Alexander Khokhlachev Interview Translated

Our friend Alessandro Seren Rosso has translated an interview with future Windsor Spitfire center Alexander Khokhlachev and he has asked me to share it with you. Some great nuggets of info in there. Khokhlachev sounds very determined to be a high draft selection by the NHL.

http://www.russianprospect.com/interviews/alexander-khokhlachev-i-moved-to-america-to-get-drafted-high

Sunday Top 10 - 2009 Draftees Who Need to Have a Big Season in 2010-2011

If you remember last year around this time, a Sunday Top 10 article (here) focused on those 2008 NHL drafted players who needed to step up their game in order to gain an NHL contract. I really enjoyed writing the piece so I've decided to recycle the idea for this season.

In 2009-10, nine OHL players from the 2008 draft failed to earn a contract and subsequently became NHL free agents. Of those nine, five appeared on my preseason list. While those five failed to take their game to the next level, five others did enough to earn a contract. Patrick Killeen had a tremendous year for Brampton (keeping them in the thick of the playoff race when Cody Hodgson wasn't around). Chris Carrozzi was part of one of the league's premier defenses. Tyler Beskorowany helped Kingston to a solid season, even if Fronts fans seemed to be a little underwhelmed with his performance. A.J. Jenks posted over a point per game numbers for the first time in his OHL career and had a tremendous playoff performance for Plymouth. Last, but not least, Jared Staal had his worst season since his 16 year old year, yet managed to get a contract from the Carolina Hurricanes (after Phoenix decided they didn't want him).

This upcoming season, many other OHL players will have NHL contracts riding on their performance. The players on this list didn't have the post draft breakouts that players in their situations usually have. Does that mean they've hit their peak and they're unlikely to generate NHL interest? If last year's list is any indication, the answer is probably yes. But, if we go off last year's list, we're told that some of these players will finally take that next step forward and demonstrate an ability to be a potential NHL hockey player.

The list is ranked according to their potential impact in the NHL, their potential impact in the OHL this season, but also by the hype they've created as NHL prospects.

Here is the list:

10. Barron Smith - Peterborough Petes
Drafted By: Toronto Maple Leafs
The son of former three time Stanley Cup Champion Steve Smith, Barron had a very difficult 2009-2010. A physical, stay at home defenseman, Smith was unable to crack the Petes line up on a consistent basis and as a result had very little impact on Peterborough's playoff season. This season, the Petes defense will be equally as crowded. This means that Smith is going to have to shown marked improvement in his game to start making an impact. He came over from the USHL with a lot of hype two seasons ago. Maybe this is the season he puts it together.

9. Tyler Randell - Kitchener Rangers
Drafted By: Boston Bruins
Randell had fairly high expectations going into last season. He had 24 goals in his draft season, including 14 in 37 games with Kitchener after a mid season trade. But last year was a huge disappointment as he battled injury problems and found himself buried in Kitchener's forward depth. This lead to a 9 goal season. This season, Kitchener's forward depth isn't likely to take much of a huge hit (unless Skinner and Morin stick in the NHL), which means Randell is going to have to earn his ice time. He has mid 20-30 goal potential in this league, if he can be more consistent with his performance game in and game out.

8. Andy Bathgate - Belleville Bulls
Drafted By: Pittsburgh Penguins
The Penguins have let OHL players walk the past two seasons (Jacob Muzzin in 2008/09, Nathan Moon in 2009/10), so they've got a history of giving up on their CHL selections. Bathgate actually had a pretty decent 2009-10, which was overshadowed by the Bulls' anemic season. He had the best point per game average of any forward who spent the entire season with Belleville. But he still battled a few minor injuries. The grandson of former Hart Trophy winner Andy Bathgate, Andy Bathgate (did I confuse you?) is going to have to show the Penguins he can continue to grow as a player and continue to work towards staying healthy. The Bulls have a young squad which could possibly make some noise and Bathgate could do wonders for his NHL stock by helping to lead this team back to the playoffs.

7. Phil Varone - London Knights
Drafted By: San Jose Sharks
After such a tremendous playoff performance during the 2009 run by London, big things were expected of Varone last year. But his season was plagued by two shoulder injuries which really limited his effectiveness and he finished the season with a paltry 9 goals in 31 games. The Sharks have yet to provide Varone with a contract which would definitely suggest he's headed back to London for an overage season (A December 1990 birthdate who was drafted in 2009). The Knights are going to need some forwards to step up this season and I'm sure they'd love to see a healthy Varone back and contributing big time.

6. Brett Flemming - Mississauga St. Michael's Majors
Drafted By: Washington Capitals
It's not that Flemming had a bad season last year. He was a huge part of the Majors defensive success and as a result was actually named in the OHL coaches poll as one of the best defensive defenseman in the league. However, the alarming thing was that his offensive game failed to reach the next level, in fact his point totals decreased. The question is, with his only average size, will he generate NHL interest from the Capitals if he's not able to show an increased ability to generate offense. How many stay at home defenders in the NHL check in at about 5'11, 180lbs? With Cameron Gaunce likely in the AHL, the Majors are going to need a new powerplay presence and the experienced Flemming needs to step up and be that guy.

5. Scott Stajcer - Owen Sound Attack
Drafted By: New York Rangers
The Owen Sound Attack had just an awful season last year. Injury plagued and wildly inconsistent, the Attack missed the playoffs after preseason expectations had them in the thick of the Western Conference playoffs. Stajcer may not be completely to blame for that, but he certainly didn't have a great season and was as hot and cold as the rest of his teammates. But the Attack have reason to be optimistic about this season again. Everyone is healthy and everyone is a year older. If the Attack are going to right their ship, Stajcer is going to have to take his game to the next level and show everyone he's capable of being a starting netminder in this league (after previously splitting time with Tyler Beskorowany in his draft year).

4. Jordan Szwarz - Saginaw Spirit
Drafted By: Phoenix Coyotes
It's not that Szwarz had a terrible 2009/10 season, it's just that he was slightly underwhelming. While his goal totals jumped into the mid 20's, the rest of his game stagnated and he remained as inconsistent offensively as he was in his draft year. The Spirit will be without their two most reliable offensive players from a year ago (Jordan Skellett and Tyler Murovich), which means that if they are going to continue to be successful, they're going to need a veteran player like Szwarz to take his game to the next level. As a slightly undersized, energy oriented player, the Yotes are probably going to look to Szwarz to deliver a point per game season for the first time in his OHL career.

3. Marcus Foligno - Sudbury Wolves
Drafted By: Buffalo Sabres
Foligno didn't have a brutal season, if you face it in the context of how big of a disappointment the Wolves were last year. He did manage to improve his offensive numbers. But I think we'd be fooling ourselves if we didn't expect more from him considering his bloodlines (father Mike and brother Nick). The Wolves are headed for likely another troubled season, but if Marcus can get close to a point per game and become a more disciplined player, it won't matter if the Wolves struggle again. Foligno will get his contract from the Sabres. But if he really wants to make an impression on the scouting world, he can help take an undervalued team and make them a contender for the playoffs.

2. Michael Zador - Oshawa Generals
Drafted By: Tampa Bay Lightning
The Oshawa Generals could be a surprise team in the Eastern Conference this season. Younger players should get better and some incoming talent could be really promising. Yet, the key to the Generals success may actually be this man, Lightning draft pick Michael Zador. In his first full season as an OHL starting netminder, Zador struggled. But the former highly touted London Knights prospect has the potential to be good and has shown glimpses of brilliance. A consistently solid season would go a long way to earning Zador a contract with Tampa, and to leading Oshawa deep into the playoffs.

1. Zack Kassian - Windsor Spitfires
Drafted By: Buffalo Sabres
Let me get this straight, I'm not insinuating that the Sabres may not sign Kassian and instead take the second round compensation (as the Habs did this offseason with David Fischer). What I'm suggesting is that Kassian is a player who really needs to step up his game this season to get back in the good books of the NHL team that drafted him. After a season mired by suspension and a slow start, the offseason hasn't been kind to Kassian either after a brush up with the law and an incident at the World Junior Summer camp that left coach Dave Cameron scratching his head. The Spits are going to have a bit of a new look offense this season and if they want to successfully three-peat as Memorial Cup Champions, they are going to need Kassian focused and determined. They will need him to play as well as he did during the 2010 playoffs, where his size and skill made him a force to be reckoned with. There's no co-incidence with him being the only CHL player (out of 16) from the 2009 NHL Draft, YET to be signed to an NHL contract. Kassian needs to step it up!

Anyone care to make a prediction? Who gets a contract and who doesn't?

Sunday Top 10 - Players Who Could Be Traded Before the 2010-2011 Season

August is upon us, which means that OHL teams can begin trading again. Even if training camps don't begin for another three weeks, coaches and general managers have an idea of the strengths and weaknesses of their club. Take Steve Spott and the Kitchener Rangers, who kicked off August with the acquisition of behemoth defenseman Cody Sol from Saginaw. The Rangers knew they had some holes to fill on defense, so they filled a void.

So what I present to you today, are some names who could possibly see themselves playing for new teams prior to the start of the 2010-2011 regular season. The inclusion of each name is surrounded by mostly differentiating circumstances. By no means am I saying that these players WILL be traded, nor do I know of any rumours of their departure. I'm simply listing some names to watch; names who look like they have the chance to be wearing different colours next year.

The list:

10. Chris Perugini - Ottawa 67's
Perugini's name has been floating all over the rumour sheets this offseason. With Petr Mrazek's playoff performance last year, it's to be assumed that the starting role could be his for the taking. The 67's could obviously go with a platoon situation, similar to what's worked for Dave Cameron and the Majors for numerous years. But I don't see that being the case here. I think Mrazek, at this point in time, is probably the better goaltender and the 67's will be gunning hard for the division title this year. They've got some holes to fill, particularly another veteran defenseman, and Perugini could be used to fill a hole. Perugini has had a lot of flashes of brilliance in this league, but has yet to really put together a consistently good season. Maybe a change of scenery would do him well too.

9. Scott Tanski - Brampton Battalion
It's hard to imagine what the intention of the Battalion is this season. They've lost their starting goaltender and their top three defenseman to graduation (in all likelihood). However, the Troops have some quality young talent at forward, which suggests that maybe they could be a bit better than some are anticipating them to be. That being said, I don't think anybody will be mistaking this year's Brampton team for a potential Eastern Conference winner. It could be a case of trading some veteran players, taking a small step backwards in order to take a larger step forward next year or beyond. Scott Tanski has been a Battalion since he entered the league and has developed into a quality two way forward. As an overager, he'd likely generate a fair amount of interest from other OHL teams looking for a quality veteran forward. If the Battalion can get a quality return on him (or Sean Jones for that matter), it wouldn't shock me to see him leave.

8. James Livingston - Plymouth Whalers
The former third round pick of the St. Louis Blues had a very disappointing season in 09-10. What was supposed to be his coming out party, ended up being his worst season statistically since his 16 year old year. A gritty power forward, Livingston's offensive game has never developed consistency. Livingston never really fit in Plymouth after his trade from the Soo. Considering that the Whalers seemed poised for a bit of a rebuild this season, all signs would point to this overage forward being available. There are some teams out there who could really use Livingston's size up front, even if you don't really know what you're going to get offensively.

7. Ben Chiarot/Daniel Maggio - Sudbury Wolves
What's to come of the Wolves this year? Expectations might be the lowest they've ever been for this franchise under new head coach Trent Cull. Back to back disappointing seasons and a depleted roster this year likely means rebuild. The Wolves have two quality two-way defenseman that could generate some interest around the league. Both are NHL prospects, both bring intensity and a physical presence, and both would look good in the top four of a competing team (like say Ottawa...considering Sudbury needs a starting goalie). Smart money would say that the Wolves could look to move these guys for younger talent or draft picks in hopes of rebuilding this franchise from the ground up.

6. Joe Rogalski - Sarnia Sting
The Sting could definitely be better this year. They've amassed a wealth of young talent. However, the West will be competitive yet again this year and that means, even with improvement and progress, the Sting could find themselves near the bottom of the standings. Joe Rogalski has been a three year member of the Sarnia blueline, but has yet to really develop the way management probably envisioned. If the Sting can get a good return on Rogalski, something that would help them next year and the year after, my bet is them taking it.

5. Dalton Prout - Barrie Colts
What will the Colts do? If they intend to ice a competitive team, they're going to have to make massive upgrades to a defense which will be decimated by the absences of Alex Pietrangelo, T.J. Brodie, Nick Crawford, and Matt Stanisz. Prout remains the integral cog of last year's excellent blueline, however his return isn't even set in stone after he was drafted by Columbus this year. He could have a chance to make the AHL this year...although it seems more likely he'd be sent back to the OHL for an overage season (perhaps to increase his offensive production). If he is returned, he could be a massive trade chip for the Colts to try and rebuild all of what they gave away for last year's run. Just food for thought, Prout is from the Windsor area, and who should need a physical stay at home defender, with the losses of Harry Young and Mark Cundari?

4. Nathan Moon - Kingston Frontenacs
Unsigned by the Penguins, Moon will be returning to the OHL for an overage season. The Kingston Frontenacs are going to be contenders (or at least they're planning on it). So why trade a potential impact overager? For some reason I just have a hard time seeing Moon return to Kingston for an overage year. His offensive numbers have declined the past three seasons, which have been littered with minor quarrels and questions about his effort. The Fronts will have Ethan Werek return and he looked good at center last year. Top pick Alan Quine looked solid as a rookie last year and should be ready for the 2nd line center role. Where does that leave Moon in a quest for playing time? We could very well see Moon back in Kingston next year, but something tells me the Fronts could look to move him in a trade that could give them some more size up front.

3. Alex Hutchings - Barrie Colts
Definitely an interesting case. From what I've seen and read, a lot of Colts fans expect Hutchings to move on to the AHL this season, rather than return for his overage year. However, I actually expect that contrary. Hutchings doesn't have an NHL contract yet with Tampa and was only a 2009 draft pick by Tampa (thanks to a November birth date). The Lightning can send Hutchings back to the OHL and sign him after his overage year, if they'd like. Other players from 2009 with a late birth date, and who are expected to play pro this year, already have contracts. These are the likes of Nazem Kadri, Matt Clark, Matt Hackett, and Edward Pasquale. If Hutchings is sent back for an overage year, you'd have to bet the line up of suitors will be around the block.

2. Mavric Parks/Peter Di Salvo - Barrie Colts
I guarantee one of these two gets traded sometime before or near the start of the season. Why? When was the last time an OHL team used up two of their three overage spots on a goaltending platoon? Especially with a capable OHL goalie like Dalton McGrath waiting in the wings. Both are very capable and solid starting netminders in this league. While teams are sometimes hesitant to use an overage spot on a goalie, either of these guys is worth it in my opinion. The question is, do the Colts trade both? It would appear to be a rebuilding season in Barrie, why not get back some assets and give the reigns to Dalton McGrath...if he can handle it?

1. Tyler Seguin - Plymouth Whalers
Seguin is probably a surprise inclusion on this list. Really, I'd be surprised if he doesn't stick in Boston this year. I'm sure that's the case for most people...probably even the Whalers. But if he gets sent back, what do the Whalers do with him? Do they keep him despite a re-tooling season, ala the Brampton Battalion with Cody Hodgson last year. Or do they trade him ala the Oshawa Generals and John Tavares a few years ago? I'm not even sure what I'd do, so I can only imagine the quandary that Mike Vellucci would be faced with if Seguin does indeed return. What would you do if you were Plymouth?


So what do you think, who stays and who goes?

Hockey Canada Unveils Roster for the 2010 Ivan Hlinka Tournament

Yesterday, Hockey Canada unveiled the roster for the 2010 Ivan Hlinka tournament. Traditionally, this is a tournament that Canada has done incredibly well in. We have won gold in 12 of the last 14 tournaments, including last year where Tyler Seguin and Jeff Skinner led Canada to the gold in dominating fashion.

This year, Belleville Bulls head coach and general manager George Burnett is coaching the team and it's obvious to see the OHL flavour abundant on the roster.

Here is the roster (thanks to Hockey Canada):

Goaltender/Gardien de but
	Robin Gusse	L/G	5’10"	170	04/23/93	Terrebonne, Que./Qc	Chicoutimi (QMJHL)	2011 Dft/Rep.
	Tyson Teichmann	L/G	6'0"	139	05/19/93	Belleville, Ont.	Belleville (OHL)	2011 Dft/Rep.
Defence/Défense
	Myles Bell	R/D	6'0"	209	08/19/93	Calgary, Alta./Alb.	Regina (WHL)	2011 Dft/Rep.
	Dougie Hamilton	R/D	6’4.5”	187	06/17/93	Toronto, Ont.	Niagara (OHL)	2011 Dft/Rep.
	Scott Harrington	L/G	6’1”	209	03/10/93	Kingston, Ont.	London (OHL)	2011 Dft/Rep.
	Ryan Murray	L/G	6'0.5"	190	09/27/93	White City, Sask.	Everett (WHL)	2012 Dft/Rep.
	Xavier Ouellet	L/G	6’0”	174	07/29/93	Terrebonne, Que./Qc	Montreal (QMJHL)	2011 Dft/Rep.
	Stuart Percy	L/G	6’1”	187	05/18/93	Oakville, Ont.	Mississauga St. Michael’s (OHL)	2011 Dft/Rep.
	Duncan Siemens	L/G	6’3”	196	09/07/93	Sherwood Park, Alta./Alb.	Saskatoon (WHL)	2011 Dft/Rep.
Forwards/Avants
	Austen Brassard	R/D	6’2”	192	01/14/93	Windsor, Ont.	Belleville (OHL)	2011 Dft/Rep.
	David Broll	L/G	6’1.5”	221	01/04/93	Mississauga, Ont.	Erie (OHL)	2011 Dft/Rep.
	Daniel Catenacci	L/G	5'10	180	03/09/93	Newmarket, Ont.	Sault Ste. Marie (OHL)	2011 Dft/Rep.
	Michael Curtis	L/G	6'0"	184	01/26/93	Mississauga, Ont.	Belleville (OHL)	2011 Dft/Rep.
	Phillip Danault	L/G	6'0"	173	02/24/93	Victoriaville, Que./Qc	Victoriaville (QMJHL)	2011 Dft/Rep.
	Jonathan Huberdeau	L/G	6’1”	166	06/04/93	Prévost, Que./Qc	Saint John (QMJHL)	2011 Dft/Rep.
	Boone Jenner	L/G	6’1.5”	197	06/15/93	Dorcester, Ont.	Oshawa (OHL)	2011 Dft/Rep.
	Lucas Lessio	L/G	6'1”	195	01/23/93	Maple, Ont.	St. Michael’s (CCHL)	2011 Dft/Rep.
	Garrett Meurs	R/D	5’10.5”	171	01/12/93	Ripley, Ont.	Plymouth (OHL)	2011 Dft/Rep.
	Ryan Nugent-Hopkins	L/G	6'0"	166	04/12/93	Burnaby, B.C./C.-B.	Red Deer (WHL)	2011 Dft/Rep.
	Matt Puempel	L/G	6’0.5”	201	01/24/93	Essex, Ont.	Peterborough (OHL)	2011 Dft/Rep.
	Alan Quine	L/G	5’11”	179	02/25/93	Belleville, Ont.	Kingston (OHL)	2011 Dft/Rep.
	Brett Ritchie	R/D	6’3”	204	07/01/93	Orangeville, Ont.	Sarnia (OHL)	2011 Dft/Rep.

Of the 17 OHL players invited to the selection camp, 14 made the team. The three who were released were Ryan Murphy, Cody Ceci and Carter Sandlak.

Obviously the BIG surprise there is the fact that Ryan Murphy failed to make the team. Murphy is currently being touted as a possible top 10 pick for the 2011 draft (ISS currently has him at 8th on their list), so it's pretty shocking that he didn't make this team. Those who have seen Murphy play, know of his electrifying offensive ability. Murphy himself must be asking what more he had to do considering he scored a hat trick and added an assist in the final intersquad game on Tuesday. HockeyProspect.com tweets "I was told that Hockey Canada were not fans of Ryan Murphy."

The last really high profile guy to get cut from the Hlinka team was Sam Gagner, who failed to make the 2006 team (who ended up winning gold). Gagner went on to become the 6th overall pick of the 2007 draft, so an exclusion from the tournament certainly didn't seem to hurt him.

Interestingly enough, two of the WHL's top prospects for 2011, Michael St. Croix and Ty Rattie were also cut. Both are being billed as potential first round picks, perhaps even top 15 picks. Rattie was the 2nd overall pick in the 2008 bantam draft, while St. Croix was the 4th overall. Just as surprising as Murphy's release is for us OHL fans, WHL fans have to be wondering what happened to these two at the camp.

It's pretty clear that George Burnett has some sort of vision in mind for this team. With the release of some pretty astounding talent, let's hope he's right!

Play begins on Monday, August 9th when Canada takes on Sweden.

Sunday Top 10 - Unheralded Rookies Who Could Make an Impact in 2010-11

If you've got a good memory, you'll remember that around this time last year, I posted a top 10 based on lower profile guys who could make an impact in their first year (of at least full year) in the OHL. These weren't your traditional rookies, but 1992 and 1991 born players who didn't play or played very sparingly in the OHL during 2008-09. Names like Phil Lane, Dalton McGrath appeared on the list...while I missed on players like Andrew Crescenzi and Geoffrey Schemitsch.

This year, I've decided to return with a similar list. We're looking at 1992 and 1993 born players who played little or not at all in 2009-10...BUT could make an impact on the league this year. Due to the fact that the league restricts the amount of 16 year olds you can carry and play, you're always going to find players who just didn't make the cut in their draft year, but who can come back strong and leave a lasting impression in their second attempt. A lot of the time these are players who were lower draft picks who grew or added weight, or players who just weren't sure whether they wanted to play in the OHL or go to the NCAA.

The one disclaimer I have for this list is that (for the vast majority), I've never seen these guys play. The list was based on research that I have been doing, which included some help from McKeen's David Burstyn, and the monitoring of team rookie camps.

The list will also not have an actual ranking, but instead will be a list of 10 names who could make an impact...as well as some honorable mentions (for reasons I'll list).

Here are the ten players you should look out for:

Justin Thomas - Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds
A 4th rounder by the Hounds in 2009, the enigmatic Thomas spent minimal games with Sault Ste. Marie last season (although did manage to score his first OHL goal in that time). However, when he wasn't with the Hounds, he had a fantastic season for the Soo Thunderbirds of the NOJHL, averaging over a point per game. The Hounds don't have too many openings up front this year, which means Thomas is going to have to outplay some returning players if he wants a consistent spot in the line up. If he can bring his combination of skill and toughness to the rink on a consistent basis, he could be a surprise contributor for the Hounds this year.

Joey DeConcilys - Niagara IceDogs
This St. Catharines native nearly made the Dogs out of camp last year after a very impressive showing at both the rookie camp and the main camp. He's an undersized defenseman, but is blessed offensively. Considering how much the Dogs powerplay struggled last year, you have to wonder if the team regrets not keeping him. He went on to have a sensational year for the St. Catharines Falcons, posting 33 points in 46 games and being one of the team's leaders on defense. However, the Dogs have a serious log jam on the blueline. Is there enough room for DeConcilys? Is DeConcilys still considering the Dogs? With the turnover in management the Dogs had this summer, they canceled their rookie camp, which means that it's a little unknown as to whether DeConcilys is still going to try and play for the Dogs, or whether he's planning on going to the NCAA. With a new coach and management in town, no roster spot is likely safe. The best players will make the team and it's still possible DeConcilys could be one of those players.

Zach Lorentz & Eric Ming - Kitchener Rangers
You just knew I'd circumvent the ten player limit on this list somehow. I'm doing it by combining a few players who are going for the same OHL club. Lorentz is a local boy from Waterloo who was a late round pick of the Rangers in 2009. He had an excellent season last year, splitting it between midget and Waterloo of the GOJHL (where he nearly averaged a ppg). He just finished having a very strong rookie camp for the Rangers too. He's a high energy player with offensive skill and those types of players often have success in this league. Ming was a mid round pick in 2009, but recently signed with the Rangers suggesting his place on the team is fairly cemented. He also had a very strong 2009-10 season playing for Cornwall of the CJHL where he averaged over a point per game. He's a little undersized and soft, but he has offensive skill and could surprise this season. While it remains to be seen if there is enough room for both Lorentz and Ming on the Rangers this year, you'd have to think the odds are good that at least one of them makes some sort of impact.

Steven Trojanovic - Windsor Spitfires
Trojanovic was a high draft selection of the Spits in 2009 (3rd rounder) and spent 10 games with the team last year, where he didn't look out of place. With some certain (Harry Young) and possible (Mark Cundari, Cam Fowler, Ryan Ellis, Marc Cantin) departures on the blueline, it seems obvious to suggest Trojanovic will receive a much larger role on the team this season. When he wasn't with Windsor last year, Trojanovic split his time with LaSalle (GOJHL) and Oakville (OJAHL), where he had 23 points combined in 44 games. He has good size, mobility, and brings a solid two way game. He looked like a man among boys at Windsor's rookie camp this offseason which suggests he could be ready for bigger and better things.

Adam Nanji - Plymouth Whalers
Nanji is another player who got a cup of coffee in the OHL last season and didn't look completely out of place (even scoring a goal). When he wasn't with the Whalers, he was playing for Streetsville of the CCHL and had a pretty good season. Nanji is a scrappy offensive player who works hard at both ends of the ice. The Whalers could be facing a huge face lift at the forward position this season and there could be openings on the first two lines. Nanji is one of those players who could have the chance to step in and be a big contributor offensively.

Brennan Serville - Sudbury Wolves
Serville is a tall and lanky defenseman who was an 8th round pick of the Wolves in 2009. He currently has a college commitment to Canisius for 2011, but was recently spotted at Sudbury's rookie camp where he was very impressive. Whether he's just taking in the camp for some experience, or whether he's serious about making the OHL remains to be seen. What is known is the Wolves need for quality defensemen, which means that if Serville can come into Sudbury and win a job, he could make an impact. He has good size and had a solid year for Stouffville of the CCHL last season.

Zach Hall & Dylan Smoskowitz - Barrie Colts
Again, here I am combining two players going for the same team. Hall was a 3rd round pick of the Colts who saw very limited time with the team last season due to the logjam at the forward position. But he has all the makings of an impact player this year. He absolutely shredded Junior A last season, putting up 71 points in 44 games for Couchiching (OJAHL) and could be a fixture on one of the first two lines for Barrie this season. Smoskowitz is a later round pick (10th in 2009) who put up excellent offensive numbers for Mississauga of the OJAHL last year (62 points in 56 games). The Colts have some serious holes to plug at the forward position this year which means both Hall and Smoskowitz could end up being big time contributors in 2010-2011.

Bradley McClure - Owen Sound Attack
A 14th round pick in 2009, McClure was definitely sure to be a long shot to make the OHL. But the somewhat undersized forward had an excellent 2009-10 season for Stratford (GOJHL) where he had 28 goals in 51 games. With another disappointing season behind them, the Attack I'm sure would love to make some changes to their roster in hopes of being more competitive. If McClure can come to camp and show the Attack that he can generate offense, he's got a good chance to supplant some of last year's players on the team.

Jordan Auld - Brampton Battalion
The Battalion have the colossal mission of replacing their top three defenseman from last year (Matt Clark, Ken Peroff, Brad Albert), which means that the battle for playing time on Brampton's blueline will be wide open. One player who'll look to crack the roster is defenseman Jordan Auld. An 11th round pick, Auld was one of the top defenseman for the silver medal winning Mississauga Reps at this year's Telus Cup. He has good size and plays both ways, which automatically should make him a favourite of Stan Butler's.

Danny Elser - London Knights
The Knights recently signed this former 6th rounder out of the famed Shattuck St. Mary's program. Outside of London, this signing has generated little buzz, but Elser has the potential to be a big time point producer for the Knights next year. Last year at Shattuck's, Elser played with the prep program (highest level) and finished 4th in team scoring despite playing with any players one or two years older than him. He also finished ahead of 2010 NHL 3rd rounders Jason Clark and Joe Basaraba...despite being a year younger. To top it off, Elser was apparently very impressive at the Knights rookie camp this offseason. Don't be surprised to see this guy near the top of scoring for the Knights by the end of 2010-2011.

Honorable Mentions:

Jordan Schmaltz - Windsor Spitfires
Even if this talented American defenseman recently de-committed from the University of Wisconsin, it's still not certain he'll report to Windsor. He's not eligible for the NHL Draft until 2012 (due to a late birthday), so he has some time to decide. Perhaps he plays another year in the USHL and then makes the jump to Windsor for his draft year? But if he does show up, Schmaltz could make a big impact.

Derek Mathers - Peterborough Petes
A big stay at home defenseman who played well for Strathroy (GOJHL) last season, but the Petes already have a crowded blueline for next year. Where would he fit in?

Jason Kelly - Peterborough Petes
A 1992 birthdate, Kelly failed to make the Petes last year and yet again put up quality stats in the CCHL. This undersized wrecking ball may be facing his last shot at making the OHL full time. But for a 1992 player, he was apparently only average at the Petes rookie camp. Is Kelly a great tier 2 player, but just not good enough for the OHL? I guess we'll see this season.

Alex D'Oliviera - Sarnia Sting
D'Oliviera was an overage selection in the 2010 Draft (11th round). The 6'1, 200lbs defenseman had an injury and surgery plagued midget season last year that saw him get passed over in the 2009 draft. But he made up for it this season by being arguably the best defenseman for the aforementioned Telus Cup runner up Mississauga Reps. He has the potential to be an excellent offensive defenseman in this league and could potentially play his way on to the Sarnia roster this season.

Michael Nishi - Windsor Spitfires
Nishi dazzled at Spits camp last year and really cemented himself in the future plans of Windsor with his dedication to the team. It would appear Nishi has the inside track at the back up job behind Jack Campbell...if the team decides to pitch Troy Passingham (which is likely).

Dylan MacDonald - Plymouth Whalers
MacDonald had an excellent year for St. Thomas of the GOJHL and looks to be ready for a spot on an OHL blueline. He was also very impressive at Plymouth's rookie camp. Problem is Plymouth already has a logjam on defense. If the Whalers can find room for him, MacDonald could surprise.

Mark Scheifele - Saginaw Spirit
Scheifele is a dynamite offensive player with great size who was excellent for Kitchener of the GOJHL last season. Problem is, all signs are pointing to him going the NCAA route after failing to report to Saginaw's rookie camp.

Malcolm Subban - Belleville Bulls
Brother of P.K., Malcolm got a cup of coffee in the OHL last season but spent the majority with the Mississauga Reps in midget. He was outstanding during the Telus Cup, but struggled in his few games at Junior A. He could be the back up to Tyson Teichmann this season.

Chris Festarini - Erie Otters
Festarini is a goaltending prospect that carries a fair amount of hype. He was the back up to Tyson Teichmann at the Under 17's for Team Ontario...but struggled on the whole during most of last season. This included a disastrous cup of coffee with Erie. Hopefully he's put in work this offseason and has the potential to earn a platoon job with Ramis Sadikov.

Robert Visca - Sudbury Wolves
Visca is a 1991 forward who's in a very interesting position. He's on a scholarship to Umass Lowell, but didn't see any game action last year. However...he wasn't redshirted either which means he lost a year of eligibility rotting on the sidelines. Perhaps that could explain why his rights were traded to Sudbury this offseason. While there are no confirmed reports as to whether Visca is indeed planning on leaving UMass for Sudbury, you'd have to think the potential is there for this to happen. Visca was at one point a great scorer in Tier 2 and could make a strong offensive impact for the Wolves if he ends up reporting.

Well that's the list folks. Anybody you think I've overlooked?

OHL Could Dominate 2011 NHL Draft

As we slowly creep towards the 2010-2011 OHL season, it's time to look at the type of impact the Ontario Hockey League could make on the 2011 NHL Entry Draft in Minnesota.

2010 was a great draft for the Ontario Hockey League, with nine selections in the first round (nearly one third of the round). That performance was second to only 2008 among first round selections (eleven).

However, for as good as the 2010 and 2008 drafts were for the league, 2011 could be that much better. Check out my latest article for School Your Pool.

OHL Could Dominate 2011

Feel free to leave your comments. Certainly seems like it could be a banner year for the league.

CHL Imports Growing Stale?

In response to all the negative press the CHL has taken in the past couple of days, I've put my thoughts down on the whole IIHF vs. CHL war of words as an article for School Your Pool.

CHL Imports Growing Stale?


Be sure to tell me what you think? Where do you stand? Should Europeans come to the CHL?