Sunday Top 10 - Players Who are Exceeding Expectations

Since last week's Top 10 examined those players underachieving so far this season, I thought it might only be fitting to talk about those players who are playing incredibly well. However, not are they playing well, but they are exceeding the expectations that many had for them going into the season. The list is a real mixed bag that includes some overagers finally taking that step forward, draft eligible players maturing quicker than expected, and one free agent who was possibly even a long shot to make his team.

10. Jordan Skellett - Saginaw Spirit
The Saginaw Spirit are right in the thick of things in the Western Conference standings (to the surprise to this blogger) and Skellett has been a big reason. Carried offensively last year by two star overagers (Chris Chappell and Jack Combs), the Spirit have continued to get a strong improvement in production from their overagers this season. Once picked off the scrap heap in Erie, Skellett provided secondary scoring for Saginaw last season. But he's never been close to a point per game player in the league. Well, he currently sits third in the league in scoring and is on pace to double his production from last season. Skellett has always been a very capable playmaker, but now he's getting the ice time, and confidence to take his game to the next level.

9. Bobby Mignardi - Owen Sound Attack
When the Kingston Frontenacs made the move to acquire Tyler Beskorowany, a lot of Kingston fans were worried that the Fronts fixed one hole, by opening up a bigger one. Mignardi was a guy who had a disappointing 2008-09 season (like most of Kingston), and it was probably time for a change of scenery. Boy has that change helped. Frontenacs fans might have been right to worry that Mignardi had more in him. He currently sits 6th in goal scoring in the league with 15 and has been huge for an Owen Sound team who's needed his production in the face of consistency problems from the rest of their offensive forwards.

8. Alex Friesen - Niagara IceDogs
Even though he's gone kind of cold recently, Friesen has still been outstanding for the Dogs this season. Perhaps his coming out party was last season's playoffs when Friesen was one of Niagara's best players, and coming into this season there were some expectations that he could raise his game. But for a player who scored 11 goals last year, and who showed a lot of offensive frustration, I don't think the expectations were THAT high. Friesen was at one point in the top 10 of OHL scoring and has already surpassed his goal totals of last year. His speed and energy make him a very valuable offensive player in this league and as a 1991 born player, this could only be the tip of the iceberg.

7. Troy Passingham - Windsor Spitfires
Passingham played sparingly in the QMJHL the past two seasons, spending the majority of last year with the Vaughn Vipers of the OPJHL. Picked off the scrap heap and invited to training camp, Passingham earned the back up job behind Josh Unice to start the season. But as Unice struggled, Passingham provided a steady and calm presence in the net that was much needed for a team with high expectations. Then Unice got injured and Passingham was given the starter's role. He's been solid the entire season for Windsor and is providing much the same Andrew Engelage did last season. He's not losing games for Windsor and he's making the stops when he needs too. It remains to be seen whether the Spits will go out and get another goaltender, but Passingham has at the very least provided way more than was expected of him.

6. Anthony Luciani - Erie Otters
While the Erie Otters have struggled a bit without the likes of Ryan O'Reilly and Jaroslav Janus (who recently returned), it'd be tough to argue that they wouldn't be even worse off without Anthony Luciani. He had 14 points all of last season. This year, Luciani already has 14 goals and has often provided to a spark to an Erie team that's vastly needed it. It seems the rest of the Erie offense has finally started to come to life around him, which can mean things could get even better for him.

5. Tony DeHart - Oshawa Generals
Originally acquired by Oshawa in 2008 for a 6th round pick, DeHart is another player who was acquired without much fan fare. If you would have guessed that a "De" named defenseman would be leading the Generals, you would have likely guessed Calvin de Haan. But DeHart has been tremendous all season long for an Oshawa team that seems to be improved from last season (save their recent 7 game slide). He's provided leadership and excellent play at both ends of the ice and currently sits 6th in the league among defenseman scoring.

4. Matthew Tipoff - Belleville Bulls
The Belleville Bulls may be struggling through a rebuilding season, and they may have one of the worst goals per game in the league, but one player who hasn't struggled for them is Tipoff. An energy guy who had to be disappointed he went undrafted last year, Tipoff has completely brought his game to another level this season. He's currently in the top 10 of league scoring and has only been held pointless in three games this year. He's also a good 13 points ahead of the next Belleville forward in scoring. If only the rest of the Bulls younger forwards had taken that kind of a step forward.

3. Devante Smith-Pelly - Mississauga St. Michael's Majors
Smith-Pelly finished 11th in team scoring last year as a rookie, but did play a key energy line role for the Majors. Obviously, as a former first rounder, there were some expectations for Smith-Pelly to increase his production with increased ice time. But I can't say I thought he had this type of offensive production in him, at least this fast. But he's now leading arguably the best team in the East in goals, points, and +/-. Since being placed on the first line with Casey Cizikas and William Wallen (at least most of the time), Smith-Pelly has been on fire with 16 points in his last 9 games. This has to bode well for his NHL draft aspirations.

2. Taylor Beck - Guelph Storm
Last season, the consensus seemed to be that Beck was the complimentary player among the Guelph Storm's offensive players. A hard worker, but one with skating issues, Beck experienced some inconsistency in his offensive game. But with Matt Kennedy, Peter Holland, and Michael Latta experiencing injury troubles and consistency issues of their own, it's been Beck who has taken the team on his back offensively. Currently sitting 6th in league scoring with 31 points, Beck is 15 points ahead of the closest Storm player. Maybe we had it all wrong, maybe Beck was the true offensive star of the bunch? I definitely did not expect him to have the type of production he has this season.

1. Tyler Seguin - Plymouth Whalers
You had to have seen this one coming...right? Yes, he was an OHL first rounder, and yes he probably should have won the OHL Rookie of the Year last season. But I heard many a people claim that he was riding the coattails of his linemates Matt Caria and Chris Terry. And I heard quite a few question as to how he would do without them this season. Turns out, maybe Terry and Caria were riding Seguin's coattails. He currently sits 2nd in league scoring with 36 points and has thrust himself into the picture for first overall in 2010, despite being largely underrated by the mass population last year. With the amount of injuries the Whalers have suffered at forward, it's amazing that he's been able to do what he's been doing without a whole heck of a lot of help.

Honorable Mention:
I Did it, I did it! I made it through a top 10 without cheating the rules and including more than 10 players in my actual top 10. That being said, I think there are some players who need to have their names mentioned too (and in no particular order). Colts center Taylor Carnevale has been excellent for the team thus far, providing scoring and excellent penalty killing to one of the strongest teams in the East. His emergence has really helped to give the Colts a balanced offensive attack and the second best offense in the OHL. Owen Sound Attack defenseman Geoffrey Schemitsch has been arguably the league's best rookie this season. A walk on free agent, the expectations on Schemitsch were obviously small, but he currently finds himself top 10 in defenseman scoring and has been a calming presence to an inconsistent Attack defense. I didn't include him on this list because as a rookie, I felt like maybe it opened the door to including too many rookies on this list who obviously had small expectations going into the season. Mississauga St. Michaels Majors goaltender Chris Carrozzi has been outstanding this year, leading the league in goals against average and currently second in save percentage. Many people wrote the OHL veteran and NHL draft selection off this season, expecting him to give way to talented youngster J.P. Anderson. But he's forced a platoon situation yet again, one that even sees him getting the majority of starts. Who knows what happens as the season goes on, but Carrozzi is definitely playing the best hockey of his career when many expected him to be the back up. Finally, Windsor Spitfires defenseman Mark Cundari has been outstanding this season. Always a solid two way defender, Cundari's offensive game has improved dramatically this year and he's playing with a ton of confidence right now. He currently sits 5th in defenseman scoring and could even be forcing his way into contention for the Canadian World Junior team. As much as I've always liked Cundari, I would have never guessed that.

So...Hats off to all those players starting the season well and keep it up! Anyone you think I missed that deserves to be mentioned, then hit up the comments section and let me know!

Sunday Top 10 - Impact Overagers For 2009-10

Amazingly, we're already nearly finished week 3 of the 2009-10 OHL season. It's seemingly flying by. With that in mind, most teams have their rosters set (minus trades) for the season. With the NHL and AHL seasons now under way, OHL clubs now know who they've lost and who they've got back. Potential impact overagers like Michael Pelech, David Kolomatis and Jaroslav Janus have all signed contracts to play in the AHL (or ECHL) and their return to the OHL seems doubtful (although could still happen ala Brett Bellemore last season). Meanwhile, others like Scott Timmins and Jordan Nolan have returned for another kick at the can (perhaps to the surprise of their OHL clubs).

So who's the best overager in the OHL this year; the returning 1989 player who could make the biggest impact? I don't know, you'll just have to read the list to find out what I think. Here's a hint though, he plays for Barrie (that should narrow it down to 2!).

10. Jordan Skellet - Saginaw Spirit
Last year, the Spirit relied the heaviest on their two overagers, Chris Chappell and Jack Combs. This year likely isn't to be any different, with the Spirit likely to rely on overagers Jordan Skellet and Tyler Murovich for scoring. With Murovich off attempting to make the Syracuse Crunch (he was recently released by them), Skellet has been doing the heavy lifting himself for Saginaw. He's currently tied for 3rd in OHL scoring and has really toned down some of the undisciplined play that saw him cast from two OHL teams already. Skellet's best asset is his playmaking ability, as his 11 assists currently lead all OHL forwards. Saginaw is off to a bit of a surprising 4-2-1 start and Skellet has been one of the main reasons.

9. Justin Taylor - London Knights
After failing to get a contract from Washington (who drafted him) and failing to earn a contract from Vancouver (who invited him to camp), Taylor returned to London to assume the captaincy for the Knights. The rugged centerman does it all for London, playing an in your face style that compliments the rest of the team well. He currently leads London in goals with 3 and is going to be important to the success of the Knights this year, as he'll be responsible for providing secondary scoring behind the Nazem Kadri line.

8. Jacob Muzzin/Michael Quesnele - Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds
The Hounds are 7-0 and these two defenseman are right in the thick of their success. They have combined for 4 goals and 9 assists thus far, as well as 27 penalty minutes. Muzzin, the team's captain, returns to the OHL after failing to sign a contract with the Pittsburgh Penguins. He's an OHL all star who provides a little bit of everything from the blueline. Quesnele, the hometown boy, has long been the Greyhounds little sparkplug on defense. The 5'8 defenseman certainly doesn't play undersized, and like Muzzin does a little bit of everything for the Hounds. By the way, I seem to remember a certain prognosticator (ahem) claiming the Hounds would have a solid season (and finish 5th in the conference) on the backbone of an incredibly underrated defense.

7. Chris MacKinnon - Kitchener Rangers
On his 4th team in 4 years, MacKinnon seems to have found a home with the Rangers. Undersized and relatively one dimensional, MacKinnon does perform his one dimension at a very high level. He is an exceptional offensive player and he's off to a great start with 12 points in only 5 games. Playing with Jeff Skinner and Jason Akeson, this Rangers first line could be one of the most dangerous offensive lines in the league. Expect MacKinnon to be up near the top of league scoring all season long.

6. Julien Demers - Ottawa 67's
While he's struggled a little bit so far, Demers' importance to the 67's is obvious. With him playing only average since he return from San Jose camp, the 67's have struggled to be consistent on their way to a 2-3-1 record to open the season (they play tonight in Oshawa to close out week 3). When he's playing to his level, Demers is a solid two-way defenseman who can play with an edge, move the puck and quarterback the powerplay. Here's hoping he can get things figured out soon, because the 67's need him to.

5. Scott Timmins - Windsor Spitfires
No one was more surprised to see Timmins return than Spitfires management, whom I think had all but written him off for starting his pro career after being drafted by the Florida Panthers. However, the Panthers decided it would be best for him to return to Windsor to dominate offensively, rather than muddle in the AHL/ECHL. Timmins brings a lot back to Windsor and his return is a huge boost to a team looking to repeat as Memorial Cup Champion. He's one of the best two-way centerman in the league and his veteran presence (two Mem Cup appearances) can help to ease the transition of some younger Windsor players like Austin Watson, Justin Shugg, and Richard Panik.

4. Brett Parnham - Oshawa Generals/Corey Cowick - Ottawa 67's
I'm such a cheater with these lists. First I made it a Top 11 by combining Muzzin and Quesnele (because they play on the same team). Now I'm combining these two to make it a Top 12. To defend myself, these two overage forwards have something in common. They have both yet to play this season due to shoulder injuries. Cowick isn't set to return until Christmas, where as Parnham could return anytime around the middle to end of November. Parnham, of course, is one of the league's premier goal scorers. While Cowick is a solid two way winger who has little trouble putting up offensive stats himself. He's desperately needed to help bring consistency to an Ottawa forward group lacking it currently. While Parnham could be playing for another team by the time he returns. He should pad the score sheet for whoever he plays for.

3. Bryan Cameron - Barrie Colts
To my surprise, Cameron returns to the OHL this season after failing to earn a contract from the Los Angeles Kings. He was traded to Barrie rather quickly, as Belleville is in the middle of a rebuild. Cameron is one of the league's better scoring wingers and hasn't been a disappointment in Barrie. He's averaging a point per game and has been an effective leadership presence for the first place and Nationally ranked Colts. Hopefully Cameron's solid, all around game is enough to earn him an NHL contract this offseason.

2. Matt Kennedy - Guelph Storm
After Carolina decided to return him to Guelph for another season, the Storm has to be ecstatic. Not only is Kennedy the Storm captain, but he's one of the most dependable two way forwards in the OHL. He's the complete package as a player. He drives to the net, he pays the price in the crease and in the corners, he's one of the best defensive forwards in the OHL, he's one of the best body checkers in the OHL, and he's also a talented offensive player who leads Guelph in scoring thus far with 4 goals and 4 assists in 6 games. Definitely an underrated player in this league.

1. Luke Pither - Barrie Colts
Alright, I'm on the Pither train. Sure he's one dimensional. Sure he needs to use his teammates more. Sure he needs to do a better job competing in the corners and in front of the net. But, he's one damn talented offensive player. His skating ability, combined with his offensive instincts and overall skill level, makes him one heck of a player. And while he may not fight for loose pucks as much as he should, when he's got the puck on his stick he's not afraid to go to the net or take a hit. The aforementioned combination of speed and goal scoring ability makes him a threat every time he's on the ice. And for that, he's the most dynamic overage player in the OHL this year.

Honorable Mentions:
This was a tough list to make. Heck I had to cheat to get 12 players on it! That said, there are a few other guys I want to mention. Sudbury's John Kurtz is a very underrated player. He's recently returned from the AHL and he's already making an impact for the Wolves. He's a very solid two way player and if the Wolves continue to play as strongly as they have lately, he'll be a big part of it. Erie's Zach Torquato returns to Erie after failing to sign with Detroit. The former super hyped OHL selection has to be a big part (bigger than he has been so far) of the Otters offense without Ryan O'Reilly. London's Steve Tarasuk has been dynamite for the Knights thus far and is really taking the lead on a somewhat iffy Knights blueline. With Michael Del Zotto likely in New York for the rest of the year, Tarasuk is going to continue to have to produce offensively to fill the void. Lastly, Oshawa's Jeff Hayes is a fan favourite and the captain of the upstart Generals. At pushing 5'8, Hayes never quits on a play and uses his speed and tenacity to be one of the Generals most dangerous offensive players, on top of doing just about everything else for Oshawa.

Did I miss anyone, because there sure are a lot of quality overage players in the league this year? What do you think?

Thoughts on Saginaw from October 25 vs. Niagara

Last Saturday the Saginaw Spirit came to the Garden City to take on the Ice Dogs and were defeated 5-4. Was my first time seeing the Spirit this season. Here are my thoughts on some of the Spirit players...

Adam Comrie (Drafted 2008 by Florida/80th)

He was every bit as impressive as the times I saw him last year, maybe more so. He scored a goal with a huge blast from the point. He looks a lot more confident in using his shot this year. He's always had that big cannon from the point, but he looks more anxious to use it. He was unleashing it all night on the Ice Dogs. It's actually quite accurate too and he generated a few scoring chances off it later in the game. He also looks more confident in using his strong skating ability to rush the puck up the ice this year. He was joining the rush a lot more than I saw him doing last year. I think this is good because as mentioned his skating ability allows him to join the rush, but also get back on defense. Defensively he was solid and remains a very solid positional player. Ideally, because of his size, I'd still like to see him become more aggressive physically. But he's not timid out there either. His puck skills skill need a bit of work though. Comrie still looks kind of stiff when he's handling the puck, especially at the point on the powerplay. In terms of a player comparison. I think it's pretty tough to say. I think the one guy Comrie may remind me of, or at least has the chance to develop into, is Sami Salo. Good two way player, works the point with a hard shot, and is a big guy who can skate and lay the body.

Nick Crawford (Drafted 2008 by Buffalo/164th)

Crawford was another guy that impressed me a lot. Can't say I ever really noticed him much last season, but he was very noticeable on Saturday. As evidenced by his 3 assists, he moved the puck very well with a good first pass. He also has the skating and puck handling ability to rush the puck up the ice with confidence. He saw a ton of powerplay time and was definitely the Spirit's go to guy, playing the full 2 minutes in some instances. Defensively, he was alright. He took the body a few times, but also got caught a few times in making pinches. When he moves on to the next level, he'll definitely need to add some strength because he got outworked a few times infront of the net and in the corners. But as a puck moving defenseman, he definitely appears to have NHL upside.

Jack Combs (Undrafted Overager)

Combs has already impressed me. He attended the prospect and training camp of the Colorado Avalanche this year but failed to earn a contract, thus his return to Saginaw for his overage year. They must be happy to have him back though. He's a great offensive player, particularily a great playmaker. He can skate fairly well and really seems to have a head for the game. He was in on all four of Saginaw's goals Saturday evening. Defensively he isn't quite as involved, but I'm sure this is an area he'd like to improve upon as well. And physically, he seems to get involved and isn't afraid to go to the net, which is what you like to see with somewhat undersized players. I'd be really surprised if he doesn't get an NHL contract after this season, especially considering some of the names that did last offseason (cough, Justin Soryal, cough).

Jordan Skellet (Undrafted 89)

Skellet is another guy that I enjoy watching play. Was always impressed with him when the Otters came to St. Catharines last year. He's a bit of a pest out there and is always buzzing around the ice looking for either an opportunity to score or an opportunity to hit someone. He drives to the net with and without the puck. He's undersized, but he skates fairly well and is involved in many different aspects of the game. He's had a great start to his year with Saginaw after sitting out the start of the year, while he waited for a trade from Erie. If he keeps this up, and as long as NHL teams don't blacklist him for his trade demand, he should begin to get serious sniffs from NHL teams, at least as maybe a late round draft pick in the coming years.

Chris Chappell (Undrafted Overager)

Another guy who really impressed me. He had a hell of a game. Chappell is their captain and a guy who's looking like a serious breakout candidate. Career high before this game was 14 goals (last season). He's already got 9. He's a big monster, listed at 6'4, 212. But he can skate. Blew through the Ice Dogs defense for one of his two goals on the night. Had other scoring opportunities as well. Looks to be a big strong guy with good skill. Not sure how he managed to put up so few points before this season. Definitely a guy to watch.

Jordan Szwarz (2009 Eligible)

Szwarz never hit the scoresheet, but he impressed me at times. Was more so a factor at the beginning of the game, but you can tell he has skill. Looked like a very good skater who was elusive and could find the openings for scoring chances. Just missed wiring one top corner on one attempt in the slot. Other times he was invisible and not involved physically. So he appears to be an enigma, not unlike many draft eligible players in this league. But he's off to a good start this year and looks to be a guy who'll find himself somewhere on the draft radar.

Edward Pasquale (2009 Eligible)

Pasquale didn't start the game. The Spirit gave the start to rookie Joe Lepara, who lasted a few minutes into the 2nd period. But Pasquale is a solid goaltender. He's a very big presence in the net and makes himself even bigger when he comes out to challenge shooters. Only let in one goal, the game winner by Chris DeSousa. He really kept Saginaw in the game and allowed them to get back into it and tie it up. Wasn't incredibly flashy but, as long as he's stopping pucks, that's all that matters. It'll be an interesting race to see who emerges as the top draft eligible goalie. But it definitely looks like Pasquale is in the mix.

That's all I've got. Now if you're asking yourself, why are all these reports positive. Don't get used to it. It's just that the main Saginaw guys did look fairly solid. I could have wrote a very negative report about rookie goalie Joe Lepara, but I chose to spare him that. The one guy I really wish I could have seen was T.J. Brodie. He didn't play in the game, but has had a great start to his season.