NHL Draft this Sunday!

Zach Nastasiuk and Chris Bigras have done practically everything together their entire hockey career, so why not head to New Jersey and realize one of their childhood dreams by hearing their name called by an NHL Team? Well, that’s exactly what they will do. Bigras and Nastasiuk are the only two players on NHL Central Scouting’s list of the top 200 ranked players (Bigras and Nastasiuk), however; the final list rarely turn out the way it was written with NHL teams always tossing in a few surprises of “project players” and players whose draft years have already passed. This very well may be the case this year with several players hearing their name called who were “passed up” previously. It’s hard to argue with late bloomers being taken, given the success that some NHL Teams have had with those players.

 

The Platers/Attack previous high of players taken on draft day was 4, however; that record fell last season when five Attack players heard their names called by NHL Clubs, plus Kurtis MacDermid who was signed immediately following the draft. The Platers/Attack previous high of four players being taken came first in 1993 when Andrew Brunette, Scott Walker, Marian Kacir and Kevin Weekes were selected and for the second time in 2010 when Joey Hishon, Geoffrey Schemitsch, Jason Wilson and Steven Shipley heard there names called. IF you’re like us and count Lane MacDermid as a home grown prospect who honed his craft with the Attack for two and a half seasons before being dealt to Windsor, then it’s happened three times. In 2009, Scott Stajcer, David Kolomatis, Garrett Wilson and Lane MacDermid were all selected.

 

In the last three years, the Attack have had more players drafted from their organization than any other Ontario Hockey League team, with 12 players (by our count). This does not include Players (Import or OHL Draftees) that have been drafted into the NHL and then reported to their OHL Club. The next closest appears to be London (10) and Plymouth (10) with several other teams at nine.

 

The Owen Sound organization has had 45 players drafted since its inception in 1989/1990, with varying degrees of success each year. Below is a list of each player drafted and the year they were drafted in. Ironically in 1999 there were no players drafted out of a roster that included Dan Snyder, Joel Ward, Sean Avery, Chris Minard, Adam Mair and Curtis Sanford who all went on to play in the NHL.

 

The Attack could have as few as two or as many as five or six take this Sunday in New Jersey. Here is a quick rundown of who may go. Note: We were 6 for 7 last season counting Kurtis MacDermid.

 

Chris Bigras – Likely to go the highest of the Attack players on Sunday, Bigras is considered “Mr. Steady” by most NHL Scouts. Bigras is so well rounded, it is almost to a fault. The fact that he is so well rounded in many facets of the game, doesn’t allow one particular area of his game to be highlighted. It’s quite amazing, actually.  He tallied 38 points as a 17 year old defenseman but because his shot isn’t earth shattering, isn’t regarded as an offensive defenseman. He finished with a staggering +35 mark while consistently playing against the oppositions top line, but isn’t considered a shut down defenseman. He is a strong skater and among the smartest academically in the Ontario Hockey League, which will no doubt stand out with some NHL Clubs, one of which will get an absolute steal on draft day.

 

Zach Nastasiuk – The strides Nastasiuk has made as a hockey player the last year surprised everyone but those in the Attack organization. Zach’s desire to compete, work and get better everyday is a quality that NHL scouts drool over and is what has him ranked 13^th among North American Skaters. According to many scouts, Zach’s skating will need to improve, but if it improves at the same rate it has the past year, they need not be worried. The 6’1, 200lb power forward doubled his goal total, point total and PIM total. He improved his plus/minus by an incredible +31 and was the Attack’s Playoff MVP with 11 points in 12 games. Like Bigras, Nastasiuk is an Academic Standout and mature beyond his years. He may or may not hear his name called in the 1^st Round and if he doesn’t, it won’t be long after.

 

Kurtis Gabriel – There may not be one person drafted this weekend that has worked harder or earned his shot more than Kurtis Gabriel. The Sledgehammer went from being an unknown and often scratched forward in 2010/2011 to becoming an effective power forward who oozes potential. Gabriel stands at 6’4 and tips the scale at 206lbs, but with his work ethic, training and nutrition regimen, there is no reason to doubt he will come into camp bigger, faster and stronger than last season. He tallied a career high 28 points, 13 of which were goals and took on some of the more notable “heavyweights” in the OHL, enjoying success in many of his battles. With a work ethic that is unmatched, you simply cannot bet against the kid any longer and it’s hard not to cheer for him.  

 

Cameron Brace – Cameron Brace is a name that has intrigued scouts all year. He’s fast, has a wicked shot and tallied 35 goals this past season. Given the success some late round picks have had, it would not be surprising at all for Cameron to hear his name called, considering he was very close last year and proved that his 29 goal campaign was no fluke. He has the speed and skating ability, as well as a heck of a shot that impresses Scouts.

 

Kyle Hope – Kyle Hope is a player that after switching to forward full time, really caught the attention of scouts. His numbers actually mirror that of Gabriel’s and the Blenheim native wasn’t afraid to throw his wait around either. He skates well, has a good shot, hits like a truck and isn’t afraid to drop the mitts. And if you need a defenseman in a pinch, he’ll do that too.

 

While that’s just five players to watch, the NHL Draft has proven to be unpredictable and full of surprises. Any name can be called at anytime, so best of luck to all Attack players this weekend!

 

Below is a list of drafted Owen Sound players throughout the years.

 

 

1990 – Owen Lessard

1991-  Jeff Perry, Grayden Reid

1992 – Kirk Maltby, Jason MacDonald

1993 – Andrew Brunette, Scott Walker, Marian Kacir, Kevin Weekes

1994 – Jamie Storr, Wayne Primeau, Shayne Wright

1995 – Shayne Kenny, Brent Johnson

1996 – Kurt Walsh, Ryan Davis, Ryan Christie

1997 – Kyle Dafoe, Adam Mair

1998 – Jason Doyle

1999 – 0

2000 – Agris Saviels

2001 – 0

2002 – Pat Jarrett

2003 – Brad Richardson

2004 – Dan Lacosta

2005 – Trevor Koverko, Bobby Ryan

2006 – Theo Peckham, Bobby Sanguinetti

2007 – Wayne Simmonds

2008 – Tyler Beskorowany

2009 – Scott Stajcer, David Kolomatis, Garrett Wilson, Lane MacDermid*

2010 – Joey Hishon, Geoffrey Schemitsch, Steven Shipley, Jason Wilson

2011 – Jordan Binnington, Andrew Fritsch, Andrew Shaw

2012 – Jarrod Maidens, Gemel Smith, Jacob Dotchin, Joseph Blandisi, Artur Gavrus, Kurtis MacDermid**

*Was drafted as a Windsor Spitfire, however; spent two and a half seasons in Owen Sound