OHL Priority Selection: Sault Ste. Marie

GM Dave Torrie and his staff have always maintained "drafting the best prospect available" and did a fine job addressing all positional needs with their first three picks. The Greyhounds have signed their first two picks in Gianluca Curcuruto and Matthew Murray, as they factor to be important building blocks to an already stable nucleus. Third round selection Peter Angelopoulos, offers size and offensive skill, but is likely two years away from the OHL. McKeen's Director of Scouting, David Burstyn, profiles these prospects.

Gianluca Curcuruto (2012), D, Sault Ste. Marie

The Greyhounds were very fortunate for Curcuruto to fall on their lap at the 14th overall spot. At the beginning of the season Curcuruto was hailed as the best defenseman in the entire draft, yet he was the 7th defenseman taken in the first round. He brings a great offensive skill set to the table as the 6-foot,180-pound left defenseman scored 38 goals this season to go along with 86 points in 68 league and tournament games. Curcuruto was a key contributor for the Midget Mississauga Reps team helping to carry the club to the Telus Cup finals before sustaining a shoulder injury. He has the puck skills and is an elite skater in all directions to take over a game. He needs to be challenged, as he appeared far too aloof this season. Toward the end of the season he was very unnoticeable on the ice and his decision making and casual style of play may have affected his draft stock. Nonetheless, Curcuruto should be put into a good environment to succeed playing behind the likes of Archibald and Beukeboom, without the pressures of being a number one defenseman.

Matthew Murray (2012), G, Sault Ste. Marie

Murray posted solid numbers as a member of the Thunder Bay Kings and had a productive OHL Cup helping his team advance to the quarter finals. Murray does not have a particular style nor is he blessed with quickness. He is however, very smart in terms of reading the game and always stays centre in his goal. He rarely, if ever gives shooters additional room to shoot at and does an excellent job playing his angles. His size is also an advantage and he does a good job of moving laterally. Murray will need some time to refine his reflexes and work on his rebound control. He has a strong mental game and is a competitor who does not give up on shots.

Peter Angelopoulos (2012), LW, Sault Ste. Marie

At 6-foot-4 and 185 pounds, Angelopoulos was one of the bigger players available for the OHL draft, however he did not always play like it. Too often this season, he did not assert himself in the trenches to win puck battles. He relied on his finesse skills instead of his brute strength and was not as successful as he could have been. He had a productive season but at the OHL level he will need to apply a more physical game, as his hand skills are not elite. Angelopoulos had a solid Top Prospects Game notching two goals and an assist. Angelopoulos needs to keep his game simple, as when he tries to handle the puck he gets into trouble. He does not have the best hockey sense but could be a suitable winger if he embraces his assignments and does not play out of his element.