The 2012 OHL Priority Selection took place this afternoon. Here is a review of the Ottawa 67’s pick…
ROUND ONE: 18th overall
Dante Salituro
2011-12 Team: Don Mills Flyers Position: Centre Ht: 5.09 Wt: 170 lbs D.O.B.: 11/15/1996 Hometown: Willowdale, ON
GP G A PTS PIM
30 47 44 91 62
Scouting Report: Dante is one of most pure goal scorers in the draft. He has a knack for the net and doesn’t miss on many of his scoring chances. He scores goals in many different ways whether it’s a one timer on the powerplay, using his speed to beat some or driving the net for a rebound or pass. He possesses one of the best shots in the GTHL. It’s accurate and hard and he releases it very quickly as well. Since he is a smaller forward with a very strong base he is hard to knock off the puck in the corners. Dante is an explosive skater and is very quick off the start. (via OHL Central Scouting Bureau)
From HockeyProspect.com:
Dante Salituro has proven he can be a game changer at the minor midget level, and a player to watch out for next year should he choose to make the jump to the OHL. Although he’s a little undersized, Dante is very strong. He has plenty of skill and has shown a willingness to compete. He has a great release on his shot, and his ability to finish is among the best in this draft class. He is speedy as well as very agile, and can elude defenders one on one fairly easily. Hp’s Laura Barney caught up to Dante at the OHL Cup and spoke to him about the draft.
What some people have to say about him:
RT @SeanLafortune And its Salituro. Best finisher in the draft in my opition. Going to be a Christian Thomas type of player #OHLDraft
RT @RyanHPscout Ottawa 67’s select F Dante Salituro from Don Mills Flyers. Dante is very small for a 1st rounder (5’7″) but plenty of offensive talent..
RT @HockeyOps Salituro had 10pts in 4GP at the OHL Cup this year. Exciting to add a player this skilled to the 67’s Organization.
Jonathan Duchesne 2011-12 Team: Vaughan Kings Position: Defense Ht: 6.00 Wt: 200 lbs D.O.B.: 2/12/1996 Hometeam: Brampton, ON
GP G A PTS PIM
36 3 17 20
Scouting Report: Jonathan is a big stay at home defensemen that is very effective when he keeps his game simple. He makes a good first pass breaking out of his own end and has a very heavy shot from the point that usually finds the net. Jonathan is a very physical defensemen. He does a good puck of separating the man from the puck and is not shy to try for the big open ice hit as well. Jonathan is a very competitive player and he plays better in the bigger games. (via OHL Central Scouting Bureau)
From Top Shelf Scouting: Jonathan was a member of the 2010 champion Toronto Titans MM Prospect team, was selected to the ‘All-Star N.A. Team’ at the Summer International Selects Invitational in Munich and played on the 2009/10 GTHL Regular Season Champions. Also in 2009/10, he was a Silver Stick champion and was selected to the SS All-Star team. At school, Jonathan is an Honours student and was named the Athlete of the Year in 2009. He was also named MVP of his school hockey team.
From his interview: He sees him as a tough guy and likes to play like Dion Phaneuf,
RT @RyanHPscout Ottawa Jr. 67’s select D Jonathan Duchesne. Jonathan is an interesting pick. Didn’t progress much but has great size, and good potential
ROUND 3: 16th pick, 59th overall
Andrew Abou-Assaly
2011-12 Team: Ottawa Jr. 67’s Position: Left Wing Ht: 5.10 Wt: 157 lbs D.O.B.: 5/18/1996 Hometown: Ottawa, ON
GP G A PTS PIM
38 34 44 78 81
Scouting Report: Andrew is a true goal scorer and has done it all seson, in league play and at tournaments. He has very good one on one skills and uses his speed and elvusiveness to beat the opposition. Andrew shoots the puck very well and is also able to shoot while moving his feet which not many players at this age can do. Andrew does a great job at getting open and finding space in the offensive zone where his teammates can find him. He competes hard in the offensive zone and does things with the puck that will get him to the next level. (via OHL Central Scouting Bureau)
Notes: He completed at 2012 OHL Cup, he’s not afraid to be physical, he sees himself more of a finesse player and has been working on shot. He likes to set up the play. Was named the ODMHA Player of the Year at the OHL Cup.
RT @RyanHPscout Ottawa 67’s select local F Andrew Abou-Assaly from the Jr. 67’s program. Andrew is good with and without the puck, and gets to stay home.
Here are scouting reports on the three first round selections for the Ottawa Senators at the 2011 NHL Entry Draft held in Saint Paul, Minnesota. Due to lack of coverage, I only have my own scouting reports on the OHL and QMJHL draftees. Hoping to get more intune with the NCAA and WHL next season. Other rounds to come tomorrow.
* Mika Zibanejad, 6th overall
D.O.B.: Apr 18/93 Hometown: Huddinge, Sweden Team: Djurgarden, Swedish Elite League Position: Center Height: 6.02 Weight: 195 lbs
Scouting report to come after rookie/main camp.
* Stefan Noesen, 21st overall
D.O.B.: Feb 12/93
Hometown: Plano, Texas Team: Plymouth (OHL) Position: Center Height: 6.00 Weight: 195 lbs
> Strength: shot, two way play, work ethic
> Weakness: creativity, acceleration/slow feet
Noesen has improved a great deal from his initial season in the Ontario Hockey League where he struggled with the speed and style of play. He nearly doubled his point production in his sophomore season with 34 goals and 77 points in 68 games. Noesen has good size and is a pretty good skater. While he is not overly physical, he is willing to use the body to make space for himself and for teammates. He won’t back down and drives right to the net. His powerful stride allows him to separate himself from his opponent, but his first few steps are slower than when he is up and going.
A dominant shot helps him to score goals. While he is not as naturally creative some other opponents, he is also a solid playmaker. Noesen is reliable in his own end, good along the boards and a strong penalty killer. He is known to show up in big games.
His two-way play, passion and outstanding work ethic makes him an attractive player as he is very versatile. At age 14, Noesen packed up and moved to Michigan where he joined the Detroit Compuware minor hockey program. This allowed him to improve and have a chance to play in the OHL or NCAA. He helped lead his team to a National Championship in the 2008-09 season.
If Noesen can work on his acceleration and speed, it will help him make a much better transition to the pro game. More experience and game maturity will increase his creativity with the puck.
NOTES:
Last name is pronounced NAY-sen
Played for Team USA in the U-16 championship
Invited to Team USA’s evaluation camp this summer
Year
Team
GP
G
A
PTS
+/-
PIM
09/10
Plymouth
33
3
5
8
-8
4
10/11
Plymouth
68
34
43
77
-7
8
* Matt Puempel, 24th overall
D.O.B.: Jan 24/93 Hometown: Essex, ON Team: Peterborough Petes, OHL Position: Left Wing Height: 6.00 Weight: 198 lbs
Goal scoring comes naturally for Matt Puempel. Puempel has consistently put up 30+ goal seasons in his first two years in the OHL despite being riddled with injuries this past season and not having much to play with. In his rookie year, Puempel scored 33 goals – good enough for first overall for rookies and good enough to win the CHL Rookie of the Year award.
Puempel anticipates the play well and is able to go into traffic to find open spaces. He has a powerful shot with a quick release. His accuracy is at the top of his game even in the difficult angles.
His skating and strength are average but not bad. More focus on skating drills could help give Puempel that extra jump in his step. Puempel but would also benefit from putting on some weight to allow more physicality to his game. Might be due to a influx of injuries, but Puempel struggled with consistency this season.
NOTES:
Puempel was sidelined by a hip injury but has been told that it’s not something to worry about long-term
Just a couple quick draft profiles of guys I have seen play more than a couple of times. Does not include everyone, but if you have any questions, just ask me. I have definitely forgotten a few but will try to update when I can. Unfortnately, I have been able to get good coverage on the WHL & NCAA/USHL, so all my reports are on the OHL & QMJHL leagues.
QUEBEC MAJOR JUNIOR HOCKEY LEAGUE
Sean Couturier Drummondville (QMJHL) – C – 6’04” – 195lbs
Great size already with room to fill out
Great puckhandling skills, able to control the puck in tight corners and find open space
His vision allows him to be a good playmaker, would catergorize him more of a play maker than a goal scorer
Sense of calmness to his game, not dynamic but not flashy
Solid defensive game, not a threat, willing to take the body
Needs improvement on his skating and more so his acceleration and the first few strides
Once he is up to speed he has good long strides to help him catch up or get around a player
Johnathan Huberdeau Saint John (QMJHL) – C/LW – 6’01” – 168 lbs
Great hands, quick
Smooth skater
Vision, playmaking skills
Great hockey sense
Competes hard, not afraid of physical abuse
Comfortable in his own end
Big game player
Natural center, but moved to wing due to depth
Small, but has lots of room to fill out
Skating is decent, but would need to work on agility/footwork
Zack Phillips Saint John (QMJHL) – C – 6’01” – 181 lbs
Offensive player
Sees the ice well and makes good plays
Not a liability in defensive zone, often used on PK
Crisp passes
Skating needs improvement, needs to be faster
Not afraid to play physical
Needs to improve on faceoffs
Nathan Beaulieu Saint John (QMJHL) – C/LW – 6’02” – 185 lbs
Good vision
Good skating, long strides
Plays with an edge, gritty
Has improved play away from the puck, but still needs more work
Used on the penalty kill
Needs to gain weight/strength to help use his size to his advantage
Too fancy with the puck
Thomas Jurco Saint John (QMJHL) – RW – 6’02” – 192 lbs
Good stickwork & puck handling
Great speed
Strong skating
Good strength
Strong on the puck in deep
Needs to work on consistency
ONTARIO HOCKEY LEAGUE
Gabriel Landeskog Kitchener (OHL) – LW – 6’1″ – 207lbs
Great work ethic
Decent skater, good balance and long strides
Good leadership, always willing to stick up for his teammates
Gritty, loves to hit, willing to fight and very disciplined while he does all that
Strong at both ends of the ice
Accurate shot, but could work on getting it more powerful and stronger
Isn’t as strong puckhandler as others, but strong on the puck when he has it
Alike Couturier, his first few steps are weak, but is ok after he starts
Ceiling isn’t as high as some of the other picks, but his size, work ethic and strength make him a very safe pick to play in the NHL
Dougie Hamilton Niagara (OHL) – D – 6’04” – 193lbs
Two-way defenseman
Good composure
Moves the puck well
Good, crisp passes
Character player with leadership abilities
Able to quarterback the powerplay effectively
Sees the ice well and hockey sense allows him to make good plays
Good size and able to take the body and give the body
Ryan Strome Niagara (OHL) – C – 6’0″ – 133lbs
Creative playmaker
Great hands
Works hard to get to the puck
Pretty fast release on his shot
Good accelleration
Not very strong on the puck
Needs to work on strength to help win more puck battles
Matt Puempel
Peterborough (OHL) – LW – 6’0″ – 198lbs
Good size & strength – room to gain more weight/muscle
Quick release on shot, likes to shoot
Great offensive hockey sense
Able to make space for himself and find open ice
Needs to work on consistency, maturity in his game
Work on the skating
Boone Jenner Oshawa (OHL) – C – 6’01” – 194lbs
Solid all around player
Good in the faceoff circle
Good size, good strength – not afraid to use it
Good release on his shot and loves to shoot
Good at a lot of little things, but not great at one or two things in particular
Skating could use some work, but isn’t a huge impediment on his game
Shane Prince Ottawa (OHL) – LW – 5’11” – 181lbs
Quick feet
Good elusive skater, fast
Excellent hockey IQ
Great playmaking abilities
Sometimes over complicates things resulting in a lost control of the puck
Can be pretty defensively sound with a good forechec
Small size, but plays big
Willing to fight for the puck in the corner and throw a hit
Gain more muscle, can compete in Junior will be different in NHL
Work on a more accurate shot
Daniel Catenacci Sault Ste Marie (OHL) – C – 5’10” – 183lbs
Solid two-way forward
Good skater
Good strength, but small
Consistent
Good creativity from a good hockey sense
Lucas Lessio Oshawa (OHL) – LW – 6’1″ – 197lbs
Good size, strength
Solid along the boards
Tape-to-tape passes
Potential scoring upside
Looks to be better as a defensive forward
Agility – good footwork
Stuart Percy Mississauga (OHL) – D – 6’0″ – 186lbs
Great hockey sense
Moves the puck well
Good outlet pass
Crisp passes
Weak shot
Has room to be more physical
Skating is ok
Ryan Murphy Kitchener (OHL) – D – 5’10” – 166lbs
Small
Not physical, but has improved – may not translate in NHL
Good potentitial
Dynamic/creative
Speedy
Moves the puck well
Smart player
Has improved defensively, but still could use some work
> On Monday, the Ottawa Senators acquired forward prospect Ryan Potulny and a 2nd round draft pick in 2011 to the Chicago Blackhawks in exchange for defenceman Chris Campoli and a conditional 7th round pick on 2011. The 7th round draft pick is on the condition that Potunlny re-signs with the Senators. Ryan Potunlny’s older brother, Grant, was drafted in the 5th round by the Senators in 2000 and played 4 seasons with the Binghamton Senators before moving on to another organization.
SCOUTING REPORT
Strengths Shooting Versatile – can play either center or wing Two way player Faceoffs
Areas For Improvement Passing Strength Skating
Skill Potulny is an offensive player who works hard and can play at both ends of the ice. He likes to shoot and has a knack for finding open ice to get into a scoring position. Potulny is a very versatile player as he can plan both center and wing – though he is a natural center with a good success at the faceoff circle. While he has good hands in the offensive zone, he is also responsible in his own end.
Potulny does a lot of things well, but only a few things really well. One of his weaknesses is the delivery of his passes, they could be more crisp and lead his man. Potulny is a good skater – good lateral movement – but he is not a great skater. To help take his game to the pro level, adding more weight and strength to his 6’ frame would be beneficial. Injuries have also been an issue at least twice in his career: He suffered a knee injury in his freshman year with University of Minnesota that limited to 15 games that season and later he suffered a less serious injury in his first season as pro.
NHL Potential Depth forward
Career Notes Ryan Potulny started out playing two seasons of juniors with the Lincoln Stars of the USHL. In his final season, Potulny was the league’s leading scorer with 35 goals and 78 points in 54 games. He was named the USHL Player of the Year as well as the USHL Top Forward and was named to the USHL’s first all-star team. Potulny was a key member of the Stars’ championship team in the 2003 USHL Clark Cup. Following his breakout season, Potulny was drafted in the 3rd round (87th overall) by the Philadelphia Flyers in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft.
Potulny committed to the University of Minnesota in the WCHA and played three seasons before moving on to the professional ranks. He was limited to 15 games in his freshman after sustained a knee injury. In 2004, he turned down an offer from the Flyers, because he felt the need to stay one more season before turning pro to help enhance his game.
Between 2005-2008, Potulny played the majority of the season with the AHL’s Philadelphia Phantoms. Being behind prospects like Mike Richards and Jeff Carter, Potulny only found himself playing 44 games with the Flyers during this time. However, in the AHL, Potulny emerged as an impact player scoring 24 points in 27 games. He also had a solid season when called up to the Flyers recording 12 points in 35 games.
In June 2008, Ryan Potulny was traded to the Edmonton Oilers in exchange for Danny Syvret and ended up signing a 1-year deal with the Oilers. He spent two seasons between the Oilers and Springfield Falcons (their AHL affiliate). In 2008-09, he scored the second most goals in a single season by a Falcons’ player with 38 goals.
In 2010, he signed as an unrestricted free agent by the Chicago Blackhawks to a 1 year two-way contract. He only played 3 games with the Blackhawks this season.
Awards
2002–03: USHL Dave Tyler Junior Player of the Year Award 2002-2003: USHL Player of the Year 2002-2003: USHL Top Forward 2002-2003: USHL’s first all-star team 2004–05: WCHA Third All-Star Team 2005–06: WCHA First Team Honoree 2005–06: Hobey Baker Memorial Award finalist 2008–09: Named to the AHL All-Star Classic in Worcester, MA
With the 44th pick overall in the 2010 CHL Import Draft, the Ottawa 67’s have selected Robert Farmer of the Sheffield Steelers in the EIHL. Farmer is described as big power forward with a great attitude.
Earlier this year, Farmer was signed by the Manchester Phoenix of the EPL. With permission from coach Tony Hand, Farmer traveled to Iowa in the United States to tryout for the Dubuque Fighting Saints, a Tier 1 junior hockey team in the United States Hockey League.
While Farmer did not make the team, Fighting Saints Head Coach, Jim Montgomery, had nothing but good words to say about him. Montgomery told reporters, “Robert was very good at our camp and progressively got better throughout the week. He had a goal and two assists in four intra squad games. He is an outstanding young man who is a team first player with an infectious attitude. He did not make our team as we can only have a couple of imports but he did impress some NHL scouts that asked me about him.”
In comes the Ottawa 67’s. Many people might wonder, how in the world did the 67’s think of drafting a player out of the UK has there have been very few in the past? It was noted that former Ottawa 67’s d-man (1997-2002 season), Jon Zion, told GM Brian Kilrea to take a look at one of his teammates. This teammate happened to be Robert Farmer of the Sheffield Steelers where Zion had spent a few years playing.
Kilrea saw him during an on-ice workout and was impressed enough with his skating to draft him with their first, and ultimately only, selection in the recent CHL Import Draft.
Here is some information I was able to gather about Farmer’s game a big thanks to the crew at http://fmjblog.blogspot.com/ for some very valuable information…
Born: 21/03/1991 Birthplace: Nottingham, England Height: 6’3″ Weight: 195lbs Shoots: L Position: LW Previous Clubs: Sheffield Scimitars (EPL), Sheffield Steelers (EIHL) – power forward – well rounded/two way player/can play in many situations – room to fill out his 6’3 frame to make the most of his size – skates hard/skates well – not afraid to deliver hits – willing to go into the corners to fight for the puck – ability to find space and good scoring opportunities – has good composure with the puck – some clever passing (which I would only imagine could end up in some bad – willing to drop the mitts
I found two fight videos with Farmer, unfortunately, he did not fare well in either fight but still shows his willingness to fight.
I am very intrigued by this pick since it’s not every day you hear of a UK born and bread being drafted into the CHL. I will definitely be following him closely in the upcoming OHL season and will try to get some reports up for him. Who knows, maybe Farmer could help open doors for more UK born and bread players.
While Farmer is not the first hockey player from the UK to play in the CHL, it is argued that Farmer will be the first player who developed in the UK to suit up in the CHL.
On an ending note, I tweeted early about wondering how many former or current CHLers were born in the UK. Here is what I found…
Note: there are two former British born players that are Ottawa 67 alumni)
Ken Hodge 1961–62 OHA – St. Catharines Teepees 1962–63 OHA – St. Catharines Black Hawks 1963–64 OHA – St. Catharines Black Hawks 1964–65 OHA – St. Catharines Black Hawks
Gavin Kirk 1969-70 OHA – Toronto Marlboros 1970-71 OHA – Toronto Marlboros 1971-72 WHL – Phoenix Roadrunners
Steve Thomas 1981–82 OHL – Toronto Marlboros 1982–83 OHL – Toronto Marlboros 1983–84 OHL – Toronto Marlboros
Danny Taylor 2003-04 OHL – Guelph Storm 2004-05 OHL – Guelph Storm 2005-06 OHL – Kingston Frontenacs
Area’s For Improvement 1. Skating 2. Use his body more consistently
Skill: Solid two-way player with great size and great vision.
Scouting Report: Martindale was tested early on in the season when the 67’s were bombarded with injuries. Despite missing some key teammates, he got off to a good start. Martindale is tall player who is still growing into his body. Once he adds some weight, he could become a valuable physical threat. For his size, Martindale’s skating is pretty decent but he is not as naturally smooth as others ranked above him. Martindale’s size allows him to drive to the net and make more space for himself. He could be more consistent with his physical play, but is the type of player that will go into the corners and fight along the boards to get the puck. Martindale’s two-way game has improved since his first two seasons in the OHL, which he has been rewarded by racking up lots of ice-time on both the powerplay and penalty kill. He is often the first forward back in his zone and is willing to sacrifice his body to block a shot. Martindale sometimes has the tendency to look like he’s floating around and just waiting for a pass rather than getting into the rush right away. That being said, Martindale has great vision and excellent playmaking skills. He has an accurate shot, but could improve by putting more speed on it.
>With their first round selection in the 2010 OHL Priority Selection (ie draft) & the 16th overall pick, the Ottawa 67’s selected Sean Monahan of the Mississauga Rebels in the GTHL.
SEAN MONAHAN
Photo taken by Steven Der-Garabedian of Mississauga.com
Team: Mississauga Rebels League: GTHL – Minor Midget AAA Position: LC Height: 6.01 Weight: 175 lbs D.O.B.: 10/12/1994 Hometown: Brampton, ON Stats: GP 47 / G 46 / A 44 / PTS 90 / PIM 48
I did some research and here is some information and scouting reports on what Ottawa 67’s can look forward to. From OHL Prospects Magazine:
Scouting Report: Monahan is an offensive minded center that possesses a solid collection of physical tools. He has size, an excellent stick and he skates quite well, displaying speed and quickness. He tends to play more of a finesse type of game, using his speed to get himself into the open ice. He is a very good skater, possessing a smooth stride that allows him to generate some speed. He likes to have the puck on his stick, and that is when he is the most noticeable. He carries the puck with confidence, and isnt afraid to attack a defender on-on-one. OHL Cup MVP.
From TheScoutingReport.org:
2010 OHL Priority Selection 1st Round Mock Draft Sean Monahan is a player that has been discussed to great lengths due to his phenomenal performance at the 2010 OHL Cup. He was initially seen as a player who would go in the top 80 in this season’s draft class, but has really made a name for himself since the tournament. Monahan has a good skill set with good size, but at times gets flustered and makes poor decisions. Consistency is a major issue for Monahan and is something that has people worried. At times he needs to compete harder and work harder on the back check, as he likes to loop instead of stopping and starting.
Photo from OntarioHockeyLeague.com
Sean Monahan just came off an impressive showing at the 2010 OHL Cup Showcase Tournament in March. Monahan captained the tournament champion Mississauga Rebels. Monahan scored the game-winning goal as the Mississauga Rebels shocked the heavily favoured & defending champion Toronto Marlboros in a 2-1 victory. Monahan had a two points in the game and took home the Tim Adams Memorial Trophy as the tournament’s Most Valuable Player. He was also the tournament’s leading scorer with 13 points in 7 games (7g, 6a).
Strengths 1. Physical play 2. Work ethic 3. Leadership
Area’s For Improvement 1. Skating 2. Agility
Skill: Feisty two-way player that is willing to sacrifice the body
Scouting Report: Smith is a power forward that can set the tone of the game with a big hit or a big goal. He is strong on his skates and hard to knock off the puck. He has decent size and still has some room to fill out. Smith uses his size to his advantage. He has the ability to win battles in the corners and along the boards. Smith has great hands in close and is always around the crease looking for those dirty goals. He can contribute at both ends of the rink and complements his solid two-way play. Smith forechecks hard and hits effectively. He is willing to sacrifice the body to block a shot or make a good play. His skating has been a concern but is continuing to improve and his statue will excel if he can get quicker.
Smith had been playing on the top line for most of the season but with the return of a veteran player, he was dropped down to the third line. Smith’s point production started to decrease but everything else was still there. With his excellent work ethic and willingness to protect his teammates you can see the start of some strong leadership qualities. The bloodlines are also there as Dalton Smith is the son of former Buffalo Sabre, Derek Smith.
NHL Potential: Power forward with skill to contribute offensively. Projected 3rd line winger.
Style compares to: Mix of Milan Lucic (hockey sense, skills) and Brad Isbister (size)
kathrynajean
Highlight of the Night 