WIndsor Spitfires: A First Half Review

Special Thanks to Matt Dumouchelle

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With the Windsor Spitfires just past the halfway point in their schedule and with Christmas break just wrapping up, it gives us some time to see what has happened in the first 37 games.

MVP: Alexander Khokhlachev. The steadiest offensive player on the team, Khoklachev has produced 17 goals and 47 points in 35 games this season. His -6 rating is concerning, but this team has given up the fifth most goals of any team in the OHL.

Most Underrated Player: It has been a fairly quiet December for Brady Vail, but there’s no question his contributions this year have been impressive. Vail has put up 27 points in 37 games this year, having totaled 10 in 61 games last year. He’s also being used in a much more defensive-minded role – against team’s top lines and on the PK – and he has adjusted well.

Biggest Disappointment: Ben Johnson. He has heated up as of late, but did not score his first OHL goal until November 13^th. The Spitfires were very high on Johnson, who scored 77 points in 30 games with Calumet High School in Michigan and was just the second Junior to ever be picked as Mr. Hockey (the top Michigan High School hockey player), but has had a hard time adjusting to the OHL game. If you remove a flashy 6 game spread in November, Johnson has just 2 goals and 5 assists in 31 games.

Biggest Surprise: Coming into this season, Kerby Rychel had scored 7 OHL goals in 62 regular season games, this year he’s got 21 markers after only 37 contests. Rychel, who is on pace for a 75 point season, has been the most reliable offensive weapon Windsor has had outside of Khoklachev.

Players on the Block: I can’t say everyone, but close to it. Players like Chris Marchese, Brandon Devlin and Jaroslav Pavelka were acquired by GM Warren Rychel to be pieces for the future so they can be expected to stay put. If someone came calling for a veteran goaltender, John Cullen is available (but has not helped his own cause this year). Adrian Robertson would make a very interesting trade piece before the January 10^th trade deadline.

Key Game Coming Up: January 22 vs Jack Campbell and the Sault Ste Marie Greyhounds. Campbell did not play in the November 13^th meeting, an 8-0 Windsor win.

Who’s Hot/Who’s Not: It has only been a quick glimpse, but Chris Marchese seems to be adjusting to his new surroundings quite well, with 5 points in his first two games as a Spitfire. Rookie Michael Clarke has only scored 3 goals since October 16^th, after scoring 8 in his first 11 OHL games.

2^nd Half Outlook: It’s the worst kept secret in the league that Windsor is looking forward to 2014, when the Memorial Cup returns to the OHL and the Spitfires will place their bid to host the tournament at the WFCU Centre. This team is rebuilding and it would be hard to see them get into the top 4 in the Western Conference this year. They will make the postseason, but more eyes are watching the calendar flip than eyeing a playoff run in 2012.

OHL Prospect Profiles: Sergey Kuptsov and Nick Ebert

This week in our prospect profiles we have a special double edition. Since our friend, Laura Barney, left us this week we were worried that our Mississauga St. Michaels Majors coverage was going to take a hit. I had originally planned on profiling top prospect, Nick Ebert, of the Windsor Spitfires but when I found out Laura was leaving us, I called an audible and decided to cover The Majors’ offensive weapon Sergey Kuptsov. Now I’m a nice guy (depending on who you ask) and I knew you guys would be looking forward to some journalism gold, featuring Ebert, so being the nice guy that I am, I thought that I would just publish both ‘In the O Prospect Profiles’. So, here they are!

NHL Draft Prospect: Sergei Kuptsov – Mississauga St. Michaels Majors
The Line:
Height: 6’2”
Weight: 212 lbs
Shoots: Right
Position: Right Wing
Draft Eligible: 2013
This past season, the Mississauga St. Michaels Majors traded with the Sudbury Wolves to obtain the 16th overall draft position. The man they wanted, was the six-foot-two 212 pound Russian, Sergey Kuptsov. As is the case with many Russian players his stick handling and skating abilities are quite impressive. And he can devastate any defense and goaltender in the league on any given night.

Kuptsov is a very large man and uses his size to his advantage when going to the net or when his line is cycling the puck down low. He can find gaps in the defense and can exploit them very quickly. His first 3 steps are explosive and can give him separation on most players in the league, allowing him to take advantage of these gaps and get open.

The one downfall in his game is the consistency in his compete-level. I don’t want to be too hard on him considering the fact that he is still trying to make the adjustments to life in Canada and playing in the OHL on a weekly basis, but there are games where he can disappear at times, sort of the ‘Alex Kovalev syndrome’ so-to-speak.It will be interesting to see how his game evolves over the next few months as he heads into his draft year in 2012/2013.

Professional Player Comparison: Maxim Afinogenov
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NHL Draft Prospect: Nick Ebert – Windsor Spitfires

The Line:
Height: 6’1”
Weight: 205 lbs
Shoots: Right
Position: Defense
Draft Eligible: 2012
After a 41 point season last year for the Windsor Spitfires, the Livingston, New Jersey native has gotten off to a slow start this year recording just eight assists through 17 games thus far. Watching Ebert play brings one word to mind; smooth. He’s a smooth skater, smooth with the puck and makes smart plays that look easy.

Ebert’s game is all about making plays. He has an offensive flair to his game that cannot be missed when watching him play. His first pass is very strong and almost always on target, even when under pressure. The one interesting thing about watching him play is his selection process when deciding to join the rush. He doesn’t usually make a poor decision and when he is in on the rush, you can hear him communicating with his team mates. When he gets the puck he displays an NHL-caliber shot.

Although I have written with the highest praise thus far regarding Nick Ebert, as I should considering that he will be a top 10 pick in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft, there are a few issues with his game; as there is with most major junior level players.

Ebert does have some trouble moving guys out of the front of the net, especially when they have position on him. He also leaves his defensive partner hanging on occasion. Although I mentioned that he had a great selection process with regards to when he decided to join the rush, he still can be caught out of position at times due to the amount of times he joins the rush. There is no doubt that defensive play can be taught and he is not a liability at this point in his development by any stretch of the imagination.

Ebert really is a can’t-miss prospect, as he should be, considering all of the hype. He is a player that I feel can live up to that hype and, is as NHL-ready of a defender as there is, in this draft class.

NHL Player Comparison: Dan Boyle

Prospect Report: Kerby Rychel

I have decided to do something different every week on this blog. Each and every week I will have a prospect scouting report to post. These will all be 2012 Draft Eligible Ontario Hockey Leaguers.

The scouting report that I will supply with each player will be that of my own from watching them play. The NHL player comparisons that I use are, as with every other comparison that’s out there, just a personal opinion of what they could be if everything goes right for the player.

I have seen all of these players numerous times. Please enjoy and maybe get to know the players a little better so that come June, you will look like the smart one when you are talking about prospects from the OHL!

This week we take a look at Kerby Rychel of the Windsor Spitfires.

NHL Draft Prospect : Kerby Rychel – Windsor Spitfires
The Line:
Height: 6’0”
Weight: 185 lbs
Shoots: Left
Draft Eligible: 2012

The son of a former NHLer and current owner of the Windsor Spitfires, Warren Rychel, Kerby has the pedigree to be an elite prospect. Kerby plays a very North American style of game. He likes to get the puck down low and use a physical cycle game to create offense. He will not shy away physically and if challenged, he will drop the gloves with anyone. Kerby possesses very crafty hands that can turn a goalie inside out - in close and an NHL ready shot.

What Kerby lacks in his game is in his skating. He has worked very hard at it the past 3 summers and he is getting better but there is a lot of room there for improvement. His defensive zone coverage is also a little suspect at times, but the effort is there and defense can be taught.

NHL player comparison: Andrew Ladd

ITO Three Stars & Power Rankings

This week, we will name the ITO Three Stars for the week of September 26 to October 2, and will take our first look at the OHL Power Rankings for the year. The Power Rankings should not be confused with the CHL Rankings, as they rank team’s records, while we look at what teams are hot, and what teams are not. Expect to see lots of movers and shakers on the Power Rankings each week, as a big week could send you up the charts, and a bad week can send your team spiralling.

ITO 3 Stars

1. Seth Griffith (London Knights) – Seth would score a goal and an assist in Friday’s victory over Sudbury, but would light it up the following night in Plymouth, scoring a goal to go along with 3 more helpers. In two games, Seth was able to rack up 6 points, including two goals, and is our ITO First Star for the week of September 26^th- October 2^nd.

2. Sean Monahan (Ottawa 67’s) – Big things were expected from Sean this season, and to date, he hasn’t disappointed. Sean would score both Ottawa goals in a 3-2 loss in Plymouth on Friday, and add a goal and two assists in Saginaw the next night. Not done yet, Sean would score another goal and add another assist in an overtime loss in Windsor. Scoring four goals and three assists in a three game weekend earns Sean Monahan this week’s ITO Second Star.

3. Riley Brace (Mississauga St. Michaels Majors) – Riley would be a scoring machine this week, hitting the back of the net five times in three games. His third goal on Thursday night would turn out to be the game winner in Niagara, and he would score the game winner again the next night, as part of a two goal game versus the Owen Sound Attack. Despite not making it onto the scoresheet in a 2-1 shootout win over Kingston Sunday afternoon, Riley’s five goal weekend is enough to earn the ITO Third Star selection.

ITO Power Rankings

1. London Knights – Projected to be one of the top teams in the Western Conference, if not the entire league, the Knights haven’t disappointed, jumping out to an impressive 4-0 start to the season. Newcomer Max Domi joins an experienced group of scorers in London, and with Michael Houser in net, the Knights will be tough to beat this year.

2. Mississauga St. Michaels Majors – Perhaps picking up where they left off, last year’s OHL and Memorial Cup Finalists have won each of their first five contests. J.P. Anderson continues to shine in net for the Majors, and the offence is led by Riley Brace, who has 9 points through 5 games.

3. Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds – While still early, the surprising start by the Greyhounds has caught the attention of the league. New GM Kyle Dubas has had his hands full trying to overhaul his young squad, and early returns are positive. Matt Murray has been dynamic in goal for the Hounds, and could be an early candidate for Top Goaltender.

4. Peterborough Petes – Nearly as surprising as the Hounds, the Petes have had a great start to the 2011-12 season, starting on opening night when they beat Niagara 7-1. Now 3-0-1-1, the Petes have found stability in net with former Rangers netminder Mike Morrison, and are lead up front by versatile winger Matt Puempel.

5. Barrie Colts – Even without top scorer Mark Scheifele, the Colts have had a great start this year. At 3-1-0-1, Barrie is chasing Mississauga for the Central Division lead. Tanner Pearson, Zach Hall, and Colin Behenna have combined for a staggering 37 points in the Colts’ first 5 games.

6. Guelph Storm – With 3 wins in their first five games, the Storm have gotten off to great start, and sit just one point behind London for first place. Garret Sparks gives them solid goaltending each night, and the team scores by committee, making them a tough team to beat on any given night.

7. Ottawa 67’s – The 67’s were expected to be one of the top teams in the East this season, and they haven’t disappointed. With a 3-1-1-0 record, and veteran goalie Petr Mrazek in goal, the 67’s look poised to make a run at another East Division Crown.

8. Sarnia Sting – With two of the top prospects available in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft, all eyes will be on the Sting all season long. Alex Galchenyuk and Nail Yakupov will bring all the attention, but if they are to be successful in Sarnia, it will truly be a full team effort.

9. Kitchener Rangers – In one of the few feel-good stories so far this season, Defenceman Ben Fanelli made a successful return to the Rangers lineup, after nearly two seasons out of hockey. 2-1 so far, the Rangers have their work cut out for them this season, missing many key contributors from their team last year. The tandem of John Gibson and Franky Palazzese will be counted on to lead this team from the net out.

10. Owen Sound Attack – Last year’s OHL Champions, the Attack have only played .500 hockey so far in this young season. With returning netminder Jordan Binnington, and Daniel Catanacci joining veterans such as Cameron Brace and Jarrod Maidens, it should be another successful season in Owen Sound, though they will be hard-pressed to recapture last year’s magic.

11. Niagara IceDogs – Predicted to be a top contender this season, the IceDogs seem to be heading in the right direction after a rough opening week. Mark Visentin will provide a steady influence in net all season long for the Dogs, but they are missing last year’s top scorer, Ryan Strome, who is still with the New York Islanders. If the Isles keep Strome, the IceDogs will need to find offence elsewhere.

12. Windsor Spitfires – At 3-3, the Spitfires find themselves tied with the upstart Greyhonds for the Division lead. American Jack Campbell is an experienced veteran who will give the Spits a good chance to win each night, but Kerby Rychel and Alex Khokhlachev will be counted on heavily for offensive production.

13. Oshawa Generals – Another team suffering from players attending pro camps, the Generals have stumbled out of the gate this season, suffering losses to both the Greyhounds and Bulls. With the chances of Scott Valentine and Andy Andreoff returning dwindling every day, the Generals will need to find a way to replace their output if they hope to contend this season. Rookie goalie Dan Altshuller has been hot and cold to start the season, but there seems to be as many questions as answers in Oshawa.

14. Plymouth Whalers – One of a handful of teams who many think are underperforming to date, the Whalers are still 2-2 and looking to make some noise in the Western Conference this season. Scott Wedgewood will play the majority of games for Plymouth this year, and if he can remain consistent, the Whalers should have a good year.

15. Brampton Battalion – Even at 2-2 so far in the season, the Battalion are one of a handful of teams who are expecting to be significantly better than last season. Matej Machovsky is back in goal for another season in Brampton, and Tuesday’s addition of Brett Mackie from Belleville will improve the Battalion offence.

16. Belleville Bulls – The Bulls are a team that many expect to have a breakout season, but a 2-3 record has seen more downs than ups so far. Malcolm Subban is now the number 1 goalie in Belleville, and up front, the Bulls have plenty of scoring potential, with Luke Judson, Adam Payerl, and Brendan Gaunce.

17. Kingston Frontenacs – It’s shaping up to be a long year in Kingston, as many expect the rebuilding Frontenacs to miss the playoffs this season. New GM Doug Gilmour has been at work revamping his lineup, which is now lead by Captain Tyler Brown. Gilmour also acquired Igor Bobkov from London to shore up his goaltending. At 1-4, more work is needed.

18. Saginaw Spirit – A tough 1-4 start for the Spirit has seen them slip behind the pack in the Western Conference. Tadeas Galansky and Jake Paterson comprise a young goaltending tandem, and they will rely on a potentially high-powered offence, led by John McFarland and Vincent Trocheck.

19. Erie Otters – More was expected of the goaltending tandem of Tyson Teichmann and Chris Festerini coming into the season, but so far, it hasn’t materialized. Averaging 7 goals against per game, the Otters have sputtered to an 0-4 start. Even with offensive weapons such as Greg McKegg, Sondre Olden, and Brett Thompson, Erie will need to be better defensively to have any hope.

20. Sudbury Wolves – Perhaps no OHL fans are as disappointed as Wolves fans are early into the new season. Coming off of a stunning 4 game sweep of the East Division Champion 67’s last year, Sudbury seemed poised to have a big year, and compete for home advantage in the playoffs. Instead, they have nothing to show from their first four games, and sit at the bottom of the Power Rankings.

Be sure to check back next week to see where your favourite team ranks. If you can’t wait for your OHL fix, find me on Twitter, @N24Nicholson.

2011/12 Team Needs - West Division

As we continue the content-a-day giveaway... Lets take a look at what the teams may be drafting for come the OHL Priority Draft this Saturday May, 7th live on ontariohockeyleague.com.

To preface, the lists of what the team declares as 'holes to be filled' is not FACT. These are my opinions and are corroborated with others and is a general guess as to what they may be trying to fill come draft day. If they are not adressed during draft day remember that they can also trade for players already in the league. Also, this is 'in a perfect world scenario' as the first 7-10 picks will be best player available and defy the logic of what I am talking about.

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Sarnia Sting - The Sarnia Sting will basically be looking to replace offensive talent come draft day. The team loses the likes of Kale Kerbashian and Tyler Peters due to OA graduation and even though the team is still talented up front, will be looking for more. Galchenyuk, Latta, Yakupov and Ritchie to name a few, will be counted on more heavily but you can never pass up on more offensive talent. If there is a toss up where the Offensive talent is equal to another players Defensive skill, I can see where the Sting may look to rebuild their Defence and make it stronger.

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Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds - After the season they had, I am assuming many people would like to see a huge overhaul and see them draft every position imaginable. The truth is, their goaltending is going to be much improved with the idea of Perugini coming back and Murray in his sophmore season. The blueline will get an upgrade with Beukeboom coming back, along with the emergence of Volpe, Sproul and Curcurrato. Their forwards will be all a year more experienced with the likes of Catenacci, Sulmonte, Omelyanko and Findlay all being counted on. This team does not need an overhaul but out of those three areas my money would be on a defenceman to ensure any short comings with the Offence, will be remedied by a strong defence for years to come.

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Windsor Spitfires - The Spitfires will lose a lot of offence and grit with the likes of Johnston, Carrick and Brown graduating from the OHL. In theory, Ellis and Kassian can anchor this team next season as they are 91 birthdays. The problem is that more than likely those two will be playing in the AHL and even though you can not replace a Ryan Ellis... Nick Ebert looks like he may be the next one. this leads me to believe that the Spits will look for a goaltender to develop. John Cullen will not be an OA with this team next year and more than likely Campbell will be back. It also appears as though Windsor is not a huge fan of Nishi, so if they can draft a possible, above average goalie who is technically sound, who will take direction and learn from a goaltender who has an impressive international resume... then that is who they will take.

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Plymouth Whalers - Here is a team that I do not see many holes in. They have Scott Wedgewood and Matt Mahalak, who will be their goaltenders without a doubt. Their offense loses with their 3 OA's graduating from the forward position. and even though they have to replace them with somebody. The team is not hurting huge without the 3. The year of development and the great playoff series against Kitchener has done wonders for them. Since the Whalers lose Livingston, Brown and Czarnik. Then they will take a forward and most likely a winger

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Saginaw Spirit - The Spirit went for broke this season, and turns out... they are broke and even thought their offence was as potent in the playoffs when compared to the regular season. The team will still be looking to add to the blueline. Dalton Prout will be a big hole to fill, as well as Walch, Chiarot or Hermenegildo as one or none of them could be back next year due to a crowded OA situation in Saginaw. The younger the D for next season the great the team can be in 2012/13 when the Goaltending and blueline is top notch. and not to mention their depth of young forwards will be ready for prime time.

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It is very tough to decide what a team will be looking for. As per yesterdays post about how to handle the draft, and the types of plays there can be. Just looking at who will be graduating and based on who a consensus believes will be next years OA's, this is how it was determined what the teams will be looking for at least early on in the draft. Of course they will still take a goalie in the late rounds even if they have 4 in their system. You just never know. But this is just something else to think of before the OHL Priority draft on Saturday. Tomorrow will be looking at the Midwest division so remember to come check that out.

Q&A with Windsor's Kenny Ryan

I recently sat down with Leafs Prospect and Windsor Spitfires forward, Kenny Ryan. Here's what he had to say:


How did you get into hockey? And who was your biggest influence early on to push you to where you are now?

My brothers were my biggest influence in my hockey career and they motivated me to play from a very early age.  We had a backyard rink so this is where I first started to develop. 

If you could describe your game to Leaf fans, what would you tell them? Is there a current NHL’er who you try to model your game after, or who you watch for tips/tricks?

I’m a two-way forward who is reliable defensively and who never takes a shift off.  In terms of NHL players that I model my game after and that I watch closely, I’d have to say Ryan Kesler from the Canucks and Dustin Brown from the Kings. 

When you came into the new OHL Season, did you set any personal goals for yourself?

Personally, I was looking to score more points in every situation and have a bigger year offensively, which I’ve been able to accomplish already.  I knew that I was going to have a bigger role this year as a leader on and off the ice, so this was something I was also looking forward to.  I try to do whatever will help the team to win. 

With every player, scouts and player personnel managers see ‘flaws’ to their game. Is there anything you’re trying to improve on specifically as a player as you look to make the next step?

I think the big thing is trying to be consistent night-in and night-out and to work hard every shift and every game so this is something I really focus on.  To make the next step, continuing to develop as a player and to keep progressing are the main things that will help me accomplish my goal of playing in the NHL.

Is there someone in the Maple Leafs organization with whom you stay in communication with? What are they stressing to you about your game for further growth and development?

Christian Hanson is someone that I keep in touch with from the organization and when we talk, he’s been stressing the importance of developing every time you go out for practice or that you play and also to do something each game and each practice to make yourself better.

How does it feel to be a part of the Maple Leafs organization? Did you grow up a Leafs fan?

It’s great to be part of the Leafs organization, they’re an original six team which is great and Toronto is the mecca of hockey with the way Leafs fans follow the team.  I didn’t grow up a Leafs fan but I certainly am one now.  

Any parting thoughts or comments to the masses of ‘Leafs Nation’?

I hope Toronto is able to continue on their hot run and get into the post-season and I also hope to be wearing the “Leaf” and be a part of Toronto’s organization very soon.