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What do Draft Rankings Mean?

BY: Brandon Sudeyko

It has been a couple weeks now since the NHL CSB released their final rankings. By now I am sure you have looked up and down the list of all the eligible players for the draft. Dissected it yourself in terms of who rightfully went up, which players dropped, and who are the surprises.
Well how about this for you. How often do you get a chance to call up a numerous amount of Draft Eligible talent and ask them about what they think? Yes I know that sounds like a back handed comment because you know I have access to that sort of thing. But it wasn't meant to be like that. I am just saying, with all the media and fans dissecting these lists and commenting on the number attached to a player, what do they think?

It has taken me a while to compile a good amount of responses but here are some of my findings. I won't disclose names because I don't really want to name drop. As much as I love to, just because I have their E-Mail or Cell number doesn't mean I am besties or anything... I thought I was with some... but now they don't like me. but moving on.

Here are a few responses from some players who are either high, low or mid round picks for the draft, as well as some who are not but should be.


High first round pick - 'Whether I am first overall, second, fifth or 30th pick overall. It is an honour to be drafted. Once you are drafted you never know what will happen and I worked this hard because I want to be in the NHL. Once the draft begins I will just have to wait my turn."

Western Conference Defenceman who moved up 8+ spots - "the feeling (on moving up) is incredible, its a great honor to see that I have moved up that much in the rankings. That doesn't mean I can just sit on that and think I can stay there. I know that I need to keep working and have a great summer. I had the mindset of having an excellent summer no matter what and I am hoping to put on at least 15 lbs so (moving up that many spots) won't change my work ethic for the summer. Knowing that I moved up will just make me want to push that much harder and reach my goal"

Low 1st round/early second round pick - "I think its just a list and no draft company has ever drafted a player before, just focusing on recovering... and getting back into working out."

Western Conference player with multiple ranked teammates - "To get drafted is an honor and no matter what happens on draft day, I will be thrilled if I am chosen."

Eastern Conference player with multiple ranked teammates - "I don't care about those rankings at all. It's just a number. Only one person, one team that has to like you. You can be 10th, you can be 15th, it's only the one team that will see something in you. That number means absolutely nothing."

Eastern Conference Defenceman - "Its great to be ranked, especially after not being ranked at the beginning or for the mid term rankings, but last time I checked none of the people who make the lists stand up there (on the stage) to draft you."

Unranked defenceman - "At the end of the day I played the best that I can. I did the best for my team and I am sure if you asked everyone in that dressing room they will tell you that 99.9% of the time I gave it my all on the ice and played to the best of my ability. That .1% being if I take a dumb penalty or have a brain cramp. If my ability doesn't get me ranked it doesn't mean that it is the end of the world. Many players have gotten contracts or pro camp invites later in their career and I still believe I will be playing pro hockey when I am finished in the OHL."

Probable top 15 pick - "It is special to be talked about so much and spotlighted and focused but I still have to go out there and play my game and help my team on the ice. I won't really worry or think about it until the season is over and even then it will be in the back of my mind more. But I will be busy working out and training, preparing for next season to pay any attention to it until that day in June"

Eastern Conference forward - "Is that what I am ranked at? wow! Good for me I guess... I'm serious. I don't know. I ask my buds and mates to not talk about it. I probably overheard it but clearly it hasn't stuck in my mind. Will my name be called? maybe. When will it be called? When a General Manager stand up and says, 'with the whatever pick we have, the team I manages selects... ME!' ha"

Don't get me wrong. I am not saying everyone player doesn't care about their ranking. It actually surprises me the answers I got from these players. I remember a few years ago, through friends of friends, the OHLers we knew who were ranked had a thing called 'swagger' to them and were almost transformed knowing they were going to be drafted. Some of them were, others are now playing ECHL and sometimes called up to the AHL. The rest of them? well I see them every summer in my Beer league. Love the summer ha!
Just goes to show you how maturity has changed in these kids at the ages of 17 and 18. Heck I remember when I had scouts looking at me when I was younger... clearly it went to my head. Otherwise I wouldn't be trying to re-live my life through these teenagers...

kidding, my sport was baseball. I was quite the 3rd baseman... after I lost my starting second baseman position to my former best bud... he is in AA ball right now and poised to get the call to AAA... while I am... well I guess I should end this now.

What do you think of the players comments? Are they right? or trained very well? would you like these players names? do you need their names? leave your comments below or hit me up on twitter.

Majors muzzle Ice Dogs in series opener

By: Kathryn Jean http://www.twitter.com/msconduct

MISSISSAUGA – It all caught the Niagara Ice Dogs by surprise as the Mississauga St. Michael’s Majors skated to a 3-0 victory to lead the Eastern Conference Final series 1-0. The win marks the Majors’ 19th straight victory starting from a 6-1 regular season win over the Belleville Bulls back on February 27th. JP Anderson was solid in nets and picked up his 4th shutout of the season by setting aside all 23 shots fired his way.

The Majors opened the scoring 48 seconds in to the first period as Jordan Mayer got the puck past Mark Visentin. Standout European import, Maxim Kitsyn made a great individual effort on the play obtaining control of the puck in front of the net before passing it back to Mayer. Devante Smith-Pelley made it 2-0 for the Majors after scoring on the sharp angle with 6 minutes remaining in the opening frame.

The quick opening goal and 2-0 lead deflated the Ice Dogs. They were not able to recover against the defensive-minded Majors team. The Majors dominated the play for the majority of the game outskating the young Ice Dogs defense and winning the battles in front of the net.

Halfway through the second period Jamie Wise gets a hold of a rebound and shoots the puck short side and in past Visentin to put the Majors up by a score of 3-0.

Despite having the #1 ranked powerplay in the OHL playoffs, the Ice Dogs were unable to capitalize on their 5 powerplay chances. The Majors defensive core did a great job of shutting down the Ice Dogs’ usual powerplay point leaders Andrew Agozzino and Freddie Hamilton. This did not come to a surprise to the Majors’ faithful as the team has been ranked #1 on the penalty kill for the OHL playoffs.

In an effort to spark a fire under his team, Ryan Strome – an unlikely candidate – dropped the mitts with Dylan DeMelo late in the second period. The Ice Dogs showed some life in the third period creating a ton of chances even strength, but were unable to finish. JP Anderson continued his dominance improving his record to 6-0 and 4 goals against vs the Niagara Ice Dogs.

Game 2 is Thursday night when the Ice Dogs will look to even up the series in front of a home crowd at the Gatorade Garden City Complex in Niagara. Puck drops at 7:05pm.

Stadium Journeys - Dom Cardillo Arena

Paul Swaney, President and Co-Founder, of Stadium Journeys recently took a trip to the Dom Cardillo Arena, or more commonly known as The Aud in Kitchener. Had a lot to say about their trip to the historic arena, talking about everything from concessions, to crowds, to even the neighbourhood.

To check out their review of the Dom Cardillo Arena check out the link here. http://www.stadiumjourney.com/stadiums/dom-cardillo-arena-s877/

and for more Ice Hockey Arena reviews, just check out their main page. http://www.stadiumjourney.com/

SERIES PREVIEW: Mississauga St. Michael’s Majors (1) vs Niagara Ice Dogs (3)

Radio: The Haze FM.ca (Mississauga), CFLZ-FM 105.1 (Niagara)

TV: Rogers (Mississauga, Niagara), OHL Action Pak SPO33 (Mississauga, Niagara)


The Eastern Conference Final teams have been set. Regular season #1 ranked Mississauga Michael’s Majors play host to the 3rd Eastern seed Niagara Ice Dogs. On paper the Majors dominated the Ice Dogs in their regular season series winning 7 of 8 times. However, playoffs are always a different story.





The two teams are fairly evenly matched. Both teams have a great offensive depth and can ice three solid lines. The Majors have 5 players with 20 or more regular season goals including the team’s leading scorer and Hurricane’s prospect, Justin Shugg with 41 goals. The Ice Dogs have 6 players with 20 or more regular season goals. Ryan Strome led the way in the regular season with 108 points which was good for 3rd overall in the OHL.





In the playoffs, Maxim Kitsyn has emerged as the Majors leading scorer. Since joining the team in the last half of the season, Kitsyn scored 26 points in 32 games and added 9 points in 8 playoff games. On the other side, Darren Archibald leads the Ice Dogs in the playoffs with 14 points in 9 games. Archibald comes into the series off a successful weekend scoring 4 goals and 6 points in 3 games over the weekend and being named the OHL Player of the Week.





The Majors had the least amount of goals against in the regular season with 170. The next lowest team allowed 197, a good 27 goals more. A lot of this success is due to the likes of goaltender JP Anderson and defencemen Marc Cantin, Brett Flemming and Stuart Percy – three of the better two-way defencemen in the league.





The next lowest team allowing on 197 goals in the regular season were the Niagara Ice Dogs. Goaltender Mark Visentin helped lead the Canadian U19 team to a gold medal win in the 2011 World Junior Championships. Visentin finished second in the league in goals against average and save percentage. In front of Visentin is top rated 2011 NHL draft eligible Dougie Hamilton who’s big size allows him to be solid on both ends of the ice.





Behind the bench are two coaches who were in this same position last season. Majors head coach, Dave Cameron, led his team to the Eastern Conference finals last season. The Majors did not advance as the Barrie Colts eliminated them in 5 games. Cameron was the head coach of the Canadian men’s team in the 2011 IIHF World U20 Championships who won the silver medal. Cameron is in his 10th season as an OHL head coach. He started his OHL career with the Sault Ste Marie Greyhounds in 1997 and moving on to coach the Toronto St. Michael’s Majors in 2000. He had a three year stint with the AHL’s Binghamton Senators and returned as Head Coach for the new Mississauga St. Michael’s Majors in 2007. Cameron’s only OHL team to miss the playoffs was his first season with the Greyhounds.





Ice Dogs bench boss, Marty Williamson led the Barrie Colts to the OHL’s J Ross Robertson Finals last season but ended up losing to a high-flying Windsor Spitfires team in 4 games. Williamson spent his first 6 seasons with the Barrie Colts with only two teams finishing under .500. All Williamson’s team have made the playoffs and only two teams failed to make it out of the first round.





HEAD-TO-HEAD





Mississauga 2 @ Niagara 1 (Mar 17 2011) Final

Niagara 1 @ Mississauga 10 (Feb 20 2011) Final

Mississauga 6 @ Niagara 3 (Jan 23 2011) Final

Niagara 5 @ Mississauga 3 (Jan 21 2011) Final

Mississauga 2 @ Niagara 1 (Dec 9 2010) Final SO

Niagara 1 @ Mississauga 2 (Nov 19 2010) Final

Niagara 1 @ Mississauga 3 (Nov 10 2010) Final

Mississauga 3 @ Niagara 0 (Nov 4 2010) Final





KNOWN LINEUP CHANGES





Mississauga St. Michael’s Majors



No major injuries





Niagara Ice Dogs



No major injuries





PLAYERS TO WATCH (regular season stats)





Mississauga St. Michael’s Majors



Justin Shugg – 41 goals, 87 points



Devante Smith-Pelly – 36 goals, 66 points



Casey Cizikas – 29 goals, 64 points





Niagara Ice Dogs

Ryan Strome – 33 goals, 106 points



Freddie Hamilton – 38 goals, 83 points



Andrew Agozzino – 43 goals, 74 points





TOP PERFORMERS





Vs Niagara Ice Dogs



Devante Smith-Pelly – 7 goals, 9 points in 8 games



Justin Shugg – 3 goals, 9 points in 8 games



Casey Cizikas – 3 goals, 7 points in 7 games



Maxim Kitsyn – 1 goal, 5 points in 4 games



JP Anderson – 5 wins, 0 losses





Vs Mississauga St. Michael’s Majors



Darren Archibald – 4 goals, 7 points in 8 games



Alex Friesen – 2 goals, 6 points in 6 games



Freddie Hamilton – 3 goals, 4 points in 8 games





NHL DRAFT PICKS





Mississauga St. Mike’s Majors

Maxim Kitsyn (Los Angeles Kings round 6 #158 overall 2010 NHL Entry Draft)

Justin Shugg (Carolina Hurricanes round 4 #105 overall 2010 NHL Entry Draft)

Rob Flick (Chicago Blackhawks round 4 #120 overall 2010 NHL Entry Draft)

Devante Smith-Pelly (Anaheim Ducks round 2 #42 overall 2010 NHL Entry Draft)

Brett Flemming (Washington Capitals round 5 #145 overall 2009 NHL Entry Draft)

Gregg Sutch (Buffalo Sabres round 5 #143 overall 2010 NHL Entry Draft)

Casey Cizikas (New York Islanders round 4 #92 overall 2009 NHL Entry Draft)

Eligible 2011: Stuart Percy (53rd in CS’ North American Skaters midterm ranking)

Eligible 2011: Joseph Cramarossa (63rd in CS’ North American Skaters midterm ranking)

Eligible 2011: Dylan Demelo (121st in CS’ North American Skaters midterm ranking)





Niagara Ice Dogs



Mark Visentin (Phoenix Coyotes round 1, #27 overall, 2010 NHL Entry Draft



Steven Shipley (Buffalo Sabres round 4, #98 overall, 2010 NHL Entry Draft)

Freddie Hamilton (San Jose Sharks round 5, #129 overall, 2010 NHL Entry Draft)



Jason Wilson (New York Rangers round 5, #130 overall, 2010 NHL Entry Draft)

Alex Friesen (Vancouver Canucks round 6, #172 overall, 2010 NHL Entry Draft



David Pacan (Chicago Blackhawks round 6, #177 overall, 2009 NHL Entry Draft))



Tim Billingsley (Phoenix Coyotes round 7, #189 overall, 2008 NHL Entry Draft)



Eligible 2011: Dougie Hamilton (7th in CS’ North American Skaters midterm ranking)



Eligible 2011: Ryan Strome (19th in CS’ North American Skaters midterm ranking)





SPECIALTY TEAMS





Regular season



Powerplay: Mississauga 6th, Niagara 3rd



Penalty Kill: Mississauga 12th, Niagara 3rd





Post season



Powerplay: Mississauga 4th, Niagara 1st



Penalty Kill: Mississauga 1st, Niagara 2nd





SCHEDULE





Game 1: Tuesday, April 19th at Mississauga, 7:05 PM

Game 2: Thursday, April 21st at Niagara, 7:05 PM

Game 3: Saturday, April 23rd at Mississauga, 7:05 PM

Game 4: Monday, April 25th at Niagara, 7:05 PM

Game 5: Tuesday, April 26th at Mississauga, 7:05 PM *if necessary

Game 6: Thursday, April 28th at Niagara, 7:05 PM *if necessary

Game 7: Friday, April 29th at Mississauga, 7:30 PM *if necessary

Game Review – Oshawa vs. Niagara – Game 3


            What is there to say about the game last night at the Gatorade Garden City Complex? That was just fantastic hockey. After falling in game 2 where Visentin knew he had a poor performance.  He came out focused and determined and with his eye on the prize. The so called ‘contract hangover’ didn’t take effect in game 1 in Niagara but got to him in Oshawa Saturday night. On Monday. He was over it. He stood tall and despite the almost late collapse, which Visentin could not be faulted for, fought and got his boys the win. The Icedogs had a shutout and complete domination of the Generals until a big cluster F of events gave Andy Andreoff a penalty shot against Mark Visentin. OSH Christian Thomas skates the puck down low with Miles Doan on him, D-Hammer comes out and pancakes the young Thomas. That draws Sabourin to Dougie, who takes a shove or two, and in comes NIA Wilson to defend the younger Hamilton. Thomas gets up and skates to the other end of the ice as the play is continuing. Andy Andreoff comes into the play and the group of players decide to get back into the game since it was still going on. Andreoff floats oppose to getting fully into the play which results in the Gens outlet pass to him and he is all alone against visentin and here comes Graham with a hook and Andreoff gets the shot off. Refs arm in the Air, and Sabourin levels Graham into the boards just after the whistle and before he signals penalty shot for Andy Andreoff. Sabourin gets 2 for roughing and Andreoff crawls to the net, taking visentin side to side to side to side before he just slips it into the back of the net. At that point it was 4-1 for the Dogs and a Phil Collins song title was about to happen…. “I can feel it coming in the air tonight….” I thought it was a good reference. And even though the Gens made it close bringing it to 4-3 with 43 seconds to go… they never came back from the 4 goal first period that Niagara had.

            Peter DiSalvo showed why the Generals got him at the deadline. They need this type of goaltending to keep the team in there. There was some people calling him an unreal goaltender and although I will disagree with that particular word to describe him. Even down by a couple goals he stood on his head and on this night he was the better goalie. Oshawa was lead by two players who got equal amount of attention by the fans… well maybe. I am reminded of the great Simpsons quote. ‘were they yelling boo? Or boourns?” Even though he was on the ice with BOOOOOOOOOOOOONE Jenner you kept hearing the boo’s for Lucas Lessio. Which shows the OHL fans are educated because their first round pick was ‘wasted’ on him as he did not want to report to NIA and thus was traded to OSH where he would sign. Tomato tomatoe. Does it matter? Sure because it creates a great atmosphere. Jenner and Lessio were by far the best Generals of the game. Focused. Driven. Energy. Passion. I even commented about how Jenner wanted to play. After a whistle with stuff happening infront of the net, he went straight to the faceoff dot. Stick down waiting for the faceoff. Just focused and that is what you wanted. A lot of Oshawa players were off kiltered by the IceDogs and that hurt Oshawa early on. But the momentum swung in their favour and it was on. In the end the 2-1 series lead is what Niagara walked away with as Visentin ended the game stopping 46 of 49 on the night.  while his counter part Peter DiSalvo who let in 3 goals on the first 7 shots… settled down to stop 28 of 32 on the night. it could have been worse if not for DiSalvo… but now a thought is in my head. If Zador can do this with the same type of team in Owen Sound… then what was his beef while he was in OSH? But that is another topic. To all who took in the game, the 3145  in attendance and to all those after the game and to all the tweeps who kept it interesting all night long. Thanks for the night and I can not wait for game 4 on Wednesday.
 

58 OHL Players Ranked by NHL Central Scouting


OHL Players ranked by NHL Central Scouting:

Rank
Player
Team
D.O.B
Height
Weight
 2  
 LANDESKOG, GABRIEL  
 KITCHENER  
 23-Nov-1992  
 6' 0.5"  
 207 lbs *  
 4  
 HAMILTON, DOUGIE  
 NIAGARA  
 17-Jun-1993  
 6' 4.25"  
 187 lbs *  
 8  
 STROME, RYAN  
 NIAGARA  
 11-Jul-1993  
 6' 0.0"  
 175 lbs *  
 9  
 MURPHY, RYAN  
 KITCHENER  
 31-Mar-1993  
 5' 10.5"  
 166 lbs *  
 11  
 NAMESTNIKOV, VLADISLAV  
 LONDON  
 22-Nov-1992  
 5' 11.5"  
 166 lbs *  
 16  
 SCHEIFELE, MARK  
 BARRIE  
 15-Mar-1993  
 6' 1.75"  
 182 lbs *  
 18  
 JENNER, BOONE  
 OSHAWA  
 15-Jun-1993  
 6' 1.25"  
 204 lbs *  
 19  
 SAAD, BRANDON  
 SAGINAW  
 27-Oct-1992  
 6' 1.25"  
 208 lbs *  
 21  
 JENSEN, NICKLAS  
 OSHAWA  
 06-Mar-1993  
 6' 2.25"  
 187 lbs *  
 26  
 PRINCE, SHANE  
 OTTAWA  
 16-Nov-1992  
 5' 10.25"  
 174 lbs *  
 28  
 PUEMPEL, MATT  
 PETERBOROUGH  
 24-Jan-1993  
 6' 0.25"  
 196 lbs *  
 29  
 KHOKHLACHEV, ALEXANDER  
 WINDSOR  
 09-Sep-1993  
 5' 10.0"  
 188 lbs *  
 30  
 RAKELL, RICKARD  
 PLYMOUTH  
 05-May-1993  
 6' 0.25"  
 191 lbs *  
 35  
 NOESEN, STEFAN  
 PLYMOUTH  
 12-Feb-1993  
 6' 0.25"  
 195 lbs *  
 36  
 RITCHIE, BRETT  
 SARNIA  
 01-Jul-1993  
 6' 3.0"  
 210 lbs *  
 37  
 CATENACCI, DANIEL  
 SAULT STE. MARIE  
 09-Mar-1993  
 5' 9.5"  
 183 lbs *  
 41  
 TROCHECK, VINCENT  
 SAGINAW  
 11-Jul-1993  
 5' 10.0"  
 184 lbs *  
 46  
 LESSIO, LUCAS  
 OSHAWA  
 23-Jan-1993  
 6' 1.0"  
 197 lbs *  
 53  
 PERCY, STUART  
 MISSISSAUGA ST. MICHAEL'S  
 18-May-1993  
 6' 0.5"  
 186 lbs *  
 54  
 SPROUL, RYAN  
 SAULT STE. MARIE  
 13-Jan-1993  
 6' 3.0"  
 175 lbs  
 63  
 CRAMAROSSA, JOSEPH  
 MISSISSAUGA ST. MICHAEL'S  
 26-Oct-1992  
 6' 0.25"  
 188 lbs *  
 64  
 BRASSARD, AUSTEN  
 BELLEVILLE  
 14-Jan-1993  
 6' 2.0"  
 191 lbs *  
 71  
 COUSINS, NICK  
 SAULT STE. MARIE  
 20-Jul-1993  
 5' 10.5"  
 166 lbs *  
 72  
 QUINE, ALAN  
 PETERBOROUGH  
 25-Feb-1993  
 5' 10.75"  
 178 lbs *  
 73  
 RIEDER, TOBIAS  
 KITCHENER  
 10-Jan-1993  
 5' 10.5"  
 173 lbs *  
 78  
 CAMARA, ANTHONY  
 SAGINAW  
 04-Sep-1993  
 6' 0.25"  
 194 lbs *  
 79  
 MEURS, GARRETT  
 PLYMOUTH  
 12-Jan-1993  
 5' 10.5"  
 169 lbs *  
 82  
 CURTIS, MICHAEL  
 BELLEVILLE  
 26-Jan-1993  
 5' 11.75"  
 182 lbs *  
 84  
 FRITSCH, ANDREW  
 OWEN SOUND  
 24-Mar-1993  
 6' 0.0"  
 187 lbs *  
 85  
 PEDAN, ANDREI  
 GUELPH  
 03-Jul-1993  
 6' 3.75"  
 201 lbs *  
 87  
 CUTTING, KEEVIN  
 OWEN SOUND  
 22-Sep-1992  
 6' 1.25"  
 180 lbs *  
 89  
 SEFTON, JUSTIN  
 SUDBURY  
 14-Apr-1993  
 6' 2.0"  
 209 lbs *  
 98  
 HARRINGTON, SCOTT  
 LONDON  
 10-Mar-1993  
 6' 0.5"  
 200 lbs *  
 116  
 GOODROW, BARCLAY  
 BRAMPTON  
 26-Feb-1993  
 6' 2.0"  
 208 lbs *  
 118  
 DUININCK, CRAIG  
 WINDSOR  
 29-Apr-1993  
 6' 0.0"  
 200 lbs *  
 120  
 GRAOVAC, TYLER  
 OTTAWA  
 27-Apr-1993  
 6' 3.0"  
 179 lbs *  
 121  
 DEMELO, DYLAN  
 MISSISSAUGA ST. MICHAEL'S  
 01-May-1993  
 6' 0.0"  
 196 lbs *  
 135  
 HIETKAMP, LUKE  
 PETERBOROUGH  
 15-Aug-1993  
 6' 2.0"  
 196 lbs *  
 139  
 BROLL, DAVID  
 SAULT STE. MARIE  
 04-Jan-1993  
 6' 1.5"  
 216 lbs *  
 140  
 SUELLENTROP, COLIN  
 OSHAWA  
 10-Jun-1993  
 6' 1.25"  
 190 lbs *  
 146  
 THOMSON, BEN  
 KITCHENER  
 16-Jan-1993  
 6' 3.25"  
 205 lbs *  
 148  
 MILLER, COLIN  
 SAULT STE. MARIE  
 29-Oct-1992  
 6' 0.25"  
 175 lbs *  
 155  
 CORRADO, FRANK  
 SUDBURY  
 26-Mar-1993  
 6' 0.25"  
 190 lbs *  
 158  
 GRIFFITH, SETH  
 LONDON  
 04-Jan-1993  
 5' 9.5"  
 185 lbs *  
 179  
 BELL, ZACH  
 BRAMPTON  
 13-Feb-1993  
 6' 2.0"  
 211 lbs *  
 192  
 SANDLAK, CARTER  
 BELLEVILLE  
 18-May-1993  
 6' 1.5"  
 190 lbs *  
 194  
 TRUTMANN, DARIO  
 PLYMOUTH  
 17-Sep-1992  
 5' 11.25"  
 188 lbs *  
 202  
 TROJANOVIC, STEVEN  
 PETERBOROUGH  
 04-Aug-1993  
 6' 1.0"  
 198 lbs *  
 208  
 MCNAUGHTON, CODY  
 GUELPH  
 16-Oct-1992  
 5' 9.25"  
 176 lbs *  

Series Preview - Niagara IceDogs vs. Oshawa Generals


The Oshawa Generals roll into Niagara to face the Ice Dogs for game 1 of the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals.  Both teams steamrolled over their first round opponents – the Ice Dogs took the Brampton Battalion in 4 straight games while it took the Generals 5 games to defeat the Kingston Frontenacs.

There should not be any shortage in scoring during this round.  In the first round, the Ice Dogs outscored their opponent 18-3 while the Gens outscored their opponent 32-17 including a 10 goal outing in game 2.  Leading the way is Christian Thomas of the Generals with 5 goals and 13 points in 5 games.  Thomas, a 3-time named OHL Player of the Week, is the leading scorer in the OHL playoffs so far.

While the Gens had an outburst in scoring in round 1, it’s safe to believe this won’t be the case in round 2.  Led in net by newly NHL-signed Mark Visentin, the Ice Dogs allowed an average of less than 3 goals each game during the regular season.   In fact, the Ice Dogs only allowed three goals total in round 1.   Since being acquired from the Barrie Colts, Generals’ starting goaltender, Peter Di Salvo has won 22 of 35 games in action.

The Gens and Ice Dogs only met twice in the regular season.  They split the season series with the each team winning at home.  Both games were played before 2011 and the teams have changed a lot since then.   Visentin did not see any ice time in either game while Di Salvo only faced action in the second game (which the Gens won 4-2).

OFFENSE:

Led by 3rd highest scorer, Ryan Strome, in the regular season, the Ice Dogs can put together three solid lines with a good offensive attack.  The likes of Andrew Agozzino, Freddie Hamilton, Darren Archibald, David Pacan and etc, the Ice Dogs carry one of the deepest forward line-ups in the entire OHL.

The Generals offensive threat can be just as dangerous.  They are led by Christian Thomas who scored 54 goals (99 points) in the regular season, good for second overall in the OHL regular season.  Right behind him is Andy Andreoff and Alain Berger.  The Gens offensive talent continues with Nicklas Jensen, Lucas Lessio and Boone Jenner – all are eligible for the 2011 NHL Entry Draft.

DEFENSE:

Niagara’s blueline is lead by Dougie Hamilton.  As a top rated draft pick in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft, he is solid on both ends of the ice using his speed and size to stop opponents.  Tim Billingsley played a big role on the blueline but the Ice Dogs will be without his services.  Billingsley was give 10 games for a headshot given to Shane Prince of the Ottawa 67’s.  He is eligible to return for game 4 of the series.  The Ice Dogs will look to import d-man Simon Gronvaldt along with young guns Jesse Graham and Luke Mercer.

On the other end, the Generals are led by top Lightning prospect, Calvin de Haan. de Haan is a solid puck moving  defenseman.  The Gens will look to the likes of Scott Valentine, Daniel Maggio and Nick Quinn to try to shutdown the high offensive of the Ice Dogs.

GOALTENDING:

Mark Visentin helped lead the Canadian U19 team to a gold medal win in the 2011 World Junior Championships.  Visentin finished second in the league in goals against average and save percentage


Peter DiSalvo helped lead the Barrie Colts to the Eastern Conference title last year and has improved his play since being picked up by the Generals for the second half of the season.

COACHING:

Niagara’s Marty Williamson is finishing off his 7th year as a Head Coach in the OHL.  He spent his first 6 seasons with the Barrie Colts with only two teams finishing under .500.  Last year, he was behind the bench of the Eastern Conference champs and helped lead the team to the OHL finals but lost in 4 to the high flying Windsor Spitfires.  Each team coached by Williamson has made the playoffs and only two teams failed to make it out of the first round.

Oshawa’s Chris DePiero took a similar route as Williamson.  He is entering his 7th season as a part of the coaching staff in the OHL.  His first year and a half he was an assistant coach when he took over reigns as Head Coach at the end of the 2007-2008 season. DiPiero’s teams were not as successful as Williamson’s missing the playoffs 3 of 4 times.  In the year he took over, DiPiero’s team made it to the Eastern Conference finals but fell to division rival, Belleville Bulls.

HEAD-TO-HEAD

Niagara 2 @ Oshawa 4 (Dec 29, 2010)
Oshawa 5 @ Niagara 6 (Oct 16, 2010)

KNOWN LINEUP CHANGES

Niagara Ice Dogs
Tim Billingsley – suspension – eligible April 13

Oshawa Generals
Emerson Clark – suspension – eligible April 9

PLAYERS TO WATCH (regular season stats)

Niagara Ice Dogs
Ryan Strome – 33 goals, 106 points
Freddie Hamilton – 38 goals, 83 points
Andrew Agozzino – 43 goals, 74 points

Oshawa Generals
Christian Thomas – 54 goals, 99 points
Andy Andreoff – 33 goals, 75 points
Boone Jenner – 25 goals, 66 points

NHL DRAFT PICKS

Niagara Ice Dogs
Mark Visentin (Phoenix Coyotes round 1, #27 overall, 2010 NHL Entry Draft
Steven Shipley (Buffalo Sabres round 4, #98 overall, 2010 NHL Entry Draft)
Freddie Hamilton (San Jose Sharks round 5, #129 overall, 2010 NHL Entry Draft)
Jason Wilson (New York Rangers round 5, #130 overall, 2010 NHL Entry Draft)
Alex Friesen (Vancouver Canucks round 6, #172 overall, 2010 NHL Entry Draft
David Pacan (Chicago Blackhawks round 6, #177 overall, 2009 NHL Entry Draft))
Tim Billingsley (Phoenix Coyotes round 7, #189 overall, 2008 NHL Entry Draft)
Eligible 2011: Ryan Strome (19th in CS’ North American Skaters midterm ranking)
Eligible 2011: Dougie Hamilton (7th in CS’ North American Skaters midterm ranking)

Oshawa Generals
Christian Thomas (New York Rangers round 2, #40 overall, 2010 NHL Entry Draft)
Tony DeHart (New York Islanders round 5, #125 overall, 2010 NHL Entry Draft)
Calvin de Haan (New York Islanders round 1, #12 overall, 2009 NHL Entry Draft)
Scott Valentine (Anaheim Ducks round 6, #166 overall, 2009 NHL Entry Draft)
Eligible 2011: Boone Jenner (18th in CS’ North American Skaters midterm ranking)
Eligible 2011: Nicklas Jensen (20th in CS’ North American Skaters midterm ranking)
Eligible 2011: Lucas Lessio (44th in CS’ North American Skaters midterm ranking)
Eligible 2011: Colin Sullentrop (117th in CS’ North American Skaters midterm ranking)

SPECIALTY TEAMS (regular season)
Powerplay: Niagara 3rd, Oshawa 9th
Penalty Kill:  Niagara 3rd, Oshawa 11th

SCHEDULE
Game 1: Thurs., April 7 at Niagara 7:00
Game 2: Sat., April 9 at Oshawa 7:05
Game 2: Mon., April 11 at Niagara 7:00
Game 4: Wed., April 13 at Oshawa 7:05
Game 5: Fri., April 15 at Niagara 7:00 *if necessary
Game 6: Sun., April 17 at Oshawa 6:05 *if necessary
Game 7: Mon., April 18 at Niagara 7:00 *if necessary

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