potential to be a solid four-year player who can intimidate and shut down faster players when he is older.

Grant Syrette (2012), LW, Mississauga

Syrette was another player who made a name for himself during the OHL Cup, as he eagerly played the body and routinely went after top players landing open-ice hits on them. Syrette hits to hurt and does not fear the consequences as he can back up his physical play. He posted modest offensive totals with 26 points in 32 games in the Greater North Midget League. It is unlikely that he will be a big producer in the OHL but he will keep the opposition honest and work the corners to dig out loose pucks. Syrette needs to work on improving his overall skating and adding speed to his game. He should play an extra year in Sault Ste. Marie before making the jump to the Majors.