OHL Report: Niagara Ice Dogs

GM and coach Marty Williamson revamped the Ice Dogs with a series of trades made in the off-season that transformed his team from a rebuilding one to a contender. The steady development of second year players such as Dougie Hamilton and Ryan Strome has given the Ice Dogs more depth both up front and on the back-end.

Mckeen's Director of Scouting David Burstyn profiles these players, along with Jesse Graham, the team's first selection last year.

Dougie Hamilton (2011), D, Niagara

Played a prominent role on Team Canada's gold medal winning Hlinka team, playing on both special teams and establishing himself as a marquee defenseman .. has grown over three inches (6'5) since his rookie season and has the frame to support another 25-35 pounds .. playing more of an offensive role this season as he has tremendous confidence carrying it deep into the zone .. an accomplished stick handler, he has such a wide frame that it is difficult for players to get inside on him to knock it off his blade .. he is more aggressive in his chances with his pinches and staying an extra second into the zone to going to the front of the net to stimulate offence .. he reads plays well offensively and is capable of making good passes out of the zone .. getting stronger on his edges and his turns however he does not have a prevailing separation gear .. relies on his size and reach to defend .. acute sense of positioning does not enable him to get beaten to the outside but upgrades to his lateral mobility are essential at the pro level .. Hamilton oozes potential and has considerable upside due to his smarts and size.

Ryan Strome (2011), C, Niagara

A surprise omission from the Team Canada Hlinka evaluation camps in Calgary .. the former first round selection of the Colts was part of a trade that sent Alex Pietrangelo packing from the Ice Dogs .. a bright stealth-like forward with fast, soft hands .. crafty one touch passer, he generates instant offence when he crosses the zone as his stick handling pushes the opposition back .. economical skater who is fluid but lacks a second gear .. his ability to stay with plays is based on his intelligence not so much his speed or lack thereof .. he does do a good job of constantly moving his feet in the offensive zone .. at times he can be caught with his head down to make a play .. Strome has registered a majority of his points on the PP where the extra time and space serves his play making skills well .. he needs to be more responsible and physical in the defensive zone .. Strome is a great finesse player but upgrades to his natural aggression are a must to survive at the pro game, he does not need to lay the body as this is not necessarily his game but he needs to assert himself earlier in the game to create more time and space .. Strome plays a game that mirrors that of Brad Boyes.

Jesse Graham (2012), D, Niagara

The first defenseman taken in the OHL draft last year, Graham is a pure offensive defenseman who although under sized is extremely dynamic with the puck .. can explode into the offensive zone with first step quickness and an efficient stride .. uncanny agility and mobility .. he is very light on his skates and can turn on a dime .. he has great passing skills and has already seen PP time .. lack of physical dimension has him more self conscious as he tends to hear foot steps and hurry his passes .. Graham has innate puck skills that should translate well as soon as he physical matures as he does not even have facial hair.