OHL Priority Selection: Peterborough Petes

The Peterborough Petes addressed their backend with the selection of Slater Koekoek and followed it up with Connor Boland. The additions of Joey Sullivan and Ryan Lomberg add a dimension to the team and have the potential to be OHL regulars. McKeen's Director of Scouting, David Burstyn, profiles these players.

Slater Koekkoek (2012), D, Peterborough

Koekkoek had an outstanding Telus Cup, as he was named Top Player and Top defenseman of the tournament. Much like Sefton before him, Koekkoek played in Notre Dame and received limited exposure to many OHL clubs unless a special trip was made. Koekoek is blessed with size and scoring ability. He was not intimidated by older competition and looked to set the pace with his physical style of play. Koekkoek moves well considering his size (6-2, 190), as he was rarely beaten defensively. His puckhandling skills are confident and maturing, as he became more comfortable logging it up the ice throughout the season. Koekkoek has great upside and the potential to be a number one defenseman.

Connor Boland (2013), D, Peterborough

Boland was a steady option for the Whitby Wildcats, as he played a solid two-way game. Boland is a nice fixture of offense and defence. He is not an elite puckhandler but he can move it swiftly up the ice. On the opposite side of the puck, he has a good stick and angles well. He is a smooth skater who operates on one level of acceleration. He has good mobility in all directions. In addition, he plays an honest physical game who does not hesitate to throw a bodycheck when he can. Boland is a safe option whose size and skill set make with a versatile option. His game has room for improvement but he has a good foundation.

Joey Sullivan (2012), C, Peterborough

Sullivan was a model of consistency for the Hamilton Jr. Bulldogs and was their team captain. Sullivan always put forth solid efforts with or without the puck regardless of the score. He is the sum of his parts but it is his tireless work ethic that sets him apart from other prospects and will be his calling card into the league. Sullivan works well in down-low situations and even though he is not a finisher he does a lot of the dirty work in traffic that leads to goals. Sullivan played equally well without the puck, as he was constantly thrown over the boards in PK situations. Sullivan's skating holds him back, as he does not have a separation gear, nonetheless he is very smart and reads the game well in all three zones. Sullivan plays a very similar style of game to Scott Timmins.

Ryan Lomberg (2013), LW, Peterborough

Lomberg is a highly competitive, skilled player whose only downfall would be his size. Although he is only 5-foot-9 and 160 pounds, he plays with sandpaper. He does not have rink-length speed but he can dart in and out of scoring areas and has a quick step to win loose puck battles. Lomberg put up impressive offensive totals with 52 goals in 64 games. He scores his goals in all areas of the ice and is not afraid to get his nose dirty to score. The captain was able to play with any set of linemates and made others better. He should be able to play Tier II next season and may choose the school route before the OHL.