Five to Watch for 2016 OHL Priority Selection
The 2016 OHL Priority Selection takes place online Saturday April 9th beginning at 9AM with the first three rounds shown live as part of a Draft Show webcast hosted at ontariohockeyleague.com.
The future of the Ontario Hockey League begins with the Priority Selection. Here is a sample of some of the top minor midget prospects who will hear their names called by OHL clubs on Saturday.
Connor Roberts (RC) – Grey Bruce Highlanders (OMHA) – 28 GP, 19 G, 20 A, 39 PTS
OHL Central Scouting says: Connor came into the season as a top prospect and has not disappointed. A 6’2″, 205 lbs. centreman, he is the type of player that every coach wants on his team. He is powerful in every aspect of his game, skating, battling and competing. He shoots the puck like a pro already and can shoot it in stride which is something most kids his age can’t do. Connor is a powerful skater with a long, explosive stride, enabling him to gain ground on the opposition very quickly. He’s shown the ability to dominate the game physically at the Minor Midget level. Connor represented Canada at the Youth Olympic Winter Games in Norway.
OHL Comparable: Lawson Crouse (Kingston Frontenacs)
Thomas Tinmouth (LW) – Toronto Marlboros (GTHL) – 58 GP, 25 G, 35 A, 60 PTS
OHL Central Scouting says: Thomas is a player that catches your attention each and every time you see his team play. He is always around the puck and plays with a high energy level each and every shift. He’s not overly big in stature, but plays the game fearlessly and will go up against anyone in the corners. Scored a lot of big goals so far the Marlboros this season and gets used in every situation. Developed great chemistry with his two linemates Akil Thomas and Danil Antropov as they developed into arguably the most dangerous line in the province.
OHL Comparable: Michael Dal Colle (Kingston Frontenacs)
Cameron Hillis (RC) – York Simcoe Express (OMHA) – 33 GP, 25 G, 47 A, 72 PTS
OHL Central Scouting says: Cameron is an undersized centre that plays the game with a lot of energy. He is a very good skater, using his speed to apply pressure in all zones, often beating players to pucks to generate scoring opportunities. He competes hard each and every shift despite his size and is not afraid to go to the dirty areas regardless of who he is matched up against. He has very good puck skills, great vision and was the leading scorer in the ETA this past season. Is used in all situations and is a very effective penalty killer. Played a big role in York Simcoe’s OHL Cup Championship.
OHL Comparable: Kevin Labanc (Barrie Colts)
Ryan Merkley (RD) – Toronto Jr. Canadiens (GTHL) – 33 GP, 7 G, 37 A, 44 PTS
OHL Central Scouting says: Ryan has left right off where he was last year when he was a standout underage player. He has the ability to take over a game whenever he wants to. His skill level and creativity with the puck are second to none, providing him the ability to thread a pass that few others could. Ryan is definitely a pass-first player. He is a great skater and has made many forwards look lost on the forecheck throughout the season. Ryan is dangerous on the rush as his one-on-one skills are top notch. He is always on the other team’s radar and he plays on the edge. Ryan is one of the premier talents eligible for the 2016 OHL Priority Selection.
OHL Comparable: Ryan Murphy (Kitchener Rangers graduate)
Peter Stratis (RD) – Mississauga Rebels (GTHL) – 70 GP, 20 G, 29 A, 49 PTS
OHL Central Scouting says: Peter is a very complete and versatile defender that does a lot of things very well. He has a good skating stride and is explosive off the mark, using his skating ability to beat forecheckers and to join or lead the rush to create offence. Peter is a heads up player that sees the ice well from the back end and makes the simple play most of the time. He’s a smart player that understands the game and its many situations. He has a good, hard shot from the point and has scored numerous goals from the blueline this season. Peter has his head on a swivel in his own zone and is adept at identifying the opposition in scoring areas. Peter was a big part of his team’s GTHL Championship.
OHL Comparable: Roland McKeown (Kingston Frontenacs)
This is the second “Five to Watch” article in a series previewing top OHL Priority Selection prospects.