OHL: Wolski Back on Track

Correspondent Patrick King writes that the enigmatic Avalanche first rounder Wojtek Wolski is finally beginning to play up to his potential in recent viewings. Also read on for added insight on Brampton rearguards Phil Oreskovic and Michael Vernace.

Phil Oreskovic (2005), D

Paired up with San Jose prospect Michael Vernace .. big, physical defenceman is tough as nails .. bounced right back up after taking a slapshot off the ribs .. lets opponents know he's around by dishing out big hits along the boards .. clears the front of his net with efficiency and ease .. at times pinched in at the opponent's blue line to dish out a big open ice hit .. skating is pretty good for a player of his size .. offensive potential is very limited .. assisted on the game-winner when his point shot caromed off Ryan Wilson to an open Tyler Harrison beside the net .. economical and savvy when he has to make a play, often shooting the puck off the boards rather than trying to make a perfect pass .. took a big hit from Darryl Boyce late in the game and was shaken up; slowly skated off the ice while grimacing with pain .. was right back out there for the next shift with the Majors pressing late in the game for the equalizer .. stay-at-home defenceman plays a smart effective game and deserves more consideration.

Michael Vernace (SJ), D

Played on the top defensive pairing with draft-eligible Phil Oreskovic .. anything but defensive-oriented .. very impressive when carrying the puck up the ice and has good vision .. shot the puck along the ice towards Aaron Snow for the redirect but the shot was denied .. good vision and anticipation of teammates .. tremendous puck control, often times was able to control a bouncing puck with little to no effort .. doesn't pay enough attention to defensive responsibilities, often blowing assignments .. threw a no-look pass at his own blue line that was intercepted by an opponent and resulted in a chance for the opposition .. needs to work on one-on-one situations as he was beaten to the side several times .. made a nice play in his own end when Oreskovic threw a pass his way, letting the puck go around the boards to the forward without touching it.

Wojtek Wolski (Col), LW

Showing more inspiration and dedication this season and when he's on, he's hard to stop .. asserted himself early in the game and was a pest on the forecheck all night long .. plays on the point on the power-play due to creativity and vision .. was a threat on the pk; stole the puck at the blue line and went in on a breakaway but backhand shot was foiled by Justin Peters .. an opportunist on the pk due to his tremendous speed and vision .. always looked for turnovers but also respected his defensive responsibilities .. stole the puck at the blue line late in the game but was stopped after trying to deke around a defenceman .. has added a physical dimension that was largely dormant in his draft year .. project forward seems to be coming along and could be a good one if he learns to be more consistent.