OHL: The Justin Peters Show

Acquired in the Kevin Klein trade with Guelph ... a good skater who plays a strong two-way game ... excellent penalty killer ... very intelligent player ... currently centers the Majors’ second line ... Haskins was rewarded with some power play time on the first unit ... a favorite of head coach Dave Cameron, who was impressed with Haskins' play for the United States at the 2003 U-18 World Cup over the summer ... works hard and should improve as he fills out ... Haskins has more offensive potential then his statistics indicate right now.

Justin Peters (2004), C, St. Mike’s

Played very well in two victories against SSM and Kitchener over the week-end ... gave up five goals total, but one was a fluky shot early in the Soo game by Jeff Carter, while the goals scored by the Rangers were a result of defensive breakdowns ... boasts a quick glove hand ... plays the puck very well ... uses size to his advantage ... turned away 37 shots ... Peters is a level-headed goalie who rarely panics when things get busy ... continues to make a strong case as one of the top goalies for this year’s draft.

Cory Vitarelli (2004), C, St. Mike’s

The Majors’ third line center has been hot of late, registering seven points in his last three games ... named the first star of the game after scoring two goals and two assists ... a smallish forward, Vitarelli plays a smart two-way game ... passed over in last year’s NHL draft, Vitarelli doesn’t possess any particular NHL-caliber skills ... paired with Hurricanes’ draft pick Ryan Rorabeck; they gave the Rangers’ defence fits all game long, cycling the puck effectively deep in the zone ... a good depth player for the Majors.

Boris Valabik (2004), D, Kitchener

A solid defenseman who is absolutely huge at 6-foot-6 and 210 pounds ... had a good game against Majors, contributing an assist ... competent in most areas, although he doesn’t seem to possess any standout skills ... did show a mean streak and a willingness to take revenge on encroaching forwards … a good, mobile skater for a guy his size ... a fixture on the Rangers’ penalty killing unit … his imposing frame and nasty disposition should entice some team in the early rounds of next summer’s NHL draft ... looks like a project defensive defenseman from here.

Evan McGrath (2004), C, Kitchener

A great skater who constantly hustles on the forecheck ... showed off a quick release and a wicked wristshot ... plays hard on defence ... McGrath is listed at just 5-11.5 with Central Scouting, but looks considerably bigger ... excellent in transition through the neutral zone ... scored Kitchener’s first goal by skating to the right spot at the right time to accept a pass from behind the net, after winning a battle along the boards to keep the puck in the Majors’ zone ... a very intelligent player who just needs to add more strength and weight ... McGrath will hear his name called early next June.

Matt Lashoff (2005), D, Kitchener

The young defender has good size and is a strong skater ... pairs with veteran Andre Benoit on the first power play unit ... Lashoff moves the puck well on the point, and is a threat to sneak to the net when the occasion presents itself ... not too physical at this point ... sometimes makes shaky decisions coming out of his own zone ... an excellent passer who possesses a hard shot ... a ‘do-everything’ type defender with the potential to be a great one down the road.

Devereaux Heshmatpour (2005), D, Kitchener

The humongous defenseman hasn’t enjoyed as smooth a transition to the OHL as Lashoff ... the much-hyped rookie from Toronto has yet to live up to his advanced billing ... a decent skater straight away, however he is still very raw, and needs to work on his footwork and balance ... beaten badly by Tim Brent with a little dipsy-doodle maneuver off the rush ... Heshmatpour is very physical in front of his own goal ... displayed average puck skills and vision, and may not develop into much of an offensive player, although it’s still too early to get a true read on his upside.

Carlo DiRienzo (2004), G, Kitchener

Stand-up goalie ... sometimes gets running around in his crease ... gave up some questionable goals against the Majors ... the Rangers No. 1 goalie has had some good games so far this season ... will be tested often this season playing behind a very green Rangers’ blueline.

Mike Richards (PHI), C, Kitchener

Philadelphia's other first-rounder in last June’s NHL draft, Richards rose to the head of the class during '03 playoffs ... named captain of the Rangers, succeeding Buffalo draftee Derek Roy ... an above-average skater, Richards is an intelligent player who moves the puck smartly … displayed some great stick skills ... accumulated 17 minutes in penalties instigating a fight with Majors' rookie Ryan Wilson, who absolutely leveled Nathan O'Nabigon with a hit along the boards ... the move was emblematic of Richards’ leadership skills, but hurt the club’s offence, which was out of synch during his absence ... paired with Peter Kanko to form an intimidating first line and top penalty-killing unit ... set up a goal early in the third period upon his return, playing effectively through traffic low in the Majors’ zone.

Peter Kanko (LA), LW, Kitchener

Kanko is a sparkplug and an aggressive penalty killer ... a star of last year’s Memorial Cup tournament, Kanko has a knack for scoring important goals ... makes full use of his excellent speed, especially on the forecheck ... a hard-worker, his exuberance on the ice is contagious ... may be small in stature, but plays a big man’s game.