OHL Priority Selection: St. Mikes Majors

The Mississauga St. Michael's Majors have had success at the draft table, as their prospects continue to flourish. Jim Cassidy has been running the draft since 2004 but relies heavily on Head Scout Lou Vigilanti before making final decisions. The Majors concentrated their efforts in this draft towards addressing their backend. Their top two picks were defenders as both Stuart Percy (15th overall) and Dylan DeMelo (34th overall) should get long looks at training camp. Depth picks such as Justin Rasmussen, Eric Diodati and Brendan McCann could turn into players in two seasons. McKeen's profiles these selections.

Stuart Percy (2011), D, Mississauga

Percy was resilient on defence playing in all the regular season and playoff games. Coach Strong trusted him in all game situations and he played in excess of 25 minutes per game against tougher competition. Percy is the type of player that does many little things right. To the untrained hockey eye, one would not notice him, however his contributions to the outcome of the game were always positive. Percy posted decent offensive numbers with 57 points in 79 regular season games, however his value will be measured on his play away from the puck. Blessed with a solid frame of (6-1, 180), the ability to make a strong crisp first pass and be attentive to his defensive duties will be his calling cards to success. He responded well throughout the year to many challenges and rose to the occasion each time. A student of the game and receptive to being coached, he made adjustments during the course of the season and chose his spots better. At the beginning of the season, he would gamble aggressively at the line, however he learned to let the play come to him. His skating is average but should not prohibit him from playing at the OHL level. Upgrades to his first step and overall fluidity should be addressed at some point. Percy will join an experienced backend and should be able to improve his game through osmosis learning from the likes of Flemming, Parlett and Gaunce. Percy has strong moral fibre and should be able to adjust if he is not playing, as he will have the luxury of living at home and will not need to worry about off-ice arrangements. The Majors have had success with local Toronto kids and Percy should be no exception.

Dylan DeMelo (2011), D, Mississauga

Although his team enjoyed success (London Jr. Knights), DeMelo's play actually regressed in the second half. He started the season on fire, as he was the main offensive breakout creating and manufacturing chances from deep within his zone. He played his best hockey at the Whitby Silver Stick carrying the team on his back in many contests, as the Jr. Knights could not muster many scoring opportunities without him. He recorded the bulk of his points (74-11-34-45) in the first half of the year and was a completely different player after Christmas. No longer would he make mad dashes up the ice and whether or not that can be chalked up to a change in coaching is still in question. There is little doubt that he is able to handle the puck at top speeds and generate offence. His skating is very slick, as he has a long wide stride, which allows him to gain momentum quickly. He marries his skating with a high hockey IQ, as he is aware of his surroundings and makes passes to where players should be not to where they are. DeMelo needs to work on his defensive game. He angles well and understands how to defend but he lacks gumption and is too easily knocked around, especially down low. At times, he appeared afraid and coughed up the puck without pressure on him for fear of taking a hit. This type of play will not sit well with coach Cameron who expects his players to go through the wall for him. DeMelo has a good skill set to draw from but will need to be more physically aggressive or at the very least hold his ground.

Justin Rasmussen (2011), C, Mississauga

Rasmussen first showed up on the scene as a call up for the 1992 Marlies squad. He was able to stay involved in the game due to his tenacious puck-pursuit-style-of-play. The third-line centre on the Marlboros quietly put up 21 goals, seeing little to no time on the PP. Rasmussen is a determined player who shows a willingness to compete. He hovers around the puck but rarely touches it, however he still did manage to record 55 points in 74 games. Rasmussen will never be confused for a scorer and he probably peeks out as a fourth-line player, should he ever make the Majors. Rasmussen needs to work on many areas of his game, as he is quite raw. Shooting and reacting faster is a must if he is to thrive in the projected checking role the Majors envision him to fill.

Brendan McCann (2011), LW, Mississauga

Riding shotgun to Matthew Puempel (6th overall, Peterborough) helped bring out McCann's game. He started the season on fire but by the time the playoffs rolled around, he simply was out of gas and his stock nose-dived due to his lack of performance. He may have been asked to do too much during the regular season and as a result, he was completely invisible against London in the second round of the playoffs, failing to record a point or be a difference maker in any capacity. Known more for the physical side of the game, he was an accomplished scorer with 80 points in 73 games on the strength of 36 goals. Not many 36 goal scorers fall outside the top 100, however it is unlikely he would be a double-digit goal scorer in the OHL until his final year. McCann needs to be motivated to play and find his game again. He is at his best when he is competing down low and punishing players off the puck. He has uncanny strength on his stick and needs to understand what makes him effective in game situations. He is already more physically mature than his counterparts and does not need to be told twice to go hard to the net. He should have a chance to play in the Western Jr. B loop or at the very least, as a member with the Belle River Jr. C Canadiens next season.

Eric Diodati (2011), D, Mississauga

The soap opera that surrounded Diodati at the beginning of the year may have stunted his overall development and draft stock. Originally from Welland, Diodati was a highly sought after prospect with several teams pursuing his rights. He eventually decided on the Jr. Canadiens but did not play his first games with them until the London Green and Gold Midget tournament. He essentially missed a month of hockey and never really looked in sync with his new team. With 4 goals and 22 points during the regular season, Diodati did not exactly bring the offence the Jr. Canadiens were expecting when they acquired him. He showed no signs of improvement in any area of his game throughout the year. His biggest obstacle will be improving his hockey sense with, or without the puck. He did not show much confidence in his shot and he will need to work to get it off quicker. He thrives along the boards, as his balance and natural aggression help him win many loose puck battles. His puck skills are healthy but could be improved upon, however his long reach helps him manoeuvre past the opposition. Diodati will need to learn to protect the puck better, as he has a tendency to skate with it too far ahead of his body. However, for all his shortcomings, he does bring a fair bit to the table and offers the Majors a capable second-line, PP offensive defenseman in a few short seasons.