Daniel Altshuller: Not an easy ride

Special Thanks to Chris Messina

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Daniel Altshuller has gained a reputation as being a top notch goaltender the past couple seasons, now he’s getting a chance to do it in the Ontario Hockey League with the Oshawa Generals.

The seventeen-year-old was acquired by the Generals from the Belleville Bulls this past summer. The Bulls already had Malcom Subban (who is a top rated goaltending prospect in the upcoming NHL Entry Draft) in net and wouldn’t have been able to give Alsthuller substantial playing time. For the young goaltender the trade has worked out well.

The Ottawa native has been Oshawa’s number-one-goalie appearing in 20 games with a record of 6-12-2, a .897 save percentage and a goals against average of 3.64. Altshuller was drafted by the Bulls in the third round of the 2010 OHL Priority Selection.

“At first it was a pretty hard just getting use to the amount we are on the ice. It’s just a little faster, but I feel like I’ve gotten use to it now,” says Altshuller of the adjustment to the OHL. “Tracking the puck back-and-forth, being able to concentrate on every save. The only way to be able to (get better) is to just play as much as you can and work as hard as you can and eventually it will come.”

Altshuller spent last year in the Central Canada Hockey League as a member of the Nepean Raiders and had an impressive rookie season. In a league where it’s rare to see goaltenders fresh out of minor midget AAA, he put up impressive numbers. In 33 games he was 19-13-10 with a GAA of 3.22 and a save percentage of .906.

In the playoffs last spring Nepean pushed the Brockville Braves to seven games in the opening round of the CCHL playoffs. The third seeded Braves were supposed to make quick work of the sixth seeded Raiders. Altshuller, (still 16 at the time) played well and his team push the series to seven-games. He put up a .911 save percentage with a 3.73 GAA.

His most impressive moment as a Raider might have come two-years-ago when he was called-up as a minor midget to face the Pembroke Lumberkings (eventual league champions). Nepean lost the game 2-1 but Altshuller stopped 45 of 46 shots thrown his way.

Last season, Altshuller garnered a lot of attention in the hockey world when he won gold as a member of Team Ontario at the World Under-17 Championships in Winnipeg. He was one of only two players not playing in the OHL at the time to be named to the team. The other was Robert Polesello of Vaughan in the Ontario Junior Hockey League.

He followed up that international performance this past summer with another stellar showing at the Ivan Hlinka Memorial Under-18 Tournament, where he was once again Canada’s number one goalie on a gold medal winning team. The experiences helped Altshuller prepare for making the leap from the CCHL to Major Junior.

 “I think it’s helped a lot. It has the same professionalism you need to play in the OHL. Get use to the fact you need to come on time and always have to be ready to go every game,” says the 17-year-old of his experiences representing his country. “It’s hard to describe the feeling you get when you put that jersey and you think of all the other great hockey players who have put on that jersey. Just to be able to represent your country in anyway is amazing, especially to be able to represent your country playing hockey.” 

If Altshuller has a strong finish to this, he will have a chance to have his name called at this summer’s National Hockey League entry draft. He is listed by the NHL central scouting bureau as a goaltender to watch for the upcoming draft.  

“I try not to really think about those things, whether they are positive or negative. I honestly couldn’t remember right now where I was on that list. I try and not think about and just focus on playing hockey,” says the Generals rookie netminder.

For the time being Altshuller’s Generals are battling for a playoff spot in the OHL’s Eastern Conference. If he can play well and help Oshawa lock down a playoff spot in the second half it will go a long way to helping his draft stock.

Thoughts from the Editor - Week ending November 27th

After a slow September and October(4 Goals and 10 Assists) Sudbury’s Michael Sgarbossa has exploded for 12 Goals and 6 assists in the month of November. Sgarbossa now sits 7^th and 16^th in League leader for goals and overall points respectively.

After putting up 12 goals and 29 points by the end of October, the amount of forward depth has dropped Zach Hall down the depth chart and he has only put up 4 pts in November (2 goals 2 assists)

Belleville has won 9 of their 12 games this month (12^th game is on November 30^th) and Malcolm Subban is 8-1 this month with a 1.42GAA and a 9.52SV%

In 12 games this month the Plymouth Whalers went 9-3 and have taken over the top spot in the West division. Rickard Rakell lead the way offensively, (9 Goals and 10 Assists) while the Duo of Mahalak and Wedgewood had a combined GAA of under 2.15 and a SV% of .932

After starting out 7-0 the Majors have come back down to earth with 2 wins in the month of November. 2-6-1-1 in their last 10 games.

The London knights are still leading the league in scoring with 114 goals for  and are tied for second in the league with total goals against (69). Belleville leads the league with 66 goals against

The Oshawa Generals now lead the Eastern Conference in goals against with 111 allowed in 29 games (3.82 goals per game) while the Erie Otters have scored the least amount of goals (59) and allowed the most (129) in the league. The Otters are also a perfect 0-10 in their past 10 games.

Kitchener Rangers forward Tobias Reider hit the 20 goal plateau for the second straight season, to put his sophomore season in comparison to a former Kitchener Ranger. Jeff Skinner had 20 goals in his sophomore season at the end of November too, Skinner finished with 51

There are 3 teams with less than 400 Penalty minutes as a team as of November 27, 2011. Erie Otters (352), Kitchener Rangers (364) and Sarnia Sting (375). That averages out to just over 14.08, 14.56 and 14.42 PIM per game respectively.

If the playoffs started today, Belleville, Brampton and Peterborough would be seeded 2, 3 and 4 in the Eastern Conference. How many people would have ranked those teams that high as passed a third of the season? In the West, Saginaw and Erie would be out of the playoffs.

The Guelph Storm, Soo Greyhounds and Windsor Spitfires have more road wins then they do at home.

Thoughts from the Editor... week ending Nov 20

^{Here I am, another Sunday and more crazy thoughts and stats to fill up some space, but also to add a different perspective on how you may be viewing the OHL right now. Leave a comment below... positive or negative.}

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The Niagara IceDogs continue to struggle and be seen as a giant anomaly. Niagara currently sitting at a record of 11-10-0-2 have let up the third most goals in the Eastern Conference while scoring 4^th highest in the Conference. 6 players boast better than a 0 +/- while Steven Shipley still leads the team with a -10.

Mark Visentin is enjoying a roller coaster season. With a 6-7-0-1 record, Visentin still has a plus 3 GAA and a SV% under .890 but he does have 4 shutouts this season. 7 of the 15 games he has appeared in his GAA has been 1 or less. In the other 8 games, 4 or higher.

The Oshawa Generals should not be forgotten although they are trying hard to be an afterthought. Despite having 9 players with at least double digits for points, 2^nd in the Eastern Conference in Goals for, the Generals are sitting in 8^th place in the conference. In true Generals fashion this team leads the Conference in PIM with 536, 64 more PIM than the next team. Oshawa has also let in the most goals in the Eastern Conference, 9 more than Kingston, and are third worst in the league. Goaltending and Defence is an issue and they should either blow up the lineup or definitely get help because  something is wrong in Oshawa.

After marching up the East Division, putting up 6 straight victories, the Belleville Bulls dropped Two 4 point games this week. Bulls are currently sitting in 3^rd in the division with Peterborough and Ottawa just sitting ahead of them. The Bulls, despite their 6 game winning streak, never played a complete 60 minute game during the stretch, relying on the unbelievable goaltending from Subban and Chartrand.

For those experts who said the Plymouth Whalers would be unstoppable, well it looks like you can begin to brag once again as the Whalers have rattled off a 9-0-01 record in their last 10. Whalers have scored the second most goals in the league while taking over top spot in the West Division leading Sarnia by 1 point. JT Miller has been unbelieveable since I handed him a single American Dollar with 9 goals and 23 points in his last 16 games. Scott Wedgewood is also on fire in the month of November with a 5-0-0-1 record in 6 games this month sporting a 1.64GAA 946V% and 2 shutouts in November.

After a RED HOT start, London’s Michael Houser is being overshadowed yet again. With a 5-2 record in November he is being outshined by the like of the aforementioned Wedgewood and Subban but still sporting a respectable 2.86GAA and 9.14SV%. I point this out because the lack of ‘statistical evidence’ suggesting he is a top goaltender does not mean that he is not pulling out all the stops to steal games and help his team when they don’t play in front of him.

Ottawa’s Tyler Toffoli is looking to not only take over the top spot in the OHL Scoring race but run away with the Goal Scoring title as well. My preseason prediction of Sean Monahan outscoring Toffoli was a bit of a joke but if anyone could do it, it would be a player on his line. Tyler currently has 24 goals in 22 games while sitting 8 pts behind Barrie’s Tanner Pearson in the overall scoring title with 43pts to date. At current pace Toffoli could have 70 goals if he stays healthy… although he is expected to make a big splash and more than likely make Team Canada for the World Junior Hockey Championship. Back to Back 50 Goal seasons is not out of the realm of possibility with Tyler.

Kitchener fans need not worry that John Gibson has an American passport anymore. Gibson is in the T-5 with a .927SV%, in the T-10 with a 2.70GAA and 4^th in the league with 11 wins.

4 of the 5 Goalies in the league with the most wins are American born, Michael Houser, Brandon Maxwell, John Gibson and Jack Campbell.

There are 3 European Goaltenders in the top 10 in OHL Wins category, Petr Mrazek, Mathias Niederberger and Johan Mattsson.

The Top 3 Canadian Born goaltenders in the Wins Category is JP Anderson, Matt Murray and Scott Wedgewood. Team Canada WJHC Incumbent Mark Visentin, is tied for 17^th in the league with 6 Wins.

Debate Time: Clint Windsor vs. Daniel Altshuller

As per request from @lpunkari I have decided to take my time on this subject matter.  The subject at hand you ask, how is Clint Windsor rated higher than Daniel Altshuller. It is a good topic, one that I already have strong feelings about. SO lets try and take a look at this as impartial as possible… as if.

Lets look at the things that ‘matter’ right now. The Stats. Both goaltenders are sporting almost identical stats in the 2 areas that matter most. Goals against average and save percentage. Clint Windsor is not even listed amongst the top 32 goaltenders in the GAA category. Windsor is spotting a big ol’ 3.98 while Altshuller has a 3.50 GAA. Sure Altshuller is not exactly turning heads considering his Team Canada pedigree and Jr. A resume.  But for a goalie who has played 2.5 times more games, the GAA should be waited considerably more in favour of Altshuller.

Looking at the Save percentage, another ‘key’ stat when evaluating goaltenders, both goaltenders are tied at .898. but again, it should be noted that Altshuller has played in 2.5 more games than Windsor. Where Windsor has had 166 shots, Altshuller has had 509 save attempts.

The main topic of contestation I have, is how do you rank a back up goaltender higher than a starter goaltender.

Sure, as pointed out by Thayne Hallyburton in the ‘shootout’ we had for this week’s Radio Show, I just seem to hate everything that is Clint Windsor. The kid who is 6’4” plays like he is 5’6” in the net. He stays deep in the net, his ‘rebound control’ consists of making sure he stops the puck and hoping his D can clear the puck. His glove is average, he can not play the puck and I see no athletic ability.

When I look at Daniel Altshuller I at least see potential to be a great goaltender. Yes, as mentioned he has not turned heads in a positive manner. The Oshawa Generals look like fools for trading for Altshuller but I still say that Daniel is the better prospect. His rebound control is solid. Athletic ability rivals some of the top goaltenders in the OHL. Great glove, great stick side, my only argument is that he is playing like Jack Campbell. Last season when Jack Campbell came into the league he was completely unprepared for what the OHL is, bigger faster stronger. That is an absolute fact. Daniel is coming into that right now, basically being shelled shocked by much better talent than he faced all last season in the CCHL.

What is never factored into goaltender draft rankings is their athletic ability and the odds/percentage of recovery. Altshuller in all those ‘intangible’ categories leads Windsor, but his numbers given the level of expectation is horrendous. I still believe the last half of the season will show a night and day revelation in the Generals goaltenders numbers and ability. On the flip side, Mathias Neiderberger will continue to carry the load in Barrie and thus limit Clint Windsor to less than 17 starts this season.

Which goes back to one of my main arguments, how do you rate a back up higher than a starter?

It is moments like this that I believe these scouting services should hire Thayne and myself, besides our absolute A+ analysis of prospects, we also input common sense into our potential draft rankings. And in ours, I can guarantee We agree that Altshuller is higher than Windsor. 

from the CCHL to the OHL

SPECIAL THANKS TO: Chris Messina

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The Central Canada Hockey League has done a good job at developing players that have gone on to have successful careers in the Ontario Hockey League. The Junior ‘A’ league is run out of Eastern Ontario and its alumni list from recent years is pretty impressive. Players such as Calvin De Haan (Kemptville 73’s) who established himself as one of the League’s premier defenseman as a member of the Oshawa Generals and was also on two Canadian World Junior Teams and Jason Akeson (Cumberland Grads) who developed into one of the league’s premier scoring threats as a member of the Kitchener Rangers, capped off his OHL career by being one of the league’s co-scoring leaders last year.

There is a new crop of up and coming players from the CCHL enjoying their rookie year in the OHL. Many that have followed the league would even claim last year’s group of sixteen year olds (1994 born players) was the strongest rookie class the league has ever seen. Let’s take a look at how they are doing thus far:

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Daniel Altshuller – Oshawa Generals (Nepean Raiders):

He was made famous by being the only none OHL player on Team Ontario’s gold medal winning roster last year at the U17s. Originally drafted by the Belleville Bulls he had his rights dealt to Oshawa this past summer. In 11 games with the Generals, Altshuller has posted a 5-5 recorder with 2.95 GAA and .909 save percentage.

Warren Steele - Kingston Frontenacs (Smiths Falls Bears):

He played last year in Smiths Falls but found his way into seven games with the Frontenacs as a sixteen-year-old. With the Bears he played in 62 games, scored 3 goals and added 25 assists for 28 points. This year he has been one of the few bright spots on a team in Kingston that is struggling. His style of play has drawn comparisons to another former CCHLer Calvin De Haan. In his first 15 games this year, he’s collected 3 goals and 4 assists for 7 points.

Nathan Pancel – Sudbury Wolves (Gloucester Rangers):

He was the CCHL Rookie of the Year last season. He scored 37 goals and had 62 points in 58 games with Gloucester last year. Shortly after the Gloucester Rangers were swept out of the playoffs by the eventual RBC Cup Champion Pembroke Lumberkings, Pancel signed with the Wolves. He saw action in 2 playoff games for the Wolves before his season came to an end. In his first 12 OHL regular season games he’s amassed 1 goal, 2 assists for 3 points.

Zach Lesile – Guelph Storm (Gloucester Rangers):

With Gloucester last year he scored 13 goals as a rookie defenseman in 56 games. The only other defenseman under 18 to have double digits in goals was Kevin Tansey (13) of the Cumberland Grads (currently playing for Clarkson in NCAA).  In 11 games with the Storm to this point he has 2 assists and 14 penalty minutes.

Spencer Cobbold – Mississauga St. Michaels Majors (Kanata Stallions):

Known for his lighting quick speed he had a good season with Kanata Stallions a year ago. He was tied for fourth on his in goals with 17. He’s scored twice in 12 games so far for the Majors.

Brandon Lesway – Kitchener Rangers (Kemptville 73s):

Last year with the Kemptville 73s he’s recorded 9 goals and28 points in 62 games. This season he’s been pointless in 10 games with the Rangers.

Curtis Meighan – Kitchener Rangers (Cumberland Grads):

In 55 games with the Grads last year he scored 9 goals and had 23 points. This year in 11 games with Kitchener he’s scored a goal along with two assists for 3 points.

Adam Lloyd – Brampton Battalion (Gloucester Rangers):

He was able to get in one regular season game and one playoff game last season with the Battalion. In 11 games this year with the Battalion he’s recorded 2 assists.

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For more information and to ask Chris some questions about the CCHL or its Graduates follow him on Twitter @cmessina85

Game Day Preview: Oshawa Generals @ Ottawa 67's, March 18

GAME DAY PREVIEW:  Oshawa Generals @ Ottawa 67’s

Courtesy @misconduct

It’s a big game for both clubs.  The Oshawa Generals roll into town coming off a 4 game winning streak – their latest victim was the Peterborough Petes by a score of 4-3 in a shootout.  Christian Thomas had a big two goal night including the game tying goal.  He also scored the first goal in the shootout ultimately leading to the victory.   Thomas’ two goal game moves him into the OHL leading goal scorer, two ahead of Ottawa 67’s forward, Tyler Toffoli.

The Ottawa 67’s are coming off two disappointing overtime losses with the most recent being against the league’s top team, the Mississauga St. Michael’s Majors.  Justin Shugg scored a pair of goals including the overtime winner 34 seconds in to edge the 67’s 3-2.  Sean Monahan continued his hot streak with a goal and an assist in a losing effort.  Tyler Toffoli had two assists which gave him his 100th & 101st points on the season.

Oshawa will face Ottawa for the 6^th and final time in the regular season.  Ottawa leads the season series 3-2; however, all but the first game have been close 1-goal games.  Two of the games came went to the shootout.  Ottawa won both of those shootouts.  The last time these two teams met was Jan 15^th in Oshawa where the Generals skated to a 6-5 victory.  Cody Lindsay had a pair of goals on the night but was outshadowed by rookie Nicklas Jensen who had a goal and 3 assists.

The Generals come into tonight’s game with a game in had a 3 points back on the division leading 67’s.  A win today for the 67’s (in any fashion) clinches the top seed in the East Division and the second top seed in the Eastern Conference.  If the 67’s only obtain 1 point or no points, the Generals have a chance to catch up.

Head-to-head
Ottawa 5 @ Oshawa 6 (Jan 15 2011) Final
Ottawa 4 @ Oshawa 3 (Dec 19 2010) Final SO
Oshawa 3 @ Ottawa 4 (Oct 24 2010) Final SO
Ottawa 4 @ Oshawa 3 (Oct 11 2010) Final
Oshawa 6 @ Ottawa 3 (Oct 1 2010) Final

Ottawa 67’s 

42-19-3-2, 89 points
1^st Eastern Division

2^nd Eastern Conference
HOME:  23-5-3-1

Leading scorers

Tyler Toffoli – 52 goals, 101 points

Shane Prince – 25 goals, 88 points

Ryan Martindale – 34 goals, 81 points

Top performers vs 67’s

Cody Lindsay – 5 goals, 9 points in 5 games

Thomas Nesbitt – 1 goal, 7 points in 5 games

Shane Prince – 2 goals, 5 points in 5 games

Top NHL draft prospects

Shane Prince (35^th in CS’ North American Skaters midterm ranking)

Lineup changes
Petr Mrazek, groin, day-to-day (likely to return)
Thomas Nesbitt, knee, week-to-week
Cody Lindsay, jaw, day-to-day
Shane Prince, concussion & whiplash,  week-to-week
Jon Carnevale, concussion, IR
Cosimo Fontana, concussion, IR
Julian Luciani, upper body, day-to-day
Steven Janes, shoulder, day-to-day

Oshawa Generals

38-17-4-6, 86 points

2^nd Eastern Division

4^th Eastern Conference

AWAY:  19-10-2-2

Leading scorers

Christian Thomas – 54 goals, 94 points

Andy Andreoff – 33 goals, 75 points

Boone Jenner – 21 goals, 60 points

Top performers vs 67’s

Christian Tomas – 2 goals, 13 points in 5 games

Lucas Lessio – 5 goals, 9 points in 5 games

Nicklas Jensen – 1 goal, 5 points in 4 games

Top NHL draft prospects

Boone Jenner (18^th in CS’ North American Skaters midterm ranking)

Nicklas Jensen (20^th in CS’ North American Skaters midterm ranking)

Lucas Lessio (44^th in CS’ North American Skaters midterm ranking)

Colin Buellentrop (117^th in CS’ North American Skaters midterm ranking)

Lineup changes

Injuries unknown

Anton Zupancic (suspended)

Alain Berger (suspended)

Emerson Clarke (suspended)