OHL Rises to the Challenge

The ADT Canada/Russia Challenge is a perfect forum for Hockey Canada to evaluate players from all three CHL leagues as participants for the WJC. Since the inception of the tournament, Team OHL has yet to drop a game. This years Russian squad however, proved to be their toughest test yet, as Team OHL won a close 5-3 contest (in Kitchener) on the strength of two third period goals. McKeen's profiles several OHL draft-eligible players who competed in the game, as well as the OHL's leading scorer John Tavares.

Michael D'Orazio (2008), D, Owen Sound

Partnered with long time teammate Alex Pietrangelo from their minor hockey playing days (Toronto Jr. Canadiens), the duo formed unique chemistry, as D'Orazio focused more on the defensive side of the game .. casually broke up 3-on-2 rushes by the Russians and matched each skater stride-for-stride, as they attempted to beat him to the outside .. his hockey IQ away from the puck continues to improve, as he is more selective and smart about when to jump into a play or carefully hang back .. not a physically imposing defenseman but he showed good use of his strength down low while still able to pry pucks away and chip them off the glass .. a complimentary defenseman who shows some offensive instincts but will more than likely be relied upon for his defensive awareness.

Drew Doughty (2008), D, Guelph

The captain for Team OHL .. the most offensive-minded defender in the draft, his creativity and ability to locate not just one but multiple options when going at top speeds is sure to make him a first-overall candidate .. his skating is good, as his stride is long and thick, which enables him to catapult up the ice with the puck .. adventurous stickhandler, he shows little to no fear attacking up the middle, as he is skilled and smart enough to employ a head fake or a quick pass to escape pressure .. it is this ability, which backs off forwards and allows him to control the game .. he can make quick short passes too or easily explode out of the zone, making his play highly unpredictable and hard to read .. did not play on the PK but was a fixture on the PP but at times, taking a little long to make a play or was being too fancy .. Doughty shows all the tools to be a top-flight NHLer however, his fitness levels may come into play at the combine, as his frame looks unable to shed the weight.

Alex Pietrangelo (2008), D, Niagara

Hampered by a charley horse that has kept him out of the lineup for two weeks and missing six games, Pietrangelo returned for his first game back against the Russians .. looked tentative on some plays and did not play to the best of his ability .. he rushed some plays and a few of his decisions with the puck were suspect .. his lack of foot speed was also exposed on a few occasions .. bigger body with a pelican-like wingspan allows him to comfortably handle the puck and make swift, efficient passes .. his offensive game is well rounded, as was witnessed by his excessive icetime on the PP .. he shows occasional aggression but for the most part, relies on his reach and positioning to gap out a forward or pressure him to the outside .. sheer skill, size and pro potential have him a favorite to be selected within the top-three of the upcoming NHL Entry Draft and a possibility for the upcoming WJC.

Michael DelZotto (2008), D, Oshawa

The Italian connection was formed when Matt Corrente and Del Zotto were partnered together .. players of a similar skill set and game, the duo were impressive on the offensive side of the puck, as they were on the ice for all five goals scored .. they did not perform well under a quick forward attacking unit, as the Russians tried desperately to get their faster players matched up against them .. slow to react to changes in the play, as his footwork struggles a bit at a stand still .. lost several forwards coming down the wing .. failed to land any of his hits and when he tried, it essentially took him out of the play .. offensively, his game is mature .. he readily pushes in for offence and can unload a blast from the point that goalies have a hard time containing .. his wind up could be shortened .. playing under the microscope as far as his defensive play is concerned, this could be the ultimate factor in his draft stock .. resembles Bryan McCabe.

Tyler Cuma (2008), D, Ottawa

Cuma has played in the shadows of his peers but has been with them every step of the way, including his participation at the Canada Games and Under 18 .. a complimentary defenseman that gets little respect for his offensive skills .. often plugged in a defensive role, Cuma relishes in any role and is a true professional, as he assumes any assignment just to compete and win .. seventh defenseman on this team, his play was ordinary however, considering his lack of icetime, he did a good job of keeping things simple and did not make any mistakes playing a perfect Craig Hartsburg-type game .. Cuma is versatile and can adapt to any game situation, whether it is a physical contest or a skilled/finesse one .. he dished out some heavy hits and clearly had the Russians watching their backs .. Cuma continues to fly under the radar but he is the perfect complement to an offensive-minded defenseman, as his game actually resembles that of his Team OHL coach.

Josh Bailey (2008), LW, Windsor

Bailey could not ask for a better set of linemates to make a favorable impression on NHL scouts, as he played alongside the OHL leading scorer (John Tavares) and the OHL leading goal scorer (Brett MacLean) .. a smart, positionally sound player who engages down low and plays a solid neutral zone game .. his smarts allowed him to keep up and produce, as he scored a goal by willingly going to the net with his stick in a solid position .. at times, he can be too carefree with his passes and he needs to put more of a whip on them .. he showed patience and poise while handling the puck .. he did not force things and made sound decisions .. his skating had him a tad behind but it should not be a deterrent, as Logan Couture's stock was not overly affected by it and they play a similar type of game.

John Tavares (2009), C, Oshawa

After being singled out by Hartsburg in the Super Series to start the season, Tavares responded by being named the first star of the game .. Hartsburg's return behind the bench had Tavares working harder than ever to erase a potential poor impression and buy into Team Canada hockey - Hartsburg style .. was everywhere on the ice and earned his minutes by focusing his attention to detail in all three zones .. strong on faceoffs especially in the offensive zone, which resulted in many set plays to create offence .. uncanny anticipation, as the puck seemed to follow him all the time .. displayed his passing skills, notched three assists, but was trying desperately to score a goal, as he did not hesitate to shoot .. finds open ice and is able to sneak away from defensive coverage .. was a threat every time he got on the ice .. tad slow with his first strides however, he never trailed a play and came back defensively .. Tavares should make the WJC giving NHL scouts another look at the potential first overall selection (2009) on a world stage