OHL Priority Selection: Saginaw Spirit

The Saginaw Spirit returned to American-born players, as four of their top six picks are from the U.S. After failing to sign their top two picks last year, the Spirit addressed that this year signing both Anthony Camara (14th overall) and Vincent Trocheck (24th overall). Astute picks of Jay Williams (70th overall) and Frank Schumacher (130th overall) should pay dividends if the organization can get them to report. Paxton Leroux is a year away but should give the team some much-needed toughness. McKeen's profiles these players.

Anthony Camara (2011), LW, Saginaw

The strength of Camara's game is his ability to create down low and finish in close. Camara, a first-line winger for one of the best GTHL teams (Mississauga Reps) scored 31 goals with the bulk of them being in the blue paint. Camara competes and is a Todd Watson-type-of-player, as he refuses to give up on plays. Camara has a solid frame and is able to park his rump in the crease, enduring abuse to score goals and burying the garbage in front. His game would be best illustrated if partnered with a slick, fast centre capable of getting shots on goal and making timely passes. Camara is effective in playing his own game and getting others off theirs. His pit bull-type-approach and relentless effort to retrieve the puck makes him attractive. Staying low to the ice and relying on his balance to play in traffic, Camara is hard to stop once he gets moving. His skating will hinder his game, as his first two steps are sluggish and his overall skating stride is choppy. The first year will be a period of adjustment, however he does have the skill to be a contributing player in other areas other than the scoresheet. He should adapt to the league in the second half. Given his high draft status, he will need to be mentally strong if and when he does not produce offensively. His game compares well to Mississauga St.Mikes Devante Smith Pelle. Camara brings the right ingredients to be a successful player who may not necessarily carry a line but certainly support it. The pressure will be on him to be a saviour for the organization, which may be a tad premature at this point or any for that matter.

Vincent Trocheck (2011), C, Saginaw

The Spirit were fortunate to move up positionally with their second round pick after the Generals took a nosedive in the standings following the trade of John Tavares. The second round pick was originally acquired as part of the Patrick Asselin trade two seasons ago. Desperate to find proven goal scorers, the Spirit chose Trocheck and he should be a capable second-line centre in a few short seasons. Trochek is still underdeveloped physically (5-10, 165), but considering the stature of his father, he should hit his growth spurt. His play is stealth-like, as he relies on his smarts and hockey skills to pounce on scoring opportunities - not necessarily his brawn. He has been labelled as being afraid in corners and will need to overcome that to succeed at the OHL level. Trocheck, a Pittsburgh native who moved to Michigan four years ago to better his hockey career turned down multiple offers to play for the USNDTP to come to Saginaw. He should be given every chance to thrive in the Saginaw system, as the team will be void of goal scorers up front with the graduation of Jack Combs and Chris Chappell. The expectations will be on the young forwards to contribute immediately. Saginaw was the only team without 1992-born players last year, one can only hope that his confidence does not suffer too much if he gets off to a slow start.

Jay Williams (2011), G, Saginaw

Williams stole countless games for the TPH Thunder last season. He single handily led his team to victories, holding the Thunder in games long enough for them to score. Williams had to be perfect every night and won many games by allowing a mere goal. Williams is a technically sound goalie, who plays the butterfly to perfection. His remains square to the shooter as his positioning is excellent. He played in front of an inferior team and defence. The Thunder did not have many big defensemen and as such, were unable to clear the crease. Williams saw plenty of rubber this year splitting duties with both the Thunder and Hotchkiss H.S. Williams was a third overall selection in the USHL Futures Draft to the Waterloo Blackhawks. Williams is not ready for the OHL just yet, but a year of seasoning at the USHL level should make him an ideal candidate to replace starting goalie Edward Pasquale in two seasons. The Spirit will have to be much more diligent in signing Williams, as their goaltending depth is rather skinny.

Frank Schumacher (2012), D, Saginaw

A highly sought after prospect, Schumacher is an elite level defenseman who logged ample minutes for the Victory Honda Midget program. Schumacher played against players that were nearly three years his senior, considering his late birth date. He held his own and even contributed modestly with 14 points in 22 league games. Schumacher has a great skill set to draw from - he skates swiftly, has good offensive reads and employs a physical aspect to his game. At times, he can be too aggressive but this is not seen as a negative, however he will need to be more selective when he tries to administer a hit. Schumacher is guilty of trying to do too much and the screen can go blank causing his mistakes to snowball. He would be a great option for the Spirit considering their defensive corps is getting older. His future is still undecided but the Lincoln Stars (USHL) have high hopes for him to join their roster and he has already received hard looks from NCAA Division I schools.

Paxton Leroux (2011), C, Saginaw

Leroux could become a fan favourite in Saginaw, due to his take-no-prisoners-attitude and lunch pail mentality. He brings many intangibles to the Spirit organization that clearly addresses team toughness with this pick. Leroux defended his teammates valiantly and never was it more evident in a game against Sun County during the Waterloo Golden Puck tournament where he demolished two players and would have gone through the entire team before the linesmen were able to sustain him. Known more for his physical play, Leroux posted healthy offensive totals with 26 goals, 50 points in 54 regular season and tournament games. He has good coordination for a player his size (6-2, 175), as he made deft passes in traffic and surprised many opponents with the accuracy of his feeds. Sensationally strong on his stick in front, Leroux's goals at the OHL level will come from committing himself to the dirty areas of the ice and battling in the trenches to get close angle shots on goal. Leroux is a below-average skater. He simply cannot turn well and plays more of a north-south game. The move to wing would be better suited to his strengths, as he is not smart enough or strong enough of a skater to play up the middle. Leroux's size and natural aggression will become well known around the league and he will keep the opposition honest. He has the potential to be a heavyweight in the league, as his fists are quick.