Movers and Shakers

After winning an OHL Championship, the most common question asked is, “how good are you going to be next year?”. While it is a bit of a loaded question (and answer), there is no doubt the hopes are still high in the Scenic City.

General Manager Dale DeGray chose to keep the young core of his team in tact last season, opting not to move any of the team’s bright, young talent, with the exception of 2009 First Round pick, Curtis Crombeen. There is no doubt the Attack’s future is bright and with a veteran laden roster last season, there is reason to assume that there was a number of talented kids who could have made the team last year providing there was more roster space.

Here is the line combination, along with the scratches from the Attack’s home game on Thursday May 12th against Mississauga.

Halmo – Hishon – Brace
Maidens – Heelis – Mignardi
Berdnikov – Wilson –Fritsch
Zweep – Smith – Childerley

Stanisz – Blacker
Petgrave – Gilbert
Cutting – Schemitsch

Binnington
Zador

Scratches: Staeger, Rose, Shaw, Gabriel, Stajcer

In all fairness, lets assume that Hishon (Signed), Heelis (University), Mignardi (University or Pro), Berdnikov (Released), Wilson (Signed), Stanisz (University), Blacker (Signed), Shaw (AHL Signed), Stajcer (Signed) are all not returning. If any of the signed players return, consider it an early Christmas present!

Defense

The depth on defense proved to be very valuable for the Attack last year and despite losing Blacker and Stanisz, depth will continue to be the key. Three defensive prospects that stand out for the Attack are:

Kurtis MacDermid: Was a 7th Round Selection in the 2010 OHL Priority Selection who spent the 2010-2011 season with the Owen Sound Grey’s. The 6’02 Sauble Beach product has shot up several inches and put on a lot of muscle since being drafted. Last season with the Grey’s, MacDermid posted 6 goals and sixteen assists to go along with 124 Penalty Minutes. If the bloodlines are any indication, MacDermid will bring a no nonsense, physical element to the Attack blue line.

Chris Bigras: The fact that he was still there in the second round of the 2011 OHL Priority Selection was a delight for Attack General Manager Dale DeGray. The slick skating rearguard brings a well rounded game with impeccable leadership skills. He was the captain of his Barrie Colts Minor Midget squad and could make an impact on the blue line as a sixteen year old.

Jake Dotchin: A draft pick in 2010, Dotchin impressed coaches at the 2010 Training Camp with his powerful shot. The 6’04, 215lb defenseman has an absolute cannon from the blue line and if he comes into training camp in shape and ready to compete, he could be a “monster” on the blue line for years to come.

Forwards

The Attack is losing 149 goals with the departure of Hishon (37), Wilson (40), Mignardi (30), Shaw (22) and Heelis (20), so the offensive will definitely have to be picked up somewhere.

Returning is 28 goal man Andrew Fritsch along with fellow 20 goal scorer Mike Halmo. Forwards Jarrod Maidens, Gemel Smith and Cameron Brace showed signs of offensive prowess while Artur Gavrus and Michael Schumacher are expected to chip in offensively. Character forwards like Daniel Zweep, Brendan Childerley and Kurtis Gabriel will need to play strong defensive hockey and chip in offensively where they can and they will certainly get those opportunities. 2011 First Round Draft Choice Zach Nastasiuk is signed and will be a big part of the future offense for the Attack.

Other notable forward prospects to keep an eye on:

Holden Cook: Scored in his debut last season and added another while appearing in five games.The winger will need to get a little stronger, but the skill level is there to be an impact forward in the OHL. Providing he has a good camp, he is expected to make the team.

Joseph Blandisi: The Attack took Joseph a year after his original draft year, but there is no doubt in the staff’s mind that this speedster can score. His 51 goals and 41 assists in only 41 games played was a huge drawing card for the staff and he is expected to make an impact.

Riley Brooks: The 6’01, 195lb power forward spent the 2010/2011 season with the Collingwood Blackhawks, which saw him notch only 7 goals goals in 47 games played, however; power forwards take a little longer to develop than smaller forwards and with the departure of Garrett Wilson, a big up and down winger will be something the Attack need.

Devon Rymarchuk: A fifth round selection in 2010, Rymarchuk spent the 2010/2011 season with Fort Erie of the GOJHL. In 48 games, the forward had 11 goals and 8 assists to go along with 65 Penalty Minutes. Rymarchuk also spent his Minor Midget season playing alongside Jarrod Maidens…so getting used to a linemate would take little effort.

Goaltending

The Attack has essentially been spoiled with goaltending over the last three years. The “three headed monster” will no doubt not be back and Jordan Binnington enters the season as the unquestionable #1 goaltender…with lofty expectations. Regardless of fan expectations, nobody puts more pressure on themselves to perform than Jordan Binnington. As an 18 year old, it is the plan that Binnington will start 45-55 games, depending on schedule and other developments over the season. But who will fill in?

JP Cesario: An extremely well liked and athletic goaltender, Cesario filled in admirably in the fall before the acquisition of Michael Zador. At a generous 5’11 and already 18, Cesario is not the biggest or the youngest goaltending prospect, but certainly the most experienced.

Evan Morse: At 6’02, 170, Morse certainly has the size that many scouts look for. Dale DeGray and his staff are certainly no strangers to brining on young goaltenders to “apprentice” and the formula seems to have worked, but it will likely be a wait and see approach.

Aside from the names mentioned above, there is ALWAYS surprises during training camp as fans have learned a year can mean so much (both positive and negative). Based on the above scenario’s, here is what fans MAY be able to expect.

Halmo – Maidens – Fritsch
Schumacher – Smith – Brace
Gavrus – ? – Childerley
Zweep – Gabriel – Nastasiuk

Cutting – Gilbert
Schemitsch – Petgrave
Staeger – Rose

Binnington

With an overage spot to fill and the cupboards fully stocked, anything is indeed possible. Feel free to play around with the lines; they are just a snapshot of what could be…that is the fun part of training camp, which is just around the corner!