5 to watch in 2010 OHL Priority Selection
By Aaron Bell – The 2010 Ontario Hockey League Priority Selection is the OHL’s annual draft of new players and this year’s edition will be held on Saturday May 1.
OHL fans can follow all the action live as it happens at www.ontariohockeyleague.com.
Here are five players to watch in this year’s draft class:
1. Alex Gudbranson, Defence, Ottawa Jr. 67’s
Alex Gudbranson is looking to become the second player in his family to become a first round OHL pick after older brother Erik was taken by the Kingston Frontenacs fourth overall in 2008. Alex is also a big body presence that loves to play a physical style on the blueline. He is a fluid skater with good agility for his size.
“Alex is a tough, physical defenceman who competes at a high level all the time,” Kitamura said. “The best word to describe him is hard. He plays hard every shift at both ends of the ice and he makes it very hard for the opposition to play against him.”
Click here to watch an OHL Prospect Profile video on Alex Gudbranson
2. Scott Kosmachuk, Right Wing, Toronto Marlboros
Kosmachuk (pictured) is one of several outstanding forwards that skated for the Marlies this season. He is a terrific skater that has the ability to score highlight-reel goals. Kosmachuk usually plays a pretty simple game, looking after his job while competing hard on every shift.
“Scott is an effective, physical forward that flashes some tremendous offensive ability,” said Robert Kitamura, the OHL’s Director of Central Scouting. “He possesses a little bit of everything and continues to develop into someone that could be a really productive offensive player in the OHL.”
3. Sean Monahan, Centre, Mississauga Rebels
Monahan was the MVP of the OHL Cup Showcase Tournament after having the best day of his minor hockey career. First he had five points in the Rebels 5-3 semi-final win and later that day had a goal and an assist in the Rebels’ 2-1 upset win over the Toronto Young Nats.
“Monahan has a solid collection of physical tools,” Kitamura said. “He has size, an excellent stick and he skates quite well. He uses his quickness to get himself into the open ice and loves to have the puck on his stick.”
4. Daniel Altshuller, Goaltender, Ottawa Jr. 67’s
Altshuller may be the best person to give a scouting report on Alex Gudbranson after playing behind the standout defenceman with the Jr. 67’s. Altshuller is one of the top-rated goalies for the OHL Priority Selection after putting together a tremendous minor midget season.
“Daniel is a quiet but effective butterfly goalie that relies on his positioning and size to stop the puck,” Kitamura said. “He takes away as much of the net as possible to limit the shooting areas and frustrates shooters with his positioning. He also has great control of his body and is able to absorb rebounds.”
5. Connor Crisp, Centre, York Simcoe Express
Crisp is a player with the potential to develop into a very dynamic offensive forward in the OHL. He uses his size to compete for the puck in the difficult areas of the ice and is good in traffic. Crisp also has a good ability to finish around the net.
“Connor is a really strong skater, displaying a long and powerful stride that generates quickness and top end speed,” Kitamura said. “He has the rare ability to handle the puck and make moves at top speed and that makes him very difficult to defend against. He has the tools to be a very good player in the OHL.”
