There is new day dawning in the Ontario Junior Hockey League, as of the 2015-16 season. Almost all of the league's stars that were fixtures atop the scoring tables, like JRC's Anthony Repaci, Georgetown's Steve Hladin, Cobourg's Connor Armour, and Trenton's Brady Wiffen, as well as many others, are all gone. That does not mean that I expect a severe drop off in the league's quality, however. All it means is that a new breed is poised to infuse the league with their ability, and take leading rolls in their respective clubs.
With that in mind, here are some thoughts I have on the various teams' outlooks heading into the new year.
This blog will focus on the North Division.
Note: I have, of course, stuck to players that I am fairly confident will be back in the OJ next year.
Ever since the excellent Newmarket team of 2012-13, the North has been owned almost exclusively by the perennially loaded Aurora Tigers. Every season the Tigers have a ton of stars, those stars move on, and then they raise up and bring in new stars; and there is no reason to expect any different for next season.
By all accounts, future Niagara University man and skilled speedster Drake Board is ready for a big role and to fill in for Johnny Curran, who is off to Western Michigan. He will be well supported by the similarly sized and fleet-footed Daniel Mantenuto, while the incredibly intelligent future Robert Morris University defender Noah Delmas should certainly be able step into the No. 1 defender spot vacated by Eric Williams.
I am also interested to see if veteran Liam Neuman, another speedy fast forward, can break through into a truly impact player in the OJ. Also, will Jordan Sambrook, who was one of the best midget defenceman in all of Canada last year stick in the OHL? If not, he is property of the Tigers, and he is outstanding.
Much was written and discussed concerning the plight of the Pickering Panthers last year, but inking head coach Matt Caroll appears to signal a desire to head in the right direction for the club. His Ajax/Pickering Raiders midgets were an excellent squad last year, and it serves to expect a number of those quality players will follow him there. If veteran BJ Salerno returns, he remains as dangerous offensively as any player in the league.
The Newmarket Hurricanes went down a similar path as the Panthers, bringing in Brett Punchard, who led his impressive Toronto Young Nats midgets to a national championship last year. The likes of Mack Graham, Max Routledge and Alex Ierullo were dominant in midget, and should be excellent Junior A players if they follow their coach to the Hurricanes.
In terms of returnees, Sam Hu parlayed quickness and an incredible work ethic into 26 goals and 43 points last year, and looks ready to continue to climb the rungs into the elite of the OJHL. Connor Ryckman was also excellent in net in his rookie season, and could be as good as anyone in the league next year.
The newly re-coined and relocated Markham Royals are excited about their fresh start, and don't appear to be sparing any expense to make it a success. A lot of guys are back, including their dynamic captain Jason O'Connor, and if all-around elite defender Khadyn Butterfly returns, then expect Markham to give the Tigers a decent push in the north. Future Merrimack College man Laine McKay is a big boy with loads of scoring potential, and he was very impressive at the CJHL Top Prospects game last year.
Stouffville really impressed by getting to the No. 5 seed in the Northeast last year, but they will need an absolute monster year from Nick Thomakos to replicate that success. Fortunately for them, he is extremely dynamic, and is ready to cement a place among the league's best forwards. Former Kitchener Ranger James Mense-Dietrich showed flashes of brilliance last year as well, so he will have to help Thomakos out in the production category. Former Owen Sound prospect Aaron Taylor is very talented goaltender, and should be back in the Spirit net.
Offensive-minded defenceman Brandon Washer really thrived in the free-roaming roll he got from the Muskies last year, so it makes sense to expect he'll keep putting up numbers in Lindsay next year. The huge Keegan Cairns showed flashes of ability too, while the diminutive former Junior C sniper Jack Scanlon certainly has the skill to be dangerous at this level.
Friday, July 10, 2015
Wednesday, July 8, 2015
Looking forward to 2015-16 (South Division)
There is new day dawning in the Ontario Junior Hockey League, as of the 2015-16 season. Almost all of the league's stars that were fixtures atop the scoring tables, like JRC's Anthony Repaci, Georgetown's Steve Hladin, Cobourg's Connor Armour, and Trenton's Brady Wiffen, as well as many others, are all gone. That does not mean that I expect a severe drop off in the league's quality, however. All it means is that a new breed is poised to infuse the league with their ability, and take leading rolls in their respective clubs.
With that in mind, here are some thoughts I have on the various teams' outlooks heading into the new year.
I continue with my own division, the dirty dirty South.
Note: I have, of course, stuck to players that I am fairly confident will be back in the OJ next year.
Obviously the easiest team for me to talk about is the North York Rangers, so I'll start there.
The gun that looks to do the biggest part in filling the Gabe Valenzuela-Matt Whittaker production void is most certainly Michael Morgan. The 20-year-old red-bearded speed demon has the talent and work ethic to rival anyone in the OJHL, and I have complete faith that he'll be an all star calibre player for the Rangers next year. In terms of younger players, Ryan Takamatsu looks ready to take another big step forward. As 97-born players go, his intelligence and competitiveness are absolutely excellent, and with a speedy brand of hockey to go with a very solid frame, watch for the one they call Taka to be a force in 2015-16.
I am also very excited to see the continued development of the dynamic 'heart-and-hustle-and-underrated-skill' duo of Kyle Clarke and Nick Zanette. Those two played their hearts out in big minutes against the Repaci line vs. the Junior Canadiens last year, and both have potential to be very good secondary scorers in the OJ starting next season. For new players that could very well be in the lineup next year, I am most looking forward to seeing Jonathan Hampton in Ranger blue. This is, of course, dependent on whether or not the big-bodied, bulldog-type power forward makes his OHL club in Owen Sound.
Last but not least, watch for a breakthrough season from Gianluca Baggetta, who should be a top goaltender in the OJ next year.
It is difficult for me to talk about the Toronto Patriots, of course, because I have no idea who will or won't be there. Should he be back, Tyler Currie is almost a lock to be a captain, and in my opinion a Top 3 defenceman in the league in all areas of the ice. Depending on circumstances, of course, Jeremy Pullara and Mario Ferraro should both improve on their extremely impressive rookie seasons, where they demonstrated maturity way beyond their respective years. Matty Robson was only a 1996 birth year when he brilliantly backstopped the Pats to the Cup, so another great year, depending on circumstances, is almost certainly in his future.
The Oakville Blades will likely be looking hard to add quality pieces to a roster depleted by a lot of graduations from last year, but look no farther than captain Ryan Garvey to lead the charge in filling those voids. Speed and compete are his trademarks, and with a World Junior A Challenge already under his belt, Coach Mike Tarantino is clearly expecting big things from the hometown boy.
The two-way presences of 97-birth years Jackson Bales--who at one point last year was considered an NHL draft prospect--and Josh Kosack should both take steps forward offensively next year, and look to be key leaders on this Oakville reload.
Look for rookie 1998 birth year goaltender Michael Botiz to be an absolute star right away.
The Toronto Junior Canadiens are losing the all-league talent of captain Anthony Repaci, but retain an elite D-corps, and could have two-thirds of their top line back with Nick Jarzabek and Justin Maolino. They both had great offensive seasons at Buckingham Arena, and if JRC can find some forward depth, they certainly have the pieces to make a run at the Conference. Kevin Hancock is an intriguing 1998-born power centreman, and if he isn't in Owen Sound in the OHL, I expect he'll make a nice addition to the top line, where he spent some time last year. As far as I know, Sal Filice, Andrew Mullen and Luca Farrace should all be back on the blue line, an impressive group to be sure.
I am not privy to any information regarding who is or isn't back with the Mississauga Chargers, though 1998-born Oshawa Generals prospect Domenic Commisso was very impressive in the couple viewings I had of him last year.
With that in mind, here are some thoughts I have on the various teams' outlooks heading into the new year.
I continue with my own division, the dirty dirty South.
Note: I have, of course, stuck to players that I am fairly confident will be back in the OJ next year.
Obviously the easiest team for me to talk about is the North York Rangers, so I'll start there.
The gun that looks to do the biggest part in filling the Gabe Valenzuela-Matt Whittaker production void is most certainly Michael Morgan. The 20-year-old red-bearded speed demon has the talent and work ethic to rival anyone in the OJHL, and I have complete faith that he'll be an all star calibre player for the Rangers next year. In terms of younger players, Ryan Takamatsu looks ready to take another big step forward. As 97-born players go, his intelligence and competitiveness are absolutely excellent, and with a speedy brand of hockey to go with a very solid frame, watch for the one they call Taka to be a force in 2015-16.
I am also very excited to see the continued development of the dynamic 'heart-and-hustle-and-underrated-skill' duo of Kyle Clarke and Nick Zanette. Those two played their hearts out in big minutes against the Repaci line vs. the Junior Canadiens last year, and both have potential to be very good secondary scorers in the OJ starting next season. For new players that could very well be in the lineup next year, I am most looking forward to seeing Jonathan Hampton in Ranger blue. This is, of course, dependent on whether or not the big-bodied, bulldog-type power forward makes his OHL club in Owen Sound.
Last but not least, watch for a breakthrough season from Gianluca Baggetta, who should be a top goaltender in the OJ next year.
It is difficult for me to talk about the Toronto Patriots, of course, because I have no idea who will or won't be there. Should he be back, Tyler Currie is almost a lock to be a captain, and in my opinion a Top 3 defenceman in the league in all areas of the ice. Depending on circumstances, of course, Jeremy Pullara and Mario Ferraro should both improve on their extremely impressive rookie seasons, where they demonstrated maturity way beyond their respective years. Matty Robson was only a 1996 birth year when he brilliantly backstopped the Pats to the Cup, so another great year, depending on circumstances, is almost certainly in his future.
The Oakville Blades will likely be looking hard to add quality pieces to a roster depleted by a lot of graduations from last year, but look no farther than captain Ryan Garvey to lead the charge in filling those voids. Speed and compete are his trademarks, and with a World Junior A Challenge already under his belt, Coach Mike Tarantino is clearly expecting big things from the hometown boy.
The two-way presences of 97-birth years Jackson Bales--who at one point last year was considered an NHL draft prospect--and Josh Kosack should both take steps forward offensively next year, and look to be key leaders on this Oakville reload.
Look for rookie 1998 birth year goaltender Michael Botiz to be an absolute star right away.
The Toronto Junior Canadiens are losing the all-league talent of captain Anthony Repaci, but retain an elite D-corps, and could have two-thirds of their top line back with Nick Jarzabek and Justin Maolino. They both had great offensive seasons at Buckingham Arena, and if JRC can find some forward depth, they certainly have the pieces to make a run at the Conference. Kevin Hancock is an intriguing 1998-born power centreman, and if he isn't in Owen Sound in the OHL, I expect he'll make a nice addition to the top line, where he spent some time last year. As far as I know, Sal Filice, Andrew Mullen and Luca Farrace should all be back on the blue line, an impressive group to be sure.
I am not privy to any information regarding who is or isn't back with the Mississauga Chargers, though 1998-born Oshawa Generals prospect Domenic Commisso was very impressive in the couple viewings I had of him last year.
Tuesday, July 7, 2015
Looking forward to 2015-16 (West Division)
There is new day dawning in the Ontario Junior Hockey League, as of the beginning the 2015-16 season. Almost all of the league's stars that were fixtures atop the scoring tables, those like Toronto's Anthony Repaci, Georgetown's Steve Hladin, Cobourg's Connor Armour, and Trenton's Brady Wiffen, as well as many others, are all gone. That does not mean that I expect a severe drop off in the league's quality, however, not at all. All it means is that a new breed is poised to infuse the league with their ability, and take leading rolls in their respective clubs.
With that in mind, here are some thoughts I have on the various team's outlooks heading into the new year.
I will start with the West Division.
Note: I have, of course, stuck to players that I am fairly confident will be back in the OJ next year.
All signs point to the continued upward trajectory of Jamie Caruso's excellent rebuild in Orangeville, and as such the Flyers look ready to take another big step forward in 15-16. The now 18-year-old Lucas Smilsky was nothing short of dynamite, showcasing some great speed and hands, and as a 97-birth year, led his club in scoring last year with 57 points (something not many 17 year olds do!). Look for him to keep getting better.
It will be interesting to see what Caruso will do with the departure of Ian Nichols, who anchored that top line, along with Smilsky and Connor Stack. Nevertheless, watch for James McLaughlin to take another huge step forward next year. He's well built and competes like a horse, but there is more skill for him to show as well. I do believe Stack is back too, while Derek Topatigh, himself just a 97 birth year, will compete for the title of best defenceman in the league, and is all-but certain in my mind to attract serious Division I attention.
I never know who is going where, or what is going on in Buffalo, but all I will say about the Sabres is that '98-birth year Justin Cmunt has a ton of potential, and I predict he will be an elite Jr. A scorer sooner than later. Union College seems to agree with me, and has already given him a commitment.
The post-Steve Hladin era in Georgetown will be interesting, and with fellow stalwarts Anthony Marra and Liam Clare gone, it will be interesting to see what direction Greg Walters and company will go. I have been a fan of Brendan Jacome for a long time, especially for his work ethic, and he will need to lead the new charge for the Raiders. Jacome's brother Jack also showed some flashes of brilliance, and looks to be an excellent Jr. A player in the near future, with perhaps a little more razzle-dazzle than his older brother. Walters always finds a way to attract top talent, so I expect a reload more than a rebuild at Alcott Arena.
With all due respect to Burlington and Milton, the only direction they can go is up. In the Cougars case, they do at least have a true star-in-the-making to build around in Jack Jeffers. The late 97-birth year forward must have garnered a lot of interest at last year's deadline, but in keeping the dynamic forward, the Burlington brass signalled to their fans that they do believe in the future. Their team was incredibly young last year, so they will have a ton of returnees, including their captain in Burlington's own Willy Paul, who as a 1996-born defenceman, was the old man of the corps last year.
The 1998-born defenceman Jonathan Schaefer was the most intriguing piece that the IceHawks rolled with last year, though it is unknown to me whether he is a serious contender to make the Niagara IceDogs of the Ontario Hockey League next year. If he is back, he has the dynamic skating ability and shiftiness to be a real exciting Junior 'A' player. Ryan Taylor is a 1996-born forward with a decent amount of ability as well, so he should put up some numbers next year too. The most valuable piece that the IceHawks currently possess, in my opinion, is Erie Otters prospect Cosimo Lazzarino in goal. His numbers don't reflect a great rookie campaign, but he is more than capable of being an excellent goaltender in this league.
With that in mind, here are some thoughts I have on the various team's outlooks heading into the new year.
I will start with the West Division.
Note: I have, of course, stuck to players that I am fairly confident will be back in the OJ next year.
All signs point to the continued upward trajectory of Jamie Caruso's excellent rebuild in Orangeville, and as such the Flyers look ready to take another big step forward in 15-16. The now 18-year-old Lucas Smilsky was nothing short of dynamite, showcasing some great speed and hands, and as a 97-birth year, led his club in scoring last year with 57 points (something not many 17 year olds do!). Look for him to keep getting better.
It will be interesting to see what Caruso will do with the departure of Ian Nichols, who anchored that top line, along with Smilsky and Connor Stack. Nevertheless, watch for James McLaughlin to take another huge step forward next year. He's well built and competes like a horse, but there is more skill for him to show as well. I do believe Stack is back too, while Derek Topatigh, himself just a 97 birth year, will compete for the title of best defenceman in the league, and is all-but certain in my mind to attract serious Division I attention.
I never know who is going where, or what is going on in Buffalo, but all I will say about the Sabres is that '98-birth year Justin Cmunt has a ton of potential, and I predict he will be an elite Jr. A scorer sooner than later. Union College seems to agree with me, and has already given him a commitment.
The post-Steve Hladin era in Georgetown will be interesting, and with fellow stalwarts Anthony Marra and Liam Clare gone, it will be interesting to see what direction Greg Walters and company will go. I have been a fan of Brendan Jacome for a long time, especially for his work ethic, and he will need to lead the new charge for the Raiders. Jacome's brother Jack also showed some flashes of brilliance, and looks to be an excellent Jr. A player in the near future, with perhaps a little more razzle-dazzle than his older brother. Walters always finds a way to attract top talent, so I expect a reload more than a rebuild at Alcott Arena.
With all due respect to Burlington and Milton, the only direction they can go is up. In the Cougars case, they do at least have a true star-in-the-making to build around in Jack Jeffers. The late 97-birth year forward must have garnered a lot of interest at last year's deadline, but in keeping the dynamic forward, the Burlington brass signalled to their fans that they do believe in the future. Their team was incredibly young last year, so they will have a ton of returnees, including their captain in Burlington's own Willy Paul, who as a 1996-born defenceman, was the old man of the corps last year.
The 1998-born defenceman Jonathan Schaefer was the most intriguing piece that the IceHawks rolled with last year, though it is unknown to me whether he is a serious contender to make the Niagara IceDogs of the Ontario Hockey League next year. If he is back, he has the dynamic skating ability and shiftiness to be a real exciting Junior 'A' player. Ryan Taylor is a 1996-born forward with a decent amount of ability as well, so he should put up some numbers next year too. The most valuable piece that the IceHawks currently possess, in my opinion, is Erie Otters prospect Cosimo Lazzarino in goal. His numbers don't reflect a great rookie campaign, but he is more than capable of being an excellent goaltender in this league.
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