OHL: Slippery Petes

Notes from a recent match between the Peterborough Petes and the Ottawa 67’s. Includes updates on seven players including Jordan Morrison, Bryan Young, Kyle Wharton and 2005-eligible Daniel Ryder.

Jordan Morrison (2004), Peterborough Petes

Mobile, slippery playmaker was utilized at the point on the powerplay .. strong on his skates and a willing participant along the boards .. a really fluid, effortless stride, good top speed and a quick first step .. has a crisp, accurate slapper with a snappy release but must use it more .. can fool and bypass opposing defensemen with his speed and big reach, but does not seem to put the desired finish on rushing plays; backs off and prefers to make the feed instead .. doesn’t avoid traffic, but adding bulk to upper body is essential.

Bryan Young (2004), Peterborough Petes

A sound, mechanical skater plays a heads-up game .. has a lively stick, moves well laterally and backwards .. capable of pinching in on the rush and possesses a quick, pinpoint wrister .. blasts attackers big-time with his frame along the boards, hits hard and accurately .. strong legs and stands his own in front of the net .. broke up a two-on-one rush with an instinctive clearing play.

Kyle Wharton (2004), Ottawa 67’s

Good-looking d-man with great size and quick feet .. playing in his first game back from injury (broken ribs) .. looking a tad disheveled with the puck on clears and passes, but is still shaking off the rust .. takes the body and gets involved in traffic, although not intimidating anyone .. strong legs, sturdy and tough to knock down .. we have the same beef since the last viewing – doesn’t think the game all that well, vision isn’t terribly impressive .. impulsive, seems nervous .. passes are off the mark and really struggles to clear his end .. was selected for the Top Prospects game roster and will have much to prove there.

Liam Reddox (2004), Peterborough Petes

Gets outmuscled along the boards, but works hard for the puck .. average skater, well-balanced, but gets beaten on the rush .. soft hands, although puck skills are not very fluid .. a willing combatant in traffic and reads plays very well, able to position himself effectively in the offensive end .. most definitely an opportunist who can capitalize if the right opportunity presents itself .. has above-average playmaking smarts and a chippy game, but, considering his size, playmaking skills must be near elite to be a likely first-day draft selection – and they’re not .. scored a goal on a re-direction right near the crease.

Patrick Kaleta (2004), Peterborough Petes

A quick, penetrating skater .. we love the way he seeks out high-traffic areas .. a determined, hard-nosed pest who is relentless in his quest for possession .. gets loose pucks, has strong wrists and can travel a considerable distance with the puck at full speed .. average hands, has to work his butt off to produce .. fools the eye with impressive mobility on the rush, but once he gets near the net, he can’t create .. a very hard-working player who knows his role well, which is that of an energetic, physical disturber.

David Halasz (2004), Ottawa 67’s

Has made considerable strides over the course of the season after noticeable struggles early .. positionally looks better and knows where he’s going .. better instincts, more sure-handed, but can’t tie up his man at all .. a deceptive skater, top speed isn’t explosive, but first two steps are quite good .. makes quick, brainy clearing plays .. lack of reach, strength are considerable weaknesses .. using his body better, stronger on his skates and can deliver a well-timed check .. finding more confidence jumping into the rush .. scored his second marker of the season by throwing a loose puck on the net that was deflected in .. still neither a real puckhandler nor a stay-at-home type; something in between.

Daniel Ryder (2005), Peterborough Petes

A smooth, gliding skater .. has the ability to make plays with the puck look effortless; picks his spots well and likes to shoot the puck .. lanky and still undeveloped physically, which is normal, but doesn’t seek high-traffic areas .. willing to go down and block shots .. soft hands and impressive vision, can create as well as score .. needs to quicken first step a bit .. excellent instincts with a nice change of pace and crisp passing skills .. a productive player with a good offensive range and above-average creativity.