OHL Priority Selection: Owen Sound Attack

The Owen Sound Attack sustained many key injuries up front and missed the playoffs for the second time in three years. With an aging group of forwards, the Attack wisely selected Jarrod Maidens 4th overall - a player capable of being a dominant force in the league. Their next three selections were also forwards before settling on stay-at-home defenseman Jake Dotchin. The Attack got good value with their 6th round pick - Gemel Smith. McKeen's Director of Scouting, David Burstyn, profiles several Attack draft picks.

Jarrod Maidens (2012), W/C Owen Sound

Maidens has all the tools to be a successful junior and pro. He is a power forward cut from the same cloth as a John McFarland, as he is well put together and skates almost identically to him. Maidens laboured through the season and while he was able to rack up the points it was mostly against inferior competition. His team - the Hamilton Jr. Bulldogs - should have disposed of teams in a more dominating fashion and despite their first place finish they barely advanced to the OMHA finals in the SCTA qualifier. Maidens has a hard and heavy shot and executes moves at a high level of speed. Once he gets a jump on a defender his speed and power are difficult to contain. He is an ok stickhandler, but relies more on his shot as his offensive weapon of choice. There were times this year that he pushed too hard and did not utilize his teammates at all rather took shots from poor shooting angles and often into the goalies bread basket. There is some immaturity in his game that needs to be filtered out and he also has to make a better effort defensively at the OHL level. With his shortcomings aside, he is an elite hockey player who marries a nice blend of athleticism, skill, speed and offensive fortitude who could easily replace Joey Hishon in two seasons as being the go-to-guy for the Attack in all offensive situations.

Holden Cook (2012), RW, Owen Sound

Cook scored 45 goals for the Whitby Wildcats, helping them advance to the OHL Cup. He saved his best hockey in the playoffs where he scored many timely goals and was a physical force. Cook is the sum of his parts, as he is not exceptional in any area, however he is relentless in the offensive zone and competes by going hard to the net. He is not afraid to get his nose dirty and pays the price. Average in terms of speed, it is his anticipation skills in the offensive zone that allow him to capitalize on his chances. Like most good goal scorers he has a knack for being at the right time at the right place. Cook may need another year of playing Tier II to round out his game and mature physically but he is a great secondary scorer that should be able to land a roster spot.

Riley Brooks (2012), C, Owen Sound

Brooks was the lone bright spot on a weak Barrie Jr. Colts team. The first player taken from the program, Brooks was their offensive catalyst and played in all situations. Brooks possesses good size and is a healthy upright skater. He does not excel in any area but should be able to add depth up front for the Attack. He plays with sand paper and marries that with good offensive instincts and scoring ability. He does not panic with the puck and is confident handling it as well. His vision is ok, as he always has his head up to make a play. Brooks is another player who should challenge for a roster spot in two seasons, however next year's development will be crucial to him moving forward.

Jake Dotchin (2012), D, Owen Sound

Dotchin had an up-and-down season that was punctuated by poor conditioning. He got into shape as the year progressed, but early in the season he was very rigid and his mobility suffered on account of him carrying extra weight. Dotchin's biggest asset is his physical toughness, as he is a brute on the ice. He relishes in the physical play and hits hard. The opposition usually thinks twice before challenging him and often throws the puck in the corner. Dotchin is an ok puckhandler but he has cannon of a point shot and that is why he often played the PP this year. He can get nervous with the puck and is at his best when he only has to make a simple play with it. Dotchin is highly coachable and will play any system and role that is impressed upon him.

Gemel Smith (2012), C, Owen Sound

Smith has great natural ability and a tremendous feel for the game. He is a solid athlete and performed incredibly well on a team that offered little to no support on his wings. Had Smith played for a GTHL team that qualified for the playoffs his stock would have improved greatly. He was one of the best players at the GTHL U17 evaluation camps when he was given an opportunity to play with better players. Smith is not a great skater but he works hard and is always moving. At times, he operates in a capsule and does not always pass when he should, as he tries to do it all by himself. Smith's best attribute may be his ability to play in any situation as he is very versatile. He has the offensive ability to play with top players but also the defensive wherewithal to play in the bottom half of the depth chart.