Thoughts on Saginaw and Owen Sound from November 18

Really exciting and fast paced Wednesday night game between the Saginaw Spirit and Owen Sound Attack. A lot of back and forth action, plenty of scoring opportunities, some good hits, a couple of fights; really not much else you can ask for in a hockey game. Oh sorry, you wanted defense? Not here. Both teams struggled with defensive zone turnovers and man coverage, which lead to a total of 12 goals scored in the game. Thanks to a late third period fluke goal by the recently acquired Ryan O'Connor, the Spirit came out on top of this wild west shootout by a score of 7-5.

The Attack came out firing on all cylinders and took control of the game in the opening ten minutes, scoring three unanswered goals. They looked a lot like the team I expected them to be this season. But then the wheels fell off and Saginaw scored five straight goals during the second half of the first and first half of the second. Turnovers, soft man defense and a real lack of backchecking from the forwards really cost the Attack. I would attribute at least three of those five goals to the fault of the forwards who did not hustle back to the other end or tie up their man. Now I will give Owen Sound credit, they battled back and tied the game at 5, only to lose on a terribly fluke goal by O'Connor. The Spirit defenseman one timed the puck from the point, it went WELL wide, so wide in fact that the angle it took off the boards brought it right back behind Stajcer, going off his skate and into the net. Someone who didn't see the game might see the score and assume that Stajcer was weak for the Attack, especially considering he only faced 34 shots (an average night by OHL standards). But he was really solid. I would say at least half of those shots by Saginaw were outstanding scoring chances. Stajcer stopped at least five Saginaw players point blank in the slot. Two of the goals were complete flukes too; the aforementioned O'Connor game winner and Vincent Trocheck's first period goal where the puck went off an Owen Sound defenseman and bounced to a wide open Trocheck for the tap in. I think it's also important to note that Owen Sound played this game with only 5 defenseman, as they were without the services of Milan Doczy and Keevin Cutting. Tough to play one of the league's best offensive teams a man down on the blueline. Definitely a tough loss for Attack fans to swallow.

Saginaw, well what can you say, they're good offensively. One of the hottest lines in the OHL performed up to expectations as Josh Shalla, Ivan Telegin, and Jordan Skellet combined for 3 goals and 8 assists in the game. These guys have a ton of chemistry and are playing with a lot of confidence right now. However, as much as this win must feel good, I think it also has to raise some alarms to Saginaw's management and fans. Since the Brodie/Crawford trade, this team has given up 19 goals in 4 games and they were not sharp tonight. They had trouble containing Owen Sound off the rush and did not put enough pressure on opposing forwards in the offensive end. These are two things that T.J. Brodie and Nick Crawford do very well, and in their absence, the rest of the Saginaw defense needs to find a way to get it done or improve. While their offense might take them places in the regular season, you know the saying, "defense wins championships."

Thoughts on individual players...

Saginaw Spirit





Garret Ross (2010)
Second time I've been impressed with Ross this season. While he didn't pick up any points, he was right in the middle of several solid scoring chances on the rush. He seems to have very good straight ahead speed and it gives the opposing defense a hard time. Came flying down the wing, beating his man to the net twice, but couldn't finish on the cross ice feeds. His forechecking forced a few turnovers in the offensive end and I'd say he has a very good chance of developing into a quality energy player. If he could finish off more of those offensive opportunities, he might get serious consideration in June. Types of players like Ross who've got speed, and a willingness to do everything on the ice do have a tendency to get drafted.

Jordan Szwarz (PHX)
I thought Szwarz had a pretty quiet game. He's usually one of those players who's all over the ice, but he didn't seem to have his usual energy in this one. Took two undisciplined penalties to start the game, maybe that took him out of it a bit. He did score a very nice goal in the second period. Defenseman Brad Walch made a nice slap pass to Szwarz in front of the net for the redirect over Stajcer's pad. It was Szwarz's only point of the game.

Ryan O'Connor (2010)
He's got to be disappointed that Central Scouting didn't include him in their Preliminary rankings, considering his skill level and track record in the league thus far. He had a good game tonight I thought. Wasn't on the ice for a goal against, and did a very good job of moving the puck up ice. Had a few very nice rushes and I think he picks his spots to pinch and rush very well. In the first period he took possession of the puck behind the net on powerplay rotation and made a beautiful pass to Ivan Telegin in front of the net for the goal. His goal was obviously a fluke that I've already mentioned above, but credit to him for getting himself in position for the shot. Defensively I felt he was solid too. Made a real nice hit on Daniel Zweep and was one of the few Saginaw defenseman who showed they could handle defending off the rush. O'Connor finished with a goal and an assist and was +3.

Ivan Telegin (2010)
I have a feeling that this guy's stock for 2010 is only going to go up and up. He's got 7 goals in the 7 November games thus far. It's getting to the point where I'm not sure who I like better among the Russians, Telegin or Barrie's Alex Burmistrov. Telegin was fantastic tonight. He's listed at 6'3, 185lbs, but he looks thicker than that. I've watched him against Owen Sound and against Peterborough and both teams had incredible difficulty controlling him in front of the net. Simply put, he's a beast near the crease. His goal was scored just that way, the defense couldn't handle him near the net and he put home a pass from Ryan O'Connor. But I like his vision and playmaking ability too. While O'Connor's goal may have been a fluke, the cross ice feed by Telegin over two Owen Sound sticks to O'Connor for the one timer was not. He's also quite the complete player who does make an effort to backcheck, does a great job on the penalty kill and works the boards. Lastly, for a big man, he moves quite well and he's not afraid to take the puck right to the net. The complete package. Finished the game with a goal and two assists.

Josh Shalla (2010)
Whenever I've seen him play, I've always come away underwhelmed. Tonight Shalla had 5 points (2 goals, 3 assists), but it might have been the quietest five point night I've ever seen. It's pretty obvious that Shalla is one of those guys who's not flashy, and who you don't really notice much until you look at the score sheet and he's had a multi point game. Not the quickest player on the ice, nor the biggest, but he's definitely got good hockey sense and offensive instincts. Made a nice pass to Michael Sgarbossa off the rush for a goal in the second, and scored a goal of his own after wiring home a slapper past Scott Stajcer. He sealed the deal with an empty netter with 12 seconds to go. I'm still not sure what to make of him and what type of role he'd have at the next level.

Cody Sol (ATL)
Sol is one of those guys who has to step it up in the absence of Brodie and Crawford. While I thought he showed some things offensively, that's not entirely what he's there for (or was drafted for). He was on the ice for 4 of Owen Sound's five goals. For a guy with his size, he has to do a better job of tying up his man in front of the net, and punishing those in the crease. He was caught skating around on two of those goals, failing to pick up a man. Offensively I thought he was pretty good though, and as much as I said this isn't what he's there for, it is something he'll have to contribute with now that Saginaw has lost their two best offensive defenseman (Brodie/Crawford). He's got a huge shot and he picks his spots in putting it on net, and he made a couple nice plays to keep the puck in at the line. But he's got to step it up defensively.

Michael Sgarbossa (2010)
I felt like I didn't notice Sgarbossa that much tonight. Scored a goal off a nice feed from Josh Shalla in the second and added an assist on the Vincent Trocheck fluke goal. Sgarbossa was the one who shot the puck that went off the Attack player's back and right to Trocheck. He saw some time with Shalla and Skellet, as well as on the third line with Garret Ross and Vincent Trocheck. Likely still needs to adapt to a new team. Still, a goal and an assist isn't a bad nights work.

Edward Pasquale (ATL)
Despite getting the victory in this one, I thought Pasquale was out played by Scott Stajcer. While he's got a good win total, I think it's safe to say he hasn't had an amazing season thus far. It's been plagued by inconsistency. He's given up 15 goals in his last 4 appearances. The Attack were definitely trying to go high on Pasquale tonight, exposing his tendency to 1) go down early on shots 2) stay back too far in his net and not challenge shooters. Four of the five goals given up by Pasquale were high on him. It'll be interesting to see what Atlanta does with Pasquale next year, because I don't think he's ready for pro hockey. I'm willing to bet he returns for an overage season, be it with Saginaw or with another OHL team. Made 31 of 36 saves for the win.

Owen Sound Attack






Curtis Crombeen (2011)
I haven't seen Owen Sound play since earlier in the season, but it certainly seems to me that Crombeen has come a long way. Playing with a lot more confidence at both ends of the ice and I actually think he was Owen Sound's best defenseman tonight. Had a couple very nice rushes where he took the puck from one end of the ice to the other, and quickly. Making better passes out of his zone too. Before he was trying to force passes, but now he seems to be keeping things simple. I also liked what I saw defensively. Actually made a couple nice physical plays to separate his man from the puck along the boards, and shows good mobility in transition defense. Maybe it was just a good game from him, but he certainly seems to have progressed already.

Roman Berdnikov (2010)
Not that much to talk about really. I thought he played a good first period, but disappeared after that. More than likely he's still working on his conditioning after missing such a large part of the season thus far. In the first he forechecked hard and had a large part in the third Owen Sound goal by Myles Doan. His the Saginaw player along the boards, and forced the turnover that would eventually lead to Doan's goal on a goal mouth scramble. He also attempted to throw a few open ice hits, so he's obviously got a little sand paper to his game. We'll see how he looks a month from now when he gets his legs back.

Jesse Blacker (TOR)
First chance to see Blacker with Owen Sound and I felt like he had a pretty poor game. While he is a very good puck rushing defenseman and has very good straight ahead speed, he seems to have tunnel vision with the puck. He gets the puck behind the net and makes his mind up that he's going to rush it. This "forcing" of the play lead to several turnovers and odd man rushes for Saginaw. He got beat quite badly off the rush on one play by Jordan Skellet too, as he got caught going for the hit, rather than skating with Skellet. He did get a little bit better as the game went along though. On the powerplay in the second period, he made a very nice pass to Bobby Mignardi at the side of the net, who then went to Garrett Wilson for the goal in the slot. He did a pretty good job of running the powerplay on the whole. But if he wants the big minutes (exactly what he's getting in Owen Sound), he's got to play smarter and better defensively. Finished the game with 3 assists, but a -1.

Garrett Wilson (FLA)
Was an absolute beast tonight for Owen Sound. Finished with a hat trick and a nice assist. He's taken quite a few steps forward this season. He's playing with more confidence with the puck, he's gotten stronger, and he's gotten quicker. His first goal was scored as he batted the puck out of mid air at the side of the net, off a rebound generated off a Steven Shipley rush to the net. His second goal was scored as he beat his man to the net, took a feed from Shipley in full stride and wired home a wrister past Pasquale. The hat trick goal was off a nice tick-tack-toe goal from Mignardi and Blacker (which I already mentioned), where Wilson finished off the play in the slot. His assist came off a nice find and pass to Bobby Mignardi for the one timer just inside the blueline. He had a couple other nice chances to score tonight too. Quickly becoming one of the better power forwards in the OHL.

Steven Shipley (2010)
Shipley was quite good tonight too. Used his size and speed to his advantage and did a good job to draw defensive attention to him. On Wilson's first goal, he won a puck battle off Josh Shalla in the corner and immediately took the puck right to the front of the net, generating a rebound that Wilson put home. Earned another assist off a nice pass to Wilson for his second goal. I like how he's becoming more confident in carrying the puck to the net. I still get bothered a bit by his lack of physical play though. There was one opportunity tonight that really caught my eye. The Saginaw defenseman had some trouble with the puck at his feet just to the side of the net. Shipley came in with speed, but instead of taking the body (the defenseman was straight on so it would not have been a dangerous engage), or engaging him physically to force a turnover, Shipley slowed up and tried to stick check him, allowing the Saginaw defenseman to compose himself and get the puck out of danger. I'm not asking him to be a power forward or a physical player, but I do expect 6'2, 200lbs forwards to use their size to force turnovers. He finished with 3 assists.

Geoffrey Schemitsch (2010)
Fresh off his interview with me (here), I thought Schemitsch had a pretty decent game. Some very good, some bad. The good first. I thought he did an excellent job on the penalty kill. He showed a little gusto in his game that I hadn't seen yet by being physical along the boards to retrieve the puck and stop offensive progress. He also made a couple really nice defensive plays off the rush, keeping the forward in front of him and using solid mobility and positioning to remove him from the puck. Had some big blocked shots too and gets himself in passing lanes, anticipating the play defensively. Offensively, he works the powerplay very well and does a great job of anticipating (again that word) the play and keeping the puck in the zone. He also had two very nice stretch passes that nearly resulted in breakaways. That shows vision. On the negative, the Jordan Szwarz goal was directly his fault as he failed to tie up his man in front of the net. This is something he needs to work on. Also, he had two terrible giveaways in his own zone, although neither resulted in a Saginaw goal. Had one bad pinch that resulted in a two on one too. But, he's a talented kid playing in his first OHL season from Midget. He's going to go through some adjustments. Considering all he's done thus far for Owen Sound, I'd say he's a pretty impressive prospect.

Scott Stajcer (NYR)
As I mentioned, he didn't play as poorly as his stat line might indicate. His defense did not help him out all that much tonight. Stopped quite a few point blank opportunities, being aggressive in challenging the shooter and decreasing their target. He controlled his rebounds well and did admirably in keeping Owen Sound in a game they didn't have as much business being in as they were. The two fluke goals I already mentioned didn't help his stat line either. Nor did that last one by O'Connor help his confidence or focus either. It was clear he was distracted at the end of the game as Mark Reeds tried to signal him to the bench for the extra attacker, but he wasn't paying attention. That really flustered the Attack's momentum with the extra forward and they weren't able to get anything going. I also worry about his read of the play at times. The second period Sgarbossa goal was not a strong one, as he reacted about 5 seconds too late to a cross ice pass to Sgarbossa for the one timer to the top of the net. While he wasn't likely to stop it, I'm curious as to why he was so slow to react to the play. Perhaps the Owen Sound defense screened his view of the pass? Either way, Stajcer deserved a better fate tonight. He made 28 of 34 saves and took the loss.

Anyone else out there with thoughts?

Interview with Owen Sound's Geoffrey Schemitsch

On Saturday, May 3, 2008, Geoffrey Schemitsch sat patiently as he waited for a phone call from an Ontario Hockey League team saying that they had selected him in 2008 Priority Draft. No call came. So he returned to the AAA Mississauga Reps, determined to play the best he could in hopes that he might catch some one's eye. Fast forward a year to May 2, 2009; another call-less day from an Ontario Hockey League team as the 2009 Priority Draft took place. Two years unselected, despite being one of the best midget aged defenseman in the GTA.

Somewhat dejected, but not willing to give up. he would now turn his attention to Tier II in hopes of possibly earning a scholarship from the NCAA. Already committed to playing for the Vaughn Vipers of the OJHL in 2009-10, Schemitsch got a call from Owen Sound. "As an undrafted player it was my intention to play in the OPJHL this year and work towards an NCAA scholarship," says Schemitsch. "I was offered a try-out with Owen Sound and felt it would be a good experience. Fortunately, I was offered a spot and I came to the conclusion that playing in the OHL this year would be a valuable stepping stone to playing at the highest level."

Schemitsch impressed the Attack enough with his offensive ability and game intelligence, that they didn't hesitate to sign him and bring him on board this year. Owen Sound was facing a tough situation, as captain and top offensive defenseman David Kolomatis was going to start the year in the AHL after being drafted by the Los Angeles Kings in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft. That meant they needed someone on the blueline to step up and lead the powerplay and move the puck up ice. And since no current Attack defenseman had ever scored more than 3 goals or accumulated more than 20 points in an OHL season before, they needed someone to step up. Turns out that player was the newly acquired Geoffrey Schemitsch.

Even though the Attack struggled through the opening weeks of the season, (going 4-8-1-2 in the first fifteen games), and many of the team's players suffered through bouts of inconsistency, one player remained a strong contributor night in and night out. That was Schemitsch. With 2 goals and 12 assists through the team's first 15 games, Schemitsch established himself as that reliable offensive defenseman the team needed. But it hasn't been easy. "The players [in the OHL] are faster and stronger [than midget] and it takes time but you find a way to adjust," said Schemitsch. Though he does say that an effortless transition off the ice has made things easier for him on it. "Living away from home has been a smooth adjustment, my billets and the people here are great and have made it very easy. The people [in Owen Sound[ are unbelievable and I've been fortunate to have great coaches, teammates, and billets so the move has been a seamless transition."

Interestingly enough, Schemitsch isn't the only un-drafted 1992 born OHL rookie defenseman from the Greater Toronto Area that is finding success. Niagara IceDogs defenseman Matt Petgrave has been excellent in a similar role this season, especially lately with 8 points in his last 15 games. Petgrave played for the Toronto Titans Midget AAA team last year and was a strong opponent to Schemitsch's Mississauga Reps. "I played against Matt last year a number of times.  His team actually won our league championship and he was definitely a big factor in that. He's a good player and skater, with a noticeable ability to contribute all over the ice.  I'd say there was definitely a rivalry from my club's standpoint.  His team was tough to play against and we gave them a good run a couple of times," says Schemitsch.

Although Schemitsch has cooled lately, with only 1 point in his last six games, there is bound to be NHL interest in him come June. The 6'1, Thornhill native still sits just outside the top 10 of defenseman scoring in the OHL and is currently tied for second in OHL rookie scoring (behind Saginaw's Ivan Telegin). He has great mobility on the back end, moves the puck up ice effortlessly and is seeing time in all situations for Owen Sound. All this from someone who patterns his game after Chicago Blackhawk defenseman Duncan Keith. "I'd have to say I look at a guy like Duncan Keith as a player that I really admire.  He plays a strong all around game, really poised and makes good decisions, something that I try to do myself. I try to be calm on the back end and make good plays in all three zones while looking to contribute at both ends of the ice. I just have to keep getting stronger."

What does the future hold for Schemitsch? No one can say for certain. Last year, a similar OHL rookie defenseman named Calvin de Haan crept into the OHL with little fan fare. He put up 16 points in his first 15 games and began to slowly generate buzz for the NHL Entry Draft. Of course, he ended up getting drafted 12th overall by the New York Islanders in 2009. What does Schemitsch think of the comparison? "For sure you have to get excited looking at Calvin de Haan's situation.  He is obviously a great player who's had great success. I am trying to stay calm, focused, and not get overwhelmed [by the NHL draft]."

However, let it be noted that today NHL Central Scouting released its annual Preliminary Rankings for the upcoming NHL Entry Draft. Schemitsch was not among the top 25 players ranked in the Ontario Hockey League (and neither was his teammate Joey Hishon). This surprised me. All I know is I see a talented young defenseman who plays the game the exact way NHL defenseman need to in order to excel in today's NHL. In fact, when I asked him whether he'd rather win a Memorial Cup, Gold Medal, or Stanley Cup, the answer was obvious to him. "I have to go with a Stanley Cup.  Winning a championship at the highest level is what you dream about," answered Schemitsch. To me that screams of a kid that's committed to do whatever it takes to get to the NHL and if I'm making a top 25 right now; Geoffrey Schemitsch is on it.

Here is the interview.

Otten - You had an agreement to play for Vaughn of the OPJHL, but decided to try out for Owen Sound this year. Was your first choice all along to play in the OHL, but because you went undrafted in the OHL, you just wanted to have a back up plan? Or were you seriously considering the NCAA option and what programs were recruiting you? Why did you ultimately choose the OHL?

Schemitsch - As an undrafted player it was my intention to play in the OPJHL this year and work towards an NCAA scholarship. I was offered a try-out with Owen Sound and felt it would be a good experience. Fortunately, I was offered a spot and I came to the conclusion that playing in the OHL this year would be a valuable stepping stone to play at the highest level.

Otten - Playing in AAA midget last year for Mississauga, and then this year playing in the OHL, what have been the biggest adjustments? Living away from home? Size? Speed? Rigorous schedule?

Schemitsch - Definitely the biggest adjustments have seen both on and off the ice. The players are faster and stronger and it takes time but you find a way to adjust. As well, being on the ice as much as we are is another adjustment from last year. Living away from home has been a smooth adjustment, my billets and the people here are great and have made it very easy.

Otten - I think it's safe to say that with your play so far this season, you have to be generating some NHL draft buzz. Have NHL scouts been talking to you already? If so, what have they been saying?

Schemitsch - I've heard that NHL scouts have been talking about me, but I haven't talked to any scouts directly.

Otten - I don't think it's out of the question to compare you to a guy like Calvin de Haan, as an OHL rookie defenseman who?s come into the league and put up great numbers. Calvin, of course, ended up going in the first round of the NHL draft last year. Do you look at Calvin's situation and get excited because that could be you, or do you try and stay a little more calm about the prospect of being an NHL draft pick...possibly even a high one?

Schemitsch - For sure you have to get excited looking at Calvin de Haan's situation. He is obviously a great player who's had great success. I am trying to stay calm, focused, and not get overwhelmed.

Otten - Your birthplace is listed as Toronto, but you played for the Mississauga Reps. Were you born and raised in Toronto, or an area of the GTA like Mississauga or Brampton? When did you first think about hockey as a possible profession?

Schemitsch - I was born in Toronto but lived in the US for the first two years, Seattle then Boston. Ever since, I've lived just outside of Toronto in Thornhill. Like any other Canadian kid playing hockey it's always a dream to play at the professional level. However, recently I've started to seriously think about hockey as a possible profession.

Otten - Moving from the GTA to Owen Sound (cottage country) had to be a big adjustment. What's your experience in Owen Sound been like so far?

Schemitsch - The experience has been great. The people are unbelievable and I've been fortunate to have great coaches, teammates, and billets so the move has been a seamless transition.

Otten - As a GTA boy, are you a Leaf fan? Or did you grow up as a fan of another NHL team?

Schemitsch - I always have been and still am a huge Leaf fan.

Otten - Do you have a favourite NHL player, or a guy you try to model your game after?

Schemitsch - I'd have to say I look at a guy like Duncan Keith as a player that I really admire. He plays a strong all around game, really poised and makes good decisions, something that I try to do myself.

Otten - What do you consider your strengths and weaknesses as a player?

Schemitsch - As player I see myself being able to play a strong two way game. I try to be calm on the back end and make good plays in all three zones while looking to contribute at both ends of the ice. I just have to keep getting stronger.

Otten - Perhaps a question you can't answer, but another 1992 born defenseman who played GTA Midget Rep is having a solid rookie season in the OHL; Matt Petgrave of the Niagara IceDogs. From what I understand he played for the Toronto Titans. Did you guys play each other a lot; develop a rivalry? If so, what's your opinion of him as a player?

Schemitsch - I played against Matt last year a number of times. His team actually won our league championship and he was definitely a big factor in that. He's a good player and skater, with a noticeable ability to contribute all over the ice. I'd say there was definitely a rivalry from my club's standpoint. His team was tough to play against and we gave them a good run a couple of times.

Otten - Last question. You have to choose one. Memorial Cup, Stanley Cup, or International Gold Medal (for Team Canada)?

Schemitsch - I have to go with a Stanley Cup. Winning a championship at the highest level is what you dream about.

Thanks to Geoffrey and Brent Fisher of the Owen Sound Attack for the interview and best of luck to Mr. Schemitsch and the rest of the Owen Sound Attack in the remaining 2009-10 season.

NHL Central Scouting Releases the OHL Preliminary Ranking for 2010

This morning NHL Central Scouting has released it's preliminary rankings for the 2010 NHL Entry Draft. Below you can find the OHL's list (full link can be found here).

Skaters:
1. Tyler Seguin - Plymouth Whalers
2. Taylor Hall - Windsor Spitfires
3. Cam Fowler - Windsor Spitfires
4. Erik Gudbranson - Kingston Frontenacs
5. Alexander Burmistrov - Barrie Colts
6. John McFarland - Sudbury Wolves
7. Ryan Martindale - Ottawa 67's
8. Austin Watson - Windsor Spitfires
9. Ivan Telegin - Saginaw Spirit
10. Andrew Yogan - Erie Otters
11. Justin Shugg - Windsor Spitfires
12. Brock Beukeboom - Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds
13. Ryan Spooner - Peterborough Petes
14. Tyler Toffoli - Ottawa 67's
15. Jeff Skinner - Kitchener Rangers
16. Stephen Silas - Belleville Bulls
17. Freddie Hamilton - Niagara IceDogs
18. Cameron Wind - Brampton Battalion
19. Steve Shipley - Owen Sound Attack
20. Dalton Smith - Ottawa 67's
21. Brandon Archibald - Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds
22. Josh Shalla - Saginaw Spirit
23. Sam Carrick - Brampton Battalion
24. Austin Levi - Plymouth Whalers
25. Christian Thomas - Oshawa Generals

Goalies:
1. Mark Visentin - Niagara IceDogs
2. Phil Grubauer - Belleville Bulls
3. Michael Houser - London Knights
4. J.P. Anderson - Mississauga Majors
5. Bryce O'Hagan - Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds
6. Scott Wedgewood - Plymouth Whalers
7. Kevin Bailie - Oshawa Generals

Thoughts:

• Keep in mind this is a Preliminary list. Last year, 7 players on this very list didn't even end up getting drafted and were much lower down (or absent) on the Central Scouting Final List.
  
• Happy to see some under the radar guys get on there. In particular Battalion defenseman Cameron Wind is someone I've been impressed with every time I've seen him. Ditto for Ottawa's Dalton Smith.
• Obviously the biggest absence is Owen Sound's Joey Hishon. Any other scouting agency I've seen still has Hishon as a first round pick (Redline, ISS, NACS). Very odd that they leave him off completely. While Hishon has had a poor start to the season (and is injured currently), I don't think that warrants him being left off the list completely. He must have left one sour taste in their mouths this year.
• After that, I'd say the three biggest absentees are Devante Smith-Pelly of Mississauga, Ryan O'Connor of Saginaw and Geoffrey Schemitsch of Owen Sound. I'm actually very surprised that these guys aren't on here. Not to sound overly critical of the list, but I'm not sure what more Smith-Pelly could have done. Leading one of the OHL's best teams (and nationally ranked teams) in scoring, while providing an all around game. If anything, I actually expected him to be ranked HIGHER than many currently have him based on his good start and offensive progression this year. His absence is a real head scratcher for me. Schemitsch was a guy I was rooting for. Currently 2nd in rookie scoring in the OHL, just outside the top 10 among defenseman scoring, I figured he'd have a place. But as an OHL rookie, perhaps he hasn't had enough exposure to Central Scouting as of now. And O'Connor, well Hockey Canada obviously likes him (recently naming him to the Subway Series), but perhaps it's a size issue for Central Scouting.
  
• The goalies, while perhaps differently ranked than I'd have them, are not a surprise considering the performance of those goalies this season. While I do think Anderson and O'Hagan might still be the best "pro" prospects, in terms of this years performance, Visentin, Grubauer and Houser deserve to be up top.
• Lastly, I think it's a pretty solid list. Obviously I disagree with some of the order and some of the aforementioned absences, but this is a tough year to rank the OHL. So many quality players available (the best crop since 2003).
  

What do you think?

Sunday Top 10 - Your Call

I did this last season and had a lot of success thanks to great input from everyone out there...so I'm doing it again.

I've run out of ideas for the time being of Sunday Top 10 foci (I've got some ideas for a little later on in the season, but not right now). So...

I challenge you, the reader, to come up with an idea or a focus for next week's Top 10. Even if your idea is not the one I choose to do next Sunday, it could very well be something done in the coming weeks. I remember last time I did this, I actually used about 3 or 4 of the ideas for future articles.

Anyway, I want to hear/read what you've got! Post a comment with your idea(s) and check back next Sunday to see if I've selected yours!

Thoughts on Sudbury and Barrie from November 12

With T.J. Brodie and Nick Crawford making their debut for Barrie, I figured I'd check out this game between Barrie and Sudbury on the OHL Action Pack. Barrie has been on fire lately, winning six in a row, and this one was no different. Crawford and Brodie each finished at +3 as the Colts took it to the Wolves by a score of 5-0. This Colts team is just dominating right now. An eye opening stat mentioned by the Colts broadcast crew was that the Colts have now gone 21 straight periods without being beaten. In other words, the Colts have not only gone seven straight games without losing, but they haven't even lost a period in any of those games. Quite impressive.

In watching Barrie before, and now with Brodie and Crawford, there is a difference. They join this lineup seamlessly and really help to get Barrie up ice quickly so that their forwards can take over play. Speaking of which, the Colts forward have really seemed to find some chemistry. All three lines were solid tonight, with even the fourth line of Ryan Strome, Dean Pawlaczyk, and David Mazurek dominating play down low on several occasions. Goaltender Peter Di Salvo had a great game too. I think there is much reason for Barrie fans to get excited this year, as this Colts team really does look like a contender for the OHL title, perhaps as the second best team behind the Windsor Spitfires.

Sudbury will have some tough times ahead. Already one of the worst offensive teams in the league, the Wolves will be without John McFarland for at least a few weeks as he's suffered a shoulder injury. The guys who need to pick up that slack, like Jared Staal and Marcus Foligno just aren't getting it done. Staal has 1 goal in his last 7 games, and Foligno hasn't scored since the third game of the season. The Wolves started this one with a bizarre offensive line up too. Nothing against Coach Foligno, because he knows what he's doing, but the forward lines he started with seemed like a recipe for disaster. The team's best player and only true offensive player, Eric O'Dell, was between 2 guys with a combined 4 goals on the year (Tarini and Allicock). Meanwhile, the club's other offensive threats were all on one, slow line (Kurtz, Staal, Foligno). Three very two way players, but also three forwards who lack the natural talent and foot speed to carry the puck into the zone. It's obvious that Coach Foligno is trying to find something without McFarland in the line up (and O'Dell's normal linemate), but it wasn't surprising to me that those lines failed to get anything done. And it didn't take long before they got thrown in the blender and mixed around. It wasn't until the 3rd period until the Wolves showed some life, much thanks to Eric O'Dell, but it was too little too late. Not a pretty game from their end at all and it certainly doesn't get easier for the Wolves to score as they'll be taking on the defensively stingy Mississauga Majors at home tomorrow.

On to some individual performance thoughts...

Sudbury Wolves





Justin Sefton (2011)
Highly touted draft selection of 2009, Sefton seems to be adjusting more and more to play in this league. I continue to be impressed with his defensive abilities, and ability to use his size at the ripe age of 16. On one occasion, beast Kyle Clifford came into the zone with a head of steam, but Sefton stayed in front of him, guided him to the boards and separated him from the puck. Quite a few defenders have a tough time with Clifford's size and speed combination, but not Sefton. He made a similar play on Stefan Della Rovere later in the game; another guy who's tough to contain. His offensive game still needs work, in particular his confidence in moving the puck up ice quickly, but I think there's some potential there. Late in the game he rushed the puck into the offensive end, which was a first for me in my viewings. He went end to end and took it right to the net, forcing Di Salvo to make a nice save. I hope he starts doing this more.

Jake Cardwell (2010)
Over the past two seasons, Caldwell has always been a guy who's caught my eye. He's got good size on the backend and he's not afraid to use it. He seems to be fairly mobile and has the ability to move the puck up ice. He runs the powerplay and can get his shot through to the net. The only thing missing is a big statline. I'm not entirely sure he's an NHL prospect, but I think it's worth giving him a solid shout out. He did well to defend against the Barrie rush and does a good job of staying ahead of the forwards. He had a couple nice rushes into the Barrie zone, in particular in the third period when Sudbury was trying to get some momentum back. He also hit the post with a point shot while on the powerplay. He did have a couple of turnovers in the defensive end, in particular one bad pass up the middle of the ice from behind his net, but nothing came of it.

Jared Staal (PHX)
Not much to say here. Completely invisible on the ice, for better or worse. Didn't make any glaring mistakes, but he didn't do anything in the offensive end either. Since his hot start to the season, he's gone quite cold as of late.

Daniel Maggio (NYR)
I thought he played a very solid game for a defender whose team just lost 5-0. Defensively he made a few very nice plays. For a guy his size, he has excellent mobility and he seems to do a very good job on rushing forwards. On two different occasions he was able to stay ahead of Kyle Clifford and Alex Hutchings, and keep them from the front of the net. It showed not only strong mobility, but good positioning too. He does need to tighten up his defensive zone coverage though and be quicker in picking up his man. Offensively, he rushes the puck well up ice and seems to make smart passing plays. On the powerplay, made a very nice play to keep the puck in the zone by knocking it down right at the line, then used the Brian Campbell esque spin'o'rama to elude two stick checks, and finishing the play off with a heads up cross ice pass for a one timer that was stopped by Peter Di Salvo. As a former 7th overall priority selection, his progress this year seems to be really flying under the radar.

Marcus Foligno (BUF)
Struggled tonight. Took two bad, sloppy, undisciplined penalties to negate his teams powerplays. The first a tripping call, the second a high stick. Nothing like taking two different penalties with the man advantage to kill any momentum offensively. Also had a couple terrible giveaways in his own end, one a bad pass to the middle of the ice that was picked off at the blueline. Another where he was stripped of the puck from behind while trying to carry it out of the defensive zone. Both led to scoring chances, but not to goals. Offensively, he just isn't getting anything done. As a penalty killer and board player, he's effective, but the Sabres didn't draft him to be a 4th line plugger. Hoping that playing for his dad again turns his game around for the better as the season goes on.

Eric O'Dell (ATL)
I thought he was really the only Sudbury forward who was able to generate offense tonight. Plays both ends of the ice, made a couple of very nice plays defensively to tie up his man. He works the cycle well and he can make things happen off the rush. Missed on a penalty shot (which was a terrible call) after taking the puck off a falling Nick Crawford and going hard to the net. Nothing to show for on the stat sheet, but this loss wasn't his fault. He's definitely missing John McFarland right now, as the two had built up quite the chemistry this season.

Barrie Colts






Alexander Burmistrov (2010)
Was part of the Colts most effective line on the night, with Alex Hutchings and Stefan Della Rovere. This line just couldn't be stopped. Burmistrov is such a smart offensive player. He doesn't need much room to slip through the defense and has a lot of confidence in carrying the puck. On Barrie's final goal of the game, he took the puck end to end on the powerplay, deking through two Wolves defenders, before smartly pulling up and finding Nick Crawford for the open point shot. Stefan Della Rovere promptly made the redirect, but it was Burmistrov's original play that got the ball rolling. His overall game is really rounding into form too. He's still doing good work on the penalty kill, but he's showing more effort 5 on 5 defensively and on the backcheck. He also is showing a willingness to stand in front of the net for screens, like he did on the Rovere tip in third period goal. Hasn't finished a game with a minus rating in 10 games. His stock for the draft can only go up at this point.

Alex Hutchings (TBL)
Simply put, Hutchings was a beast tonight. His speed caused a lot of trouble for the Wolves defense, in particular for the Wolves forwards on the backcheck. On the penalty kill, he was outstanding, pressuring on the forecheck and killing time along the boards. He takes the puck on the outside and goes hard to the net with speed, and his acceleration and low center of gravity make him very hard to stop, even if he is slightly undersized. Scored a goal on a nice pass from SDR in the first and picked up two assists on Barrie's 3rd and 4th goals. I'm disappointed he didn't get an invite to the Subway Super Series, because he deserves to be there. If there's an injury, I don't doubt he'd be the first they'd call to play.

Kyle Clifford (LA)
While he didn't have any points tonight, he made a difference. As I mentioned, his speed and size combination make him very hard to stop. While Sudbury's defense made a few nice plays on him, they largely had trouble containing him. On one excellent play, he slipped behind the defense for a breakaway, missed the net but followed up his rebound, shrugged off a check and took the puck hard to the front of the net on a wrap around. Unfortunately Andrew Loverock made a nice save on the play, but it showed how hard he is to stop with full momentum. He seems to be gaining a lot of confidence in just taking the puck to the net as soon as he gets it on his stick, which is something the Kings have to be happy with (in terms of his development).

Nick Crawford (BUF)
Played a tremendous game. Was solid defensively, playing a sound positional game. He keeps himself between the net and the opposing forward very well, and he reacts to the play like an NHL veteran. Offensively, he's incredibly smart too. Had three points on the night, a goal and 2 assists. What I like about Crawford is that he doesn't feel the need to take a big slapper from the point. He's comfortable putting a hard, accurate wrist shot towards the goal, and it creates scoring chances. He scored on one, and had another redirected for a goal. All in all, a tremendous first impression for him in Barrie, and perhaps out of the shadows in Saginaw, he'll start to garner the respect he deserves as an NHL prospect and top OHL defender.

Stefan Della Rovere (WSH)
Since starting the season very slowly, SDR has been outstanding of late (7 goals in his last 10 games). He's taking the puck hard to the net, he's crashing the net looking for rebounds, he's screening the goalie on point shots, and he's back to being his general shift disturbing self. Always a physical threat, Rovere is really hard to contain along the wall. Always keeps his feet moving in loose puck battles near the boards, part of the reason he rarely loses them. Scored a nice goal on a redirect in front of the net. Scored another goal on a nice reaction off a rebound, by turning and firing it top shelf, surprising Loverock. He also made a great pass to Alex Hutchings for the first goal of the game. Won a battle for the puck behind the net and made a beautiful back pass to a streaking Hutchings for the one timer. As long as he can keep his emotions in check and remain disciplined, he's such a valuable player to have on the ice in this league.

T.J. Brodie (CGY)
Like Crawford, this was Brodie's first game with Barrie and he was very strong. Interestingly enough, Brodie wasn't really involved offensively tonight like his partner Nick Crawford was. But he was solid defensively. Was never beat to the net, was winning battles in the corners. Did a good job on coverage. I even saw him rub out an opposing forward along the boards. That physical play is something you don't see enough of from Brodie. If he can put forth the defensive effort he did tonight...consistently for Barrie...it won't be long before more than just OHL and Calgary Flames fans know who this guy is. Like Crawford, he finished +3.

Bryan Cameron (Overage Free Agent)
Cameron didn't have a tremendous game, taking some undisciplined penalties. But he has been on absolute fire lately, with 7 goals in his last 5 games before this affair. I really like him as a player and I hope an NHL team gives him a shot this offseason.

Darren Archibald (2010, but 1990 born)
I was shocked when this guy went undrafted last season, after his strong OHL rookie season and playoffs. I'll be even more shocked if he goes undrafted or signed again this year. He's big, he can skate well for his size, and he has good hands and offensive instincts. A true power forward prospect who can do a little bit of everything. Besides Alex Hutchings, I thought Archibald was Barrie's best forward tonight. On his first shift of the game, he took a drop pass from Taylor Carnevale and ripped a snap shot off the crossbar. Later in the period, he flew down the wing, shrugged off a check from Josh McFadden, took the puck straight to the net and fired home a wrist shot top shelf. Quite an impressive goal. He also made a few really nice passes tonight in transition. Big power forwards who can play offense in transition don't grow on trees. He also kills penalties and makes a consistent effort on the backcheck. He saved a likely goal in the second period after coming back to the defensive zone to cover for a pinching defenseman, and intercepting a pass to a wide open Sudbury player in front of the net. After starting the season off slowly as he recovered from injury, Archibald has a 6 game point streak (6 goals, 4 assists) going now. This guy is a beast.

Taylor Carnevale (2010, but 1991 born)
Exploded offensively this season in Barrie and has a lot of people talking about his draft prospectus. Mark Seidel has him in his recent top 100 for the NACS. He seems to have very good chemistry with Darren Archibald and these two worked the give and go on several occasions. He has good speed and he's not afraid to work hard on the forecheck or in the corners. Kind of a jack of all trades who's smarts and vision give him the opportunity to put up points. He finished with a secondary assist on Archibald's goal.

Peter Di Salvo (2010, but 1990 born)
This one is for Mr. CAPS (read my comments section and you'll know!). Di Salvo was excellent tonight. Didn't really face much in the way of serious scoring chances until the third period, but he shut the door all night long. I really like how aggressive he is in challenging shooters. He gets out right past the blue ice and gives opposing shooters very little to aim for. His rebound control was a little bit suspect tonight, especially on long shots, but not much more you could ask from him tonight. Made all 28 saves for the shutout victory. By the way, Di Salvo has one of the coolest masks in the OHL (check it out)

That's it, anyone else see Brodie and Crawford's first game with the Colts?

Thoughts on Kitchener and Mississauga from November 11

Happy Remembrance Day everyone. Was great to see a solid tribute put on by the Majors staff and the Hershey Centre before the game. An 11 a.m. start for this match between two of the best clubs in the Ontario Hockey League. The early start was part of the "School Day" promotion that most OHL teams are now using once or twice a year in order to attract youth to the OHL.

This game had two faces. The first face occurred in the first 10 minutes of the hockey game when the Kitchener Rangers dominated play and looked poised to run away with this one. The second face occurred throughout the rest of the game where the Majors completely dominated play and held the Rangers to under 20 shots in the game.

This was a great victory for Mississauga, as their defense was tested against one of the premier offenses in the OHL. They were up to the challenge as they kept the Rangers largely to the perimeter and prevented them from gaining any energy in the offensive zone. The Majors forward unit played a great game too, as they did their job in keeping play in the Kitchener zone, winning puck battles and keeping possession. I'm not sure about time of possession numbers, but this one was largely dominated by the Missy.

Kitchener really fell flat. Not sure if it was the early start time that through them off, but they didn't have much energy in this one. Their defense had trouble starting the attack, and really fell victim to the forecheck of the Majors. This prevented anything resembling a quick transition game, which in my experience watching this Rangers squad, is something they need to do to be successful.

Thoughts on individual players...

Kitchener Rangers





John Moore (CBJ)
Second time I've seen Moore this season, and second time I've come away less than inspired. He hasn't scored a goal since his first game in the league. The skating and mobility is definitely his biggest asset. Majors forwards had a hard time getting around him on the attack, and he always appeared to be a step ahead (or a step closer to the net) than the rushing forward. But his coverage in the zone seems to need work. On a few occasions he seemed lost in his own zone, failing to pick up his man or communicate with his defensive partner (mostly Jonathan Jasper). In the second period, his pairing gave up a breakaway to Majors forward Riley Brace as he got behind them. Offensively, to be bluntly honest, he was a non factor. The Majors forecheck was all over him and really prevented him from skating with the puck up ice. I can't remember him making any rushes that resulted in access to the Majors zone. For a player billed as an elite rushing defenseman, this area of his game has less than dazzled me in two viewings. On the powerplay, he failed to get his point shot through to the net either, and even had trouble 5 on 4 with bringing the puck up ice and eluding the forecheck. I'm not saying he's a terrible player, but if anything I expected to see a guy (as a first round pick and someone who nearly made an NHL roster) to be head and shoulders above the competition...which he hasn't been.

Tyler Randell (BOS)
He had a pretty solid game overall. His line with Alex Aleardi and Ben Thomson was one of the few actually working hard in the offensive zone. However, there does appear to be some consistency issues at work here. For every shift he was a factor, there were two where he was completely invisible. For a player of his ilk, that's unacceptable. He needs to find a way to get involved on every shift, whether it be making a big hit, or doing a good job on the cycle. When he did have a good shift, he was very noticeable as a tough object to move in front of the net and in the corners. He scored a nice goal off a beautiful feed from Alex Aleardi. Aleardi had the puck behind the net, fed it to Randell in front of the net for the one timer over Anderson's shoulder. He clearly has good hands in close, he just needs to put himself in more situations to capitalize from them.

Ryan Murphy (2011)
Continue to be impressed by this young defenseman. His skating ability and eagerness to bring the puck up ice is refreshing. He too was affected by the forecheck of the Majors, but he did manage to get away on a few occasions and bring the puck up ice to advancing forwards. Defensively, he needs to get stronger in order to handle forwards in front of the net, but the intelligence is there. This guy could be one of the best offensive defenseman in the league by next season.

Alex Aleardi (2010)
Aleardi reminds me a lot of Niagara's Alex Friesen last season. Tons of speed to burn, great on the forecheck and the cycle, but ultimately missing something that's preventing him from capitalizing more often from hard work. He seems to have a really hard time keeping the puck on his stick at full speed, and as such very little came from his attacks deep into Mississauga territory. He did do well in the cycle and managed to make a very nice pass to Tyler Randell for his goal. At this point I'm not sure he's an NHL draft selection, but if you look at the progression of Friesen this season, with added strength and confidence, perhaps Aleardi can still become a top quality player in this league.

Jeff Skinner (2010)
Thought he was Kitchener's best forward today, although I'm not sure that's saying much. Seemed to be one of the few Kitchener players still moving their feet and giving it all in the second and third periods. Had two nice rushes where he managed to breakthrough the Majors defensive pairing for a chance in close on J.P. Anderson...although both times he was turned away by the goaltender. He showed some chippyness in the game too and was in a few little after the whistle skirmishes. While his motor is running at full speed in the offensive end, I do wish he was able to translate that at the other end of the ice consistently. It would definitely make him a more valuable prospect to NHL scouts.

Jeremy Morin (ATL)
Morin was invisible in this one. Completely blanketed by the Majors defense. He threw a couple nice hits though, one in particular near the Rangers bench. Haven't seen that side of his game yet. But not much else to say here.

Gabriel Landeskog (2011)
Had some good shifts in the first period where he used his speed to disrupt the Majors transition game. In particular, took the puck off Cameron Gaunce on one occasion and was able to create a scoring chance off of it. I like his drive to the net too, and his fearlessness. But he was invisible in the second and third periods much like the rest of his teammates.

Mississauga St. Michael's Majors




Stuart Percy (2011)
Really starting to like the way he plays the game more and more. Seems like he's getting better (and gaining more confidence) every time I see him play. Defensively he was excellent today. He shows great anticipation of the play and is aware of how to cut off scoring lanes to forwards. On one occasion he saved a breakaway by being aware of the Majors player stepping out of the box, and instead of pinching to keep the puck in, he peeled off the blueline and positioned himself between the passing lane and the player, intercepting the pass and putting it back into the zone. It was a little thing, but something that shouldn't go unnoticed. Offensively, he's bringing the puck up ice more, playing well on the powerplay, and doing a very good job of keeping the puck in the offensive zone. Made a really nice slap pass to Jordan Mayer in the slot on the powerplay, forcing Mavric Parks to make a big save. Percy is getting better and better and seems to be one of the best 1993 defenseman in the league this season.

Tim Billingsley (PHX)
Had a rough first period, but settled down in the second and third. In the first he made a couple really sloppy passes that resulted in scoring chances for the Rangers. But he got better and was unnoticeable the rest of the game, which means Billingsley did his job defensively. But this isn't the first game I've seen where he started off poorly, before settling in. I'm starting to wonder if this is a habit...

Brett Flemming (WSH)
After starting the season off pretty cold, Flemming really seems to be settling in this month, with 6 points in 5 games thus far. He's back to playing in all situations for the Majors and seems to be playing with a lot more confidence than when I last saw him. He's rushing the puck up ice, he's playing solid defense, and he's doing a very good job on the powerplay. One thing I'd like to see him do is shoot the puck more. He gets opportunities from the point, but continues to elect to pass. Sometimes if you're open, you gotta get the puck to the net from the blueline.

Casey Cizikas (NYI)
Cizikas is transforming himself into one of the better two way players in the league. He's got 9 points in 5 November games thus far and is really starting to gain confidence offensively. He was all over the ice today. Caused a lot of trouble for the opposing defense on the forecheck and forced quite a few turnovers. He seems to anticipate the play very well. He's taking the puck to the net with authority and made a very nice pass to Devante Smith-Pelly for a one time shot in the slot. He was hitting players too and doing a good job of trying to get under the skin of the Rangers. On the penalty kill, he's one of the best in the business. Disrupts play so well and forces bad passes with his anticipation. He did take a very undisciplined penalty towards the end of the game though, giving the Rangers a 6 on 4 with the net empty.

Devante Smith-Pelly (2010)
The best player for the Majors today, IMO. He may not have the height of your prototypical power forward, but he plays like one. He finishes his checks, he takes the puck hard to the net, he's defensively responsible, he skates well, he's strong in the corners. Not much he can't do right now. His speed and acceleration is quite good. He blew by a Ranger defenseman (I believe Dodero) and managed to get a shot on goal from a bad angle coming down the wing. He had that aforementioned chance in the slot set up by Cizikas, but was turned away by Parks again. Defensively, he was outstanding. First forward back in his zone, winning the battles in the corners, and really pushing people around. On the forecheck, he was very active. Caused one turnover with a big hit along the boards that got the puck free for a scoring chance to Casey Cizikas. This guy is a HUGE riser on the draft board if he continues to play this way.

Gregg Sutch (2010)
Recently returned from an ankle injury and still seems to be going through he feeling out process. Playing on a line with Jordan Mayer and William Wallen, so he is getting an opportunity. Had a few nice hits and appears eager to throw his body around and go hard to the front of the net. Unfortunately he wasn't able to finish off any plays in front of the net, with his best opportunity coming on a rebound, but his stick broke. We'll see if he can start finishing off some of those chances a month from now when he should be fully rehabilitated.

Cameron Gaunce (COL)
Did not have a good first period at all. Was sloppy with the puck, failed to tie up his man in front of the net on the Tyler Randell goal, and became a victim of the Rangers forecheck. He really does seem to have a hard time with teams who have forwards with speed on the forecheck. Simply needs to get that puck out of his zone quicker. But it's as if a light went on in the second period and he began playing much better. Had a few nice rushes with the puck (something I haven't seen with much consistency from Gaunce this year). Made a beautiful pass to spring Riley Brace on a breakaway in the second. Spun away from the forecheck, waited patiently and hit Brace right down the middle of the ice; a beautiful pass. Defensively, he became much better, was taking the body and taking no prisoners. Finished with an assist on Dustin Ekelman's goal, after he put a weak shot on net that generated a big rebound. I am starting to slowly wonder about his ability to transfer him game to the NHL level though.

J.P. Anderson (2010)
Anderson got the start in this game and wasn't tested all that much. Did a very nice job in the first period, keeping his team in the game, but wasn't tested at all really in the second and third (save the last 2 minutes of the 3rd). He reacts very well to the play and takes away the bottom of the net very well. His rebounds were either collected or kicked out to the corners, so he did a great job in that area. The shot that beat him was high, and for an undersized butterfly goalie, this will be a concern for him going forward (just the way it was for Mike Murphy). It'll be interesting to see how things play out for him this season. He made 16 of 17 saves for the win.

Thoughts? Comments?

HUGE Barrie and Saginaw Trade

I don't usually report on trades here, but I felt this one needed some talking about.

Today it was announced that the Barrie Colts and Saginaw Spirit have completed a four player trade. The Colts have acquired defenseman T.J. Brodie and Nick Crawford, while defenseman Ryan O'Connor and forward Michael Sgarbossa head to Saginaw.

Confirmed HERE.

This is an absolutely massive deal for both clubs, with the exchange of four higher profile OHL players.

For Barrie, this is a trade they had to make. If they want to swing with the big boys in the West (and with Mississauga in the East), they needed to upgrade their defense. Not only are T.J. Brodie and Nick Crawford excellent at running the powerplay and moving the puck up ice (currently 2nd and 3rd in defenseman scoring), but they are also solid veteran players who can play solid defense. Nick Crawford in particular is on the ice in all situations for Saginaw. On the downside, this deal was made in order to make a run this season. Losing two very good 92's like O'Connor and Sgarbossa will hurt this team next season when Brodie and Crawford (likely) have moved on to the professional ranks. But as I said, they had to make this deal. Their time is now to make a run in the Eastern Conference.

For Saginaw, this move must be a hard one to swallow for the fans. On a purely business side of things, this deal makes sense. One small step backward in order to take a larger step forward next season and beyond. But with the team playing so well (3rd in the West), it has to be hard for the fans to fathom the fact that the team has decided to trade their two best defenseman in an effort to rebuild. Obviously Todd Watson and Saginaw management believe that the team is not strong enough to win the Western Conference this year, but that they might be next year. For that reason, I really like this trade from their point of view as well. Ryan O'Connor and Michael Sgarbossa are two high quality offensive players. By this time next year, O'Connor could likely be as good as T.J. Brodie is now, and he could also be a potential top 60 NHL draft selection. Sgarbossa is a talented playmaking forward who very likely jumps right into the Spirit top 6. He's also likely an NHL draft selection and a guy who next season, will be able to replace the types of things Jordan Skellett is providing as an overager this year. Let's face it, O'Connor and Sgarbossa are no scrubs right now either. Both were playing a large role for the top team in the Western Conference. If a young Spirit defenseman can step up to fill the void, this team might not even lose much this year.

What are your thoughts on the trade?