Tavares Highlights Memorable Draft

This year's OHL draft is certainly one that won't be forgotten anytime soon. 14-year old John Tavares made headlines when the OHL gave its approval for him to play and the Oshawa Generals wasted little time in making him the first pick in the draft. Only Bobby Orr and Denis Potvin have played in the OHL at a younger age.

The Generals made official on Saturday what we already knew on Thursday – that Tavares would be their first pick. The 14-year old sensation is relieved the media hype surrounding the draft is finally over and the 2009-eligible skater is quoted on the OHL's web site saying that he's looking forward to making the Generals a winner again.

"I am hoping we can do well this season and make a playoff rush", he said. "That's what my real goal is - to help this team make the playoffs and go far in the playoffs".

Tavares is an exceptional player. While playing for the Toronto Marlboros in minor midget he recorded a remarkable 91 goals and 158 points in a mere 71 games. Tavares even excelled this season in a brief stint with the Milton Ice hawks of Tier II where he notched 28 points in 20 games.

DEFENSIVE DEPTH

This year's crop was exceptionally deep at the defensive position and the Sarnia Sting wasted no time selecting Mark Katic with the 2nd overall selection. He joins an extremely young and mobile defensive unit that will be anchored by NHL draft-eligible Trevor Solomon and Matt Pelech.

The Saginaw Spirit had three picks in the opening two rounds and after two consecutive years of selecting a defenseman with their top pick (Patrick McNeill first in 2003, Matt Corrente second in 2004) the Spirit finally drafted a forward by taking Stratford Culliton superstar Zack Torquato third overall. The Spirit selected Anthony Soboczynski as the first player in the second round, a pick they got from the Generals earlier last season.

They may have missed the boat on the best goaltender available though as Daryl Borden went after virtual unknown Thomas Craig of Christian Brothers College High School. The Spirit really addressed their offensive needs by making forwards their first four selections and they even took a stab at Tristin Llewellyn. Llewellyn would be a sure-fire first rounder, but he has not committed to playing in the OHL. This isn't the first time the Spirit have gambled on US-born players: they took Phil Kessel in the fourth round (62nd overall) in the 2004 draft. Both Torquato and Soboczynski should have an immediate impact on a team desperate for offence. They'll join the likes of Tom Mannino, Marek Kvapil and Team Canada U-18 standout Tom Pyatt.

PITHER, BORDEN TO KINGSTON

The Kingston Frontenacs chose Clarington Toro Lukas Pither with the fourth pick. Pither led the OHL Cup in goals and his blazing speed, coupled with his outstanding vision, made him an obvious selection. The Frontenacs also addressed their goaltending needs when they made Brantford 99er Daryl Borden the first goalie to be selected with the 24th overall pick.

The Guelph Storm picked fifth and also selected a defenseman: London Jr. Knight Drew Doughty. Doughty is an excellent skater and joins a very strong nucleus with the likes of Ryan Parent and last year's first round selection Michael Caruso. The Storm should be strong at this position for a long time. The team also grabbed Kevin Shattenkirk in the 11th round with the hopes of persuading him to play in the OHL. Shattenkirk is an extremely talented player who has already mentioned playing for the U.S. NTDP U-17 team, but, like most American players, his future is still uncertain.

MARLBORO'S GOOD SHOWING

The Toronto Marlboros team dominated the next few picks and, including Tavares, had four players go in the top ten. The Windsor Spitfires were wise to take power forward Akim Aliu and followed up that selection with two big defenders in Robert Bortuzzo and Trea Higgins. All of these picks stand at 6'2" with the possibility to still grow. The loss of Scott Dickson will be a void Aliu will be more than willing to fill.

The St. Mike's Majors had the seventh pick and they took local boy Brendan Smith. Smith should provide the Majors with a reliable PP QB for many years to come. While the status of Scott Lehmann and Nathan McIver are uncertain, Smith should be given every opportunity to play in all situations. The Majors also grabbed Adam Zamec with their second selection. He has a quick release and hard shot and if coupled with an experienced playmaker like Justin Donati, Zamec could end up paying dividends sooner than one might expect.

STRONG CENTERS

The Bellville Bulls should have a nice one-two punch at centre for the next few years with eighth overall selection Bryan Cameron and John Hughes, who was last year's first overall pick. Cameron's speed and offensive creativity should strengthen a young Bulls team.

Nick Petrecki was the first American player chosen. Petrecki is a huge and talented defender who should have no problems adjusting to the OHL. The Whalers also selected diminutive forward Chris Terry of the Markham Islanders. The Whalers do not shy away from taking smaller players. They chose Cory Tanaka last year with their second overall pick and he posted respectable numbers with 10 goals and 21 points. Both players are the same height and weight and were each drafted 29th overall.

The Erie Otters selected Anthony Peluso of the Richmond Hill Stars with the 10th pick. A huge forward, the Otters continue to draft big, strong players to complement their offence.

GAMBLING ON COUTURE

The biggest surprise of the draft may be Logan Couture slipping to the 12th overall slot. Originally expected to go first in the draft before Tavares gained OHL eligibility, the Ottawa 67's were shocked that he was available. While his character may have come into question concerning his obvious disappointment about not going first overall and then opting to play in the USHL instead of the OHL, there is no denying his talent. Ottawa decided to gamble on Couture and it could end up being the steal of the draft if Couture reports.

Matt Smyth's draft stock also fell as he found himself chosen 14th overall by the Brampton Battalion. Many teams also gambled on uncommitted players or American born prospects, although because of the uncertainty surrounding where they may play next year, their stock dropped considerably the day of the draft. Players such as Sam Gagner (London 4th round 67th overall), Teddy Ruth (Peterbrough 5th round 90th overall), Colby Cohen (Brampton 5th round 94th overall) and Tom Fritsche (Kitchener 8th round 158th overall) all would have been selected much higher, all things being equal.

Both Blake Parlett (Barrie: 1st round, 15th overall) and Cory Syvret (London: 1st round 20th overall) will get a chance to play in front of their home town crowds. Parlett played the entire season with Huntsville Jr. A and is ecstatic to play for the Colts. Syvret will have a chance to follow in his brother's footsteps as early as next season.