Western Conference Preview: West Division
By Aaron Bell
Plymouth Whalers
Key returnee: Defenceman Steve Ward is a character guy that sets the tone for his team on most nights. He is on the ice in nearly every important situation and is respected in the dressing room.
Forwards: Veteran Dan Collins was sidelined by a back injury most of last season but is back to 100% and ready to be a dominant player. Chicago prospect Evan Brophey is back for an overage season. He has world class skills, but has struggled with consistency. He has the ability to be the top scorer in the division. James Neal, John Armstrong and Tom Sestito are all battle-tested performers and rookie AJ Jenks is an impressive talent.
Defence: Ward leads a seasoned group that also includes Wes Cunningham, a smooth skater who likes to jump into the play. Late pick Frank Grzeszczak, a Florida native, has also made an impact on the coaching staff.
Goaltending: After playing a handful of games last season, Jeremy Smith is poised to take over the lead role. The Whalers have a long line of outstanding goaltenders and believe that Smith will carry on the tradition.
Behind the bench: Mike Vellucci is in his sixth season of running this successful program. He is a former OHL and professional player that has put together an impressive winning percentage behind the bench.
Saginaw Spirit
Key returnee: Former first overall pick Patrick McNeill (pictured) has grown up with this franchise and has blossomed into a bona-fide OHL star. He controls the flow of the game from the back end and is a likely candidate to be the OHL’s top scoring defenceman this year. He is a leader on and off the ice.
Forwards: Overagers Tyler Haskins and Ryan Garlock were brought in during the summer to make sure that Saginaw has enough firepower to take them into the playoffs. Their deep lineup also includes budding offensive stars Ryan McDonough and Zack Torquato as well as Tom Pyatt, who used his world class two-way game to help Canada win gold last Christmas.
Defence: McNeill is joined on the blueline by giants Garrett Sinfield, Scott Fletcher and Christopher Breen. New Jersey Devils’ prospect Matt Corrente plays a gritty game and has an absolute cannon of a shot from the point.
Goaltending: Ryan Daniels had enough success last year to instill confidence that he can back this team to an extended playoff run. The Ottawa Senators scooped him up in the fifth round of the NHL draft in June.
Behind the bench: GM/coach Bob Mancini has developed his team into a true contender that has lofty expectations. He brought in Shawn Camp as an associate coach. Camp guided the Guelph Storm to the OHL championship three years ago and has been to the Memorial Cup twice.
Sarnia Sting
Key returnee: Defenceman Mark Katic is in just his second season, but he has already emerged as one of the most talented players in the Western Conference. He has all kinds of skill and helped Canada win the Under-18 gold in August. He is a top-end talent for the NHL draft in June.
Forwards: Tomas Pospisil had a productive rookie season in the OHL and will be counted on to shoulder more of the load this year. Trevor Kell came from London and Mike Roelofsen from Barrie to add some playoff experience to the lineup. First overall pick Steven Stamkos was sensational with the Markham Waxers last year and comes to Sarnia with lofty potential. He had three points in his debut last week.
Defence: Steve Ferry and Matt McCready play consistent two way games while newcomer Dalton Prout is a highly regarded prospect. Bobby Davey is a take-on-all-comers type that leaves everything he has on the ice every shift.
Goaltending: Sebastien Dahm stepped in for the Bulls when Kevin Lalonde went down with an injury. He played well down the stretch and into the playoffs and earned the opportunity to be the number one. Parker VanBuskirk is also capable of playing at this level.
Behind the bench: Dave MacQueen’s results in his first three seasons with the Erie Otters were remarkable. He brings playoff and Memorial Cup experience and will look to get Sarnia back into playoff contention.
Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds
Key returnee: Popular captain Cody Thornton has the grit to single-handedly change the tempo of a game. He is a dangerous scorer and loves to surprise opponents with a devastating hit. He drops back on the powerplay to use his vision on the point.
Forwards: Veteran Dustin Jeffrey doubled his production after a mid-season trade from Mississauga. David Kuchejda is also a capable performer and Payton Liske, who was added in the off-season, is looking to increase his offensive production as a third-year forward. Fourth-year Greyhound Andrew Desjardins is an underrated pivot that plays a smart game at both ends of the ice.
Defence: Veterans Tyler Cuthbert and Brad Good are leaders on the blueline and are likely to face their opponent’s top forwards in a regular basis. Former 15th round pick Andrew Campbell has emerged as a solid all-around defender.
Goaltending: Kyle Gajewski has the potential to be the top netminder in the OHL this season. Matt Hache returns in the backup role after a handful of appearances last season.
Behind the bench: Veteran coach Craig Hartsburg is focused on getting his team off to a good start despite starting the schedule with eight straight road games before they open the new Steelback Centre.
Windsor Spitfires
Key returnee: Goaltender Anthony Guadagnolo brings a veteran presence to the ice. The Spitfires will count on him to keep them in the playoff race in the Western Conference.
Forwards: Fifth-year forward Craig Voakes is within reach of 100 career goals. Newcomer Adam Henrique put on an impressive scoring display in the pre-season and his coaches hope that confidence carries into the regular season. Power forward Jordan Nolan is capable of putting the puck in the net and is looking forward to a fresh start in Windsor.
Defence: Captain Mike Weber is rock solid in his own end and added an offensive dimension to his game last season. Scott Todd is a big body that likes to move people out of the crease. Adam MacArthur saw spot duty with Barrie last year and rookie Mark Cundari has great speed and loves to use it to jump into the play.
Goaltending: Guadagnolo started his career in Ottawa and has been the Spitfires cog since making the move across the province. He gained valuable playoff experience last season pushing their first round playoff series to seven games.
Behind the bench: After hanging up his skates on a long professional career, Bob Boughner turns his focus to coaching this season. He combined with Warren Rychel and local businessman Peter Dobrich to buy the Spitfires in the spring.
Photo: Dan Hamilton/Vantage Point
