Ryan Yessie's Thoughts on Sarnia and Owen Sound from February 19

Ryan returns with his thoughts on the Owen Sound/Sarnia game from February 19th

"Owen Sound returns to Sarnia for the 2nd Friday in the last 3 weeks. A Shayne Campbell breakdown lead to Owen Sound stealing the win 2 weeks ago, but Campbell comes back strong with the first Shutout of his OHL career. Combined with a highlight reel goal by Craig Hottot, Sarnia wins 5-0.








Keevin Cutting - #2 - D - YOB: 1992 - 6‘1” - 177lbs.
NHL: Eligible in 2011
Report: Feb/19/10: Cutting played decent tonight. He wasn’t noticeable most of the game, but he was, he was either throwing a couple decent hits, or moving the puck effectively, minus one bad turnover. In a 5-0 loss, and with a -3 rating not being noticeable most of the game was probably a good thing for Cutting. Cutting would greatly benefit from adding some muscle to his frame, as he has an extra year compared to most 1992’s and the game he appears to play would improve with that.
(Cutting had -3)

Cameron Brace - #7 - RW - YOB: 1993 - 5‘9” - 160lbs.
NHL: Eligible in 2011
Report: Feb/19/10: After watching Brace two weeks ago, I decided to pay more attention to him tonight. His size may limit his ability as a pro, but for a 16 year old rookie his skating, and puck handling abilities are noticeable even after a handful of OHL games. He’s getting about 3^rd line ice time, but he is certainly making the most of it and may be able to land a spot on the 2^nd line next year.
(Brace had -1)

Jesse Blacker - #12 - D - YOB: 1991 - 6‘2” - 185lbs.
NHL: 2^nd Round - 58^th Overall by Toronto in 2009
Report: Feb/19/10: Blacker was pretty disappointing tonight. He was easily consuming the most ice time, but he made several turnovers, many which either resulted in goals or scoring chances. Of the 5 goals tonight, Blacker was on the ice for 3 of them. Blacker moved the puck up the ice well on a couple occasions but turned it over more than he advanced the play on the big passes. Blacker is a decent skater but could certainly improve in that department. Blacker’s frustrations peaked when he missed a hit, which resulted in him fighting the much smaller Hottot of Sarnia, however despite the size, Blacker did lose that fight. Unfortunately a game to forget for the Leafs 2^nd round pick in ‘09.
(Blacker had -3, 7 PIM)

Steven Shipley - #19 - C - YOB: 1992 - 6‘2” - 204lbs.
NHL: Eligible in 2010
Report: Feb/19/10: Steven Shipley has been great both games over the last couple weeks. He produced a lot less this time around, but played the exact same effective game, however was just stopped by a hot goaltender. Shipley protects the puck as well as anyone in the OHL this year. You see a little bit of Greg Nemisz in his puck protection abilities. However where Nemisz is stronger along the board, Shipley can protect the puck and create offense from anywhere inside the blueline, and has a lot more offensive upside in terms of making a team better offensively, because of that ability to directly turn a puck protection play into a set up for a scoring chance, where as Nemisz generally appears to protect the puck for possession for the purpose of controlling a play rather than having him create an offense chance. Shipley‘s skating is decent for someone at his size, if he can improve it slightly, it should be enough for him as a pro, but should he really work on it, it should make him that much more dangerous as an NHLer. Shipley is a player I would like to see a top winger beside. He sometimes tries to do too much and doesn’t get enough support, where as if he had a pure 1^st line offensive talent beside him, it could really make him that much better. Overall these last few weeks I see a lot of potential in Shipley.
(Shipley was -1)

Geoffrey Schemitsch - #26 - D - YOB: 1992 - 6‘1” - 180lbs.
NHL: Eligible in 2010
Report: Feb/19/10: Schemitsch played much better today, but still his assets and flaws seem to be magnified on the ice. Schemitsch is a guy who can be forced into turnovers. When he’s only had a very short time with the puck, a panic seems to set in and he can make some pretty bad turnovers. However if Schemitsch is given enough time (just a few seconds) he’s nearly flawless in his puck movement. When there was no forecheck, he could thread the needle sending the puck from his own zone to the opposition blueline. However with a strong enough forecheck, Schemitsch usually gave up posession of the puck. His shot from the point looks decent, but could improve and make him that much more effective, as his puck movement skills on the powerplay looked very good. Defensively Schemitsch looks reliable, not a guy you would want as your top shutdown guy, but someone who is going to be steady enough. His one on one play seems to be the best asset to his defensive game. A few times Schemitsch looked out of position defensively, but would really only require minor altering. Schemitsch should be a reliable draft pick for a team in the second half of the NHL draft.
(Schemitsch had 2 PIM)

Kyle Flemington - #6 - D - YOB: 1992 - 6‘7” - 227lbs.
NHL: Eligible in 2010
Report: Feb/19/10: One of the key acquisitions in the Jordan Hill trade; Flemmington is starting to make his impact with the team. It’s hard to believe I’m actually talking NHL Entry Draft about a guy who spent a quarter of the season in Jr. B, but Flemmington may just be the exception. He uses his massive 6’7” - 227lb. Frame to physically punish his opponents. He has thrown some of the biggest hits in Sarnia this year, and has looked his strongest defensively along the board and behind the net. A low risk, low reward type defenceman, he’s in no way going to be the next Tyler Myers, but his skating is respectable for a 17 year old at his size, if he can get a little better, it could really help him out. He doesn’t appear to have much in terms of offensive potential, instead is safe making minor plays with the puck, and doesn’t attempt big break out passes nor does he try to push offense. He appears to be a player who understands his role, and what his strengths are and plays into them. Flemmington has quickly become one of the most feared fighters in the OHL, and has layed down a beating onto several who have opposed him, although it is difficult to find someone who can match his size in a junior league. Being behind Sol, O’Connor, Hermenegildo, Underwood, Walsh and Lepkowski on the depth chart, Saginaw did the right thing for his development in sending him to Jr. B and letting him get 20-25 mins/game, and it‘s clearly benefiting him now. Flemmington plays a safe enough game, along with a clean physical style to make him a very desireable player in the final 2-3 rounds.
(Flemmington had 5PIM tonight)

Shayne Campbell - #1 - G - YOB: 1992 - 6‘2” - 175lbs.
NHL: Eligible in 2011
Report: Feb/19/10: Sting fans have been waiting a long time for Shayne Campbell to put it all together for 60 minutes straight, and tonight it finally happened. Shayne already displays great quickness and reflexes, as well as a great ability to recover back into position, and a really fast glove hand. His raw skills are impressive. Campbell also has the ability to make the big save. Some goaltenders have that ability to make a big save on what looks like a sure goal, despite Campbell’s record he has shown many times he can take away an open net, and steal goals away from the opposition. Campbell’s issues come from his lateral movement which has been improving a little, but his consistency is clearly the biggest battle so far in his junior career. Campbell has a tendency to allow at least one bad goal per game. Not only does this bad goal count against him, he appears to lack the ability to regain composure, and most of the goals he allows are in bunches. The next 3 minutes after a goal scored on Campbell are the most crutial, and unfortunately playing on one of the worst teams in the CHL this season, more times than not Campbell will face scoring chances within a minute or two after allowing a goal, and a lot of the time those shots also turn into goals. However on this night Campbell stood tall and stopped all 28 shots from Owen Sound, some of which were great scoring chances, including a penalty shot midway throught he 3^rd period. Two weeks ago Owen Sound was in Sarnia, and he lost that game 5-4, giving up 4 of the 5 goals. 3 of the 4 goals he allowed occurred within 26 seconds, so if you strike those 26 seconds, Campbell would have stopped 57 of 58 shots in two games vs. Owen Sound. Fortunately for Campbell he has a late 1992 birthdate, so he will still have one more season to prove himself as a legitimate NHL prospect, but if his raw skills, as well as his performance tonight are any indication, Campbell has some realistic NHL potential.
(Campbell stopped 28 of 28 shots)

Ryan Yessie's Sarnia Sting Mid Season Report

2009-2010 Sarnia Sting Mid-Season Report






J.C. Campagna - #8 - LW - YOB: 1993 - 6‘1” - 170lbs.
NHL: Eligible in 2011
Campagna has cooled off after his quick start. He’s got a decent shot, but needs to put himself in better scoring positions to utilize it. When I see Camapagna, I see a little be of a more tame version or former Sting Daniel Carcillo when he was with the team in J.C.’s game. Campagna looks like he could be destined for a role as a 3^rd line agitator at an NHL level, however it is really too early to tell if he will maintain, surpass, or decline from those early projections. Where Francisco and Ritchie have been playing with more confidence, and gaining more offensive roles, Campagna has level himself down to being a checking role player that can sometimes get involved on the offensive play. Defensively he’s been pretty decent, although his positioning could use improvement.
Campagna has - 37GP - 5G - 6A - 11PTS - 32PIM

Brandon Francisco - #9 - RW - YOB: 1993 - 5‘10” - 155lbs.
NHL: Eligible in 2011
Francisco got off to a bit of a slow start. Francisco had some bad habits not back checking as much as he should have, trying to carry the puck way too much without passing it up, and would buckle under pressure in front of the net. Francisco had many opportunities to score and just put it over the net, missed wide, or had it jump off his stick. If he could have taken advantage of those opportunities he would easily have 10 more goals than he does now. Francisco started out with 7 pts. In the first 34 games. But going into Sunday’s game Francisco had 2G, 3A and 5 PTS in his last 5 games. Francisco as a prospect has a lot going for him he has great speed, handles the puck well, has a quick release on a shot that is only a half inch off the mark a lot of the time, and on top of it is very disciplined. When he gets that half inch back into his game as he develops, he could be a multi-season 30 goal scorer, and possibly a 40 goal scorer before his junior career is over. Francisco has the ability to become a top 6 forward at the NHL level, but will need to overcome his size, improve defensively, and commit to the weight room (the sooner the better) if he wants to be an NHL forward.
Francisco has 40GP - 5G - 7A - 12PTS - 2PIM

Brandon Alderson - #18 - RW - YOB: 1992 - 6‘4” - 195lbs.
NHL: Eligible in 2010
I’m going to be totally honest on this one. Brock deserves all the credit for pointing this young man out the first few games of the season. Alderson has been very impressive and looks like he’s going to turn out to be a very effective OHL player. Alderson has outstanding speed for 17 year old at 6’4” He handles the puck well, and makes smart plays to help his team. He’s safe in his defensive zone and seems to be developing a skill for putting the puck in the net. Alderson has an excellent wrist shot and leads all Sting rookies with 10 goals. It’s hard to project where Alderson could go and what he could develop into because he just simply continues to improve every single game. It’s scary to think of where he could be 2-3 years from now if he keeps this up. Alderson in terms of an NHL projection is about 15 lbs, and a mean streak away from becoming a potential 2^nd line power forward. He’s already safe defensively, and even with an extra 15 lbs. Alderson would still be well ahead of the curve in terms of skating among power forwards. Sting may have found themselves a diamond in the rough with Alderson.
Alderson has 42GP - 10G - 7A - 17PTS - 16PIM

Brett Ritchie - #20 - RW - YOB: 1993 - 6‘3” - 190lbs.
NHL: Eligible in 2011
Ritchie, like Francisco really needed to get a feel for the OHL for the first little bit. He didn’t seem willing to engage physically, and seemed to just want to make the safe play and not utilize his size. He was very inconsistent, as he was rolling along very well in early/mid October and seemed to have found his game, but then went 10 games only registering 1 assist and not really being much of a factor in any of those games. The turning point in Ritchie’s season may have been the Semi-Finals of the World U-17 tournament. Ritchie scored two goals, and one that sealed the deal for Ontario’s trip to the finals. Ontario lost 2-1 to USA but as the 3^rd period wore on Ritchie was generating chance after chance and saw his ice time increase more as he nearly scored multiple times in the last 10 minutes of that game. That tournament seemed to have sparked Ritchie, as he has looked exceptional in his games since then. Ritchie has good speed for someone his size, he’s protecting the puck well, and is playing hard in the corners. Like Alderson; Ritchie could really use a mean streak at times, and could use another 15-20 lbs. in upper body strength. He will likely be a bit of a project for whoever drafts him in 2011, but he has all the intangibles of a top 6 forward prospect in the NHL. If Ritchie continues this pace, he could have an explosive second half of the season.
Ritchie has 40GP - 7G - 7A - 14PTS - 31PIM

Ben O’Quinn - #22 - C - YOB: 1991 - 6‘1” - 185lbs.
NHL: Eligible in 2010
Going into this season Ben O’Quinn looked like he would have something to prove in terms of potentially becoming an NHL prospect. He has a solid defensive game, as well as good skating, and is solid along the boards. Also 16 games into the season he already had 7G, 8A to go along with his sound defensive play. However after he scored the winning goal midway through the 2^nd period on October 31^st, Ben O’Quinn would only score one more goal until January 9^th 2010. In that span of of 22 games O’Quinn would put up only 1G and 3A. This pretty much destroyed any chance of O’Quinn becoming an NHL draftee. However O’Quinn does seem to be turning his two-way game around, and could have a very strong second half. He’s got more talent than he showed in November and December, and although I don’t doubt his ability to play pro hockey when his OHL career completes, O’Quinn will likely take the long road if he ever aspires to be an NHL player.
O’Quinn has 42GP - 9G - 13A - 22PTS - 16 PIM


Kyle Neuber - #24 - RW - YOB: 1989 - 6‘2” - 215lbs.
NHL: 7^th Round - 197^th Overall by Columbus in 2009
For the first two months or so Kyle Neuber was easily the most frustrating part of the Sarnia Sting roster. He was not engaging physically very much, he appeared to be trying to be a finesse player, carrying the puck, stick handling around defenders, and on the rare occasion he would get by the defenceman, he didn’t have the speed to stay ahead for long. He was a fairly detrimental part to the team the first quarter. Coach/GM Dave MacQueen had a private meeting with Neuber in which he said he had good discussions with Kyle on his role with the team. Neuber has responded to that playing much better the second quarter of this season, playing a much more physical, and intimidating brand of hockey. Neuber still carries the puck sometimes when he shouldn’t, but is a little more responsible in dumping it in and not trying to do too much. Neuber has had some big heavyweight tilts and is regarded be most to be the toughest figher in the OHL this year. Neuber is on pace as expected with 4G and 7PTS midway through the season, I’d expect 8G, 15-17PTS out of Neuber, and he has an outside shot of getting to 200 PIM. Not much to say about Neuber talent wise, he’s limited in the skating, and puck handling department, he’s a devastating hitter, and if he continues to play his role he will be a very beneficial part of this Sarnia team. His job now will be to keep opponents honest, and punish those that go after the future talents of this franchise. If he is effective in doing this, he will likely fall into favour with the Columbus Blue Jackets if he can get his skating up to an adequate level for a pro hockey player.
Neuber has 35GP - 4G - 3A - 7PTS - 123PIM


Miroslav Preisinger - #28 - C - YOB: 1991 - 6‘0” - 175lbs.
NHL: Eligible in 2010
Of all the Sting players, Miro Preisinger is the toughest to judge. He started out his career as a player who would disappear once the game got rough. By the end of the season he was a physical presence and threw the hit of the year for the Sting on Michael Latta. Preisinger has got outstanding passing ability, and has threaded some amazing passes that have resulted in goals since joining the Sting. He has solid stick handling ability and a respectable wrist shot. However Preisinger never seems to put all these together in a consistent basis. He has cooled off on fighting, as he hasn’t dropped the gloves in 2 months, and the second last fight was a one punch TKO of overager Chris MacKinnon. The second half is very unpredictable for Preisinger. If he explodes offensively he could wind up with 20 goals this season. Preisinger is a player who, if he can put all his skills together into a consistent package he would be a can’t miss prospect. However only bits and pieces of those skills are found spread across different games.
Preisinger has 41GP - 10G - 6A - 16PTS - 47PIM


Kale Kerbashian - #44 - C - YOB: 1991 - 5‘11” - 173lbs.
NHL: Eligible in 2010
Kerbashian has been an offensive leader for the Sting while he’s been in the line-up. He’s had a couple injuries that have kept him out at different times of the season. Kerbashian has shown great speed, and puck handling, although sometimes unable to finish on a great play he’s made, there’s no denying the talent. Kerbashian also is reliable in his own zone, and has been critical in a few Sarnia victories already this year. Concussion problems have bothered Kerbashian as he has suffered two so far halfway through the season. Kale was expected to break out a little more offensively, but with a quick recovery and a strong second half he could potentially be the only 20 goal scorer for Sarnia this year. Entering his last draft year it’s hard to see Kerbashian getting picked, however wouldn’t look out of place going in the 6^th or 7^th round either. He has a lot of skill, the question is if he could transfer that to a 3^rd line role in the NHL.
Kerbashian has 36GP - 13G - 16A - 29PTS - 15PIM

Nathan Chiarlitti - #5 - D - YOB: 1991 - 6‘0” - 185lbs.
NHL: Eligible in 2010
Chiarlitti has really improved this season. He is showing he does have some offensive skills, although will likely wind up being a defensive first defenceman. When I try to compare him to another defenceman I think of Danny Syvret with a little less offensive play. Chiarlitti has great hockey sense and IQ in terms of anticipating a play, and moving the puck in terms of making the safe play. He has got burned in 1 on 1 situations, and will need to be more patient in letting the forward do what he is going to do and make the safe play as he does in other situations, he generally bites on one of the dekes of the higher skilled players and has been left in the dust, however he has appeared to improve on that in the last couple games from what I’ve seen. Chiarlitti’s skating is not an issue nor a strength. It’s improved but still at about average for the OHL. Possibly the best kept secret in the Sting organization is the fact that Nathan Chiarlitti will succeed Jordan Hill as the captain of this team, and unless something drastic happens will likely become one of the longest serving captains in team history (3-3.5 years) as he’s expected to play out his junior eligibility. Another area Nathan needs to improve on is his physical play. He has opened up a little, but still needs to be able to throw the odd solid hit here and there if he is going to be regarded as defensive NHL prospect. Chiarlitti doesn’t have one standout skill, he is not horrible in anything, but is not great at anything either, so at 6’0”, 185lbs. That may make things tough for him in establishing himself as a prospect. Chiarlitti’s greatest assets are his hockey sense in his own zone, puck moving abilities, discipline in only taking smart penalties most of the time, and his leadership abilities. This combination should by all means draw in at least one team in the late rounds of the draft. I currently have Nathan projected around the 5^th-6^th round.
Chiarlitti has 43GP - 3G - 8A - 11PTS - 35PIM

Jordan Hill - #41 - D - YOB: 1989 - 6‘2” - 195lbs.
NHL: Free Agent
Jordan Hill is a very capable and physical defensive defenceman. He plays a safe game and has excellent positioning. Hill, like former Sting Matt Martin came from seemingly nowhere to become a depth player for the Sting. Then after a year quickly became an impact player for the franchise. Hill also showed this year he has a little untapped offensive potential in the form of a big point shot. Hill by all means should be able to attract an AHL contract, and maybe even an NHL one at the completion of this OHL season.
Hill has 41GP - 4G - 15A - 19PTS - 55PIM


Joe Rogalski - #74 - D - YOB: 1991 - 6‘3” - 185lbs.
NHL: Eligible in 2010
After 2+ years of inconsistency, Rogalski has finally put his skil lset together. Rogalski is very streaky offensively, but has outstanding skating ability, as well as the ability to move the puck. He is much better to carry the puck up the ice rather than pass it, as he has made a few bad giveaways in the past. Rogalski is not getting the PP time he probably could handle, but is a very capable puck mover when he is out there. Rogalski does have some issues taking a bad penalty here and there, and sometimes takes a shift or two off. The thing about Rogalski’s flaws are they are all fairly correctable as he moves on to the pro ranks. Combined with his skating, and puck moving assets, he could become a potential steal in the mid rounds of this draft if he can continue to develop his skills.
Rogalski has 43GP - 4G - 16A - 20PTS - 53PIM

Adam Courchaine - #1 - G - YOB: 1989 - 6‘3” - 185lbs.
NHL: Signed as a Free Agent by Boston in 2008
Courchaine has been very streaky this year, he played very solid through October and November, only to put forward a lackluster effort in December as well as the first game in January. Then throw in a stellar performance against Windsor on trade deadline weekend. Courchaine has the ability to make the big save at the big time. He is not shy about playing the puck and does so in very reckless fashion at times. Courchaine challenges shooters, and is able to recover in time to stop the 2^nd shot nearly every time. Courchaine is a pick-up of the Boston Bruins, and will likely battle for AHL time at the end of this season for the foreseeable future.
Courchiane has 8W - 16L - 1OTL - 1SO - 3.51 GAA - .899 SV%
　
Shayne Campbell - #30 - G - YOB: 1992 - 6‘2” - 175lbs.
NHL: Eligible in 2011
Campbell has a very wide spectrum in terms of what people seem to expect from him. I personally see Campbell as a potential prospect in the NHL. Campbell’s greatest asset is his reflexes, and quickness watching him play the last few years if there’s one thing Campbell can do is kick out a pad, or flash the glove at the last possible second, reflexes are just as good as any goaltender out there. His recovery ability is another very strong asset for Campbell. This is important as he tends to give up too many rebounds. His positioning is something he needs to work on as well. He does appear to have improved in that area, but it used to cost him goals earlier in his career. Finally on the list is lateral movement. Again Campbell is improving in that area. Campbell has kept a very positive and professional attitude. He has remained patient, despite his lack of starts at times and now appears to be in position to spend the final 30 games of the season proving that he in fact is the goaltender of the future. Goaltenders Jesse Raymond and Jamie Phillips will be knocking at the door if Campbell doesn’t show he is capable of carrying the load on a consistent basis, and consistency has been Campbell’s biggest obstacle. He won 4 starts in a row including an outstanding effort playing against Kitchener just outside his hometown of Cambridge. He has put forward multiple stellar outings against Windsor and London to go along with his great start in Kitchener, which speaks volumes about Campbell’s ability to handle fire under pressure. Campbell however has had a history of randomly giving up 6, 7 goals in a game on occasion. A long evaluation of a player who can be summed up in two sentences. Great reflexes, quickness, and the ability to perform under pressure, who need to work on his lateral movement, cutting down angles, and cutting out the occasional night off. If Campbell plays well there’s little doubt he’ll be a potential pick-up in the 2011 draft. His future in the NHL should he make it would likely be as a back-up goaltender, as it’s not very likely he could handle full-time duties at the highest level, even with all his assets.
Campbell has 5W - 7L - 1OT - 4.25 GAA - .881 SV%

Ryan Yessie's Thoughts on Sault Ste. Marie and Sarnia from November 21

Ryan was at the Sault Ste. Marie and Sarnia game on Saturday and has filed a report for us. The Hounds, thanks to solid goaltending from Robin Lehner, shutout the Sting 2-0. This handed Sarnia its 5th straight loss and a trip to the very bottom of the Western Conference standings.

The SOO





Daniel Catenacci - #7 - C - YOB: 1993 - 5‘10” - 170lbs.
NHL: Eligible in 2011
Report: Nov/21/09: Catenacci looked decent out there in this game. His skating is solid, he engages in battles for the pucks, and seems to be able to absorb a decent amount of punishment from bigger opponents. He certainly in no way stood out or take over even a few shifts as other 1st overall picks have done in the past. He will continue to be a good forward, but this seems to be a tribute to how weak the 2011 draft will be. Catenacci really didn’t have any standout flaws in his game, but none of his skills appeared to be standouts either. Combine that with his small stature, and Catenacci will be a decent prospect, and will be a 1st rounder in next year’s draft, but will not project to be more than a 2nd line forward.
(Cantenacci had 1G, +1, 2 PIM tonight)

Brett Thompson - #9 - C - YOB: 1991 - 5‘8” - 160lbs.
NHL: Eligible in 2010
Report: Nov/21/09: To be honest when I saw Thompson listed as 5’8” 160lb.I was surprised. He looked a lot bigger on the ice than that, and played a huge impact in this game. Thompson showed off great speed, and good shiftiness when coming up the ice with the puck. He made some very solid tape to tape passes. He banged in the puck in the crease for what turned out to be the winning goal, but what was more impressive was the way he set up a 2 on 1 goal for Catenacci drawing in the goaltender and the defenceman towards him then sending it over to Catenacci for the goal that put this one in the books. Thompson wasn’t someone I was expecting too much from, but he looked really good out there tonight, I was impressed.
(Thompson had 1G, 1A, +1 tonight)

James Livingston - #12 - RW - YOB: 1990 - 6‘1” - 210lbs.
NHL: 3rd Round - 70th Overall by St. Louis in 2008
Report: Nov/21/09: Livingston is someone who once again leaves me wanting to see more out of him. He didn’t look very different from last year. He threw some big hits, he only got one shot on net, which may be playing an impact on my opinion. His skating is not great but not bad either, average skater for his size. Livingston however appeared to show some leadership qualities at times, as well as being on the ice almost entirely for every penalty, which shows that at the NHL level even if he can’t become the power forward St. Louis thought he would when they picked him in the 3rd round, he can still be a special teams player, and is more than physical enough to fill a bottom 6 role. Livingston did have great positioning on defence tonight.

Nick Cousins - #27 - RW - YOB: 1993 - 5’9” - 155lbs.
NHL: Eligible in 2011
Report: Nov/21/09: Cousins looked pretty good out there tonight, displayed great speed, handled the puck well, and positioned well. He got caught a few times trying to do too much in the offensive zone, but has so much speed to his game he was able to make it back in his own zone. He played on a line with Livingston, so that shows the SOO has confidence in him going forward. He’s certainly a player to watch going into the 2011 NHL draft. He could turn out not far off of his teammate Catenacci in the draft.

Brandon Archibald - #3 - D - YOB: 1992 - 6‘3” - 200lbs.
NHL: Eligible in 2010
Report: Nov/21/09: Above all Archibald was the one I was most disappointed in tonight. He has great size, and although he did hit, he didn’t utilize his size nearly as well as he should be. His skating is very awkward and always looks like he’s got one broken foot he leans to one side, and really can’t generate speed. However backwards Archibald is very smooth, with good lateral movement, it was very odd, and I almost think he should skate backwards both directions because he was about as fast, and much more fluid going backwards as he was going forward. Archibald turned the puck over a little too many times for a potential prospect, and was just not at the level I expected him to be at after hearing so many great things to start the season.
(Archibald had 1A, +1 tonight)

Brock Beukeboom - #25 - D - YOB: 1992 - 6‘1” - 196lbs.
NHL: Eligible in 2010
Report: Nov/21/09: Before this game I had Archibald slightly past Beukeboom. That all changed tonight. Beukeboom played very good tonight for the SOO and was arguably their best defenceman. He plays a safe stay at home game, but seems to be a very good skater, always moving his feet, and really seems to build his game around protecting his own net. He had good body positioning on incoming forwards, and although I’d like him to hit a little more, he wasn’t bad in this regard either. Beukeboom will never put up a lot of points but seemed to hit his outlet passes fairly well. Beukeboom isn’t going to be a franchises key defenceman, but I could see him landing in a Steve Staios type role one day.
(Beukeboom had 2 PIM tonight)

Robin Lehner - #35 - G - YOB: 1991 - 6‘4” - 224lbs.
NHL: 2nd Round - 46th Overall by Ottawa in 2009
Report: Nov/21/09: Lehner played outstanding and earned the shutout tonight. Lehner’s reflexes are second to none, he really doesn’t come out of his crease enough which is really the only knock in his game, and at his size it doesn’t hurt his game as it would to other goaltenders. His reaction time, as well as his recovery ability are simply amazing. I was a little weary about him getting drafted so high, but after seeing him, he simply stole this game. If Sarnia had scored first this would have been a very different game. At one point during the tie game Lehner made a save and gave up a rebound and an open net, he quickly recovered and dove across the net and got enough to prevent the puck going in. Simply blown away by Lehner’s performance tonight.
(Lehner stopped all 25 shots for a shutout tonight)

Sarnia






Shayne Campbell - #30 - G - YOB: 1992 - 6‘2” - 175lbs.
NHL: Eligible in 2011
Report: Nov/21/09: Campbell played great in relief of Adam Courchaine who suffered an upper body injury. Letting in 6 goals over the course of the two games, many of those wouldn’t have been stopped by any goaltender in the league. Campbell continues to show great reflexes, and is starting to get quicker with his recovery. Because of his quickness he makes saves that other goaltenders at his general skill level wouldn’t make. Although there are those out there that feel Campbell isn’t capable of being a starting goaltender, he reminds me a lot of former goaltending prospect Parker Van Buskirk, however Parker’s development was largely ruined playing behind overagers, with the injury to Courchaine, Campbell will now get an opportunity to show that he can handle the starting job, when/if Courchaine does get traded. Campbell certainly made a big step in that direction with his performance this weekend.
(Campbell stopped 56 of 62 shots in 2 games this weekend)

Joe Rogalski - #74 - D - YOB: 1991 - 6‘2” - 185lbs.
NHL: Eligible in 2010
Report: Nov/21/09: As promised I was going to do a write up on Rogalski, so I did watch him closely this weekend to get a good look at how he has developed this season. Rogalski continues to rush the puck up the ice, but is very smart about moving the puck to his linemates at the right time. He appears to be the kind of player that doesn’t want to play selfish often passing instead of shooting on the power play. Skating wise Rogalski has it down in both directions he is an above average skater, and a very good one for a defenceman pushing 6’3”. Rogalski has a decent shot, but if he used it more often he might be more effective with it, which is something he should look to improve in. Also what needs improvement is Rogalski’s ability to add muscle. He’s shown a willingness to hit, but just simply isn’t as effective as he could be being only 185 and not looking a pound bigger. Rogalski is reliable in his own zone, probably not a guy you’d put on your PK in the NHL, but is someone who can do his job in his own zone. At the start of the year I said Chiarlitti had taken the edge over Rogalski as the top prospect out of Sarnia this year, recently Rogalski has re-claimed that title, and if he continues to improve may hear his name called in the 2nd/3rd round. There’s no question his strengths are skating, and his puck moving abilities, as well as his potentially imposing size at 6’2“-6’3”.

Thanks to Ryan Yessie for this report. Anyone else out there have comments on the Hounds or Sting?

Ryan Yessie's Sarnia Sting Season Preview

After a season that surprised many outside of the Lambton County area, the Sting are once again predicted to become basement dwellers. They will be without the firepower or Arniel, Martin, DiBenedetto, Katic, and the stellar goaltending of Dan Spence. Some questions are still out there such as which OA's will Sarnia use? Will Adam Courchaine show up to steal a few games, or is he taking the AHL route? Although standings wise the Sting are less than 50/50 to so much as take the 8th spot in the Western Conference, there are some interesting prospects on the horizon. Sarnia could logically see anywhere from 2-5 players drafted in the 2010 NHL Entry draft. They already have 3 players to watch for the 2011 draft, as well as a potential 1st rounder in the 2012 NHL draft, that should all be in their line-up this season. This will be a trying season for Sting fans, but the future looks very, very bright.

FORWARDS

Ted Brithen - was one of the best players in the Swedish junior ranks. Turning 19 it's no secret Brithen would like to take a shot at the NHL, why else would a good 19 year old swede want to play in the OHL? Brithen has shown explosive speed and offensive skillset so far in camp, and is a question mark but after all the 19 year old players drafted this year, it should be interesting to see how Brithen's skillset translates to a top 6 forward spot on an OHL club.

Kale Kerbashian - has shown flashes of NHL draft worthy skills, unfortunately his size combined with his inconsistencies have prevented him from getting drafted thus far. Needless to say 2009-2010 the year before Kerbaishan becomes an overager is a critical year if he wants to pursue a professional career, and Sarnia's lack of offensive talent this year may be exactly what Kerbashian needs to get every opportunity to show what he's capable of.

Michael Neal (DAL) - Neal's potential OHL status is still up in the air. He will be an OA, which Sarnia has several of, and at the end of the year he didn't look like he'll be sticking around. Working during the summer with his older brother NHLer James Neal, has apparently proven invaluable. Shockingly Neal has reportedly been one of Dallas' top prospects in the Traverse City tournament. This could mean a potential spot on the Iowa Stars in the AHL, or if he returns to the OHL this massive improvement from just 5 months ago could secure him a spot on the Sting.

Miroslav Preisinger - Preisinger showed flashes of NHL potential during his rookie year in the OHL, but not enough to get drafted. That didn't stop Preisinger from reinventing himself during the later part of the season. Once timid, afraid of contact and playing without intensity, Preisinger has shown amazing passing skills, as well as some ability to finish. Also he seems to be a gifted hitter, something sting fans would have never expected watching his first few games. Evidence of this is when he layed out gritty forward Michael Latta with a clean open ice hit, that left him down for several minutes. If he can take his added ice time and show off his offensive skills while still playing with an edge, NHL teams might be willing to line up to draft this Slovak.

Ben O'Quinn - No one player improved during the 2008-2009 season than Ben O'Quinn. Mostly a marginal player with PK time to start the year, O'Quinn took advantage of some injuries, suspensions and World U-17 tournament as an opportunity to show his talents back in the OHL. O'Quinn finished the year paired with Arniel most of the time and either Justin DiBenedetto or Matt Martin. It should be interesting to see if O'Quinn can show off his skills again without quite as talented linemates. If so, and combined with his great defensive awareness O'Quinn could see himself drafted next summer.

Brett Ritchie - He won't be eligible untill 2011 but Ritchie already has power forward size at 6'3" - 190. Ritchie will be interesting to watch, and should show off some great talent. He has goal scoring prowess and is willing to play very physical. In fact he could be a step up from a similar player Sarnia took in last year's 1st round, Greg Sutch.

Brandon Francisco - A sure fire first rounder, Francisco isn't eligible to be drafted untill 2012 but he's certainly got to be highly regarded for that draft. Francisco shows off amazing speed and arguably has the best hands of anyone drafted in this year's OHL draft. Francisco was a goal scoring machine and it should be very interesting to see how Francisco can contribute as a major part of a rebuilding team in Sarnia.

Joseph (J.C.) Campagna - Not a name that jumps out, but Campagna left Ohio to play for Sarnia this summer. So far in camp he's played amazing showing decent speed, good awareness in the offensive zone, and on a small team this 6'1" 16 year old centerman brings some much needed size to the line-up. Campagna isn't eligible untill 2011 but he's certainly a player to watch for this upcoming season.

DEFENCEMEN

Nathan Chiarlitti - Going into the 2010 draft Sarnia has two defencemen who are prett much locks to get drafted if not in the top 60. Chiarlitti is one of those two, and personally i think has the edge at this point on Rogalski. If you live in Sarnia and see the press conferneces, posters, pocket schedules you'll notice that with Stamkos, Martin, DiBenedetto, Arniel and Katic gone from this recent Sting era that Nathan Chiarlitti is now the face of this franchise. Although he only put up 1 point last year, Chiarlitti put up multiple points in the short U-17 tournament last winter. I should be noted that Chiarlitti was behind several veterans on the depth chart and was not a lock to make the Sting. Chairlitti made the team as a 3rd pairing defenceman due to showing poise and patience beyond his years, as well as being very coachable in terms of his role on the team. Chairlitti was primarily used to play a safe defensive game. Now as a top 4 defenceman on this team, Chiarlitti is expected to produce much more offensively, and still be a rock on the defensive end. Chiarlitti doesn't posess the speed that Rogalski does, but he has outstanding positioning at all times on the ice and willingness to do what it takes to win.

Joe Rogalski - Rogalski has been considered for a while to be one of the top 5 defenceman to be drafted out of the OHL. That may become top 6 depending on how you look at it with the addition of Cam Fowler to the O, but Rogalski has ideal size (6'3") and has amazing speed, sometimes looking Katic-esque on the rush (litearlly, becasue their numbers were similar at 71 and 74 sometimes you couldn't tell). This speed, and size will be Rogalski's ticket to the NHL as he is a lock to get drafted. The only knock on Rogalski is that even with all these skills he's played 2 seasons and hasn't stood out on a consistent basis. That may all change this year, Rogalski is expected to be the #2 defenceman teaming up with physical and solid defensive overager Jordan Hill on the top defensive pairing, which will really allow Rogalski to show off his talents.

GOALTENDING

Adam Courchaine (BOS) - Courchaine is expected to make the AHL Providence Bruins, however if he returns he will be the starting goaltender for the Sting this season. If he returns the Boston prospect will have alot to prove as an overager with this team.

Shayne Campbell - Campbell was a late pick in the 2008 OHL Priority selection, but suprised many by making the team. Campbell will rely on his lightning quick reflexes, and his ideal size. Some feel Campbell doesn't have what it takes to be a full time starter in the OHL but Campbell has shown the potential last year at times to not only to be a starter, but to be a guy who could steal games on a consistent basis. Personally he reminds me alot of Atlanta goaltending prospect Chris Carrozzi in style and skillset. Campbell is not eligible untill 2011 so he has plenty of time to show what he's capable of.

RY