Five Minor Midget Petes Attending OHL Combine This Weekend
Fresh off a hard fought OHL Cup tournament last weekend, five minor midget Petes received the news that they’d be attending the OHL Combine. Nolan Burke, Will Cranley, Tyler Deline, Logan Maunder-Sanderson, and Kalvyn Watson will take part in the annual pre-draft event at the Tribute Communities Centre on March 24 and 25.
The Combine offers players born in 2002 the opportunity to showcase themselves both on and off the ice to OHL member team personnel. Sport Testing results will be distributed to every OHL member team General Manager to assist in their evaluation for the OHL Priority Selection to be held on Saturday, April 7, 2018.
Burke was the team’s leading scorer in the regular season, collecting 22 goals, 28 assists, and 50 points in 35 games; Watson wasn’t far behind, finishing second in scoring with 25 goals, 21 assists, and 46 points in 33 games.
“I was very excited to get invited to the Combine,” said Burke. “It gives me one last chance to showcase myself, and have a fun weekend of hockey.”
“It was great to hear that I was invited,” added Watson. “Some buddies who have been to the Combine said it’s a very fun weekend. I’m looking forward to it.”
The Petes were 2-2 at the annual showcase which provides fans and scouts one last opportunity to see many of the top minor midget aged players from across Ontario and parts of the United States as they compete for the OHL Cup, performing against the best competition prior to the 2018 OHL Priority Selection.
A great run by our @2002MMPetes at the #OHLCup! Congrats on a fantastic season! https://t.co/KS7HWFPdUA
— Peterborough Petes (@PetesOHLhockey) March 16, 2018
“It was eye opening to perform in front of a large number of OHL scouts and GMs, but with the exposure through the Cup, it makes the Combine a little less nerve-racking,” commented Cranley. “Hopefully I can take the experience of performing under pressure with me this weekend.”
Cranley, a goalie, appeared in 18 games for the Minor Midget Petes this season, building a 2.17 goals against average.
“I expect that the Combine will be much like the OHL Cup, where every player is good,” added Deline. “You just need to go out and prove yourself.”
Deline was a steady force on the blue line this season and picked up 5 goals, 14 assists, and 19 points in 35 games.
Despite some underlying nerves, these Petes are focused on showing what they’re capable of to the OHL brass that will be on hand.
“Obviously there is pressure to perform under the spotlight at the Combine, but I have to be calm and focus on the task at hand,” stated Cranley when asked what his attitude will be heading into the weekend. “Ultimately, I’ve prepared myself for this. I have to make sure to work my hardest and put a full effort into everything.”
Burke noted that confidence is key as he looks to impress ahead of the much-anticipated draft day.
“I think [confidence] is one of the biggest things in a hockey player, and that’s when I’m at my best.”
Should their names pop up on the draft board on April 7, each player is sure that they can contribute at the OHL level, both on and off the ice.
“The qualities I can bring to an OHL team are work ethic and leadership,” explained Deline. “I look to outwork all my opponents on the ice.”
Added Watson, “I would bring my ability to generate offence from my shooting ability and my vision.”
Great group of guys to spend minor hockey with @2002MMPetes#thankyoupic.twitter.com/EUTlImzM7F
— Kalvyn Watson (@watson93_) March 21, 2018
The Minor Midgets won’t be the only Petes at the Combine this weekend, as Assistant Coaches Derrick Walser and Mike Duco will serve as coaches the for the on-ice scrimmages portion of the event. Walser will be behind the bench for Team Subban, while Duco will coach Team Ekblad.
Fans can find the Combine schedule and results on the Ontario Hockey League website.
