The Other Top Rookies You Should Know

SPECIAL THANKS TO BRYAN THIEL (@BryanThiel_88)

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By now you’ve heard all about Max Domi leading the rookie-scoring race, or about how Daniel Altshuller’s first season between OHL pipes is going, and that Aaron Ekblad has the poise of a young Alex Pietrangelo, despite being just 15.

Michael Clarke has shot up draft boards in his first season with the Windsor Spitfires, Olli Maatta is gaining valuable experience on a North American blueline, and Jordan Subban joined brother Malcolm in Belleville for his first year in the league.

These are some of the rookies in the Ontario Hockey League that have been making waves, and in the process the performance of other rookies and their talents have flown under the radar. So a month and a half into the season who else should you know from the OHL’s first-year class? Here are five names to keep tabs on:

1. Nick Ritchie, Left Wing, Peterborough Petes

If it weren’t for Aaron Ekblad’s Exceptional Player Status, Ritchie would have been considered amongst the candidates to be the first overall pick in the 2011 OHL Priority Selection. When you take that into consideration, it makes him a bit of a surprise to make this list.. Coming off of a final season in Midget that saw him net 50 goals and 96 points, Ritchie brought his size and speed (6’2”, 207lbs) to the Peterborough Petes. Ritchie has shown all of the promise that would have made him a first overall pick, and his quick release is a pleasant addition to such a big, talented package. With all of the attention paid to Matt Puempel when teams play the Petes, expect the totals for Ritchie to steadily increase as he grows accustomed to the OHL.

GP: 13 G: 4 A: 3 PTS: 7 PPG: 2

2. Darnell Nurse, Defense, Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds

His former teammate with Don Mills (Max Domi) is getting all of the headlines this season, but that’s just fine with Darnell Nurse. The big defenseman who’s earned comparisons to Chris Pronger may not be in a media hot bed, he’s settled in perfectly with the Greyhounds, making a lot of comparisons to Sault Ste. Marie and his hometown of Hamilton. A kid of few words, Nurse lets his physical play do the talking, and doesn’t lack confidence in his game or in himself. He’s got the athletic background in both his immediate family and extended family to vault over any obstacle in his way, and when the media does come calling, Nurse already handles it like a pro. He feels right at home with the Greyhounds in the Soo, and with a big defense to learn the ropes from, he’ll be a rock in this league.

GP: 13 G: 0 A: 1 PTS 1 +/-: -8

3. Josh Anderson/Bo Horvat, Forwards, London Knights

We’ve established that Domi and Mattaa generate a lot of interest in London, but it’s two players that took very different paths to the OHL that will hopefully provide London with the secondary scoring they’ll need for multiple Western Conference Championships. Who knows? Maybe even a league Championship some year. Horvat was London’s first round pick this year, selected one spot after Kingston took Domi. He’s a quick skater who racked up the points (118 of them) in his draft year. Anderson was overlooked in his draft season, but thanks to a growth spurt of more than a few inches and 30lbs, mixed in with a strong season in Major-Midget in Burlington, Anderson turned heads as a power forward with the size needed to succeed in the OHL. One’s a high-profile first-round pick, and the other is the age-old story of a player who stuck with it and caught a few breaks in the face of adversity. Both however, could become well-known names on a strong Knights team.

Horvat: GP: 14 G: 5 A: 6 PTS: 11 +/-: +13

Anderson: GP 13 G: 3 A: 4 PTS: 7 GWG: 1

4. Artur Gavrus, Centre, Owen Sound Attack

The Owen Sound Attack are the reigning OHL Champions, and like most champions of the past, more than a handful of their key pieces graduated to the professional ranks. So, it was with the 55^th pick in the CHL Import Draft that Owen Sound selected the highly skilled but diminutive Belarussian forward. He’s viewed more as a well-rounded player, but his production in second-tier European leagues and at the U-18 tournament (where he was one of the top players) shows a high-end ability to finish off plays. The typical ups-and-downs of a first North American/draft eligible season are expected, but Gavrus has the talent to help Owen Sound’s offense maintain a truly competitive level.

GP: 13 G: 5 A: 6 PTS 11 PPG: 2

5. Patrik Machac, Centre, Brampton Battalion

Brampton has been starved for offense the last two seasons, and the thinking is that Import Patrik Machac can change that. Machac is a pure scorer with speed and great hockey sense, and excels in all the right areas of the game. His skills caught the eye of Stan Butler and the Battalion, who believe that he’s a player who can improve their offense. He’s got the track record to prove that he can too, after dominating the Czech U-18 league last year with 53 points in 36 games and playing at a point-per-game average at the U-17s. With just two 40-point players last year (and only Ian Watters returning), Machac could easily lead the Battalion in scoring, while bringing the numbers of a few others along for the ride.

GP: 12 G: 4 A: 7 PTS: 11 PPG/SHG: 2/2

Interview with 3rd Overall Selection, Soo Greyhounds, Darnell Nurse

Being selected second overall means 2 things: you are an incredibly talented player and the team that drafted you is going through a rebuild. This is the case with Darnell Nurse. The defenceman was taken by the Soo Greyhounds, the second worst team in the OHL during the 2010/11 campaign. Under new guidance by rookie GM Kyle Dubas, the Greyhounds have a completely new look to them and along with the youthful GM, a new swagger has come over the franchise. I was fortunate enough to talk to all 6'4" 180lbs of the young defenceman. The kid seems to have a great head on his shoulders and knows what is at stake with his young career in his hands.

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Darnell let's go back to the OHL Showcase Cup to start, now obviously a heartbreaker there, dropping the finals to the Toronto Marlboros in that fashion. After the emotions and nerves all settled, maybe a few tears shed cuz hey, everyone cries sometimes. What did you learn about yourself that you can build on in that moment?

The loss in the OHL cup really just made me hate losing more. I wouldn't say I learned a lot from the loss, it just makes me more hungry for the upcoming season.

Don Mills obviously a gifted team, you can't plow through teams in the tournament like that without great players and depth. But there was one player who seemed to steal all the talks and that was Max Domi. Whether or not you believe he was the superstar of the team, was it a good thing for the rest of the guys on the team to be in that 'shadow' of Domi and all that went on regarding that circus?

Max Domi was a recognizable name on a team full of talent. He is a great player and was a great teammate. Contrary to what many believe there was always a positive attitude in the locker room.

And one more note about the flyers before moving on to the Soo, besides Domi, who on the Flyers team never received enough credit for their contributions to the team?

I think our coach Bob Marshall never got enough credit for the impact  he had on our team. Through his guidance our team was able to grow not only as players but also as people. There were many hard working players on the team that contributed in ways that did not show up on the score sheet.

I referenced Domi and that circus that went on but you were still taken well ahead of him. #2 overall to the soo greyhounds. What did you know about the franchise before being drafted by them and what were some of the misconceptions that you had that were proven false about this franchise

Through talking to a lot of people and visiting the Soo I learned about the tradition of the franchise. I also learned how much support the community gives the team.

Being taken number 2, an 'exceptional' player was taken ahead of you. You think this will be better for you because you do not have the label and pressures of a first overall selection?

I feel no greater pressure than the pressure I put on myself to succeed. I have always tried to block out others opinions and expectations, knowing that I expect far more of myself than anyone else. If I work my hardest, respect the process and remain humble then my dreams and goals are attainable.

A lot of young guys on this greyhounds team for 11/12 but there is some good veteran leadership as well. Who are you looking forward to playing and learning from this year.

I look forward to working with all the defencemen on the team. Being the youngest it is always nice to talk to guys with experience in the league.

To go along with the young team is of course a young 'inexperienced' GM in Kyle Dubas. Even though the team has not taken the ice under his leadership, he has gotten some great attention and pulled some crazy trades that at least on paper improve this club. Are you excited to be part of this new era not only for the Soo greyhounds but also the new 'philosophy' and 'energy' that will come from it?

Whenever there is change for the better and you are able to be apart of a team that's hungry for success, it's an exciting time.

Just two more for ya, let's talk about you a little bit. Strength, biggest weakness and what do the 'Hounds want you to work on most?

My biggest strength would definitely be my skating ability for someone my size. On the other hand, my biggest weakness would be my shot accuracy. I have been working on it all summer and it has come a long way.

Finally, This year you will be competing not only with some former teammates also drafted in to the OHL. But also some marlboros as well. Is it easy to be friends with these guys still, or are their certain games you may be looking forward to more than others.

I have always been the type of player who recognizes the difference between being on and off the ice. I will always have good friendships with guys I have battled and played against. There is no specific game I am looking forward to the most. I am just excited to get back on the ice and play in the OHL.

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Like I said the kid is pretty bright and looks to be hungry to prove that the Barrie Colts made a mistake not making him the first overall selection. Make sure you keep checking out intheoradio.com for more interviews as we get closer to the start of the 2011/12 season. And continue to check out the webpage for the latest news and info and follow In The O on twitter at (@intheoradio).