OHL: The Dirtiest Dozen

The Dirtiest Dozen Part III (posted 9.27.06)

by David Burstyn

The OHL had the most players chosen last year in the first round at the NHL entry draft with six players being selected. This year's crop of NHL draft eligible talent lacks the depth but there is a core group of high end skilled players that will be a welcome addition to many an NHL club. In our final instalment, McKeen's takes a look at four other players including two goalies set to make a splash at the 2007 NHL entry draft.

Trevor Cann (2007), G, Peterborough

Cann enters his second season with the Petes and is the top ranked goalie in the OHL amongst NHL draft eligible prospects. His international accolades have helped to improve his draft status considerably. His shutout performance in the finals against Team USA, coupled with his tournament leading G.A.A all but secured a gold medal for Team Canada at the World Junior Cup held earlier this summer. Highly agile and very athletic, Cann relies on his compact stance to make the initial save. He employs a butterfly style, is successful at covering the bottom portion of the net and recovers quickly when down. Cann posted solid numbers, recording 16 wins in his 20 starts last season. He was the back up to David Shantz and benefited greatly from playing in front of a Petes team that boasted firepower up front and such defensive stalwarts as Bryan Young, Trevor Hendrix and Lubomir Stach. With the graduation of Shantz and the aforementioned defenders, Cann will assume a greater role in the organization as the starter and will have to rely on a relatively young defence in front of him. His success between the pipes will determine the success of the club as many key scorers have also graduated and goals may be hard to come by for the Petes. How he copes with the pressure of being the number one net minder and rebounding after a poor performance will be evaluated with scrutiny. He must prove that he is consistent enough to play at a higher level while improving his stick handling ability and his concentration when his crease gets crowded. The red headed 5'11 back stopper is more than willing and ready for the task.

Matt Smyth (2007), RW, Brampton

There was a time when Smyth was considered a top five selection in his OHL draft year. The Orlando, Florida born youngster who came to Canada when he was five, showed strong offensive skills and his break out performances at several key minor midget tournaments raised a few eyebrows. However Smyth failed to be consistent and started to fall off, finding himself being drafted 14th overall by the Brampton Battalion come draft day. It would have appeared that their selection might have been a poor one based on Smyth's performance last season both offensively and defensively. To his credit he was buried on the third line on a relatively deep offensive team, failed to make the most of his limited minutes, often looking out of sync positionally, and too under developed to be a difference maker. Enter this season; a completely new outlook and work out program has Smyth showing potential not only to dominate at the OHL level but also to realize his dream of being drafted. He entered camp at 185, an increase of 15 pounds and grew an inch; he now stands a modest 5'11. Smyth showed in recent exhibition games that his increased strength did not slow him down. His first step quickness allows him to capitalize on many loose pucks and his wrist shot often results in a face off at centre ice when he uses it. The chemistry developed between rookie Cody Hodgson and Smyth has been a formidable one, as the two produced at well over a point a game in the pre-season. Smyth known for his finishing skills has a capable smart passing playmaker in Hodgson and with Luke Lynes on the left side (34 goals last season); the line should garner considerable ice time in all situations. Smyth will need to work on his maturity in general and maintaining his composure, as he will be targeted by many opposing team's checkers. If Smyth is able to remain focussed and display consistency throughout the 68 game schedule in terms of all around play, he could warrant strong consideration for the NHL draft.

Luke Pither (2007), C, Kingston

Pither is hoping to emerge as a player new coach Bruce Cassidy will lean on. Pither trained extensively in the off-season and put on 25 pounds to his 6'0 frame. His rookie year totals did not turn any heads (68-4-9-13) and several players drafted after him out performed him statistically. However, he did manage to dress for all of Kingston's games in both the regular and playoff season. He started to show signs of improving as the season wore on. He looked more comfortable in a fore checking role and he was able to utilize his speed to create many scoring chances, only his inexperience in the league prohibited him from burying them. The Frontenacs have tremendous depth at the forward position and Cassidy may move Pither to the wing to give him valuable ice time on one of the top two lines. His skill set is certainly deserving of such. Pither is a dynamic player who is blessed with soft hands, first step quickness, acceleration and excellent hockey sense Pither is a prime candidate to emerge as an offensive leader and a break through season is not out of the question. With many NHL draft eligible players on the roster including Daryl Borden, Andrew Wilson and Matthew Reis, NHL scouts much like last year will be flocking to see the Frontenacs. The increased exposure should give Pither plenty of opportunity to shine under the lime light.

Daryl Borden (2007), G, Kingston

After being a first round cut from the Under 18 Canadian Team this past summer in Calgary, Borden used that as motivation to get ready for his second OHL season. He joins the Fronts poised and excited to be the starting goalie following the departure of Danny Taylor to the AHL. The scouting staff put considerable faith in Borden, as he was the first goalie taken in his draft year. Borden did not see much action last year appearing in only 15 games and registering 5 wins. Borden dealt with the lack of playing time last season well. He remained positive and was always ready. A mammoth goalie who stands 6'3, he is one of the tallest goalies in the league and is the third tallest player on the roster with only Bobby Bolt (6'4) and Justin Wallingford (6'7) being taller. He is very agile and his sheer size allows him to cover a large portion of the net. His stick handling abilities is one of his stronger assets. The Frontenacs have unbelievable scoring up front which should provide Borden with a cushion, should he let in the occasional soft goal. Being the number one goalie on a team that has heavy expectations and limited playoff success in recent years, Borden will be expected to start the bulk of the games and how he handles the pressure will determine his draft status.

The Dirty Dozen Part II (posted 9.22.06)

by David Burstyn

In our second instalment of eligible OHL players available for the NHL entry draft, we profile another four players determined to hear their name on draft day.

Bryan Cameron (2007), C, Belleville

Mature beyond his years, Bryan Cameron, Belleville's first round pick in 2005 turned out to be better than advertised. He scored an impressive 20 goals and was only one of three rookies born in 89 to accomplish that feat. Slotted in on the third line to start the season he slowly moved up the ranks and by the playoffs he was seeing top unit PP time. He earned that role by consistently working hard all season and playing with grit and determination. By the second half, he had matured so fast offensively that he gave the Bulls a legitimate scoring dimension on their second line. Cameron continued to develop and with the exception of Shawn Matthias was the second best Bull in their opening round playoff loss to the Brampton Battalion. Playing like sandpaper, Cameron showed that he could be a difference maker in close games. The Bulls playoff run however short provided many of their younger players with valuable experience including Cameron. With a healthy cast of returning players, the Bulls look to be strong contenders in the East. Cameron's ability to elevate his game will impact how far the Bulls can go. His speed, hockey sense and finishing skills are his best assets. Cameron should have every opportunity to fine-tune his game and should strongly be considered for late first round, early second round consideration.

Zack Torquato (2007), C, Saginaw

It is good to leave an impression and Torquato will always be remembered in Saginaw as he holds the distinction of scoring the first goal in Spirit playoff history. The accomplishment was bitter sweet as Torquato and the Spirit were swept in four straight. Torquato had a successful rookie campaign as he quietly put up 37 points on the strength of 19 goals and finished just outside the top ten in rookie scoring. Offensively Torquato could have the best skill set in the draft amongst eligible OHL players. While he doesn't boast explosive speed, his shifty moves, clever shot coupled with his keen anticipation skills result in many scoring chances. He still needs to add some weight to his modest 6'0 frame, as he looked overwhelmed on occasion last season in tougher more physical contests. Like many second year players there are higher expectations, Torquato will be expected to score and assume much more responsibility. Torquato should benefit from playing on quite possibly the best-assembled team in Saginaw's short history. With the opposition putting their top checking units on the first line, Torquato may benefit with line match ups and in the process add to his offensive statistics.

Akim Aliu (2007), RW, Sudbury

Aliu was in the news last year for all the wrong reasons. Involved in a well-documented hazing incident with teammate Steve Downie it raised many questions and caused quite a debate, not only in junior hockey but the sport in general. When the dust settled, both players were traded and the coach was fired, leaving the Windsor Spitfires in a state of disarray. Aliu's stay in Windsor was short lived as he only played 18 games and despite the difficult circumstances notched 7 points. He seemed uninterested and it was no secret that certain teammates still held grudges towards him. A change of scenery was needed and Aliu got his wish when he was traded in January to the Sudbury Wolves. Playing in the background of established OHL stars such as Nick Foligno and Benoit Pouliot was exactly what Aliu needed to succeed. The Wolves acquired a high-end prospect in Aliu, as he is such an incredibly gifted skater with outstanding first step quickness. For a player of his size 6'3, 210 he has velvet soft hands and certainly does not back down from the physical aspect of the game. The loss of Pouliot leaves a big void on the top line and the Wolves will look to Aliu for increased offensive production. Handling the adversity Aliu was subject too last season should make him more focussed and determined than ever to succeed. A wildcard in the draft as he has ample skill however just needs a forum to display it.

Dale Mitchell (2007), C, Oshawa

It may have been a blessing in disguise that Mitchell was the first player drafted in the third round of the 2005 OHL draft. Prior to Mitchell being drafted major junior teams were allowed to dress three picks whereas now they are able to card four. It is generally assumed that the top two picks will be given every opportunity to make the team and are given the hardest looks. It is with that pressure that some rookies falter and fail to make the impression they hope for. Such was not the case for Mitchell who approached training camp based on the assumption he may not make the team. Unnerved by lofty expectations he was able to impress the coaching staff enough to secure a roster spot, and has not looked back. While Tavares employs the program covers and fridge magnets, Mitchell proved last season that he could more than hold his own and was a key contributor to the team. Mitchell was the Generals unsung hero last season, posting 43 points, finishing fourth in team scoring and eight in rookie scoring. His -1 +/- rating on a team that finished second last in the league was even more impressive. His commitment in playing both sides of the rink usually resulted in him being send over the boards in the dying minutes of a close hockey game to either preserve the lead or tie the game. Mitchell strong work ethic made him a favourite with Coach Randy Ladouceur. His best asset may be his stocky, well-built frame that makes him literally impossible to knock off the puck. He generates exceptional speed with his powerful legs and can bulldoze through the offensive zone, leaving many defenders flat footed. He will control his own destiny come draft time and while the knock may be his lack of size, however his style of play may be exactly the direction the new NHL is heading in.

The Dirty Dozen Part I (posted 9.20.06)

by David Burstyn

The OHL had the most players chosen last year in the first round at the NHL entry draft with six players being selected. This year's crop of NHL draft eligible talent lacks the depth but there is a core group of high end skilled players that will be a welcome addition to many an NHL club.

McKeen's ranks and profiles the top twelve OHL prospects poised to have successful campaigns long before they hear their name called at the 2007 NHL entry draft. This is part one of a three part instalment.

Logan Couture (2007), C, Ottawa

It is hard to believe that Couture slipped to 12th overall in his OHL draft year. After being a consensus number one pick as most teams made commitments to other players believing Couture's bluff to play in the USHL. The 67's wisely took him and managed to coax Couture that the organization would be a good fit. From the opening game Couture scored and did not look back as the London, Ontario native finished second in voting for rookie-of-the-year honours and third in points among rookies. He did however finish with the most points among 89 born players with 64 points in 65 games including an impressive 25 goals. Couture strengths lie in his ability to play both ends of the ice; he is an extremely smart player who creates his own chances due to his astute positioning in all three zones. He got progressively better as the season wore on and emerged as the 67's best player in the playoffs in their opening round loss to the eventual OHL champion Peterborough Petes. Couture's ability to put all the media attention behind him and focus on hockey is a true testament to his mental toughness. His skill set is impressive too! A fixture on both the PP and PK units it spoke volumes of the trust Coach Kilrea had in him. Couture should be able to increase his offensive output this season with linemates Matt Lahey and Jamie McGinn, one of the more formidable lines in the OHL this season. Couture could very easily play his way into being the first overall pick, all but assuring he would forget about the whole Tavares fiasco.

Sam Gagner (2007), RW, London

Gagner returns to Ontario after a one-year stint with Sioux City of the USHL. A star in his minor midget playing days with the legendary Toronto Marlies, a team that included four first round picks. Gagner himself would have been a guaranteed first round selection had he not opted to go to Sioux City. Coaxed by the ever-persuasive Hunter brothers to play in London this year, it should give Gagner more exposure and increased competition, thus furthering his draft stock. Blessed with incredible vision, he can thread the needle through traffic and displays terrific patience with the puck. While the knock may be on his skating it certainly does not prohibit him from charging the rush and his keen anticipation always make him a threat to score. Gagner is joined by his father, Dave who returns to coaching after accepting the assistant coaching duties for the Knights. Gagner should have every opportunity to shine. He will be a fixture on the PP, is slated to play alongside talented line mate, and newly acquired Pat Kane. The two already showed signs of chemistry in recent exhibition games and should help one another this season to improve their draft rankings.

Mark Katic (2007), D, Sarnia

Katic enters the draft as the top defenseman available and for obvious reasons. His first step quickness, superb mobility and offensive tools make him a valuable commodity in any NHL landscape. The new rules help Katic even more as they are tailored for a player of his calibre. With a modest frame of just under 6'0, he has all the tools to be an effective PP QB for an NHL team. His vision on the PP is top notch and with increased strength in the off-season, his shot should be a better weapon and more powerful than it was in his rookie season. Katic will be expected to shoot more this season something he failed to do often in his rookie campaign. His plus minus totals were horrific last season but keeping things in perspective, Sarnia was the worst team in the league and scored the second fewest goals. Learning his trade as a rookie defender also came with some growing pains. He posted impressive numbers last year with 34 points on the strength of five goals, and led all rookie defenseman in scoring despite missing 17 games to injury. He has represented Canada in international competition and has been a key contributor on both the Under 17 and Under 18 teams. Katic responded well last season despite the poor play of the Sting and was one of the few bright spots on the team. This year more is expected of him and NHL scouts will be very anxious to see how he responds to that pressure.

Pat Kane (2007), C, London

Pat Kane can score, plain and simple. He has proved that at every level he has played at in USA and is out to prove that he can dominate in the OHL too. It took quite a bit of time and negotiating for Kane to finally decide to play in the OHL and the Hunter brothers could not be more excited to insert him into their line-up. Kane is relatively small by pro standards standing at 5'9 and weighing a slight 160 however, he is dynamic. His ability to weave in and out of the offensive zone and control the play are skills one cannot teach. He has the innate ability to draw defenders to him and blow by them with his dazzling array of stick handling and deceiving speed, which generates good speed in a stand still position. Kane comes in the OHL with quite an impressive resume. Last season alone he led the Under 18 tournament in scoring en route to capturing the gold medal for Team USA as well his scoring exploits for the NTDP bested that of one Phil Kessel, as he set a single season record for most points in a season with 102 in 58 games. Kane will play along side Gagner and be given every opportunity to succeed on the top PP unit. The Knights are still talented up front but the emphasis on Kane to score and produce will be felt by the Rochester born teenager. Much like his peers, his ability to rise to the occasion throughout the year will have an immediate impact as to his draft ranking.

Colts may have a "Minor" Problem (posted 9.18.06)

by David Burstyn

The Barrie Colts could have problems scoring goals this season. The trade of Travis Fuller in the off-season coupled with the departure of Jakub Petruzalek and the possible graduation of Bryan Little to the NHL leaves many holes in the offence. The Colts coaching staff is looking to forward Daniel Minor to pick up the slack. Minor a scoring star in Port Colborne Jr. B two seasons ago posted decent numbers last year in Couchiching (OPJHL) to warrant a roster spot for the Colts this season.

McKeen's was on hand for a recent exhibition contest at the Kitchener Aud and files these notes on various players.

Daniel Minor (2007), RW, Barrie

After taking serious strides, upon the recommendation of Coach Williamson, in the fitness department, Minor is in the best shape of his life after shedding 25 pounds in the off-season .. skating is very poor, as he looks like he is playing with a piano on his back .. very poor acceleration and no first step quickness .. is strong on his skates however and prefers to play down low, cycling the puck using his massive frame to protect the puck .. however, in open ice situations he gets stripped off the puck, as his speed does not help him .. he is an average stick handler with a decent shot .. he excels in front of the net, where he can bang home rebounds or capitalize on loose pucks and flick them in .. he is known for his soft hands however, he needs to improve many facets of his game to compete at this level ..

Vladimir Nikiforov (2007), RW, Barrie

Returns for his second year in the OHL and seems to be a bit thicker .. a dynamic skater, who is effortless in his stride .. super quick and is constantly pestering the puck carrier into give aways .. has offensive imagination and should be the scoring leader of this club should Little not return .. great vision as he made passes that team mates did not expect because he moves too fast for them to keep up .. PK specialist, he is always in position because his speed doesn't allow him not to be .. could be one of the best skaters in the OHL ..

Brian Lashoff (2008), D, Barrie

Younger brother of Matt Lashoff (Bos) joins the OHL from Albany Academy as the Colt's third round choice this season .. not as gifted, a skater as older brother as he is quite slow and is often caught flatfooted .. lost many foot races, and had to sprawl to break up play .. raw in defensive zone coverage, has the size but lacks the strength so players in front take advantage of that .. really struggled this contest to handle the puck, often looking nervous with it and as a result making bad decisions .. quite raw as is to be expected with rookie defenseman, his size will be his best asset and it is up to Coach Williamson to draw from his strengths ..

Yannick Weber (2007), D, Kitchener

The Swiss import joins the NHL after an impressive resume in the Swiss leagues .. shows unbelievable poise and maturity .. solid in both ends of the ice, as he is capable of making smart, sound offensive decisions and is an effective defender who often dives to block shots .. capable of logging the puck up but will still need to show more confidence in that regard .. has a hard slap shot from the point, which resulted in a goal due to the goalie unable to contain it .. took very short shifts, conditioning may be a factor but should improve during the season .. prone to some lapses in judgement however that can be credited to being in a new league with unfamiliar surroundings, once he gets a better feel for the North American game he should be a dominate player ..

Dan Kelly (2007), D, Kitchener

Big strapping defender earned a brief try-out with the Rangers last season filling in some holes during the World Junior Championships .. mainstay on the PP as he can QB it with decent puck distribution skills .. has a cannon of a shot however, it really lacks accuracy .. still relatively raw he needs to be more cognoscente of the play and what it happening around him .. skating is good for a player of his size .. has presence as his size works in his favour to close gaps and help him against faster players .. could still be more aggressive .. in recent years, defence has always been a strong position for the Rangers but due to graduations, it has become somewhat thin, Kelly will get ample ice time as a result to prepare him better for next season ..

Nazem Kadri (2009), C, Kitchener

A scoring threat, his pre-season play has already promoted him to the top PP line .. he is extremely agile with both his hands and his feet .. finished his checks when it did not require him to get hit afterwards however showed some signs of being tentative when game got more physical or when he could have gotten to a loose puck but slowed down .. this is an area that will need further monitoring ..

Mike Mascioli (2008), RW, Kitchener

A swift player who plays with sand paper .. had a more relaxed approach this game and did not take costly penalties .. while he lacks the strength, he finished all his checks .. bounced off many players, he still lets the opposition know he will compete when he plays them .. did not do much to compliment his offensive game however, he was primarily employed as an energy third line winger .. should be a force physically when he matures ..

Myles Applebaum (2007), C, Kitchener

Oft-injured centre should see his role with the club increase dramatically .. shows good offensive awareness, scored as a result, doing dirty work in front and tipping in a goal .. decent stride however his first step quickness can still use work, ankle injury may be a direct result .. his shot is ok but could use a little more zip on it and do a better job picking the corners, needs to go for his shot .. sees the ice well and has good awareness .. with the recent departures of centres, Applebaum should finally get some PP time, which may result, to his best offensive totals to date provided he can stay healthy ..

The Future Looks Bright – St. Mikes – Erie – Peterborough (posted 9.13.06)

by David Burstyn

Despite their vast geographical distance and the fact they need passports to play one another, the St.Mikes Majors and Erie Otters on the ice have much in common. They are both teams in transition who are rebuilding, employing many of their younger players to assume greater scoring roles his season. The Otters will take advantage of the new OHL implemented rule which allows you to carry four 16 year olds on your roster while the Majors look prepared to carry three.

Mckeen's was on hand for recent exhibition games and files these notes as well as takes a first hand look at some draft eligible players on last year's OHL championship team the Peterborough Petes.

Kaspars Daugavins (Ott), LW, St.Mikes

Ottawa's third round selection in the 2006 draft is a welcome addition to a St.Mikes team struggling for offence .. Ottawa management is fortunate to be able to watch three of their top six picks from last season's draft without leaving the OHL, Foligno (28th) and Daniels (151st) being the others .. an explosive winger who has great speed, 1st step quickness and is light on his skates .. able to carry the puck into the offensive zone and displays good puck control as he can easily roll off the half boards or place the puck in his feet to further confuse the opposition .. moves his wrists constantly so it is hard for defenders to get a read on him .. can and will shoot often if he does not recognize a break down, however his shot is average .. he excels by distributing the puck and attempting to bat down pucks with uncanny hand/eye coordination while maintaining his position in front of the net, scored as a result .. supports the defense and has a decent understanding of defensive positioning without the puck, aggressive in puck pursuit .. was a little too flashy in the 1st period while crossing centre ice which resulted in him being absolutely leveled, however he made adjustments and was quicker to pass the puck in that area of the ice, showcasing his ability to quickly adapt .. developed good chemistry with Caria, worked many give-and-goes to perfection and was effective cycling the puck down low .. shows the promise to be a healthy contributor on the score sheet and should register key PP time.

Dustin Ekelman (2007), C, St.Mikes

Enjoyed a successful season in Bowmanville Tier II last season and was acquired in the off season from Saginaw for captain Tyler Haskins .. a conscientious player who is very smart and positionally sound .. anticipation skills and general hockey sense make him a good candidate for PK situations .. average skater who doesn't really have much quickness off the first few strides but can get from point A to point B efficiently .. makes clever passes and has some offensive jam to him .. will need time to adjust to the faster pace of the league and additional ice time and responsibilities will make him a valuable cog in the Majors rebuilding program.

Michael Pelech (2008), C, St.Mikes

Another player acquired in the off season from Kitchener in exchange for Matt Halischuk .. brings size, skill and youth .. thick frame and tall, however does not always use his size to his advantage .. his skating has been cleaned up considerably and while he still skates slightly hunched over he has gotten stronger over the summer and his stride is much more effective as a result .. can stick handle exceptionally well using his massive frame to shield the puck and is quite capable of making good outlet passes .. at times he seems to have full control of the puck and game however is unable to generate anything with it .. shows flashes of brilliance which made him a first round selection two seasons ago, will need to work on confidence and is still quite raw.

Dylan O'Neil (2009), C, St.Mikes

A surprising pick at 10th overall last season, O'Neil does bring speed, enthusiasm to compete and a generous skill set to the Majors .. always utilizing his speed to attack the defense as he works the outside .. has great control handling the puck at top speeds and goes behind the net to the slot always surveying options .. has innate ability to draw players to him therefore creating openings for others .. needs to get his shot off faster in the slot .. defensively he comes back and that has always been a part of his game .. while he is small in size and stature he does compete however he gets bullied off the puck on occasion but is equally successful in retrieving pucks down low due to low centre of gravity .. if the two referee system continues to be consistent and call all infractions, O'Neil should be able to put his speed to good use and produce modest offensive totals.

Tim Billingsley (2008), D, St.Mikes

Already showing signs of being the dominant offensive defenseman for the team .. eagerly joins the rush as he can often be found deep in the offensive zone and is always pinching at the line .. not afraid to shoot and seems to actually be encouraged to do so by the coaching staff .. shows tremendous poise with the puck, taking an extra step to get a better shot in the offensive zone .. has good puck skills .. mobility is outstanding as he is able to recover areas with fluid economical stride, does not expend much energy in his skating techniques .. must learn to constantly move his feet as he was guilty of a lazy penalty as a result when he was beaten at the line .. still needs to develop physically but this will come in time .. tremendous potential and should really flourish in an environment where he will be able to learn on the job without losing his ice-time.

Kelly Geoffrey (2008), C, Erie

Ending much speculation that he would play State side, he elected to sign with the Otters .. incredibly small however has magical hands that can finish .. showed ability to absorb hits .. willingly went to the net and looked to bang in rebounds .. can finish with his quick hands in close .. sneaky player who jumps into the rush unnoticed but is able to generate offence .. very elusive as his quick feet and tiny frame make him hard to hit .. defensively he has to make some serious adjustments as he is very raw and shows little to no understanding on where he should and needs to be .. another small player who is exceptionally dynamic who may thrive in new OHL setting, however will desperately need to put on some size and weight as he could be quite possibly the smallest player in the league.

Nick Palmieri (2007), RW, Erie

Shows good imagination as he is able to make things happen with the puck .. limited speed but due to his size and large stride he can cover the ice efficiently .. shows good protection skills as he storms down the wing .. releases his shot while skating which catches many goalies and defenders off guard .. shot is hard and fast but lack accuracy .. will be looked upon in the early going to produce with lengthy injuries to O'Marra and Peluso to start the season.

Ronny Rogers (2007), LW, Erie

A new addition to the team after spending last season in Huntsville Tier II .. unbelievable quickness and first step .. competed very hard and hit everything in sight .. never took a shift off, intensity resulted in costly penalties .. creates chances with his stick handling and ability to separate himself from the opposition .. extremely effective in traffic areas where his bull in a china shop approach intimidated players and gave him additional space .. seems to lack finish as he was unable to convert on many chances .. should be a supplementary role player for a rebuilding Otters team and his strong work ethic should have a positive effect on the younger players in the room.

Mitch Forbes (2008), RW, Erie

Shows good creativity and is an offensively minded player who made considerable strides just to make the OHL .. great hands, very skilled in close as he was able to literally freeze goalie and defender with puck skills and offensive savvy .. used primarily on the PP where he can fully take advantage of his speed and quick acceleration .. got pushed around often especially on the boards where he was constantly manhandled due to lack of strength .. should be a learning curve for him this season but a true compliment to his game that he is even getting a chance to play at this level.

Mitch Gaulton (2008), D, Erie

Fourth overall pick will clearly be the defender of the future .. he displays offensive smarts and is such a strong skater that he will be a corner stone for the franchise for the next five years .. he played only in the first period for this game but did showcase his booming slap shot that the PP seems to revolve around .. got caught flat footed on occasions however he has always played a year up and should have no difficulty making adjustments at this level .. expect his game to mature in the second half of the season and be a dominate player as early as next season.

Brian Shaw (2008), D, Erie

Tall and slender defender played a very safe and economical game .. was barely noticeable throughout the contest and for a defenseman that could be the biggest compliment you can make about their game .. good mobility and angled off rushing forwards with his skating .. stick checked and seems to understand his role in defending as he did not draw one penalty in a game filled with them .. did not play the puck, showed slight nervousness when handling it and passed it almost immediately .. a good depth defenseman who will provide stability on the back end, is assured to make mistakes this season however seems to have the mental capacity to not let it affect his game.

Robyn Sertic (2008), D, Erie

Defender had a decent game after logging many key minutes in all situations .. needs to put on weight as he looked very thin and lacked the strength to fully defend .. adjusted to the pace of the game ok but needs to constantly move his feet to be more effective .. showed more confidence handling the puck as the game got older .. most likely will start Tier II this season but experience was a healthy one for him to understand what is expected of him to be successful next year should he make the team.

Zach Harnden (2008), RW, Peterborough

After seeing little to no action last season, he returns in his second season to assume a greater role with the team .. is the type of player that will take a little longer to develop however possesses many tools .. good size however limited quickness .. looks awkward in his turns but once he gets moving he is fast in a straight line .. his balance will need some work as well, as he seems to be a little more top heavy as his legs have not fully developed .. shows promise when handling the puck, protects and cycles it well .. dishes off the puck and then goes hard to the net .. should make quantum leaps this season in terms of maturing and should get plenty of chances to play with skilled line mates to improve his confidence.

Jason McDonough (2007), LW, Peterborough

Younger brother of Ryan (Saginaw) looks to have bulked up during the summer .. has not lost his speed which is the best part of his game .. still has a low centre of gravity and really digs into the ice and sways his body to maximize full acceleration .. plays a good cycle game .. shows feistiness and a mean streak .. should see many minutes this season in a PK role and can hopefully pad his stats in the process and develop his game to be recognized by NHL scouts in his draft year.

Zach Bogosian (2008), D, Peterborough

First round selection shows tremendous promise to assume the reigns of the offensive minded defenseman role for seasons to come .. uncanny mobility, backwards movement and foot speed, he catapults into the offensive zone .. great vision as he made many nice cross ice passes, resulting in goals .. as much as he helps in the offensive department he needs to be aware of his decision making while in the offensive zone .. played 3-3 often and was able to control the play .. hard to tell if it is a matter of lack of strength or new rules prohibiting him from being more assertive in front of the net .. poor decisions resulted in coughed up pucks and while those can be chalked up to rookie mistakes he will need to show a penchant to getting smarter .. a definite player for the organization to build around.

Trevor Cann (2007), G, Peterborough

Successful rookie campaign which resulted in an impressive 16-2 record in 20 games played .. was the starting goalie for the Under 18 Canadian Team which captured the gold medal in the summer .. a small, yet extremely athletic goalie .. he has a tight, compact stance, holding his blocker and glove close to the body .. squats down low to see the puck through traffic .. butterfly style, really is able to drop down and recover fast however remains standing till last second .. poised and always seems ready to make the next save, however usually covers up the initial shot .. he is an exceptionally fast skater which really helps his lateral movement and makes him such a talented goalie .. looked vulnerable when his crease was crashed .. hard for him to make saves when he gets scrambling, more of a technical goalie .. enters the draft as one of the top rated goalies in the OHL and will look to improve on last year's totals.

OHL Prospect Preview – Brampton & Kitchener (posted 9.9.06)

by David Burstyn

The Brampton Battalion are a team in transition. Gone is Luch Aquino, Michael Vernace, Daren Machesney and Wojtek Wolski, the third leading scorer in the OHL last season. The Battalion will lean heavily on Matt Smyth and first rounder Cody Hodgson to supplement their offence this season.

The Kitchener Rangers like the Battalion are also in a rebuilding stage. They have many pieces in place but will need experience and time to get better. Newly acquired Matt Halischuk gives the Rangers a quality scorer and 1st round draft pick Nazem Kadri has the potential to be a goal-scoring machine.

McKeen's was on hand for a recent exhibition game and files these notes on various players:

Matt Smyth (2007), RW, Brampton

Has returned for his 2nd OHL season, bulkier and stronger.. scored within the first 10 seconds of the game with a nice display of speed and in close stick handling .. really dictated the play when puck was in his possession, dances in the offensive zone .. a slick skater who accelerates well and really cuts into the ice .. good vision as he developed nice chemistry with Hodgson .. defensively he looks more aware as to his positioning and does not appear as lost as was the case last year .. Coach Butler will be forced to lean on Smyth often as the offence has disappeared .. has a solid opportunity to pad his stats and work on his overall game heading into draft year.

Cody Hodgson (2008), C, Brampton

Ending speculation that he would opt for the NCAA, the Battalion wisely selected him at 17th overall in last year's entry draft .. as good as advertised in the early going as he was placed on the first line and not only fit in but created his own scoring chances, scored two goals and added an assist in contest .. guilty of holding onto the puck too long and was stripped of it as a result .. clever stick handler in open ice and was really able to showcase his skills on the PP .. showed a knack for attacking the side of the net and exploiting slow-footed defenders .. played a solid two way game .. his speed was not such a factor as it had been in Tier II last year however, he is exceptionally skilled and should have no problems making the adjustment to the OHL.

Justin Levac (2007), RW, Brampton

Last year's 2nd rounder found himself in and out of the line up last year but should see his role expand this season .. a big winger who skates up right and is technically sound .. anticipates plays well and is able to position himself in areas where he is effective .. good offensive instincts but is still quite raw and will need time to develop confidence.

Ken Peroff (2008), D, Brampton

Modest sized defender impresses with quick feet and smart approach to game .. closes the gap efficiently and effectively .. has tremendous mobility and surprised Rangers with his speed and recovery skills .. can make a good first pass and will always take a hit to advance the puck .. played special teams, including a 5-3 shorthanded situation .. can control the play at the point however elects to pass rather than shoot .. solid all around defender should make the Battalion team and be a part of their future.

Matt Halischuk (2007), RW, Kitchener

Acquired in the off-season for Michael Pelech from St.Mikes .. character player who brings all around game to Kitchener and is a versatile forward who can play on any line .. knows where to be on the ice, scored Rangers first goal .. fired many shots at the net, barely missing on a few chances .. needs to continue to shot to be more effective .. passes too often and is easily read by defenders .. a decent skater but does not have blinding speed .. with many young forwards in the line up this season, they will be able to look up to Halischuk as his leadership qualities and work ethic is top notch.

Yves Bastien (2007), LW, Kitchener

A small player with quick hands and even faster feet .. tries to beat defenders to the outside with his blazing speed .. was stopped short by Oreskovic and nailed into the boards .. small frame really enables him to penetrate the offensive zone and speed makes him dangerous to explode in the neutral zone .. the Rangers are very strong on the left side and Bastien who contributed with a goal in the game will be expected to produce in order to stay on one of the top two PP units.

Nazem Kadri (2009), C, Kitchener

Centred the third line and generated all the scoring chances for his line .. scored two third period goals, one on a bad line change by the Battalion albeit a beautiful three way passing play and the second occurring with a bullet of a wrister at the top of the slot over a startled Killeen .. ultra fast skater who zips up and down the ice with ease .. feisty for his size as he hit and established puck control as a result .. challenged Oreskovic coming down the wing and was able to partially skate by him, displaying courage in his efforts .. Kadri has all the tools to be a successful OHL'er and a first line star for the Rangers for many years to come.

Robert Bortuzzo (2007), D, Kitchener

Big, slender defender played an average game .. made a nice first pass on some shifts and was forced on others resulting in turnovers .. upright skater who has efficient speed .. decisions with the puck and when to release his shot at the point needs to be worked on .. still quite raw but shows some promise and may be a depth defenseman come regular season.

OHL Prospect Preview – London & Sarnia (posted 9.6.06)

by David Burstyn

The London Knights for the past few seasons have become the powerhouse of the OHL. Their accolades include a stellar 2004-05 campaign in which they dominated the CHL en route to their first Memorial Cup win. However with success in the junior ranks also comes a time for rebuilding and that is exactly the position the Knights are in. They have managed to assemble a solid nucleus of young players among them the American born Patrick Kane and Sam Gagner, two prospects slated to go in the first round in McKeen's 2007 draft rankings. Mckeen's was on hand for a recent exhibition game that featured the brand new additions of the Knights and the Sarnia Sting.

Patrick Kane (2007), RW, London

One look at Kane and it is no wonder that Knights management worked so hard in the off season to acquire him .. Buffalo born Kane is a diminutive forward who has uncanny puck carrying skills .. very Robbie Schremp-esque in his ability to hold onto the puck surveying options .. very quick wrists as he is able to stick handle with ease through the opposition and is very effective in traffic as his slender build really allows him to roll off players and get into tight spaces .. drops the shoulder to really protect the puck in close .. a healthy skater, with short bursts of explosive speed .. great vision, constantly made passes that broke down, albeit an inexperienced Sarnia defence .. really challenged defenders by keeping his head up while crossing the zone, watching their movements and then reacting as he shifted to open ice to make a play .. defenders after the second period were respecting him much more and allowing him additional open ice for fear of getting beaten to the outside which was the case in the first period .. scored a seemingly impossible goal as he managed to quickly bring the puck to his forehand and roof it with very little net to shoot at .. Kane will have a very successful season in the OHL, he will be a PP mainstay and early indications of his play make him a highly sought after NHL prospect, worthy of improving his draft position.

Sam Gagner (2007), C, London

Gagner along with his father ex-NHL'er and current Knights assistant coach return to Canada after a brief one year stint in the USHL .. a very intelligent player who reads plays extremely well in the offensive zone .. quick, no look passes catch the defence by surprise as he was able to feather tape-to-tape passes all contest .. an average skater but his smarts and positioning more than make up for any deficiencies .. played the point on the PP as he was able to manage an effective PP, his shot was a little off its mark for this game but normally it is a reliable weapon .. he will need to address his strength throughout the year as he had difficulty containing forwards at times .. his defensive play also tailed off once the team had an established a four goal lead, work ethic in that regard will have to improve .. Gagner like Kane shows terrific promise and his ability to distribute the puck should result in a team high in assists and a highly productive offensive season.

Philip McRae (2008), C, London

The son of former NHL tough guy and Co-owner of the Knights, Basil McRae was the Knights first round selection last year .. blessed with size and a good offensive skill set .. shows the promise to be a dominant force however will most likely take a back seat to new comers Kane and Gagner this season before coming into his own next year .. decision making on the PP was questionable at times however playing at a higher pace and with different line mates may be a direct result .. he showed flashes of brilliance as he was able to bully his way to the net with his long stride which generates considerable speed when moving .. he has many moves in his arsenal, eluded many defenders with a toe drag move which he used with considerable success .. McRae has enormous potential and could possibly challenge for OHL Rookie-of-the-Year honours.

David Meckler (LA), C, London

Meckler joins the OHL after a successful season in Yale, NCAA .. extremely agile and quick he possess a great separation gear and wins loose puck battles .. a capable offensive player who has solid finishing skills .. was used however extensively in SH situations and thrived with the responsibility, often stealing pucks with his aggressive fore check and feisty nature creating chances from hard work .. he has tremendous balance and did not get knocked off his feet once .. he was dangerous in traffic and he was able to bang and crash the net and scored a goal as a result .. great shot that explodes off the blade .. Meckler will be a favourite of Coach Hunter to preserve crucial late game leads and also chip in with the occasional goal .. a solid addition to this hockey club.

Kevin Bodker (2008), D, London

Fellow American and former team mate of McRae showed potential in first outing but will need to revamp his game to become more successful in ultra competitive OHL .. average in size, he does not play a physical style of game rather preferring to get into position to tie up a man in front .. defensively he is not particularly strong .. offensively he has a tendency to gamble a little too much and got lucky on many occasions with a relatively weak Sarnia squad, will probably pay for it later in the season as his passes and decision to join the rush need some tinkering .. still very raw and defenseman normally take a little longer to develop, expect a learning curve.

Luke VanMoerkerke (2008), LW, London

The tall, slightly build winger joins the Knights in his first season of the OHL .. he has a nice long stride but is not an exceptionally gifted skater .. he is basically a straight away skater who has limited acceleration, pivoting skills and questionable balance .. his play away from the puck still needs work and he has a tendency to chase the puck carrier and gets caught out of position .. his strength lies in his shot were he has a wicked wrister and is not afraid to use it .. should see action but primarily on the third and fourth line .. should be a good experience for him to play with increased competition and hopefully late birth date will help his NHL draft possibility next season.

Corey Syvret (2007), D, London

Is the type of player that needs to play often to be effective, problem is he makes too many gaffes that he does not warrant the minutes .. he saw time killing penalties and looked awkward in his defensive zone coverage, constantly chasing the puck carrier and losing his strong position in front .. still quite raw however should benefit from being thrust into intense game situations .. more is expected of Syvret and it should be very interesting to see how he responds to that type of pressure in his draft year.

Steve Mason (CBJ), G, London

The Knights chances of success lie squarely on the shoulders of massive 6'3 Oakville born Mason .. although he played in only 16 games last season he was drafted very high and Columbus scouts should be rewarded for uncovering such a gem .. tall, super agile and coordinated, his frame covers a large portion of the net .. he is cool and calm in his crease and is blessed with extraordinary lateral movement .. plays a butterfly style and is quick to drop always keeping his active glove hand high to catch or swat down pucks .. plays deep in the net on rushing forwards to neutralize chances of rebounds in front while maintaining good position .. average stick handler .. Mason is the back bone for the Knights, everything starts with him .. he was easily the best player in this contest as his relaxed approach and the way he made saves look so easy, frustrated the Sting into looking for a perfect shot .. his play is reminiscent of young Buffalo net minder Ryan Miller.

Daniel Lombardi (2007), LW, Sarnia

Super slick and quick he creates many chances with his speed .. had a few individual rushes and made smart outlet passes but seemed to get visibly discouraged when team mates failed to capitalize on them .. lost a little interest in the game and was guilty of making foolish plays, for example taking extra time at the blue line without getting the puck out of his zone first which resulted in a scoring chance the other way .. has the ability to play better.

Dalton Prout (2008), D, Sarnia

Second round pick did not disappoint in his debut making strong plays and keeping it simple .. surprisingly was a fixture on the PP as new head Coach Dave MacQueen wanted to utilize his shot .. kept it low and always towards the net .. was not pressured into making a bad pass and routinely went about his business like a seasoned pro .. a gifted skater, who can easily recover lost ice due to long healthy stride .. when the game was out of reach he became less of a factor and Coach MacQueen was wise not too put him out too often in the third as not to kill his confidence, early in his OHL career .. he is very strong for his age and should be a corner stone in the rebuilding process.

Steven Stamkos (2008), C, Sarnia

1st overall pick looked a little out of place at times but settled down nicely in the 2nd and 3rd period and emerged as Sarnia's best player of the game .. making the appropriate adjustments displays how smart Stamkos is .. he tried to do too much on occasion but always worked hard at both ends of the ice .. he had a sensational rush that was stopped only by the excellent goal tending of Mason, however he managed to split the defence with an inside/out move and showed that even though the game was out of reach he would still compete .. made many nice moves on the back check catching slow footed defenders by surprise which lead to chances the other way .. wants and excels with the puck on his stick .. will need to find a set of line mates that truly compliment his game .. Stamkos is a future star in the OHL and will be a definite name mentioned in the 2008 NHL entry draft.