BY: THANYE HALLYBURTON
Round 1 of the mock draft is in the books and anybody can look at other mock drafts to come up with their first round predictions. Thayne is going the extra mile when putting his predictions out there. Here is how he sees the second round of the OHL Priority Draft
23) Belleville- Nick Moutrey- Forward
After taking Subban in the first round they will be looking for offensive help and will take Big Nick Moutrey. He has a well-rounded game and should be a prototypical power forward in the O before too long.
24) Peterborough- Daniel Nikandrov- Forward
Nikandrov can play all three forward positions well, and although they took a forward with the 2nd overall pick, they have to go Best player available (BPA) here with very few D in this range that are not risky American picks.
25) Ottawa- Charlie Pelnik- Defense
Pelnik is a risky pick and if his future (OHL vs. NCAA) was certain he may have been a top 10 selection. Ottawa has the depth to take a shot here and it may pay off huge.
26) Sarnia- Anthony Difruscia- Forward
The big Welland Tigers forward has some jam and is physically ready to step into an OHL line-up. With the rumours in Sarnia, they need to be prepared for anything, and Anthony shores up their forward core.
27) Peterborough- Ian McCoshen- Defense
McCoshen played in the USHL this season with the Waterloo Blackhawks as an under-ager. He is a big kid who has above average skating and shooting. He is a Wisconsin kid and Wisconsin is going after him hard. He has yet to make up his mind and will probably not be asked to partake in the USNTDP, so he may come north. Peterborough can afford the chance here.
28) Sudbury- Nicholas Halagian- Forward
Halagian was a forward on the rise earlier in the year but evened out. He goes right where he should and Sudbury gets a big, strong forward with a good shot to start filling the holes that will be left.
29) London-Alex Smith-Defense< London may be one of the only teams that Smith may report too. He played on a very good, maybe the best minor midget team in the world this year in the Detroit Honeybaked and was their best Defenseman. London always seems to be able to persuade these kinds of players.
30) Windsor- Michael McCarron- Forward
And team mates go back to back here. McCarron played on that same Honeybaked team as Smith and was a standout forward. Windsor saw him many times I am sure, and maybe the verbal commitment to Michigan State won’t be enough to stop him. He has not received an invite to the USNTDP.
31) London Brody Milne- Forward
London is able to go more conventional with this pick and they will select Brody Milne from the Halton Hurricanes program. Milne is an interesting player. He has the size and the skating as well as the shot to be a top player; he just needs to think the game better. The Hunters are the best teachers around.
32) Guelph- Jimmy Lodge- Forward
Lodge is a great pick up here. Many scouts love this kid. He played on a mediocre Toronto Titans minor midget team this year but looked very good. Guelph will love his ability and there is a lot to like. He has a few issues with turning the puck over, but when you have to do it all yourself, there’s going to be some turnovers.
33) Plymouth- Josh Sterk- Forward
Sterk was the top forward on the Mississauga Sens minor midgets. He has an OHL-ready game. He has great speed down the wing and a quick release, although his shot needs some minor work to get it a bit harder. He has a lot of creativity but with the creativity he can turn the puck over. The Whalers need forwards and he is the BPA at that position.
34) Erie- Spencer Martin- Goaltender
With Sadikov probably getting a pro contract, the goaltending cupboards aren‘t bare, but no one like to only eat PB&J. Martin is the best goaltender available and lead the Toronto Jr. Canadians to the GTHL finals, upsetting the powerhouse Don Mills Flyers along the way. Martin has quick feet and a very good glove hand. Erie is a good fit for him.
35) Oshawa- Carter Verhaege- Forward
Carter was good in the neutral zone and was great at gaining the line with speed. He also accels behind the net in a puck posession game. Would be a good fit for the Generals 3rd line.
36) Saginaw- Cole Cassels- Forward
The son of former NHLer Andrew Cassels, Cole is ready for the next level. Andrew has indicated that he would like Cole to take the OHL path and Saginaw would be a great organization to do so. Cassels is a crafty forward and impressed at the OHL cup. He can skate like the wind and should be able to go right into the Gens line-up for the memorial cup run next season.
37) Barrie-Alex Carnevale- Forward
Carnevale had an amazing week at the OHL Cup. This kid is a banger; he chases pucks down and is usually the first fore-checked in on his own dump-ins. He hits hard and has a beautiful wrister. He is a North-South player in every sense of the word.
38) Barrie-Jared Gilbert- Defense
The big Marlies defenseman was the anchor on that blueline and was the man in charge of covering up for the sometimes overzealous Subban’s turnovers. Gilbert is the kind of stay at home defenseman that this Colts team is in desperate need of.
39) Sudbury-Brent Pederson-Forward
Pederson was the go to scorer for the Waterloo Wolves minor midgets in 2010/2011. He has speed to burn on the outsides and can go roof from in close. He also is very responsible defensively. He could be a late second round steal.
40) Niagara-Hunter Smith-Forward
Smith is a huge physical specimen. At 6 foot 6 and over 200 pounds he is physically ready to play OHL hockey. His coordination needs to catch up to his body, however, and needs a very structured system to protect him until his deficiencies are fixed. Marty Williamson is the man for that task.
41) Owen Sound-Luke Shiplo-Defense
Shiplo is a slick defender, who will impress you with his smooth skating. The Oakville Rangers minor midget product always looks in control on the ice. His smaller stature is not a lot to be worried about; he should end up in the 6 foot to 6 foot 1 area. Owen Sound went with a forward in the first round and need to fill blueline holes that Blacker and Stanisz will create when they leave after this year.
42) Sudbury-Rory McGuire-Defense
After they just selected a highly skilled forward they will take this steady defensive prospect with the 42nd pick. Mcguire is an interesting case. He was often overshadowed by the smooth play of fellow York-Simcoe defender Steven Varga. McGuire has a great shot and is a very smart player. He should slot right in on the Sudbury defense.
Stay tuned for more great OHL Priority Draft coverage tomorrow and on Saturday as ITO continues to look towards the great future that is the Ontario Hockey League
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