Thoughts on Plymouth and Niagara from January 7

Been busy as heck lately so I haven't had time to go check out a game live in a few weeks, so you'll have to settle for a report based on action caught from the OHL Action Pack! Hadn't seen Plymouth in a little while so I figured I'd catch the Whalers take on the IceDogs in Niagara.

Was an...interesting game to say the least. From a fan angle it was frustrating to watch so I can't imagine what the coaches were feeling. Well actually, I can imagine what Whalers Coach/GM Mike Vellucci was feeling because everyone got to see it at the end of the second period when he was ejected from the game for arguing with referee Mike Bolibruck. Really can't say I blame him. Way too many questionable calls, especially against the Whalers. Hooking was being called on players just trying to gain body position on opposing players. Then there was the terrible no goal call on Robbie Czarnik's shorthanded backhand that very clearly went into the net. Admittedly, this wasn't necessarily the fault of the referee, since he do go upstairs for it, but all those things just added up for Vellucci and he lost it. Nothing I hate more than watching an OHL game where the referee takes the game out of the players hands and puts it in his own. Just let them play, we don't need a game in which half of it was played 5 on 4. I don't like ranting about the refs very often because, quite frankly, they've got one heck of a tough job. But tonight's game was really bad.

As for the game itself, the Dogs largely dominated the play thanks in part to the number of powerplays they received. An impressive performance for Niagara who's looking to get back in the race for an Eastern Conference playoff spot. Once the Pietrangelo and DeSousa deals are completed (plus whoever else Niagara deals), this team could actually be better than they currently are, despite the fact you would label it as an act of selling. DeSousa is at home awaiting a trade and Petro hasn't played for Niagara all year. If they can add a couple more talented bodies to their roster, they'll be better off.

Some individual player performances (mostly Plymouth since I just saw Niagara).

Plymouth Whalers






Colin MacDonald (2010)
I've been reading and hearing a lot of talk starting to generate about this kid and his status for the 2010 draft. Plymouth fans in particular seem to hold him in very high regard. In a way, I don't think I'd really notice him if I wasn't actually paying attention to him, which...I think is a compliment. It means he's not making mistakes. Very good size, solid mobility, seems to make the smart play with the puck. Just a very quietly effective defender. On one particular play, he did a great job staying with the Dogs best skater (Alex Friesen) as he attacked on the rush, staying in front of him by moving efficiently backwards and laterally. However in the first period he did get beat to the outside by Dogs forward Andrew Agozzino as he failed to keep his feet moving. Second time I've noticed him get caught flat footed this season. He needs to be ready at all times defensively and seems to be somewhat vulnerable to players who suddenly turn on the jets at the blueline. The only thing I can really say is that if he were more physical, he'd easily be on the draft radar. That package of size, mobility and aggression gets you drafted high (just as Matt Clark), but without that aggression in his game, he'll have a harder time getting attention.

Austin Levi (2010)
I still don't really know what to make of Levi. Like MacDonald, I find myself enamored with his combination of size and mobility. He's also a more physically engaged player and it seems to me that eventually he'll develop into a guy who'll take the body hard. I think he's also got offensive potential as he can rush the puck and can run the point on the powerplay. But right now, it seems to be all about projection, rather than current ability. I just don't know if he project as an offensive defenseman, or a stay at home defenseman. He didn't have a good game either. When he rushes the puck, he seems to do so in an ineffective fashion. In a way, it seems like he really is "rushing" the play. Gets up ice as fast as he can, almost just to avoid falling under the trap of the forecheck. It's more out of desperation, it feels or looks forced. Perhaps that's a confidence issue. Defensively, he got abused on the game winning goal by Andrew Shaw. Got caught in the offensive zone, and lost his man behind him. Shaw picked up the pass and went away on the breakaway for the goal. There are things to like about Levi, those sort of natural physical gifts, but the rawness to his game makes me queezy. Plymouth fans, what's the deal, what do you think?

Tyler Seguin (2010)
Had a good, but not great game. Was really strong in the first half, but seemed distracted by the officiating in the second half. In the first half, had a couple of absolutely beautiful rushes into the offensive zone. His ability to pick up the puck, get to top speed quickly, and handle the puck at that top speed is what sets him apart from others in his age group. Just blew right past Dougie Hamilton and Reggie Traccitto, picking up the puck at the blueline and splitting the D to go in alone on Visentin who made a nice toe save. Later in the period he made a beautiful cross ice feed to Beau Schmitz for a one timer goal on the powerplay. His on ice vision and overall hockey intelligence is through the roof. Even though I still prefer Taylor Hall (as an NHL draft selection), the debate between these two will rage on until June.

Garrett Meurs (2011)
Meurs might just be the most offensively talented 1993 in the league. He has incredible offensive skills and in a way, I think playing in Plymouth and in Tyler Seguin's shadow has prevented him from receiving the attention that Boone Jenner and Matt Puempel have. His hands in close to the net are top notch and he puts himself in good positions to capitalize on offensive opportunities, which tells me he has a high hockey IQ. Until the end of the season, it's just going to be about refining his game. Limiting turnovers in the offensive zone, doing a better job in the corners, getting back defensively. A lot of potential with Meurs.

Jamie Devane (TOR)
I'm just not sure Devane is ever going to be able to live up to the fact that he was drafted as high as he was in the NHL. As an OHL player, he has effective traits. He hits hard and he hits smart (doesn't take himself out of position looking for the big hit). He's responsible defensively and is a good penalty killer. Actually had a great chance shorthanded as he stole the puck, fought through a check and put a good shot on net that Visentin gloved. He's also not afraid to be the bear in front of the net. But as far as being an NHL player, I still don't think I see the upside. There are a ton of players across the CHL who can give you the exact same things Devane can and none of them will see life outside the CIS. The offensive hockey sense doesn't seem to be there. In the offensive end, he skates around or goes straight to the net, but he's not really involved offensively. As a forechecker, he could really stand to develop into a higher energy player who attacks the opposition. And when he does get offensive opportunities, I don't think he has the hands to be a goal scorer. Realistically, is he any different of a player than current Leaf farm hand (and former OHL'er) Andre Deveaux? And even then, Deveaux actually had finishing ability in close in the OHL.

Robbie Czarnik (LAK)
Really liked what I saw from Czarnik. First time I've seen him play since the 2008 Under 18's (where he was excellent for a bronze medal winning American team). Was on a rotation with Garrett Meurs and Josh Brittain as the guys who saw time with Tyler Seguin. Had really good speed and had no qualms about using it to take the puck hard to the net. Shorthanded in the second period, he took advantage of a turnover (and a bad pinch by Matt Petgrave) and took the puck the other way on a one on one rush. Made a nice move to get around Dougie Hamilton, freeing up some space for himself to get a nice backhand off on the way to the net. The shot beat Visentin and went off the inside of the post and in...however it was called a no goal (despite the obvious replay of it being over the line). All game he was involved near the puck, whether it be offensively or defensively. He seems to be a great pick up for the Whalers and also seems to have some chemistry with Tyler Seguin which bodes well for his production in the second half.

Josh Brittain (ANA)
Brittain had a fairly effective game. Played within his strengths, took the body, had a few scoring chances and managed to avoid taking one of the games 19 minor penalties. I think the Ducks still have to be disappointed in his offensive production this season. Dare I say he might be in danger of not receiving a contract offer from them?

Scott Wedgewood (2010)
As the back up to probably the best goalie in the OHL (Matt Hackett), you aren't going to get a lot of playing time. But Wedgewood does seem to be making the most of it. He started tonight and played a solid game. He didn't make any really big saves, but he made the ones he had to. Comes out to cut down angles, controlled his rebounds relatively well (save the first Andrew Fritsch goal). Seems to have good mobility. As one of the youngest 1992's available this year, I'm sure he's got NHL scouts looking at him, when they do actually get the chance to see him play. Made 30 of 33 saves and took the loss.

Niagara IceDogs






Andrew Fritsch (2011)
The Dogs 3rd rounder from 2009, Fritsch has had a solid season thus far. In fact, not much has been made about his play despite the fact that he's currently 4th among 1993's in goal scoring with 10. Now, a lot of that has to do with his current hot streak, but it's no fluke. Fritsch has very good goal scoring instincts and will absolutely develop into a quality goal scorer in this league. He finds the open ice well and is developing into a player who can work a cycle and outwork a defense for his offensive chances. With improved strength will come an improved shot and that will allow him to take even greater advantage of the positions to score he puts himself in. I think he's a 1993 to keep an eye on.

Mark Visentin (2010)
Arguably the top goalie available from the OHL this year, Visentin has earned himself that trip to the CHL Top Prospects Game. He's improved leaps and bounds from last year, where at times he looked over matched in the league. While he was always mobile in his crease, his overall improvement comes from improvement in two areas specifically. One is just overall confidence. He looks much calmer in net. He didn't have to make a lot of saves tonight, but he was there when he needed to be, robbing Seguin on a breakaway and Devane in close with huge saves. The other thing is rebound control. He's knocking pucks to the corner and he's dictating the pace of play. Made a tremendous recognition play on the Andrew Shaw game winner. Plymouth made a long shoot in on net that Visentin used his blocker to deflect up to Dylan MacEachern at the blueline. He recognized the opportunity for Shaw's break and used the rebound to spring the play into action. It's those little things and the massive improvement that have lead to NHL Central Scouting having such a high opinion of him. Made 18 of 20 saves for the win.

Thoughts? Questions? Comments?

Thoughts on Plymouth and Owen Sound from October 7

Baseball playoffs have started. TSN's opening NHL broadcast is on. Yet...I'm watching the Plymouth Whalers take on the Owen Sound Attack on a Wednesday night. Am I crazy? Perhaps I'm a fanatical fan of the OHL. But more importantly, I got a chance to watch Tyler Seguin for the first time this season. With the way he's exploded this season, I felt the need to see him play and see the progression.

It was a pretty entertaining game, all things considered. Fairly wide open play. A few breakaways, some big hits, and some nice goals. The Whalers got out to a pretty convincing 3-0 lead after the first two periods. But the Attack came to life in the 3rd and closed the gap to 4-2. But that was as close as they got, losing the game by a score of 5-2. A.J. Jenks was named the first star by recording 2 goals and an assist, while Tyler Seguin continued his scoring streak by adding two assists of his own.

Here are some thoughts on individual performances...

Plymouth Whalers







Austin Levi (2010)
Really impressed with what I saw. Great size at 6'4, 200lbs and he uses it too. Eliminated players off the rush, was great positionally, won battles in the corners. Overall, very solid at the defensive end. Offensively, he didn't do a whole lot. But in a way, that was impressive. He kept things simple and never tried to force a play and he was composed with the puck in his own end. Stay at home defenseman with size, who can take care of the puck do not grow on trees. He will be an NHL draft pick in June.

Tyler Seguin (2010)
Every bit as advertised. Dominated the majority of his shifts and is just one of those players who's constantly around the puck. Explosive offensive player who nearly broke in alone on a few occasions. Has a lot of confidence with the puck on his stick and is not afraid to try and make things happen. But most importantly, he rarely tried to force the play. As aggressive as he was with the puck, he was also smart with it. If the opportunity to take the puck to the net wasn't there, he made the pass or the dump. The pass to Myles McCauley on his second period goal was a work of art. Eluded nearly the entire Attack defense, and made the pass to the wide open McCauley at the side of the net. McCauley was so wide open because the defense was disorganized from trying to keep up with Seguin. At this point, I'm not sure there is anything he doesn't do. He's killing penalties effectively, he's providing leadership as Plymouth's captain, and he was winning battles in the corners. At one point it looked like he and Joey Hishon might drop the gloves, to which I was incredibly excited and was hoping, but alas it failed to happen. If this guy was playing in Windsor and Taylor Hall was playing in Plymouth, would we be talking about Seguin as the first overall pick? There, I said it! He finished the game with 2 assists.

Garrett Meurs (2011)
Was quite impressive, definitely one of the better 1993's I've seen this year. There is a lot of skill there and he did a good job of creating offense by moving the puck quickly and working inside the offensive zone. Like any rookie, he made some mistakes. Tried to do a little too much with the puck at times and turned the puck over. A couple turnovers in the third period could have really cost Plymouth. But the decision making will come with experience and tutelage. He scored a garbage goal at the end of regulation to give himself a two point night.

Beau Schmitz (2010, but 1991 born)
Schmitz went undrafted in 2009, which was somewhat surprising to me. Then he failed to earn a contract from Carolina after attending their training camp, which also surprised me. He's a solid defenseman though; a guy who has vastly improved from the beginning of last year (his first in the league). He's much more composed with the puck now, and is doing a better job with his decision making. He wasn't really noticeable tonight, save for one really nice defensive play on Joey Hishon. Hishon tried to get around him to the net and he knocked the puck off his stick then delivered an awesome hip check. Unfortunately he received a ridiculous interference penalty on the play, but it was an impressive display of one on one defense.

A.J. Jenks (FLA)
Really liked what I saw from Jenks tonight. He was a beast on the forecheck. The game's opening goal was a direct result of Jenks' forechecking ability. He exploded into the offensive zone, hit the Owen Sound attack defenseman behind the net and knocked the puck free. It ended up finding its way to the front of the net and Jenks came back from the corner to bury it to the back of the net. His second goal of the night came shorthanded, as he got sprung on a breakaway by Tyler J. Brown. Made a nice deke on Stajcer and put it to the back of the net. He also played the point on the Whalers first powerplay unit and did a very good job of bringing the puck into the offensive zone. His skating looks much improved from what I remember. Jenks finished the night with 2 goals and 1 assist.

Michal Jordan (CAR)
Jordan had a pretty solid night. He did a good job of carrying the puck up ice and was smart with his pinches. He seems to have solid offensive awareness. Defensively, he was hit and miss. He looked really good on a couple occasions as he prevented Owen Sound players from driving to the net (Hishon on one occasion). But then Steve Shipley made him look really bad in the third period, as he split the defense and went in alone for the goal. On that occasion, he and his defensive partner got caught standing still, so he just needs to keep his feet moving in the defensive zone.

Matt Hackett (MIN)
Hackett has not had a very strong start to the season, so it was good to see him have a solid game. He reads and reacts to the play very well. He covers his angles and is technically sound. The two shots that beat him were breakaway goals by Steven Shipley, where he committed too early to the ice and Shipley beat him high. But he's a solid goaltender, positionally sound, controls his rebounds pretty well. Needs to continue to string together solid games in order to get consideration for Team Canada at the WJC's. He made 31 of 33 saves for the win.

Owen Sound Attack






Keevin Cutting (2010)
Cutting impressed me tonight more than he has in the past. He was composed with the puck and he made really smart decisions on the ice. He was by far the best Owen Sound defenseman at playing through Plymouth's tough forecheck. He's fairly solid with his one on one defense too, despite his slender frame. He laid an absolutely beautiful body check on a Plymouth forward (I believe Gaynor) as he tried to cross the blueline with the puck. I've never seen that physical side of him before. Defensively, he does need to work on his coverage though, as he got caught running around a bit on that Myles McCauley goal. Ditto for the 3rd period Joe Gaynor goal that put the game out of reach. I was still impressed though.

Garrett Wilson (FLA)
Wilson was good tonight until he got injured. He took a Milan Doczy shot to the upper leg/knee area and missed a few shifts. When he came back, he was in obvious pain still and wasn't nearly as effective. But kudos to him for coming back and playing through it. Through the first half of the game, he was his normal self and one of the only Attack players generating offensive chances. I really like the progression he's shown this year so far.

Joey Hishon (2010)
What is wrong with Joey Hishon? That is the question I want answered. He's really struggling out there and it's frustrating knowing how much talent he has. It's pretty obvious he's pressing out there. He has the speed, agility, and puck skills to carry play in the offensive end, yet he isn't. He's trying to break through openings that aren't there. He's not using his teammates as well as he can, and when he does, his passes are not on the mark. On a few occasions, he created a scoring chance using his speed, but then simply threw the puck on the net, rather than making a pass or continuing with the puck. He took a really bad penalty in the 2nd period too. Obviously frustrated, he took a run at Beau Schmitz a few seconds after he had gotten rid of the puck. It was obviously a late hit and had to be called. Someone needs to have a talk with him, just to re-focus his play. Everyone knows he's capable of better and that he'll eventually break out of it.

Steven Shipley (2010)
I seem to remember a certain OHL blogger claiming that Shipley would be a much more effective winger the last time I saw him (Ahem). Tonight, he played the wing on a line with Hishon and Mignardi and looked the best I've ever seen him. On the wing, he's able to keep the game simple. He's able to use his good straight ahead speed to develop plays off the rush. Scored two beautiful goals. First one was off a pure breakaway, where his speed really showed. Second goal was all him, as he exploded between the two Plymouth defenders, went in on net, fought off a vicious slash and roofed it on Hackett. Sure he's a big body who doesn't really use his size to play physical. If he can continue to use his speed and take the puck to the net, he's going to have a lot of success in this league from the wing. He finished with 2 goals.

Geoffrey Schemitsch (2010)
Continue to be impressed with his offensive abilities. He moves the puck very well and has great on ice vision. He runs the powerplay well, although does need to do a better job of getting his shot on net. He is raw though, which is to be expected since he's playing his first season in the league. He makes bad pinches that lead to odd man rushes, two on occasion tonight. And he seems to have a hard time with play in the corners, not strong enough yet to win loose puck battles against guys like A.J. Jenks. That said, when he has the puck on his stick, he knows what to do with it. Hopefully he can continue to work on his defensive game and earn a place on the NHL draft radar. Finished with 2 assists tonight.

Scott Stajcer (NYR)
Like Hackett, he's struggled to start the year. My prediction for the OHL 2nd all star team seems far fetched now. He's still a solid prospect though. Even though he gave up 5 goals tonight, I don't think he played terribly. He got hung out to dry by his defense on the majority of the goals and really didn't have a chance. He does give up way too many rebounds though, although he does direct them to non danger areas the majority of the time. He made 21 out of 26 saves and took the loss.

That's it on the game. Thoughts? Does Tyler Seguin rival Taylor Hall for first overall?