1^st Overall Selection – Sarnia Sting: F Alexander Galchenyuk
HT:  6.01 | WT: 180 lbs. | Chicago Young Americans U-16 | DoB: Feburary 12^th, 1994 |

Alexander Galchenyuk has really made a name for himself with the Chicago Young Americans this season.  Near the beginning of the season, his name was rarely mentioned for the 2010 OHL Priority Selection, but after dominating the American U16 Tier I hockey league, leading the second leading scorer by 33 points, the Russian American has a great shot of going first overall in this year’s priority selection.  It has been rumoured that the Sting are high on this prospect and the outstanding offensive ability he possesses.  His size makes him an asset; standing at 6.01 and 180 pounds, he already has OHL size.  If the Sting are able to get Galchenyuk to commit there is no question he will be a great offensive addition to a team that lacks high end offensive weapons.

2009 1^st Round Pick: F Brett Richie (12)
2008 1^st Round Pick: F Gregg Sutch (11)
2007 1^st Round Pick: F Colt Kennedy (12)
2006 1^st Round Pick: F Steven Stamkos (1)

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2^nd Overall Selection – Belleville Bulls: RD Marcus McIvor
HT: 6.01 | WT: 192 lbs. | Whitby Wildcats MM | DoB: May 20^th, 1994 | Whitby, ON

This selection may come as a shock to a few as Marcus McIvor’s name has not been tossed around a lot of people’s top 5’s. Lately all indications have been that George Burnett and the Belleville Bulls wish to select the Whitby native. McIvor, although not generally listed in the top five, is a very talented defenseman and could turn out to be a great selection on Belleville’s behalf. With a great stride and a great head on his shoulders, McIvor can rush the puck with the best of them, but can also make a great outlet pass to start the breakout. The Bulls must believe highly in this prospect if they are willing to take a chance on him, while passing up the elite talent of Matia Marcantuoni.

2009 1^st Round Pick: G Tyson Teichmann (18)
2008 1^st Round Pick: D Stephen Silas (19)
2007 1^st Round Pick: F Tyler Randell (14)
2006 1^st Round Pick: D Shawn Lalande (9)

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3^rd Overall Selection – Oshawas Generals: RC Matia Marcantuoni
HT: 6.00 | WT: 172 lbs. | Toronto Marlboros MM | DoB: Feburary 22^nd, 1994 | Toronto, ON

Matia Marcantuoni is hyped as being the most talented forward from Ontario in this May’s priority selection. Since the beginning of the season the Toronto native has been projected as a top three pick, and has shown why throughout the season. Marcantuoni is a complete offensive player who can take over a game. Given his stature of 6.00 and 172 pounds, his transition into the OHL should be a smooth one, and allowed him to play two games in the CCHL this season. In his two games with the St. Michael’s Buzzers he recorded two goals, impressive for a 15 year old in a junior league. If Marcantuoni manages to slip to the third spot, there is little question that the Oshawa Generals will select this him with the third overall pick.

2009 1^st Round Pick: F Boone Jenner (4)
2008 1^st Round Pick: G Kevin Bailie (16)
2007 1^st Round Pick: F Justin Shugg (10)
2006 1^st Round Pick: D Michael Del Zotto (2)

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4^th Overall Selection – Owen Sound Attack: LW Matthew Campagna
HT: 5.11 | WT: 174 lbs. | Toronto Young Nationals MM | DoB: March 9^th, 1994 | Mississauga, ON

The next two picks are fairly interchangeable depending on what the general manager feels the needs of the team are. Matthew Campagna has a lot of upside and potential in the offensive end of the ice, but needs to do a better job of entering the dirty areas. He can often be seen circling around looking for the pass to finish the play, rather than battling to begin a play. A lot is to be expected from Campagna with his tremendous speed and soft hands at the next level and will need to compete night in, night out to prove his worth in the OHL. Campagna had a great OHL Cup as well which really solidified his draft stock as a consensus top five selection as he posted four goals for twelve points in just five games.

2009 1^st Round Pick: D Curtin Crombeen (9)
2008 1^st Round Pick: F Steven Shipley (3)
2007 1^st Round Pick: F Joey Hishon (8)
2006 1^st Round Pick: D Michael D’Orazio (8)

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5^th Overall Selection – Sudbury Wolves: LC Scott Laughton
HT: 6.01 | WT: 170 lbs. | Toronto Marlboros MM | DoB: February 1^st, 1994 | Toronto, ON

As previously mentioned, Scott Laughton could be chosen at the fourth spot depending on what Dale DeGray and Mark Reeds are looking for in May. Laughton may not have the outstanding offensive potential that Campagna possesses, but still skates well, while possessing a quick and hard wrist shot. Along with his offensive ability he is also very responsible in the defense zone and does not shy away from the rough play. Laughton would fit perfectly in the Wolves system as they enjoy playing a physical style. Regardless, the Wolves will be picking a solid player at 5th overall whether it is Laughton or Campagna.

2009 1^st Round Pick: D Justin Sefton (5)
2008 1^st Round Pick: F John McFarland (1)
2007 1^st Round Pick: D Daniel Maggio (7)
2006 1^st Round Pick: F Jared Staal (11)

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6^th Overall Selection – Niagara IceDogs: LC Jarrod Maidens
HT: 6.01 | WT: 165 lbs. | Hamilton Jr. Bulldogs MM | DoB: March 4^th, 1994 |

Jarrod Maidens is a solid offensive selection coming from the Hamilton Jr. Bulldogs. Maidens has good speed, a good shot, sees the ice well, while providing a big presence on the ice. Aside from his solid offensive ability, Maidens is no slouch in the defensive zone and can be counted on to play a solid two-way game. There have been claims that Maidens needs to play with talented wingers in order to be effective, but from what I’ve seen, he has the ability to create and finish plays. With Lucas Lessio snubbing the IceDogs last season, Niagara shouldn’t have to worry about having Jarrod Maidens reporting to the club. There is no question that he has the abilityto be a very good OHL center down the road with effective development.

2009 1^st Round Pick: F Lucas Lessio (7)
2008 1^st Round Pick: F Freddie Hamilton (14)
2007 1^st Round Pick: F Andrew Agozzino (15)
2006 1^st Round Pick: D Alex Pietrangelo (3)

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7^th Overall Selection – Peterborough Petes: LC Brendan Gaunce
HT: 6.01 | WT: 205 lbs. | Markham Waxers MM | DoB: March 25^th, 1994 | Markham, ON

Brendan Gaunce would be quite a pick up for the Peterborough Petes if he happens to fall to their selection. The 6.01, 205 pound center plays the game with tremendous smarts and is great with and without the puck. Overall Gaunce has a good skill set and is not afraid to finish his checks. With regards to this season’s draft crop, Gaunce likely has one of the hardest shots and he knows how to use it. He has the ability to find the net through screens which is a very valuable skill for a forward. Moving forward for the Petes, Gaunce is a player that would be a fine compliment to their core of offensive stars that includes Matthew Puempel, Austin Watson and Ryan Spooner.

2009 1^st Round Pick: F Matthew Puempel (6)
2008 1^st Round Pick: F Ryan Spooner (5)
2007 1^st Round Pick: F Zack Kassian (4)
2006 1^st Round Pick: D Zach Bogosian (19)

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*8^th Overall Selection – Niagara IceDogs: LD Slater Koekkoek
HT: 6.00 | WT: 170 lbs. | Notre Dame Hounds Midget | DoB: Feburary 18^th, 1994 | Mountain, ON

Like Justin Sefton of the Sudbury Wolves, Slater Koekkoek is coming out of the Saskatchewan Midget AAA Hockey League, but his rights are retained by the OHL. Koekkoek put up roughly the same numbers as Sefton did in this league, and has quickly established himself as one of the premier defenseman available in the draft. Sefton proved himself to be more of a shut down defenseman this season, with average offensive upside. Koekkoek, standing at 6.00, is an average sized defenseman, so he has to make up for his size with his overall hockey ability. This is not to discredit the young blue liner, as he has been projected in most top tens, and is reported to have a lot of hockey talent which will be a welcome addition to the Ice Dogs young defensive core.

2009 1^st Round Pick: F Lucas Lessio (7)
2008 1^st Round Pick: F Freddie Hamilton (14)
2007 1^st Round Pick: F Andrew Agozzino (15)
2006 1^st Round Pick: D Alex Pietrangelo (3)

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9^th Overall Selection – Brampton Battalion: LD Matthew Finn
HT: 6.00 | WT: 180 lbs. | Toronto Marlboros MM | DoB: February 24^th, 1994 | Toronto, ON

Matthew Finn could potentially be a steal at the ninth overall selection. Finn, at the minor midget level is a solid two-way defenseman, but will likely adapt the role as a solid shut down defenseman at the OHL level. A very smart player on the blue line knows his role every shift and rarely is seen out of position, which are qualities that Finn exerts. There are very few flaws to Finn’s game as he is very solid in every component of the defensive game and really just needs to continue to progress as a whole and grow into his frame. With solid players up front, such as Barclay Goodrow and Sam Carrick, a blue-chip defenseman could be exactly was the doctor ordered for the Battalion.

2009 1^st Round Pick: F Barclay Goodrow (17)
2008 1^st Round Pick: F Sam Carrick (15)
2007 1^st Round Pick: F Matthew Duchene (5)
2006 1^st Round Pick: F Cody Hodgson (17)

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10^th Overall Selection – Kingston Frontenacs: LD Gianluca Curcuruto
HT: 6.01 | WT: 180 lbs. | Mississauga Reps MM | DoB: Feburary 25^th, 1994 | Mississauga, ON

Another very strong defenseman in this draft class is Gianluca Curcuruto, who could end up being an elite talent in the league. Like Finn, it is tough to find flaws in his game as he has good mobility, quick feet, and is not afraid to get physical. Curcuruto is a defenseman that is able to bring the game to his speed and really control it. He makes smart passes and is not afraid to jump into the rush if needed. Curcuruto could really learn a lot being drafted to the Kingston Frontenacs under the development of Erik Gudbranson. Like Finn, Curcuruto needs to continue to develop and there is little question that he can become a top end defenseman in the OHL. Rumours do indicate that the Frontenacs may look at taking Gudbranson’s younger brother, Alex, at this pick.

2009 1^st Round Pick: F Alan Quine (2)
2008 1^st Round Pick: D Erik Gudbranson (4)
2007 1^st Round Pick: F Ethan Werek (9)
2006 1^st Round Pick: F Josh Brittain (14)

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11^th Overall Selection – Erie Otters: LC Justin Kea
HT: 6.03 | WT: 185 lbs. | Central Ontario Wolves MM | DoB: Feburary 7^th, 1994 |

If you like size on the front end, Justin Kea is a player to get excited for, as he checks in at 6.03, 185 pounds, and has a lot of room to fill out. His size really allows him to be strong on the puck, and utilizes it to drive the net. For his large frame Kea really has a finesse aspect to his game as he skates well, has a good skill set, and decent hockey sense, but needs to use it on a nightly basis. Kea’s consistency could end up being his worst enemy and needs to find his “A” game night in night out. He is another player that has a really high ceiling as long as he has the right motivation and the right people coaching him.

2009 1^st Round Pick: F David Broll (10)
2008 1^st Round Pick: F Greg McKegg (2)
2007 1^st Round Pick: F Ryan O’Reilly (1)
2006 1^st Round Pick: D Mitch Gaulton (4)

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12^th Overall Selection – Guelph Storm: LC Connor Crisp
HT: 6.02 | WT: 210 lbs. | York Simcoe Express MM | DoB: August 4^th, 1994 | Alliston, ON

Connor Crisp is a player that fits directly into the defensive style of the Guelph Storm. The team tried to stray from the defensive system this season, but struggled to play a run-and-gun offensive style, so it is likely they draft players into the system that works. Crisp plays a real simple game and really excels in the defensive and neutral zones of the ice. Even with good size at 6.02, 210 pounds, Crisp has great mobility, which is a catalyst towards his strong board play. At times Crisp seems to have a low offensive IQ and seems to force the puck. He needs to settle into his role, and could benefit from not being the go to player on his team.

2009 1^st Round Pick: F Carter Sandlak (11)
2008 1^st Round Pick: F Cody McNaughton (12)
2007 1^st Round Pick: F Peter Holland (11)
2006 1^st Round Pick: F Anthony Nigro (15)

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13^th Overall Selection – Saginaw Spirit: F Cristoval Nieves
HT: 6.02 | WT: 175 lbs. | Syracuse Nationals U-16 | DoB: January 23^rd, 1994

Cristoval “Boo” Nieves is another American born player who is likely to make the trek to play in the OHL next season. Nieves is seen as an offensively gifted player with a pass first mentality and a set of soft hands. With a large 6.02, 175 pound frame, there is a lot of room for Nieves to fill out and become a more solid overall player. In games he can tend to shy away from the physical play and physical game he can get knocked of stride. All indications are that Nieves has a lot of room to grow and become a top notch hockey player; he just needs to work at it. He needs to play a more physical style with his large frame, and needs to understand when he needs to shoot the puck. Because of his pass first mentality, Nieves will sometimes pass when he has a clear shot on net, and results in a missed scoring opportunity. Nieves could be a real wildcard in the draft as many saw him being a surefire member of the USNTDP next year.

2009 1^st Round Pick: F Anthony Camara (14)
2008 1^st Round Pick: F Brandon Saad (10)
2007 1^st Round Pick: F Daniel Pachis (16)
2006 1^st Round Pick: D Nick Crawford (12)

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14^th Overall Selection – Sault Ste Marie Greyhounds: LW Chris Marchese
HT: 6.01 | WT: 180 lbs. | Toronto Marlboros MM | DoB: February 23^rd, 1994 | Toronto, ON

Chris Marchese is a real solid two-way forward with good offensive instincts. Marchese is a fluent skater and is able to change his speeds on the rush, a real asset against opposing defenseman. In the offensive zone he knows his place on the ice and uses it to his advantage, utilizing his quick wrist shot. In the defensive zone he covers his point man really well and knows his assignment. He is a player with a lot of offensive upside and could be one of those sleeper picks in the latter first round. Along side Daniel Cantenacci and Nick Cousins, Marchese could really bring his game up to the next level and be a force in the OHL in time.

2009 1^st Round Pick: F Daniel Catenacci (1)
2008 1^st Round Pick: D Brock Beukeboom (18)
2007 1^st Round Pick: F Jordan Mayer (13)
2006 1^st Round Pick: F Jame Livingston (5)

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15^th Overall Selection – Plymouth Whalers: LW Sean Monahan
HT: 6.01 | WT: 170 lbs. | Mississauga Rebels MM | DoB: October, 12^th, 1994 | Brampton, ON

Sean Monahan is a player that has been discussed to great lengths due to his phenomenal performance at the 2010 OHL Cup. He was initially seen as a player who would go in the top 80 in this season’s draft class, but has really made a name for himself since the tournament. Monahan has a good skill set with good size, but at times gets flustered and makes poor decisions. Consistency is a major issue for Monahan and is something that has people worried. At times he needs to compete harder and work harder on the back check, as he likes to loop instead of stopping and starting.

2009 1^st Round Pick: F Garrett Meurs (13)
2008 1^st Round Pick: F Tyler Seguin (9)
2007 1^st Round Pick: D Beau Schmitz (19)
2006 1^st Round Pick: F Vern Cooper (13)

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16^th Overall Selection – Ottawa 67s: RD Alex Gudbranson
HT: 6.02 | WT: 169 lbs. | Ottawa Jr. 67’s MM | DoB: September 4^th, 1994 | Orleans, ON

Alex Gudbranson is another solid defenseman in this draft class, but could be ranked a little high at the 16th selection. A player that could potentially have a high ceiling has some areas to work on. Firstly, his skating needs work and could be a liability at the OHL level. His weakness transitionally hinders his offensively ability, which will likely make his role a shut down defenseman at the OHL level. Gudbranson has a big frame and enjoys using it as he plays with a physical edge. Cody Ceci and Alex Gudbranson, both eligible for the 2012 NHL Entry Draft could make a name for themselves as outstanding defensive pair at the OHL level. Gudbranson needs to adapt to his role of being a defensive defenseman, and if he can do this the reward could be a very nice one for the 67s.

2009 1^st Round Pick: D Cody Ceci (16)
2008 1^st Round Pick: F Tyler Toffoli (7)
2007 1^st Round Pick: F Michael Latta (6)
2006 1^st Round Pick: D Tyler Cuma (6)

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17^th Overall Selection – Mississauga Majors: LC Michael Clarke
HT: 6.00 | WT: 150 lbs. | London Jr. Knights Gold MM | DoB: April 29^th, 1994 | London, ON

Michael Clarke is a great center coming out of London. Clarke may not have the most talent of any player selected in the first round, but he is a smart, blue-collar type hockey player. Clarke really sees the ice well, generally knows where all of his teammates are. Once he has the puck he is very hard to knock off of it as he is very strong on his skates with great mobility. Clarke is not a player that cheats on the ice, and ensures that he plays a two-way game. He starts and stops well and doesn’t loop if he happens to lose the puck. If drafted by the Majors I see Clarke easily adapting to their system based on his playing style.

2009 1^st Round Pick: D Stuart Percy (15)
2008 1^st Round Pick: F Devante Smith-Pelly (8)
2007 1^st Round Pick: F Casey Cizikas (3)
2006 1^st Round Pick: F Dylan O’Neil (10)

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18^th Overall Selection – Kitchener Rangers: RD Nick Ebert
HT: 6.01 | WT: 185 lbs. | Waterloo Black Hawks | DoB: May 11^th, 1994 | Livingston, NJ

Already playing with the Waterloo Black Hawks of the USHL, Nick Ebert should also be able to transition easily into the OHL. Ebert is a smooth skating defenseman who can, in time, quarterback a power play. Ebert still has some shortcomings defensively, but his defensive game should come around in time. As a 15 year-old playing in the USHL, Ebert notched five goals for seventeen points in 51 games this season. Ebert has been rumoured to be an average student, which means that the OHL appears to be a viable option for this blue-chip defenseman. It has also be stated that Ebert is not a lock for the OHL either, and may not come to the league unless drafted by one of the league’s more premier teams, which is why the Rangers could be a team that takes a chance on getting a player of his caliber this late in the first round.

2009 1^st Round Pick: D Ryan Murphy (3)
2008 1^st Round Pick: F Jeff Skinner (20)
2007 1^st Round Pick: D Cam Fowler (18)
2006 1^st Round Pick: F Nazem Kadri (18)

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19^th Overall Selection – London Knights: RD Max Iafrate
HT: 6.01 | WT: 183 lbs. | Detroit Belle Tire U-16 | DoB: March 28^th, 1994 | Livonia, MI

Max Iafrate is an American high-end defenseman who may have as much talent as any defenseman in the draft, but lacks one component to his game, defense. Iafrate has a lot of work to do on his defensive game in order to be a solid player in the OHL. He can be seen making high risk passes or allowing his man to get in behind him, which will be further exploited at the next level. On the plus side, he could likely one day run a power play unit at this level, and could easily have one of the hardest shots in the draft. There is a good chance of Iafrate coming to the OHL next season, especially if he is drafted by one of the more notable teams in the league.

2009 1^st Round Pick: D Scott Harrington (19)
2008 1^st Round Pick: F Christian Thomas (13)
2007 1^st Round Pick: G Michael Zador (20)
2006 1^st Round Pick: F Philip McRae (20)

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20^th Overall Selection – Windsor Spitfires: LW Kerby Rychel
HT: 6.00 | WT: 184 lbs. | Detroit Belle Tire U-16 | DoB: October 7^th, 1994 | Tecumseh, ON

Kerby Rychel would generally be a surprise pick in the first round, but this could potentially be the only chance that Warrens Rychel would be able to select his son. Rychel is not a going to be an offensive dynamo in the OHL, but could turn out to be a good grinding winger. He sees the ice well and knows what is going on, but lacks the speed to execute a majority of the time. His skating has improved a lot throughout the season, but still is not at a level that would deem his speed adequate at the OHL level. At times throughout the year he struggled to find the net, and seems to lack finishing talent. This player will not be eligible to be drafted until the 2013 NHL Entry Draft due to his late birthdate.

2009 1^st Round Pick: F Austen Brassard (20)
2008 1^st Round Pick: D Cam Fowler (17)
2007 1^st Round Pick: F Taylor Hall (2)
2006 1^st Round Pick: F Greg Nemisz (7)

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21^st Overall Selection – Barrie Colts: LD Adam Pelech
HT: 6.02 | WT: 185 lbs. | Toronto Marlboros MM | DoB: August 18^th, 1994 | Toronto, ON

All indications are that Adam Pelech will not become an offensive force in the OHL, but could become a great shutdown defenseman, who plays on the penalty kill. There are likely numerous other bodies that could be slotted in to the final pick of the first round, but Adam Pelech has prove that he should warrant a first round selection. He is able to box out opposing forwards with his big body, and sees the defensive zone very well. He is able to cover for his defense partner if in trouble due to his good defensive awareness.

2009 1^st Round Pick: F Ryan Strome (8)
2008 1^st Round Pick: D Ryan O’Connor (6)
2007 1^st Round Pick: F Mitch Lebar (17)
2006 1^st Round Pick: F Stefan Della Rovere (16)

Tags: 2010 ohl draft, 2010 ohl draft prospects, Adam Pelech, Alex Gudbranson, Alexander Galchenyuk, Brendan Gaunce, Chris Marchese, Connor Crisp, Cristoval Nieves, Gianluca Curcuruto, Jarrod Maidens, Justin Kea, Kerby Rychel, Kirby Rychel, Marcus McIvor, Matia Marcantuoni, Matthew Campagna, Matthew Finn, Max Iafrate, Michael Clarke, Nick Ebert, Scott Laughton, Sean Monahan, Slater Koekkoek

About the Author: Mike Kloepfer

I am currently a fourth year Laurentian University student, working on a Sports Administration degree (BComm). I’ve been a fan of hockey my entire life, and in high school I started to realize that it might be a viable career option. In particular, I am an avid fan of the OHL and have been fortunate enough to work a pair of internships with OHL teams. Last season I did some marketing work with the Sudbury Wolves, and this season I’m continuing to broaden my knowledge with the Guelph Storm. My long term goals are to work on the business side of a hockey club, but I would also love to do some scouting work as well if I secure a job with an OHL team. Email: [email protected]