OHL: Royal Flash

The youthful Kingston Frontenacs (25-28-4-3) are built to contend in the OHL next season but do not appear to be in the playoff picture this season. They sit six points behind the nearest St. Michael's Majors (27-26-6-3) thanks to a four game losing streak. Regardless of their outcome the future is bright for young talents like Top Prospect Game participant Radek Smolenak and potential top prospects Chris Stewart and Ben Shutron. Read on for progress reports on these players and more.

Radek Smolenak (2005) LW, Kingston

Fronts' top goal-getter sends out mixed messages .. agile and coordinated .. nice soft hands, deft stickhandling skills .. stands his ground in traffic and has enough dangle to manoeuvre his way out of tight areas .. must keep his feet moving when in possession of the puck .. still often moves sluggishly to start out a game before settling in and looking more comfortable as it progresses .. lack of consistent hustle is an issue .. not enough desire for the puck .. negative body language when turns over the puck which limits second effort .. his natural goal scoring instincts are reflected in his seasonal point totals but the extent of his progress will hinge on his work habits.

Chris Stewart (2006) RW, Kingston

Hard to believe he took a year off from hockey last year to play football .. aggressive on the forecheck, persistent and constantly harassing the opposition .. nice cuts and a huge stride .. very hard to knock off his feet but is not as good a skater as Anthony, mostly in his roughness when he has to turn backwards .. not a very accurate shooter .. effective down low and is hard to contain .. needs to shed some weight.

Ben Shutron (2006) D, Kingston

Without a doubt has intriguing offensive upside but is a question mark defensively, sporting a team-worst -20 .. excellent passer; top-notch first pass out of the zone .. gifted stick handler can beat several guys to gain the zone .. accurate and sharp shot from the point (7 goals so far this season) .. shifty, fluid lateral movement .. gets outworked defensively; doesn't tie up forwards' sticks, allowing them to successfully crash the net .. decision-making is at times questionable even at the offensive end .. ill-timed pinch caused a turn over the other way and a goals against .. more physical jam should come with time but he needs to start now.

Cory Emmerton (2006) C, Kingston

Effortless skater with smooth changes in direction .. tight turning radius and acceleration which is definitely his glowing strength .. used on pk because of his skating .. plays a decent cycle game but needs to add upper body bulk to a modest frame .. needs to constantly move his feet .. play without the puck is raw .. has to create more space between himself and defenders to allow for larger passing lanes for linemates to work with .. poor anticipation in the defensive zone .. will make bad decisions if pressured .. does not force his way through strong forechecks ad traffic around the net.

Tyler Haskins (Det) C, St. Mike's

Majors' leader and a fine two-way combatant .. an honest player .. spirited and finishes checks .. hounds his man on the backcheck .. crafty playmaker but does not hesitate to shoot .. skating is fluid but average .. decent stride, no extra gear .. makes smart plays with hands and savvy on the PP where he gets a lot of points .. adequately uses his frame and stick to intercept passes .. diligent worker along the boards, often the first to come away with the puck .. attacks defenders on the rush and puts himself in danger areas to score .. plays in critical minutes and takes clutch draws with fair success .. upper body strength is undeveloped .. role player upside in the NHL.

Justin DiBenedetto (2006) C/RW, St. Mike's

Plays center and wing .. his struggles with draws cause his shift to the wing on certain shifts .. effective forechecker and backchecker .. dedicated to playing the man .. nice fluid stride but does not generate a lot of speed .. does not excel in any areas .. balance could use some work.