OHL Cup MVP grabbed in third
With their third pick of the day, the Storm selected OHL Cup MVP Adam Craievich from the Oakville Rangers.
The Sarnia native has been called one of the best pure goal scorers available in the draft. With the Rangers last season, Craievich racked up 44 goals and 43 assists for 87 points in 68 games.
At the OHL Cup, the 6 foot right winger came up with back-to-back two goal games in the semi finals and championship game to help the Rangers to the title.
ADAM CRAIEVICH, Oakville Rangers
Right Wing
6.0 / 189 lbs
GP: 68
G: 44
A: 43
PTS: 87
PIM: 84
By Mark McKelvie, Ontariohockeyleague.com
Craievich’s timely goals played a large part in being named the Tim Adams Memorial Trophy winner as the OHL Cup’s Most Valuable Player.
The great performances turned in by Craievich almost didn’t happen due to a leg injury he suffered two weeks prior to the OHL Cup.
“Adam barely played last weekend in the OMHA’s, he only played like two shifts in the championship game,” said Rangers head coach, Duncan Harvey. “He was rehabbing like crazy, seeing doctors and everything else and for him to put those two games together in the semis and the finals were huge.”
Craievich finished the tournament with five goals and two assists in seven games for the Rangers.
“At the beginning of the year we said to win this thing we are going to need Craievich to score goals.” said Harvey.
Craievich scored the opening goal of the Championship game and then provided the goal that put the Rangers ahead by two.
“It was nice to get that second one to give us a two goal lead and we never looked back, we just kept pushing through every shift,” said Craievich, who knew all along his team could win the OHL Cup. “No one was stopping us, we had too much desire and too much hard work and effort to just throw it all away, so we knew once we got through we could get this win.”
Craievich joins the likes of Sam Gagner, Steven Stamkos and Connor McDavid to take home the MVP honours.
“I’ve got big shoes to fill,” said Craievich. “I don’t know if I’ll be that high but I’ll keep pushing through and working hard every day.”
OHL Director of Central Scouting, Darrell Woodley said Craievich performed like an elite player.
“He had a slow start but once his leg got healthy he elevated his game just like the top players do.”
Woodley expects Craievich to do just what he did in the Semi-Final and Finals at the OHL level.
“For him to make the next step he is going to have to be a goal scorer and that’s what he is.”
Craievich describes himself as a skilled power forward with a quick release, but knows he has areas to improve.
“This summer I have to work on getting faster feet so I can start quicker and get in the play more,” said Craievich. “I think getting stronger with the bigger guys in the OHL is a top priority this summer.”
Craievich has now begun carving his legacy as a top performer and it is very likely we will hear his name called very early during the OHL Priority Selection in April.
Tim Adams Memorial Trophy Winners (MVP):
2013 – Adam Craievich – Oakville Rangers (5G 2A)
2012 – Connor McDavid – Toronto Marlboros (11G 8A)
2011 – Aaron Berisha – Toronto Marlboros (8G, 5A)
2010 – Sean Monahan – Mississauga Rebels (7G, 6A)
2009 – Lucas Lessio – Toronto Marlboros (5G, 6A)
2008 – John McFarland – Toronto Jr. Canadiens (8G, 7A)
2007 – Casey Cizikas – Mississauga IceDogs (2G, 1A)
2006 – Steven Stamkos – Markham Waxers (4G, 7A)
2005 – Sam Gagner – Toronto Marlies (7G, 10A)
2004 – Harrison Reed – York Simcoe Express
2003 – Jhase Sniderman – Toronto Young Nats
