OHL Priority Selection: Sarnia Sting

The Sarnia Sting had the first overall pick for the second time in four years. The selection of Alex Galchenyuk gives the team a scoring identity, something the team was lacking last season. They married the pick of Galchenyuk by choosing Garrett Hooey in the second round and helped to add depth up front with the addition of Rob Bennett. The scouting staff was able to solidify the backend with Joshua Chapman and Mike Dipaolo. The addition of Brodie Barrick gives the Sting another option in goal.

Alex Galchenyuk (2012), C/W, Sarnia

Few players were able to dominate their respective league like Galchenyuk had. He averaged over two points a game as a member of the Chicago Young Americans with 38-44-47-88 totals. He led all US Minor Midget players in scoring outscoring LA Selects Kerdiles by a 33-point margin. Inside the zone, he is virtually unstoppable and he can protect the puck with his frame. His hand skills are lightning quick and he almost goads players to poke check him so he can dance around them or execute a perfect pass. He embraces the offensive responsibility thrust upon him and wants to be a difference maker each time he steps onto the ice. He is lethal as soon as he crosses the line, as he can shoot and pass with incredible accuracy. His strength on the puck along the boards is also unrivalled, as he maintains his balance and has a strong lower body. Galchenyuk is not an accomplished skater but he is not a weak one either. Even though he does not have a separation gear his speed is deceptive. Galchenyuk can play through abuse, as he was a target every time he stepped onto the ice, yet still managed to produce. Galchenyuk is not Steven Stamkos but resembles him in character and wants to be a player. He will make others around him better and considering the young nucleus of the Sting, he should be able to step into the top six and make an impact.

Garrett Hooey (2012), C, Sarnia

The Sting were fortunate that Hooey slipped to the second round and were wise to select him, as he embodies all the characteristics to be a player. Compared to a young Mike Richards, he competes hard and oozes character. Hooey had a good season and played his best in the playoffs where he extended the semi-final series to six games against the eventual OMHA champion York Simcoe Express. Hooey is not a blinding skater but he makes up for his lack of high-end speed by constantly staying in motion. He is all over the ice, as he hits and battles for loose pucks and is always looking to make a play. His reckless style of play garners attention and the opposition constantly knows when he is on the ice. Hooey scored 95 points in 54 games showcasing his ability to score. He factors to be a top-six forward within two seasons but should see ample icetime next season. Hooey offers modest size at 6'0 and 165 pounds, but will undoubtedly gain additional size in the off-season.

Joshua Chapman (2013), D, Sarnia

Chapman and his fourth place Toronto Jr. Canadiens team pushed the Toronto Young Nats to the maximum 8 games in the GTHL finals before losing in the final game. Chapman was a key component in the Canadiens long playoff run, as he often matched up against the oppositions best and contained them. His play against the Marlies, neutralizing the likes of Scott Laughton and Matia Marcantuoni was instrumental in team success. He also did a fine job keeping Mathew Campagna off the scoreboard as well in the finals. Chapman progressed well throughout the season and marked improvement in all facets of his game. Known more for his defensive awareness, he did a good job in developing his puck skills and matured into more of an offensive-minded player, logging PP minutes in crucial situations. Chapman received good coaching and understood that less is best and excelled by playing within his limits. Chapman angles off well, has solid gap control and rounds out the package by displaying a healthy mean streak. He is a healthy skater who operates well moving both laterally and backwards. Chapman needs to add some lower body weight to his frame, as he looks very thin. In an effort to rebuild the backend, he has an outside chance of making the Sting next year offering him much needed experience at the Major Junior level.

Mike Dipaolo (2012), D, Sarnia

Dipaolo missed over five weeks of action with a separated shoulder in the second half of the season but was a consistent player for the Brantford 99ers on the backend. At 6-foot-5 and 200 pounds, he was one of the bigger players available and often played like it as well. Dipaolo has a natural aggression but was forced to curb it as he received far too many penalties early in the season. His game is structured around his physical toughness and he should thrive at the OHL level and beyond. Dipaolo is a good skater but needs to work on his first step. He has good size and a good stick, which enables him to close the gap and connect with a bodycheck. Dipaolo tends to dwell on poor plays and needs to become mentally stronger. Once he understands that mistakes are part of the game, he should become a better player as a result. Playing at a junior level will be imperative to his development next season.

Rob Bennett (2012), RW, Sarnia

Bennett has good hockey bloodlines, as his uncle is Scott Walker. At 5-foot-8 and 160 pounds, size is an immediate concern but he plays much bigger and competes hard in all three zones. Bennett disappeared like most of his teammates in the semi-finals against London but was absolutely dominant in the two series prior especially against Lambton. He was the straw that stirred the drink and manufactured offence out of innocent plays. His hand skills and foot speed helped him converge on loose pucks and he is equipped with a great shot. Bennett is a competitor and a leader as he wore the 'C'. Bennett should play for Cambridge Jr. B next season but with a good training camp he has an outside chance to make the Sting, as his skill set is OHL ready.

Brodie Barrick (2013), G, Sarnia

Barrick played on an inferior team - the Welland Tigers - and faced a lot of rubber as a result. He handled himself with remarkable poise and maturity and kept his team in many contests. Barrick has solid presence in the net and covers a lot of space. He soaks up rebounds and angles well. He remains square and often forces a shooter to make a perfect shot to beat him. Barrick stays in the centre of his net and very rarely is caught out of position, as his lateral quickness bails him out. Barrick needs to play a year of Junior next season and given the uncertainty in between Sarnia's pipes it is not inconceivable for him to challenge for a job in two seasons.