OHL Priority Selection: Windsor Spitfires

The Windsor Spitfires once again decided to go "American" with two of their first three picks hailing from the USA. Grant Webermin, the team's first round selection is a solid defender who should help to offset the eventual loss of Ryan Ellis. Michael Clarke seems like a suitable replacement for Adam Henrique and should third rounder Brady Vail sign he plays a similar game to Greg Nemisz. Mckeen's Director of Scouting, David Burstyn, profiles all these prospects.

Grant Webermin (2012), D, Windsor

Webermin plays both a physical and offensive game. He has outstanding feet and good offensive capabilities. He has an accurate, hard pointshot and was used often as a QB on the PP. Webermin routinely tries to get good players off their game with his smothering, frustrating style of play. He can back up his actions, as he is tough and feared. Webermin posted modest totals and has the offensive fortitude to be a second-unit-PP option as early as his second season in the league. He is a good complementary player that can play any role asked of him and will have no problem adjusting to the OHL due to his natural aggression.

Michael Clarke (2012), C, Windsor

Clarke was easily the smartest and most gifted centre in the Alliance and possibly the entire OHL draft. He is slick, makes the difficult play look easy and more importantly, makes others around him better. He has good speed and always has his head up to survey his options. He needs to make better use of his high-end speed, as there were times he slowed down to make a play. Nonetheless, he did not shy away from the danger areas and made plays with the puck before he could get hit. Defensively, he is very responsible as he comes back all the time and marks his man, leaving little to no room for the opposition to operate. His sheer understanding of the game coupled with his passing skills and equally dangerous shot could see him evolve into a top-six forward as early as next season. He has all the tools to become a very successful player in the OHL and beyond.

Brady Vail (2012), LW, Windsor

Vail and Ebert played alongside one another as the only two 1994-born players in the USHL last season. Vail did not see as much icetime as Ebert and his development suffered as a result. Vail suited up for Compuware two seasons ago playing as an under ager before joining the USHL. Vail has an incredible release and is a natural goal scorer, despite only scoring 4 goals in 48 games this season with the Waterloo Black Hawks. His wristshot explodes off his blade and is deadly accurate. Vail's speed holds him back, as he does not have a prevailing gear and his first two steps are sluggish. however he does understand the game and puts himself into good positions to intercept passes in the neutral zone. When he played against talent his own age group at the USNDTP try-outs, he showcased his acute hockey sense and skating became less of a concern. If he is partnered with the right set of linemates that can disguise his lack of speed and bring out his offensive abilities he could become a very dangerous weapon, especially on the PP. At 6-foot-1 and 190 pounds, he already has OHL size and should physically fit in without problem.