Toronto Jr. Canadiens Prospect Review

Although they do not have the same dynamic talent as last season, the Toronto Jr. Canadiens once again ice a roster of talented prospects that will be high selections at the 2009 OHL Draft. McKeen's correspondent Max Giese files notes on several notable Jr. Canadiens.

Justin Thomas (2011), LW, Toronto Jr. Canadiens

Potential power forward that plays a brash north-and-south-style-of-game .. purposeful skater that needs to upgrade his quickness out of the gates and become lighter on his feet .. has good hands and strong individual puck skills, which enable him to excel in one-on-one situations, although his decision-making leaves much to be desired, as he will beat a guy only to return and attempt to beat him again .. employs his sizable frame successfully to protect the puck well and play a strong game up and down the wall .. a presence in front of the opponents net, Thomas is the type of player that thrives with a defined role and should be a high pick in the 2009 OHL draft.

Tyler Biggs (2011), RW/C, Toronto Jr. Canadiens

An inconsistent but physically gifted player that is a dynamic package of skill and power when fully motivated .. wide-based skater that moves fluently in possession of the puck .. has a great individual skill set and his forceful drives to the net create a vast amount of offensive opportunities for himself and his teammates .. can kill penalties and is capable of being a multi-dimensional player that excels in all-situations, however his game currently suffers from immaturity and Biggs must work on his bringing his A-game to every shift .. will be a highly sought after player at this years OHL draft.

Eric Diodati (2011), D, Toronto Jr. Canadiens

Lanky defenseman with a promising combination of size and burgeoning offensive skill .. fluidly mobile and his skating will only become stronger with time once he puts on some muscle .. rangy puckhandler with soft hands and understated offensive upside .. injects a healthy element of offense from the backend to his team when he's on the ice and is capable of manufacturing scoring opportunities by jumping into the rush .. must bulk up and become a more aggressive defender around his crease, although he already has a good defensive stick thanks to his gangly reach .. the most promising defenseman on the Jr. Canadiens and should be a high selection at the 2009 OHL draft.

Alan Quine (2011), C, Toronto Jr. Canadiens

Heady two-way pivot with cerebral playmaking skills .. relaxed skater with nice acceleration .. playmaking center that acts as the set-up man when on the ice - dishing off elegant passes to his teammates in all-three zones .. carries the puck with poise and shields it effectively from opponents, however he needs to upgrade his ability to finish and must display more intestinal fortitude by activating himself in traffic more, as he currently sticks to the perimeter too often .. inherently tends to back down from physical confrontations, but you can't teach his vision, which makes him a sought after prospect for the upcoming OHL draft.

Michael Nishi (2012), G, Toronto Jr. Canadiens

Average-sized goaltender with a refined technique and adequate athletic ability .. makes calculated decisions playing the puck and he handles it well enough to disrupt opponent forecheckers on the dump-and-chase .. effectively angles low pucks to the corners and sucks in higher shots into his midsection .. economical with sound positioning and sharp mental focus .. fairly quick and needs to be because he's undersized by today's goaltending standards.