A Signing & Two Sweet Goals

Just a couple of miscellaneous things I wanted to bring to your attention on this fine Sunday afternoon.

The first is that Niagara IceDogs winger (and former Barrie Colt) Darren Archibald has FINALLY signed an NHL contract. After going through 2 NHL drafts (despite being ranked) and having long stays at 2 NHL camps (Columbus and Detroit), Archibald finally put the ink on an entry level contract with the Vancouver Canucks (LINK). As you know, I've been a big supporter of Archibald the past few seasons and I've always been flabbergasted that he continued to remain without an NHL affiliation (whether it be as a draft pick or signee). The Canucks are getting a complete player who can do a little bit of everything and who (IMO) should develop into at least a serviceable checking line winger with goal scoring ability. Congrats to Darren (Here's an interview with Darren about the signing. Clearly he's a happy camper).

The second is a pair of excellent goals that occurred recently. Both are from highly touted potential 2011 NHL Draft picks.

Rickard Rakell topped the OHL plays of the week with a behind the back, through the legs wrist shot that is definitely worth a look (reminds me a lot of James Van Riemsdyk's goal from the WJC's a few years ago).

HERE

Ryan Strome scored a beauty of a goal against the Barrie Colts last night, as he flew down the wing, put on the breaks and roofed it top shelf as he was falling to the ice. He's a human highlight reel. The goal occurs about midway through the clip below.

Game Report: Erie & Niagara from September 30

I caught the Ice Dogs and the Otters last night in St. Catharines. I was undeniably curious to catch the new look Dogs in action after adding Steve Shipley, Tim Billingsley, Jason Wilson and David Pacan in recent weeks. And quite frankly, they didn't disappoint.

The score was close, but generally speaking, the play was not. The Dogs squeaked away with a 5-4 victory, but outshot the Otters 51-31 during the game. This included a dominant third period where they put 23 shots on Ramis Sadikov. Once the forward lines develop more chemistry, this team is going to be one to watch in the East (if they weren't already before the moves).

The Otters defense had a lot of trouble with Niagara's size and speed combination. They were consistently outworked in their own end and were visibly tired by the end of the game. All four of the Dogs lines worked the cycle to perfection and really did well to gain and maintain possession in the offensive end. Erie's Ramis Sadikov had a great game. He looks poised for a good year. He's so big and his hybrid style helps him to take up a lot of the net.

The Dogs were also helped by 4 power play goals, as Erie's penalty kill unit had some trouble. Although in the end, Steve Shipley's even strength tap in goal in the third (the Dogs first even strength goal of the game) sealed the victory.

Player Reports

Erie Otters







#5 - David Shields (2009 NHL Draft - St. Louis Blues)
Shields had a game that was pretty much on par for him. He's a steady influence on the ice and someone you don't really notice unless you're paying attention to him. For a defenseman that can be a good thing. Last year I did notice that he had difficulty with forwards on the rush, and last night was no different. Steve Shipley blew by him just inside the blueline, leaving him flat footed. Shields is solid in coverage, but it looks like he can still stand to improve his agility and anticipation.

#7 - Brady Austin (NHL Draft Eligible in 2011)
Is he a defenseman or a forward? That's the question I want answered. He played forward last night, centering the team's third line. But I've seen him play defense previously and I've felt he's looked better there, using his size and aggressiveness to push forwards around. He still throws his body around as a forward (hit Ryan Strome from behind at one point in the second), but I didn't really notice him offensively at all. I wonder if he has the puck skill to excel as a forward, especially as a center?

#10 - Tyler Hostetter (Signed as a Free Agent by the Philadelphia Flyers)
I've always liked Hostetter. Definitely one of the more underrated defenseman in the league. He's not really a flashy guy, but someone who's quietly a good two way defender. He makes good decisions with the puck and had a couple of nice rushes into Niagara's zone, particularly in the third period when Erie was really trying to shift momentum. Defensively, I think his lateral mobility and general agility help him to play both off the rush and in the zone. I'm not really sure what type of NHL defenseman he could be, but he's a solid player.

#14 - Greg McKegg (2010 NHL Draft - Toronto Maple Leafs)
The new captain of the Erie Otters was actually pretty quiet until the third period. In the third, he was one of the only players coming alive for the Otters. On the powerplay, he came off the side wall and tried to throw a pass cross crease to Anthony Luciani, but Dogs forward Andrew Agozzino ended up tipping it into his own net. And later, to draw the Otters within one goal with about 5 minutes remaining, he cut to the middle of the ice with the puck and left a drop pass to Mike Cazzola who snapped the puck past Mark Visentin. The Otters are going to need McKegg (and Cazzola) to pick up where they left off last season...sans Zach Torquato.

#17 - David Broll (NHL Draft Eligible in 2011)
Was kind of excited to see him, but ultimately didn't notice him at all. He had a couple of big hits in the first period, but disappeared after that. I'll definitely hope to see him again.

Niagara IceDogs









#8 - Alex Friesen (2010 NHL Draft - Vancouver Canucks)
Alex is still one of the hardest working forwards in the league. His speed is hard to contain and he's relentless in pursuit of the puck. He and linemate Andrew Agozzino have such good chemistry and the two of them are constantly creating off the rush. Interestingly enough, Alex is one of the only forwards I'd actually trust on the point of the powerplay. He's QB'd the Dogs powerplay for the past year and a bit. Tonight he made a great defensive play as Shawn Szydlowski came flying down the wing on the penalty kill (one on one with Friesen), but Alex angled him off the puck and negated a serious scoring chance. Friesen added a goal and two assists on the powerplay too. All the secondary scoring the Dogs have added is only going to help him have an even better offensive season than last year.

#10 - Steve Shipley (2010 NHL Draft - Buffalo Sabres)
Who are you? Is this the same Steve Shipley as last year? Where the heck did the speed and acceleration come from? Shipley looked fantastic off the rush, blowing past Erie defenders (in particular David Shields on one play). What was once considered a serious fault, has to now be considered a weapon. Definitely looks like he's worked on it over the summer. Shipley had a great game all around though. On the powerplay in the third, Shipley took a rebound, did a dipsy doodle around Sadikov and got it out to Wilson at the edge of the crease for a tap in. He also picked up the game winning goal by going hard to the net following his own rebound and putting home the garbage. If he can increase his consistency this season, he'll have a big year.

#13 - Freddie Hamilton (2010 NHL Draft - San Jose Sharks)
Hamilton looked quite good on the powerplay, as he worked hard down low and did a great job moving the puck around quickly. He picked up a couple of assists. However, at even strength he wasn't nearly as noticeable I thought. I think it's a case of acclimatizing to new linemates (Shipley and Wilson for most of the night).

#15 - Jason Wilson (2010 NHL Draft - New York Rangers)
Truthfully, I didn't notice Wilson at all until the 3rd period, when he came to life. He grabbed a garbage goal off the aforementioned nice feed from Shipley on the powerplay. He also picked up an assist on the game winning goal by Shipley by breaking into the offensive zone with speed and getting the puck to a streaking Shipley for a shot (it was ultimately the rebound that Shipley put in for the goal). In the past, I've always noticed how physical Wilson is though and didn't see that tonight. Hopefully as he becomes more used to his new surroundings, we'll start to see the heavy hitter return.

#18 - Ryan Strome (NHL Draft Eligible in 2011)
Strome was the best player on the ice. I left incredibly impressed with him. Considering this seems to be carrying over from the preseason, this might be a permanent fixture. He showed a lot of offensive creativity. He undressed an Otters defenseman (I believe Derek Holden) with a beautiful toe drag to the middle of the ice, but couldn't beat Sadikov on the partial break. But he created a lot of room for himself with his hard work on the cycle too. He, Myles Doan, and David Pacan were ruthless in puck possession and really tired out the Otters defense. Strome may not be big, but he protects the puck very well, and his agility helps him to keep defenders from squaring him up. Strome also showed outstanding on ice vision. On the powerplay , he found a cutting Dougie Hamilton with a tape to tape pass and Hamilton buried it to tie the game at 2. He had another assist on the powerplay, but also scored. He was quarterbacking the powerplay at the time and perfectly timed a shot through a defender's legs, going five hole on Sadikov (catching him moving from right to left). If Strome continues to play like this during the year, he could easily be a top 40 NHL pick. Colour me very impressed.

#22 - David Pacan (2009 NHL Draft - Chicago Blackhawks)
Fresh off getting booted from the University of Vermont, Pacan suited up for his first game with the Dogs (and in the OHL). I thought he looked excellent. He's big and he plays big. Pacan cycled the puck very well and Erie's defenders had a tough time getting it off him. He also knows his role and goes hard to the net looking for loose pucks. Pacan added a secondary assist on the Jason Wilson powerplay goal. It'll be interesting to see him get more comfortable.

#23 - Mitchell Theoret (NHL Draft Eligible in 2011)
Theoret was great tonight, even if he got less ice time as the game went on. I was really impressed by his hustle and forechecking ability. He was another forward who gave the Otters' defenders a tough time on the cycle. But Theoret also created off the rush and looks to have a lot more offensive confidence this season. Considering how well he played in the preseason, I'd love to see the Dogs find a way to get him involved more as it's clear he's got more to offer than your typical fourth liner.

#27 - Dougie Hamilton (NHL Draft Eligible in 2011)
When I saw Bob Mackenzie list Hamilton as a potential top 10 selection for the 2011 draft, I was a little surprised. But the word was he had improved a lot and was fantastic at the Ivan Hlinka tournament. The word was right. Hamilton looked massively improved last night and really controlled the pace of play at both ends. He looks confidence and skilled in rushing the puck, with his skating and acceleration being much improved. He's taking chances offensively that he wasn't last year, but he's also quick to get back to his own end. He scored a beautiful goal on the powerplay, as he found space, cut to the net and one timed a pass from Ryan Strome to the back of the net. It was a laser. It actually seemed like he never left the ice on the powerplay and seems to be much more poised in moving the puck along the umbrella. And on defense, he was physical and controlled. He could have a monster year.

#29 - Mark Visentin (2010 NHL Draft - Phoenix Coyotes)
Visentin didn't have the best of games by his standard. He seemed to be fighting the puck a bit. The first goal against him was kind of weak. It was a partially screened shot from his right side, as Shayne Rover tried to get his stick/body in front of a wrist shot. I don't think Rover touched it, but it was a bit of a knuckler. It seemed like Visentin might have been caught a little bit too deep in his net. The second goal against was off a juicy rebound to Matt Paton in the slot. Third goal was no chance, deflection off his own player (Agozzino). Fourth goal was probably one he would have liked to have back too. Mike Cazzola let a wrister go from the slot that caught Visentin deep in his net again and beat him under the glove. Overall, Visentin was giving up more rebounds than he usually does too. But he did make some big saves when he needed too and ultimately worked hard enough to save 27 of 31 for the win. But the Dogs are going to need him to be better and I have no doubt he will be.

That's it, anyone else catch the new look Dogs in action?

Thoughts on Niagara from the Weekend

The Niagara IceDogs are in the home stretch. There are 15 games left in the 2009-10 OHL regular reason and the team currently sits 5 points out of a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. The Dogs are chasing the Brampton Battalion, Sudbury Wolves, and Oshawa Generals who are all 5 or 6 points ahead of them. Perhaps this team, in a rebuilding season, has deserved a slightly better fate thus far. The team plays hard and on any given night can beat any team in this league, (see their victories over London, Mississauga, Plymouth, and Kitchener this year). But they lack the top end talent to be able to string together consistent performances at both ends of the ice.

I caught the team's Thursday night game against the London Knights on t.v., however traveled to St. Catharines for their Saturday night affair against the Windsor Spitfires. This weekend was no truer example of the team's aforementioned consistency issues. On Thursday, the Dogs played outstanding defensive hockey and got under the skin of the visiting Knights, defeating them by a score of 2-1. However on Saturday, the team looked completely over matched against the Spitfires, falling 5-2 and getting out-shot 47-21.

If anything, the team's ability to occasionally play at a high level speaks volumes to the bright future this team has. As early as next season this team could compete for home ice advantage in the OHL playoffs. Young players like Freddie and Dougie Hamilton, Mark Visentin, and Ryan Strome will be a year older, stronger, and wiser. While players like Alex Friesen and Andrew Agozzino will be inching towards their final years in the league and should become more dominant offensive forces. And let's not forget the bevy of high end draft selections the Dogs have in the next few years. If anything, the fluctuation in performance by the team this year could be a good thing. After all, it's something all young teams go through. The players can identify the things they need to do night in and night out to make this team consistently competitive.

Let's take a look at some individual performances from the Dogs top end prospects this weekend.

Alex Friesen (2010, but 1991 born)
After getting past over last year, Friesen has become a much better player this season. He's still a speedy energy forward, but he's much more adept at handling the puck and as a result he's seen his offensive performance greatly increase. Friesen has become a very capable two way forward who uses his speed to forecheck hard and to generally get under the skin of the opposition. He's even added a physical element to his game this year which shows NHL scouts that this part of his game could develop more if need be. He absolutely laid out Taylor Hall on Saturday on the penalty kill. Hall came flying around the net with the puck and Friesen met him just as he passed it off. Hall sat out a few shifts and was visibly shaken up. Offensively, he had a mediocre weekend, with only an assist on the first Niagara goal on Saturday, but he brings much more to the ice than that. I think he's got a serious chance of being drafted this year in the later rounds. His progression this year bodes well for the type of offensive leaps forward we could see next year and he looks to be developing into a quality NHL checking line prospect.

Andrew Agozzino (2010, but 1991 born)
The new Dogs captain had a strong weekend. He played a solid game on Thursday against the Knights, but was held scoreless. On Saturday he scored the Dogs only 2 goals against Windsor. The first was off a nice redirect in front of the net, the second on a wrap around that caught Windsor goaltender Philip Grubauer off guard. Agozzino has played well all season and is coming off a record breaking performance at this years OHL All Star Game. I've heard a lot of fans hoping he gets drafted this season after getting passed over last year. Quite frankly, I'm just not sure it happens. As good as Agozzino has been this year, was he really any worse last year when NHL teams balked at him (much to my surprise)? Andrew Agozzino is the same player he was last year. Lots of heart, goal scoring ability, developing two way play, tenacity, but with the size and explosiveness concerns that scared away NHL teams. More than likely, Agozzino develops into a similar player as Saginaw's captain Tyler Murovich. Undersized and a solid OHL player, but a borderline NHL prospect. I'd love for him to prove me wrong though since few have earned it more.

Reggie Traccitto (Overage Free Agent)
Traccitto has been one of the most improved players in the league this season. He's emerged as the Dogs top defender and currently sits tied with London's Steve Tarasuk for goals scored from the blueline (with 15). Previously his career high in goals was 4. Traccitto's best asset is definitely his big shot from the point (who'd have guessed?). He does a great job of getting it off in traffic, especially on the one timer. While he was held goalless over the weekend, he did hit a post against Windsor off a one timer. Traccitto has also greatly improved his discipline. Previously he had a hard time controlling his emotions and was prone to taking stupid or lazy penalties in the defensive zone. He's taken great steps forward in that department and has actually turned into a very solid OHL defender. He lays it all on the line when he's on the ice, blocks shots, dives to get pucks out of the zone and does a good job in defensive zone coverage. The question remains, is Traccitto an NHL prospect? I'd say no, but I think he could easily play in the ECHL or perhaps even the AHL next season and find some success. The biggest thing that will likely hold him back is his lack of role at the next level. He's not quick or mobile enough to be a puck moving defenseman. He's not a good enough playmaker or distributor to be considered a serious offensive defenseman. And he's just not big enough to be a shut down type of guy. But you have to give props for the type of improvement he's made this year.

Freddie Hamilton (2010)
I just can't put my finger on Freddie Hamilton. He doesn't dazzle you or do anything that makes you say wow, yet we've got to consider him a serious prospect for the 2010 NHL Entry Draft. Often with players like Hamilton whom you say, "I don't really notice him until he puts two in the back of the net," it's a matter of having strong hockey sense. Hamilton just knows where to be on the ice, whether it be a goal scoring situation or a back checking assignment. On Thursday he scored both Niagara goals in the 2-1 victory. The first was off a rebound in front of the net which he comfortably put home. The second was off a nice wrister top shelf on a 2 on 1. On Saturday, he was much less noticeable and it's just a matter of stringing together consistent offensive performances. I think the question moving forward is, is Hamilton a winger or a center. He has the strong defensive tendencies you like to see in your center ice man and he's looked comfortable at the position before. However, I'd argue he's looked better offensively on the wing this season, simplifying the game and allowing him to go hard to the net for loose pucks. The big next step for Hamilton is increasing his strength and ability to carry the puck. I think his future lies in being a responsible two way winger who has the hands and hockey sense to be a quality goal scorer. If he can add that element of being strong with the puck and being able to carry it to the net, it'd make him an even stronger...and more obvious offensive contributor.

Ryan Strome (2011)
The big piece of the Pietrangelo trade, Strome has a lot of pressure on his shoulders going forward. In Barrie, I was always impressed with him, despite the lack of ice time he was receiving. He showed both an ability to carry the puck and elusive skating ability. But in Niagara, I've been underwhelmed with his performance with increased ice time. He was invisible all weekend and seems lost at times in the offensive zone. No reason to panic yet as he'll get every chance to improve going into next season.

Matt Petgrave (2010)
I continue to be impressed with Petgrave and I struggle to wonder why we don't hear his name more often in discussion for the 2010 NHL Draft. He's not the biggest, but he's a real battler. He played a lot against Nazem Kadri and Taylor Hall this weekend and did a pretty admirable job. Against the Knights and Kadri, he had a fantastic game and really frustrated Kadri specifically with his mirroring job. He got Kadri to take a couple of undisciplined penalties against him and generally got under his skin. Offensively he was great in that game too and brought the puck up ice very effectively. He earned an assist on the Freddie Hamilton 2 on 1 goal by starting the breakout quickly and joining the rush with Hamilton on the odd man rush. Against Windsor, he had a bit of a tougher game. He took some undisciplined penalties and had a few bad turnovers as he tried to force action up ice against a tough Windsor forecheck. Considering he's got good mobility, a high intensity level, and developing puck rushing ability, I have trouble believing Petgrave isn't receiving some form of attention from NHL scouts. He could definitely be a dark horse on draft day and looks to at least be a great find by the IceDogs as a future top 4 defenseman as they move forward.

Dougie Hamilton (2011)
Only played the game against London on Thursday, sitting out the battle against Windsor on Saturday. Played a solid game against the Knights, which has been the average for Hamilton this year. He's a serious NHL prospect moving forward with great size, improving offensive capabilities and the potential to become a physical shut down defender. He's right in there with a group of about 6 or 7 really solid defenders from the OHL in the 1993 birth group that could end up being first round picks in 2011.

Mark Visentin (2010)
The feeling seems to be that Visentin has become the top available goaltender from the OHL for this year's NHL draft. While slightly sluggish to that conception, I've come around to this belief as well. The improvement he's made this season from last is tremendous and really speaks volumes about his work ethic. Visentin is very positionally sound, finds pucks through traffic, controls his rebounds and does pretty much everything you ask a strong butterfly goaltender to do. On Thursday he was tremendous against London, keeping Niagara ahead as London pressed for a tie in the third period. I really like how he follows the play and seems able to read and predict pass and shot attempts. On Saturday, he was less effective. It seems like he was fighting the puck a bit and had a few shots squeak through his equipment. He also had trouble handling the puck and gave it away nearly every time he tried to do something with it. Marty Turco he is not, and this is something he'll need to improve upon moving forward...even if puckhandling ability in goaltenders has decreased in value since the inception of the trapezoid. Moving forward it's all about consistency for Visentin and being able to be a wall night in and night out. With his work ethic, I have no doubt he'll get there and develop into a top goaltender in this league. The really interesting thing will happen at the Under 18's, where he'll have a shot at cracking Team Canada's roster. Calvin Pickard of the WHL seems like a lock to be the starting goaltender of that team, since his team is already out of the playoff race, but Visentin could very well be his back up, or even surprisingly press him for playing time. With a strong finish to the season, Visentin could very well be a top 60 NHL Draft selection.

Anyone else with thoughts about the IceDogs and their weekend, or about the season thus far in general?

Ryan Yessie's Thoughts on Barrie and Sarnia from October 15

Sarnia had trouble containing Barrie's offensive push but great goaltending from Courchaine combined with a solid team effort helped Sarnia to their second consecutive win vs. a Top 10 team in Canada with a 3-2 victory over the Barrie Colts.


Alexander Burmistrov - #8 - C - YOB: 1992 - 6‘0” - 170lbs.
NHL: Eligible in 2010
Report: Oct/15/09: After seeing Burmistrov with all this hype around his game, there was the good and the bad but overall I was disappointed. In terms of skill Burmistrov is a very fast skater, he moves his legs quickly and is very shifty and can change directions on a dime. He handles the puck very well and has very gifted hands, mixed with speed and shiftiness he made a few Sting players look like house league players when chasing after him. He protects the puck well for someone at only 170. Burmistrov is a guy who could be a high percentage player for the shootouts, and could be a shootout specialist if he makes the NHL. He looked fairly reliable in the defensive zone. Generally when you have a player as flashy as Burmistrov they tend to float, but not Alex. He engaged very actively defensively and caused a few turnovers. The negative side is Burmistrov for one tries to do everything himself, and outright does not utilize his linemates whatsoever. Even during the power play he’d stickhandle his way into a situation that saw two of the four Sting players chasing him. Meanwhile, his defenceman with a wide open shot he refused to pass to him and eventually the puck was off Burmistrov’s stick and down the ice, this happened a few times, twice during the critical part of the game. Secondly Burmistrov whenever physical contact is engaged, if it becomes too much, he’ll fold like an accordion and act like he got shot. During the 2nd period he absolutely embarrassed himself. Preisinger’s stick came up near the face, but went wide over Burmistrov’s shoulder.. After the stick had alredy made it’s way up and down, Burmistrov randomly dropped to the ice flopping around and started crawling on his hands and knees probably about 8 to 10 feet trying to sell the high stick and acted like a player would if they were seriously injured and bleeding profusely. It was an absolutely pathetic display and the referee either wasn’t looking and thought he missed an obvious call, or is just plain incompetent because Preisinger received a high sticking call, there was not a trace of blood, and Burmistrov was back on the ice within 20-30 seconds. The raw skill is there for Burmistrov, he is an excellent skater and puck control expert and could be a game breaker in the offensive zone. But overall as a Canadian hockey fan Burmistrov is not someone I’d ever want to draft to my team just based on his ignorance for the integrity of the game, and his inability to handle anything more than the minimum physical contact without trying to act like he’s hurt.

Michael Sgarbossa - #11 - C - YOB: 1992 - 5‘11” - 165lbs.
NHL: Eligible in 2010
Report: Oct/15/09: Sgarbossa is a name I had circled going into this game, I’ve heard good about him, but he hasn’t done enough to really stand out in terms of a prospect for the 2010 draft. Sgarbossa looked pretty good out there at times, but really never created any scoring chances, also I believe he didn’t even have a shot on net. Barrie kept putting him out there in critical moments, and things such as his skating and puck moving seemed to help his team, but didn’t really stand out in any way.
(Sgarbossa was a +1)

Kyle Clifford - #13 - LW - YOB: 1991 - 6‘1” - 200lbs.
NHL: 2nd Round - 35th Overall by LA in 2009
Report: Oct/15/09: Clifford was the best player for Barrie in this game. He’s a very quick skater for someone his size, and he absolutely punished a few players with some massive hits. He mixes things up and makes things difficult for the opposing team in the offensive zone. Clifford had the first goal of the game, in which he created the play almost entirely on his own, as it looked like Sarnia was going to transition the puck out of the zone, Clifford delivered a massive hit behind the net, knocking the puck loose then got open for Della Rovere to pass it to him, and he buried it in an impressive 10 second or so set by Clifford. Later on he set up the tying goal in the 3rd period protecting the puck and making the right pass out to the point. Overall Clifford didn’t look like he had a weakness in his game. He skated better than someone his size, but hit harder than someone bigger as well. Impressed with Clifford overall.
(Clifford had 1G, 1A, +2)

Ryan Strome - #16 - C - YOB: 1993 - 5‘11” - 160lbs.
NHL: Eligible in 2012
Report: Oct/15/09: Strome received limited ice time, but looked very impressive despite not making any eventual contributions towards the game. He did well in the face-off circle. He has a very quick release with a laser shot, unfortunately all 3 times that impressive shot when right into the logo of Adam Courchaine. Strome also showed off some good speed down the wing and carried the puck well. Definitely a positive first impression from this 16 year old.

Stefan Della Rovere - #19 - LW - YOB: 1993 - 5‘11” - 200lbs.
NHL: 7th Round - 204th Overall by Washington in 2008
Report: Oct/15/09: After Della Rovere was the talk of the rink for the following couple weeks after Barrie left last year, He was very surprisingly quiet during the game. He started out well making an excellent pass to Clifford to complete the play Clifford created. He did make a good hit or two, but was very undisciplined as well and is very lucky to come away with only two penalties. There are good penalties and bad penalties and Della Rovere could have had 4 or 5 really bad penalties called on him this game. Defensively he was alright but not as good as we’re accustom to seeing and hearing from Stefan. Overall an off game for SDR.
(Della Rovere had 1A, +2, 4PIM)

Ryan O’Connor - #21 - D - YOB: 1992 - 5‘8” - 175lbs.
NHL: Eligible in 2010
Report: Oct/15/09: If Clifford didn’t steal the show it would have been Ryan O’Connor that stood out for Barrie. I had O’Connor ranked #13 on my preliminary list, and Burmistrov #9. I think these two should at the very least be switching spots on that list, as O’Connor really played like a Ryan Ellis kind of defenceman. I know that comparison is getting beat to death but both have good offensive instincts, where as Ellis’ are better, O’Connor is better at carrying the puck up the ice, and his top speed is better, the first few steps for O’Connor could use work, but when he gets going he can fly. Unlike Ellis who is used mainly at his actual position; O’Connor moved up to forward several times on the special teams, and was many times the 4th forward on the ice while Barrie was down (which doesn’t seem to happen a lot this season) where they are similar and maybe where O’Connor is better is the physical department, however he got a little too rough and let Zach MacQueen get under his skin a little, and took an undisciplined penalty, but this guy is a hitting machine. He threw a couple hits that could be considered some of the biggest in this game, even with players twice his size throwing them, he really layed into a few guys at his size it was something else to see. Where Ellis has O’Connor beat is the natural anticipation for the play.. While O’Connor is not bad at this, it’s what sets Ellis apart from other smaller sized defencemen. Also judging by O’Connor’s shot it’s not where Ellis’ is. Overall I find myself comparing the two throughout this scouting report, but to best break it down the two are similar, and where Ellis may be more known for his anticipation and devastating point shot, O’Connor may be more established as a puck carrier who makes smart plays, and throws massive hits for his size.
(O’Connor was -1, 2PIM)

Josh Brittain - #22 - LW - YOB: 1993 - 6‘4” - 217lbs.
NHL: 3rd Round - 71st Overall by Anaheim in 2008
Report: Oct/15/09: Overall Brittain wasn’t a game breaker but he did help the Colts out tonight. Brittain unleashed a pretty solid shot, and went to the net hard every time he didn’t have the puck. He made power plays miserable for Courchaine and created a screen that made it very possible for Barrie to score if their power play was connecting better. Brittain really looks like a power forward, and could wind up in that role one day. He needs to get faster and be more willing to just throw his weight around at times.

Taylor Carnevale - #27 - LW - YOB: 1991 - 5‘11” - 184lbs.
NHL: Eligible in 2010
Report: Oct/15/09: Carnevale was passed over in last year’s draft, and was honestly not someone I heard a lot about until this season. He’s off to a great start this season which may once again make it possible for him to get drafted. Carnevale did very well in the face-off circle, and displayed good speed while carrying the puck up ice. Had a few chances to get some assists, as he appeared more willing to set up the goal than to score it.
(Carnevale was a +1)

Peter DiSalvo - #35 - G - YOB: 1990 - 6‘0” - 180lbs.
NHL: Eligible in 2010
Report: Oct/15/09: Honestly any chance of me considering DiSalvo a prospect anytime in the near future is gone. Last year I figured maybe it was just nerves coming back to Sarnia, but he played horrible tonight again, fortunately his team in front of him kept him in the game. DiSalvo looked fearful of playing the puck even in situations where Sarnia wasn’t pressuring he would give them an offensive zone face-off instead of passing the puck back behind the net for his defenceman. DiSalvo had decent reflexes, but oddly enough they were hit and miss as at times he looked like he had trouble reading shots. He gave up several rebounds. DiSalvo looks like an average OHL starter at best.
(DiSalvo stopped 20 of 23 shots)

Ben O’Quinn - #22 - C - YOB: 1991 - 6‘1” - 185lbs.
NHL: Eligible in 2010
Report: Oct/15/09: I can’t seem to help but always find myself impressed with Ben O’Quinn most games, especially where he came from being a 4th line/pk guy with 5 mins per game last year at this time. Jordan Hill may have scored the winning goal, but this play was created off the stick of Ben O’Quinn. He passed it through the sticks and skates of 4 players and threaded the needle right onto the stick of Hill to tap it into an open net. Earlier O’Quinn set up what was at the time the go ahead goal with a perfect pass to Hill, the point shot was going in however Kerbashian helped that out. O’Quinn was out there several times in critical defensive moments including the final 1:10 of the 3rd period with a one goal lead. I have a hard time not seeing O’Quinn getting drafted, based on the way he’s been playing game to game for Sarnia. Great hands, will never be a big time scorer, but they are good enough to make him a contributor on the 3rd line of some NHL team one day.
(O’Quinn had 2A)

Miroslav Preisinger - #28 - C - YOB: 1991 - 6‘0” - 175lbs.
NHL: Eligible in 2010
Report: Oct/15/09: So much for Preisinger being labeled a playmaker only. About half a period before Preisinger’s phantom high stick that sent Burmistrov into a seizure on tlhe ice, Preisinger collected up a drop pass and absolutely sniped a laser to the top shelf over DiSalvo’s glove hand, very few goaltenders would have been able to catch up to that. Opinions on Preisinger are hit or miss, but the fact remains he does own a good shot, can threat perfect passes through traffic, and is one of the most devastating import players physically in the OHL. How this season goes for him should be very interesting, but he does have a very real chance of getting picked up this year by an NHL team.
(1G, 2PIM)

Adam Courchaine - #1 - C - YOB: 1991 - 6‘3” - 185lbs.
NHL: Signed by Boston as a free agent in 2007
Report: Oct/15/09: This was Sarnia’s first look at Courchaine in a home game after his fight last week in Saginaw. Courchaine looked shaky at first giving up an early goal and almost giving up a few more in the 1st, but once he settled in he looked excellent. He had perfect positioning, and the quickness to cover up just in time, at times it almost looked like he wanted to make the second save dramatic. Rebounds were really the only issue in his game. Also has an awkward glove hand where he keeps it close to his waist almost like there’s one of those stretch ropes attached to it, it usually doesn’t leave his side, and when it does it’s nothing dramatic, but he made several good saves with it, so I guess whatever works. Overall Courchaine was great under pressure, as I mentioned rebounds were an issue but he did an outstanding job on the 2nd, 3rd, and even 4th chances that would develop from them. He could be a huge trade asset for the Sting, maybe even to a team like Barrie who seems to be having issues with DiSalvo. If the goaltenders were on different sides, this would have likely been a 6-1 win for Barrie. I have to say I’m very impressed with Sarnia’s new goaltender, and although his style is a little unnerving at times, and does worry me despite the performance, he should be able to keep Sarnia in every game.
(Courchaine stopped 33 of 35 shots)

RY