Eastern Conference Preview: Central Division
By Aaron Bell
Barrie Colts
Key returnee: It doesn’t take long to realize that Bryan Little (pictured) is the heart and soul of this hockey club. Their 18-year-old captain was a first rounder to the Atlanta Thrashers in June and brings a great mix of skill and heart to the rink. His work ethic on and off the ice sets the tone for the Colts. He piled in five points in the season-opener against Toronto on Thursday.
Forwards: Veteran Richard Clune, who was added to the roster before training camp, potted a pair of goals in his debut with the Colts. Hunter Tremblay and Vladimir Nikiforov gave the Colts enough depth to advance to the semi-finals last year. If they take another step up, the Colts will be dangerous offensively this season.
Defence: Andrew Marshall emerged as a top-end defender last season and should be one of the top scoring blueliners in the OHL again this season. Kyle van de Bospoort, Nick Plastino and Blake Parlett, the Colts first round pick from one year ago, also look ready to step into prominent roles.
Goaltending: Andrew Perugini steps out of the shadow of Dan LaCosta to become the main guy for the Colts. The team hopes that his number one status will result in consistent doses of the brilliance he showed on occasion last year.
Behind the bench: In his second year behind the Colts’ bench, Marty Williamson guided the club to an Eastern Conference showdown with the Peterborough Petes in the playoffs. His club may not have as much talent this year, but he insists on a high-energy approach that always gives his team a chance to win.
Brampton Battalion
Key returnee: Former first rounder John de Gray comes into the season as the club’s captain. He is rock solid in his own end and uses his size and savvy to set the tone of a game. He will log huge minutes and an increase in his scoring totals would be a bonus.
Forwards: The Battalion have a solid group of young forwards that apprenticed under the dynamic duo of Wojtek Wolski and Luch Aquino last year. Aaron Snow was a 30-goal man playing on that line and will have to raise his game another level to repeat. Matt Smyth, Luke Lynes and Michal Klejna can also score and overager Howie Martin is a consistent threat on the ice. First rounder Cody Hodgson was sensational in the pre-season and may be an early favourite for OHL rookie of the year.
Defence: de Gray and Phil Oreskovic are the twin towers on the blueline and it will be rare that at least one of them aren’t on the ice this season. Tomas Stryncl and overager Kyle Sonnenburg offer veteran dependability.
Goaltending: Local product Bryan Pitton backed Brampton to a win in their opener against the Petes and will share the crease with Aaron Rock, who made 12 appearances with Saginaw last year.
Behind the bench: Stan Butler is the only coach in Battalion history. He has more than 250 wins in nine OHL seasons, including two with the Oshawa Generals and seven in Brampton.
Mississauga IceDogs
Key returnee: Cody Bass is enjoying an extended stay at the Ottawa Senators camp. When he returns, he’ll bring a hard-working approach that is effective at both ends of the rink. His calling card has been his defensive play, but Bass is often an undervalued offensive producer.
Forwards: After coming over from Sault Ste. Marie mid-season, former first round pick Chris Lawrence was outstanding for the IceDogs. His big frame and scoring instincts make him a dangerous performer. Jordan Owens may be one of the most underrated snipers in the league, but he brings a consistent effort to every game. Michael Swift and Jadran Beljo are also effective scorers.
Defence: The IceDogs will be looking for Kyle Lamb and Nathan Martine to continue step up their production on the blueline. Big rookie Alex Pietrangelo was a first round pick in May and the team expects him to contribute quickly. Dependable Frankie Santini starts the season on the DL.
Goaltending: Lucas Lobsinger played in 19 games as a backup last season and will be counted on to take the lion’s share of the work while rookie Andrew Loverock gets some experience at this level.
Behind the bench: Mike Kelly makes his return to the OHL after Greg Gilbert moves on to the AHL. Kelly is no stranger to the league after building successful programs in Guelph and Windsor. He will be a stable presence as the team works through their move next year.
Sudbury Wolves
Key returnee: If Marc Staal doesn’t work his way into an underage spot with the New York Rangers, he would return as one of the top junior defencemen in the country. His work at the World Juniors helped Canada win the gold medal and his presence in the lineup would help tutor his youngest brother Jared, who was picked by the Wolves in the OHL Priority Selection in May.
Forwards: Ottawa Senators’ pick Nick Foligno brings a hard working approach that has become the Wolves’ signature in the past few seasons. He will be supported by Kevin Baker, Matt Dias, Devin DiDiomete and the hulking Akim Aliu. The Wolves have rolled out a kid line comprised of rookies Staal, Justin Larson and J.K. Gill that has been effective at both ends of the ice in pre-season.
Defence: If Staal returns, he is likely to continue to eat up 35-plus minutes a game. He anchors a veteran group that also includes solid Adam McQuaid and Nicholas Tuzzolino as well as Jonathan D’Aversa, who played in the OHL All-Star Game last season.
Goaltending: Overager Kevin Beech will carry the bulk of the load and should benefit from a deep blueline group that keeps the front of the net clear. Michael Swick will see time as the understudy this year.
Behind the bench: Mike Foligno is in his third season behind the bench. He brings the same energetic style that made him a successful player to his role behind the bench.
Toronto St. Michael’s Majors
Key returnee: Justin Donati returns for his overage season as the highest scoring returning player in the league this season. He will suit up for the first time without his twin brother Tyler, who moved east to the Belleville Bulls in the off-season.
Forwards: Micheal Haley is a gritty performer that has blossomed into a scoring threat. His robust style creates room for his teammates and will help the relatively young group of forwards find space on the ice. Michael Pelech is a skilled player that came over from Kitchener in the off-season and first rounder Dylan O’Neil hopes to make an impression quickly.
Defence: Former first round pick Steve Spade is the anchor on the blueline. He plays a solid game in his own end and expects to contribute more offensively this season. Troy Murray also provides a veteran presence on the Majors’ youthful blueline that includes second round pick Tim Billingsley.
Goaltending: Wayne Savage posted respectable numbers after he was given the number one role midway through last season. The Majors will count on his experience to recover mistakes from their young defence corps.
Behind the bench: Bud Stefanski brings a no-nonsense approach to the Majors’ bench. He will be looking to bring the Majors up to the level of success that he enjoyed during a fruitful stretch with the Barrie Colts.
Photo: Dan Hamilton/Vantage Point
