Yakupov sustained a knee injury in overtime against Sweden which could reportedly keep him out of the Sarnia lineup for at least a month.

D Olli Maatta – Team Finland

Maatta had a tournament to forget. And with the seismic collision he had with Boone Jenner on Boxing Day that probably won’t be too hard to do.

Maatta was victimized for both of Canada’s first two goals, earning himself an early minus two in the first period of preliminary play. Then, before the first period was out, he was absolutely leveled by Canadian wrecking ball Boone Jenner and his tournament was over before he ever really got going. He did not play another game and is currently out of the Knights lineup with a concussion.

Maatta likely remains a first round pick this year, but how long he is out for could hurt his draft stock. He definitely did not impress anyone in the one period of play he had at the WJC.

He told me when I caught up with him following a game against the Spitfires in October that representing his country at the World Juniors was even more important than where he was drafted in the spring. You have to feel bad for a kid who wanted so badly to help his country to gold, but was only able to play a period of hockey for Finland. With Finland down several defensemen and relying on 17-year-old blue liners, they could have used Maatta’s international experience.

RW Nail Yakupov – Team Russia

Yakupov has been sitting comfortably in first place in everyone’s 2012 draft projections all year long.
After getting a chance to see he and Grigorenko on the same ice surface, I may need to re-order the depth chart a little bit.

I’m not saying Yakupov was bad. In fact, far from it. At times, he looked like the best player on the ice in games filled with very talented players. He showed off a very nice playmaking touch throughout the tournament, finishing T-1st with Mikael Granlund in assists with nine.

However, Yakupov didn’t register a single goal in the entire tournament, and for a guy who has scored 70 goals in 91 OHL games, I think that came as a surprise to everyone.

Head-to-head, Grigorenko looked like the better player for much of the tournament. His tournament was derailed with a nasty looking leg injury against Latvia, but when they were both healthy, Grigorenko was much more noticeable.

In fact, it wasn’t until Grigorenko was injured that Yakupov really started lighting it up offensively.
I think Yakupov could easily still go first overall, but for now I think we have a new number one.

With the win, Russia won its first gold medal at the U17 level since 2000.

Ironically, it was a couple of undersized players who really turned heads in the gold medal game of the recently completed World Under-17 Hockey Challenge.

It was a rematch of the December 30 game that saw the US lose 3-2 despite outshooting Russia 53-22, with goaltender Nikita Serebryakov playing the role of spoiler.

In the gold medal game, won 7-4 by Russia, 5’7” 150 lb Sergei Tolchinski netted a hat trick in the most bizarre of fashions.

His first goal came on a shorthanded odd man rush, where he took a feed from Ruzal Galeyev and made a nice move around goaltender Hunter Miska.

In the third period, Tolchinski blazed into the American zone, again shorthanded. This time, he was fouled and denied a scoring opportunity on his breakaway, resulting in a penalty shot. Tolchinski showed off his quick hands and lifted a shot over Miska when he went for the poke-check.

Tolchinski capped his memorable night with an awarded goal. With Russia and the US each down a man, the United States pulled their goalie in the final minute of play. Tolchinski again found himself on a breakway, and again was fouled from behind. However, with Miska located on the bench rather than in the crease, the rules state to award a goal instead of a penalty shot.

It was an even smaller player that nearly got the US back into the game earlier in the third period. 5’6” 130 lb Anthony Louis, of Winfield, Illinois scored on an absolute laser of a wrist shot to cut the Russian lead to 5-4.

Louis nearly tied the score on his next shift, dancing through the Russian defense before being turned aside by Nikita Serebryakov.

Louis was a one-man wrecking ball for the US, almost willing them back into the game on his own. It seemed like every time he was on the ice, something positive was happening for the United States.
“Anthony Louis, you might want to dismiss him because he’s not the biggest of guys, but he’s a terrific player,” said Craig Button, who was at the game providing color commentary for TSN.

Despite giving up nearly a foot to some of his teammates and opponents, Louis didn’t back down from anybody. He played physically, he played in traffic and more often than not it was him coming up with the puck from a scrum. He was incredibly impressive, period, not just for a player of his stature. He finished second on the team in goals and points.

Louis, who is a London Knights draft pick, drew comparisons to another Knights product. While I was watching Louis stickhandle through the Russian defense, his jersey flying behind him, it came to me -
Patrick Kane.

Kane is a Stanley Cup Champion with the Chicago Blackhawks who was drafted first overall in 2007 despite his below-average size. However, it wasn’t just their height that made me think of Louis and Kane.
It might have been the way they both hold their hands close together on the stick and are able to create a lot of whip on their wrist shot.

It might have been the nifty dekes through traffic to get to the scoring areas.

It may have been the way that despite his size, he was nearly impossible to knock off the puck, or the swagger they both seem to play with.

Whatever it was, I feel like it’s a comparison that fits, and while it is huge stretch to think Louis would be drafted anywhere near first overall in 2013, it is not outside the realm of possibility that he could creep his way into the first round or higher.

One thing is certain, don’t count out Anthony Louis. If you do, he’ll be more than happy to prove you wrong.

The 1st overall pick in the 2011 USHL Futures Draft, Cammarata already has 28 points in only 25 games, putting him in a tie for 9th in league scoring.

If you look at Taylor Cammarata only on paper, most people would immediately write him off as an undersized forward who has no future in hockey. Not so fast. Cammarata may not be that impressive on paper, but he plays a big role in every game. The 5-foot-6, 145 lbs. forward has been doing nothing but impressing not only scouts and coaches, but dazzling fans with his skilled, explosive game. To see a 16-year-old doing this well in the USHL – the best junior league in the United States – is absolutely astonishing.

Cammarata is great skater and is very quick and nimble on his feet. He has the ability to find the soft spots in the offensive zone and exploit the defensive breakdowns he causes by getting “lost in the crowd” with his small frame. Cammarata can get from anywhere in the offensive zone to any other point in the zone lightning quick and defensemen often lose track of him. His shot is a big strength. It’s unusual to see a guy with such a small frame with a booming wrist shot, but Cammarata’s got it. Vision in the offensive zone has also been a big strength with him making the right passes at the right times. I’ve had the pleasure of watching Cammarata play five times this season starting at the Fall Classic in September and he’s continuously gotten better in every viewing. His biggest strength has been his ability to adjust to the speed and physicality of the USHL with his size and age.

It’s unusual to see a guy with such a small frame with a booming wrist shot, but Cammarata’s got it.

As for weaknesses in Cammarata’s game, his biggest weakness is obviously his size. 5-foot-6 is definitely not what coaches and scouts look for in a player, but there’s a guy who comes around every now and again where his skill outweighs his size. I firmly believe Cammarata is that guy. Just like Rocco Grimaldi a year ago, people have been doubting Cammarata all his playing career, but he just keeps impressing at every level he plays at. Cammarata still hasn’t really developed a solid defensive game yet either. He is very much focused on his play in the offensive zone, and it’s been paying off, but Cammarata doesn’t seem to back check all that much. He will need to develop and edge to his game if he wants to keep developing and dominating at the next level.

Cammarata hasn’t signed an NCAA D1 letter of intent yet, and at only 16-years-old, he has plenty of time to make that decision. Players like Cammarata usually make great collegiate players but don’t pan out at the professional level. I expect Cammarata to break that mold. I am sure he will be an outstanding collegiate player, but I expect him to be fairly successful at the professional level as well. Looking forward to the 2013 NHL Draft, I don’t expect teams to take a shot at him in the first two or three rounds, but whoever decides to take Taylor Cammarata is drafting a small forward that knows how to find open ice and bury the puck in the net when it’s on his stick.

Hudson Fasching is one of the many '95 born American forwards with NHL upside. Photo: Dax Melmer, The Windsor Star.

Well, not quite – but almost. The annual tournament pitting the world’s best young international hockey players is going on at three rinks within a 10 minute drive from my house. Needless to say, I will be living at a hockey rink for the next little while.

I had a chance to take in a round robin game between the United States and Russia at Windsor’s WFCU Centre, a game that featured no shortage of high-end talent. Here’s my report on some of the top 95’s who were involved.

Team USA

D #74 Will Butcher 01/06/1995 5’11” 175 US-NTDP

Butcher was drafted by the Windsor Spitfires in the 10th round of the 2011 OHL priority selection but has committed to the NCAA route. Butcher is a highly skilled offensive defenseman, the likes of which Windsor has been sorely missing this season with Ryan Ellis turning professional and could certainly benefit from.

Butcher is an excellent power play quarterback because of his superb vision and puck distribution skills. He has good offensive instincts and can pass a player open. What I mean by that is, though a player might look like he is covered, or that a pass cannot find him due to traffic, Butcher can thread the needle and find the player for a scoring chance.

His shot isn’t pro-quality in terms of velocity – not surprising given the fact that he doesn’t turn 17 until January – but he is usually able to get it on net, which is often more important than how hard it gets there.

Butcher’s biggest issue is skating. I was very surprised to see that Butcher lacks a top skating gear. In fact, he is probably below average in terms of foot speed. He gets around the ice well enough, but he doesn’t win many races to the puck. In fact, he was beaten on several occasions where he had a head-start on his man.

Butcher makes up for not being a burner by having very, very good hands. He can stickhandle through neutral zone traffic very well, which means he doesn’t need to blaze up the ice to be effective.
Butcher did leave something to be desired in terms of his defensive zone positioning and his attention to detail in his own zone, but again being that he is just 17 he still has plenty of time to work on that side of his game.

F #93 Michael McCarron 03/07/1995 6’5” 220 US-NTDP

Mike McCarron is huge. There is no other way of saying it. He towers over everyone else on the ice, and he seems to recognize his strengths and limitations in that respect.

McCarron plays what I like to call a no-frills game. He plays simple, straight line hockey. He goes to the net and sets up shop. When he has the puck, he’s not looking to get fancy with it. He either shoots it or gets it to one of his teammates. He isn’t going to beat anyone in a stickhandling contest or a race, so he doesn’t bother trying. You like to see that a guy like that understands what his role and capabilities are, and McCarron clearly does.

D #52 Steven Santini 03/07/1995 6’2” 205 US-NTDP

Santini isn’t as polished offensively as Butcher is, but he does distribute the puck well enough. He shoots the puck harder than Butcher, but his offensive instincts aren’t quite as good. Santini was a very highly regarded prospect for the 2011 OHL Priority Selection but has committed to Boston College for 2013.

Santini’s biggest positive is that he plays with a bit of a mean streak. He laid the body quite a bit on a smaller Russian team. He did get nailed with a boarding penalty at one point when he took the physical play a little too far.

Santini was beaten by the Russian’s on a two-on-one that he misplayed, resulting in Russia’s third goal of the night. Santini tried to take away the puck-carrier, Vladislav Lysenko, instead of leaving the shooter to the goalie like every defenseman is taught to play an odd-man rush. Instead, Lysenko was able to slip the puck through to Grigori Dikushin, who beat goaltender Hunter Miska on a nice backhand.

F #55 Hudson Fasching 07/28/1995 6’3” 190 US-NTDP

Facshing was named the US player of the game against Russia. He scored the second US goal in their eventual 3-2 loss by doing exactly what his coach asked of him: go to the net.

Coach Don Granato said after the game that to be effective, his team needs to get pucks low and then get bodies to the net. Fasching scored his goal by finding the puck in a scrum in the crease and poking it home. Fasching was used a lot as a net-front presence, and that was when he was at his most effective.

F #77 JT Compher 04/08/1995 6’0” 160 US-NTDP

Just about any time there was a scrum after the play or words being exchanged on the ice, Compher was the catalyst. He played with a chip on his shoulder and was under the Russians skin almost immediately.

F #43 Tyler Motte 03/10/1995 5’10” 165 US-NTDP

Motte is serving as captain for the American team in this tournament and was likely chosen for that role because he does everything full-out. He played at a high tempo, and provided energy for his team. Motte is one of the top scorers in the team, and while undersized, he plays a very responsible two-way game that earns him heavy minutes.

F #40 Evan Allen 02/03/1995 5’11” 185 US-NTDP

Like Butcher, Allen is also a Windsor draft pick (15th round – 2011). Unlike Butcher, he came in with far less fanfare. He is listed on the depth chart as USA’s fourth line left winger, and a guy they count on to play hard and provide a spark physically. Instead, he’s become their leading scorer and has the second most goals in the tournament.

After scoring twice in a win over the Czechs, Allen got the USA on the board in the third period against Russia. Their first goal came on their 36th shot on net (Russia had two on 14 shots at that point). Allen came in on a partial breakaway and snapped a shot between the legs of Nikita Serebryakov.

Allen also drew a penalty later in the third period when he was hooked on a breakway. Despite being fouled, Allen was nearly able to sneak a backhand up and over Serebryakov, just ringing it off the crossbar.

Allen was also out during the final minute of play for the USA with the net empty when they were pushing for the tying goal.

Russia

F #10 Sergei Tolchinski 02/03/1995 5’7” 150 CSKA Moscow

What Tolchinski lacks in size, he makes up for in competitiveness. Despite giving up nearly a foot in height to the biggest American skaters, Tolchinski didn’t back down from confrontation, and at times through his body around to make a big hit.

That’s not really the focal point of Tolchinski’s game, though. Tolchinski is a dazzling stickhandler. All you have to do for evidence of his puck control is type his name into YouTube. He scored a beauty of a goal by toe-dragging around US defender Keaton Thompson and then holding off Will Butcher while snapping the puck past Miska. Tolchinski was also used by the Russian coaches on their penalty kill unit, a testament to his compete level.

F #7 Grigori Dikushin 01/20/1995 5’9” 150 Green Bay (USHL)

Dikushin is one of two Russian skaters currently playing in North America. Dikushin showed off good puck skills, as evidenced in his third period goal where he fit a backhander into a tiny window afforded to him by Miska. He distributed the puck well and was involved in a lot of Russia’s chances offensively.

The problem with Dikushin was that he was caught cherry-picking on many occasions at the USA blue line, while the puck was still deep in the Russian end. Russian defenders would recover the puck and try to spring him loose, but often it didn’t make it out of the zone and Russia would be forced to defend with less than a full complement of skaters, due to Dikushin having flown the zone.

G #30 Nikita Serebryakov 11/01/1995 5’10” 178 Dynamo Moscow

Not even eligible until the 2014 draft, Serebryakov was the story of the game. He absolutely stole the show, making highlight reel saves from start to finish. In all, he turned aside 51 of 53 American shots on net, single-handedly stealing the game for his team. Russia was outshot 53-22 but won the game 3-2 thanks to his heroics.

Ladue has been a steady contributor in his first USHL season.

Lincoln Stars rookie defenseman Paul Ladue is heading into the Christmas break with a very successful first half of the season in the books. Ladue, a Grand Forks, ND native is making huge strides this year in his first USHL season. On the blueline for the Stars, he has already racked up 12 points which has him tied for tenth in USHL scoring for defenseman.

His performance this year has already gotten him a scholarship offer from the University of North Dakota and some are saying that if he keeps playing at the pace he is, a few NHL teams will take a long look at the smooth skating defenseman this June.

Ladue is a very solid two-way defenseman. His game fits very well in Lincoln’s power play, which generates the majority of it’s scoring chances from the point. Ladue is the corner stone of the Stars power play, and that has resulted in 6 points on the power play, and the Stars having the second best power play percentage in the USHL. The 6’2”, 185 lb. defenseman has great hands and sees the ice incredibly well.

From the point, Ladue always finds a way to get the puck down low and create scoring opportunities for his teammates. In the defensive zone, Ladue has a big presence for the Stars, playing an incredibly controlled and solid game. One of the most important stats on Ladue’s stat sheet is the fact that in 22 games, Ladue has not taken one penalty. That’s the kind of controlled play that coaches and scouts love to see, and it’s resulted in Ladue having one of the best +/-’s on the team.

Going forward, Ladue will certainly attract a lot of attention from NHL scouts. He is a third-year eligible player this year and only time will tell if he gets his name called in June. Paul Ladue is certainly a name that everyone will want to keep an eye on heading into the second half of the USHL season leading up to June’s NHL Draft.

Pearson has quickly become one of the most dominant offensive players in the OHL.

14th Round OHL Pick. 2 years in Jr. B. Undrafted in 2010 and 2011. The resume may not scream NHL 1st rounder, but Pearson’s play is making a compelling case to change that in 2012.

The 19-year-old Kitchener, Ont. native was an effective player for the Barrie Colts a season ago, but 2011 has been nothing short of dominance. As of publication time, Pearson has racked up some pretty ridiculous numbers so far this season. 22 goals and 60 points is a good season for most, but Pearson has managed to tally these numbers in only 28 games this season. The Colts winger also has a 12-point lead in the OHL scoring race, and has notched at least 1 point in 26 of 28 games played.Keep in mind, Pearson has been passed over in two straight NHL Drafts.

In all fairness, I don’t think anybody saw this type of season coming, but it’s nothing short of a guarantee that Pearson will hear his name called in Pittsburgh next summer. The only question is – How high?

At this point in time, I have to ponder if the answer to that question isn’t the 1st round. While it is rare for players in their 3rd year of draft eligibility to go high, it’s not unheard of. Most recently, Viktor Tikhonov was selected 28th overall in 2008 during his 3rd year of draft eligibility. Finnish netminder Mikko Koskinen was also selected 31st overall by the New York Islanders in 2009, his 4th year of draft eligibility.

Despite both of those players being European, Pearson is certainly making a case to join their company. Pearson’s incredible start to the OHL season this year has generated a lot of buzz around hockey circles. So much so that Pearson has been invited to the Canadian World Junior Camp and I personally would be quite surprised if he doesn’t end up cracking the Under 20 roster. There is certainly a consensus that he’s a lock to be drafted next summer, but there seems to be no consensus about just where he may slot in.

Allow me to pose a question: Why not the 1st round? I’ve seen quite a bit of OHL action this season, and taking everything into account, I am starting to believe that the 1st round could become a reality for him. He has the size to play at the next level, competes hard, skates well, and has really become a dynamic offensive player off the rush and in the offensive zone. The numbers don’t lie, he’s been extremely consistent this season, and frankly, he’s become a player you notice in every game.

We’ll learn a lot about what type of player Tanner Pearson is at the World Junior camp, and potentially during the World Juniors, but for now, Pearson’s play is making a statement that an NHL 1st round pick is certainly within the realm of possibilities.

Troy Bourke has had a difficult time building upon a solid rookie season a year ago.

11. D Cody Corbett – Edmonton

This is my darkhorse that scouts are still trying to get to know. To this point he only has 2 points in 7 games but has a style of game that looks very translatable to the pro level. Thick bodied Dman that can play in a variety of roles. Looks very comfortable with the puck and plays the point on the power play very well. The Oil Kings are very deep on the backend, so I’m not sure how much opportunity will be there for him, but I think he will find a way to break through once he finds some comfort on his team and in his role. Last Rank: NR

12. C Brendan Leipsic – Portland

Leipsic has had a season much like his teammate Derrick Pouliot. He has been hot some games, ineffective in others. Unlike Pouliot, Leipsic’s predecessor, Ryan Johnasen, has not come back to Portland, forcing Leipsic into some bigger roles, ones that I don’t think he is quite ready for. Leipsic is a small, dynamic player. Great hands, great speed, just not big enough to get to the hard areas of the ice. Leipsic will be a gamble pick by anyone who takes him. Last Rank: #8

13. LW Troy Bourke – Prince George

Bourke is likely the player on the list that is having the most disappointing start to his year. I had him ranked as the best forward out of the Dub this year and the numbers are just not coming very frequently for him. Prince George, as a team, have the least amount of goals for in the WHL. I believe everyone is missing the contributions of Brett Connelly, a player that stuck with the Lightning. A 17 and 16 year old in Bourke and Forsberg are expected to lead this team offensively, isn’t an ideal situation for either of them. Last Rank: #7

14. LW Dominik Volek – Edmonton

Volek is a player that found a niche in Regina and is thriving in a secondary scoring role. He has some nice versatility in his game. I think he’s a player that’s still adapting to the North American game, but he some nice skills that he has shown off. Quick skater, quick release, and utilizes his speed very well to generate scoring chances. It will be interesting to see how he evolves in Regina with a lot of other players also trying to make names for themselves. All being said, a strong start for Volek thus far. Last Rank: NR

15. RW Brendan Troock – Seattle

A very slow start for Troock to start the year, but I am still mesmerized by this player because there seems to be a big, solid hockey player in there somewhere. The thing that is hurting him the most is his skating, despite his size, his isn’t very strong on his skates. He only has 6 points in 17 games and is -10. If someone takes a gamble on him, he is a true project. He has the hockey body, but someone will need to redefine his game and his skating. Last Rank: #17

16. C Brandon Magee – Victoria

I love the way Magee plays the game. He’s tenacious, play with a high motor and never gives up on a play. The thing lacking in his game is size. The size kind of hurts in battles but it will really hurt him when it comes to durability. He is averaging a point a game to this point for a Victoria team that has been very inconsistent. Last Rank: #12

17. C Steven Hodges – Victoria

Hodges plays a decent two-way game, seems to have found an offensive gear this year, already achieving a points high of 19. Hodges seems to be finding a way to contribute secondary scoring on a team that desperately needs it. Hodges is a player that I will be keeping my eye on more as the season progresses. Last Rank: NR

18. C Mike Winther – Prince Albert

Winther is having a decent year despite his Prince Albert team struggling to find wins. Winther plays a solid two-way game. Kind of a utility knife type player that can play in a variety of roles. Great skater, reminds me of a Todd Marchant type. Someone looking for this type of player would be wise to look the way on Winther. Last Rank: NR

19. G Chris Dreidger – Calgary

Goaltenders in the WHL are a tough breed to gauge in their draft years, unless they are total studs like Carey Price. Tyler Bunz, I thought was a stiff of a pick for the Oilers, has turned into one of the best junior goalies in all of Canada. I get an inkling Driedger is on the same curve. Some games he looks great, others he looks blah. The good news for him is he will get a lot of looks in Calgary, a team that is trying to get out of the basement of the WHL, looking for respect. Last Rank: #19

20. LW Chandler Stephenson – Regina

Stephenson’s year has been one of wild inconstancy. Looks like a first rounder some nights and other nights looks like he doesn’t belong in the WHL. It will be interesting to see how Stephenson, Volek, and Klimchuk all push each other thoughout the year. Last Rank: #9

Ryan Murray is tops on the list despite a less than perfect start to the season.

1. D Ryan Murray – Everett

I’m giving Murray the benefit of the doubt here, because his play has slipped a bit while some other have either been stable or ramped up their play. Murray still has high hockey sense and strong work ethic, but his Everett team has struggled this year. They were not very good with him and terrible without him. Murray is currently out with a high ankle sprain that should keep him out until December. Top pairing capabilities. Last Rank: #1

2. D Matt Dumba – Red Deer

Dumba has stayed on course through the first quarter of the season. A d-man with a penchant for a big play, either through making a rush up the ice, shooting cannons from the point or delivering open ice hits. His hockey sense is still somewhat in question with me and ultimately could hold him back as being a top pairing defenseman at the pro level but he is undeniably a highlight reel waiting to happen. Last Rank: #3

3. D Morgan Rielly – Moose Jaw

Rielly answered the questioned of whether or not he could bring Moose Jaw out of the doldrums and bring them to the next level. He has been the offensive catalyst for this team from the backend and has really become a tempo setter for the Warriors. Moose Jaw currently sits 3rd in their division and are well within the playoff threshold. Rielly, unfortunately, had his season ended by a torn ACL, he likely won’t get the opportunity to be higher than this spot. Last Rank: #4

4. D Griffin Reinhart – Edmonton

Reinhart is a player that doesn’t have a lot of “wow” factor in his game, but he is solid and steady, someone you want on the ice a lot of the time. As I mentioned in the previous poll, Reinhart was going to have to take one of his skills and make it elite. Reinhart has yet to do that. He started off slowly, got suspended for a knee on knee hit, but now has his game back up to stride. Someone looking for a big minute eating Dman that can contribute at both ends of the ice will look the way of Reinhart. Reinhart slipped only because Dumba and Rielly really upped their games. Last rank: #2

5. D Derrick Pouliot – Portland

Pouliot’s season thus far has run hot and cold, much like his Portland team. Pouliot got off to a real hot start, but has tapered off a bit as Joe Morrow came back from the Penguins camp to take back his #1 spot on the team. Pouliot has some offensive ability, his real value comes as being a point man on the power play. Pouliot’s game at times seems to succumb to indifference at times. He played better when he was the #1 option than being the 2nd fiddle. Pouliot will have to be better to crack the top 4. Last Rank: #5

6. D Damon Severson – Kelowna

Severson has had a strong year so far with the Rockets, already within a point of eclipsing his point totals from last year. Severson’s points have come in bunches and then will go long stretches without getting anything. Severson’s positional play is top notch. He has already established himself as a very dependable defender. Severson is on the cusp of breaking into the top 5. Last Rank: #6

7. RW Colten Sissons – Kelowna

Sissons had a feather put in his cap to start the year by naming him captain of the Rockets. Sissons, at the very will least will be an up and down winger that finishes checks and goes to the rough areas. At most, he could become a scoring power forward. Sissons just has that look to his game that scouts love. He’s a strapping player that keeps the game simple. He definitely has that Nathan Horton thing going on for him. It will be interesting to see where he ends up. Last Rank: #11

8. D Dalton Thrower – Saskatoon

Thrower is no stranger to making things happen on the ice. He embraces the physicality of the game, plays tough, blocks shots, contributes some offense. I don’t question his toughness but I question his hockey sense to a degree. He is coming along nicely in Saskatoon and Saskatoon is able to put him roles where he can succeed. If you’re a team looking for a high energy Dman, Thrower is that player. Last Rank: #10

9. LW Tim Bozon – Kamloops

Kamloops is off to a really strong start this year and Tim Bozon is one of the reasons why. Bozon is a player that has some offense to his game, but brings a real reliable game to both ends of the ice. He is 2nd on his team in plus/minus, 4th on his team in points and has shown himself to be a fine complementary player on the Blazers this season. He’s put himself on the radar with a strong start to the year. Last Rank: NR

10. RW Coda Gordon – Swift Current

Gordon is having a season much like Bozon is. The difference is the teams they play on. Kamloops is one of the best teams in the Dub, while Swift Current is a team trying to keep its head above water. Gordon is being featured on the top line with Taylor Vause and Adam Lowry. He is managaing to stay on the even side of the ledger while the rest of his team is heavy into the minuses. A strong start from Gordon gets him on the board. Last Rank: NR

Jones is looking to take his family bloodlines from the NBA to the NHL.

The United States has been no stranger to producing blue-chip prospects in recent years, and 2013 promises to unveil another one with Seth Jones poised to take his family’s bloodlines to a new professional sport.

For those unfamiliar with the story, Seth is the son of former NBA swing-man Ronald “Popeye” Jones. Seth, a native of Plano, Tex., is one of the top undrafted American players, but Jones will have to wait an extra year as his late 1994 birthdate won’t make him eligible until the 2013 NHL Entry Draft. With an imposing 6’3” 200lbs. stature, Jones already possesses NHL size and has a talented skill-set to supplement it.

The right-shot defenseman has excellent skating skills for his size and raw athletic ability which should allow him to transition to the NHL as early as Age 19. Through the first 17 games of the 2011-12 season, Jones has already tallied 1 goal and 8 assists with the NTDP U18 team, and already has accrued valuable international experience.

The 17-year-old also has been lauded for his professional composure and valuable leadership intangibles, with his teammate Jacob Trouba commenting in a recent feature on NHL.com that “watching Seth (Jones) in practice has been amazing”, despite the fact Jones is still two years away from being NHL eligible.

With Trouba being considered as the top draft-eligible prospect in 2012, I recently asked The Hockey News’ Ryan Kennedy about who he would take between the two teammates if he had to choose. Kennedy called it a toss-up, ultimately boiling the decision down to the team’s drafting needs as Trouba is a more physical defenseman whereas Jones is more athletic and has more raw potential.

While Trouba and Jones will be draft-eligible in different seasons as a result of the differing birthdates, followers of the NTDP will be closely intrigued as their careers develop over the coming seasons.

I was also able to catch up with NTDP coach Danton Cole to talk about Jones as the team is fresh of their championship performance in the Four Nationals tournament in Switzerland this past weekend. Cole echoed many of the sentiments regarding Jones’ tremendous potential moving forward.

“He is an outstanding player both offensively and defensively,” Cole said. “He can dominate games for the full length of the ice and is a very mature and composed person on and off the ice. His leadership qualities are outstanding, and we forget he is the youngest player on our team. ”

Cole also mentioned that Jones does have some work in front of him as he continues to develop his game and utilize his physical potential.

“He needs to continue to gain strength, but he works extremely hard in the weight room to do that,” Cole said. “On the ice, he is a very solid player and has a polished game, but his challenge will be to continue to master his ability to play defense and improve his game every day. The best players in the world are never satisfied, and Seth has that demeanour. He realizes that even though he is a very good player, it’s up to him to push his limits to continue to improve.”

While Jones is certainly poised to continue his strong play with the U18 team this season, the questions will soon turn to where he plays the 2012-2013 season. Jones’ Major Junior rights are held by the Everett Silvertips, who selected him in the 1^st round back in 2009, but he will also have no shortage of NCAA options. For now, however, Jones will focus on a potential spot with the US World Junior team, and leading his team to Gold Medal Glory at the Spring Under 18’s.

2012 NHL Draft prospect Slater Koekkoek has taken his game to the next level in his 2nd OHL season.

The past few years haven’t been kind to fans of the Peterborough Petes. For a franchise with one of the most illustrious traditions in all of junior hockey, the Petes have struggled to maintain their winning tradition after winning the OHL crown in 2006.

2011 is a different story, however, as the Petes have assembled a stockpile of NHL calibre talent which has vaulted the team to the upper echelon of the OHL’s Eastern Conference Standings and put Peterborough back on the map as an OHL power. After catching the team in a couple of recent games here’s an update on some of the team’s players who are already NHL-Drafted or will be on the draft radar in the upcoming seasons.

LD Slater Koekkoek | 1994 | 2012 Eligible

Here’s a player who I firmly believe is going to have a very good NHL career in front of him. You will be hard pressed to find a defenseman who plays more minutes than Koekkoek, and this 17-year-old certainly doesn’t look out of place. Koekkoek has the size – although he’s still filling out the frame – and is a tremendous skater who can influence the pace of the game. He moves the puck extremely well and is very capable offensively. Koekkoek has also refined his defensive game quite nicely, and does a good job of dishing out hits and playing in all situations. Koekkoek is still a bit raw, but his overall package of skills is going to be very hard to pass up as he should be contending to be a Top 10 pick next June.

LW Matt Puempel | 1993 | OTT 2011 (1/24)

After being named the OHL’s Rookie of the Year in 2010, Puempel’s sophomore season was marred by season ending hip surgery. The numbers this year are not off the charts, but his play has taken another step. Puempel’s strength will always lie in his elite shot release and ability to find space in the scoring triangle, but I’ve been impressed with his ability to create offense on his own. When he came into the league, he was a passenger on the team’s big line, but Puempel has added a more dynamic element to his game which allows him to carry his line now. He’s got the skillset to play on a top NHL line and as long as his development path continues, he’s got a release that will allow him to score a lot of goals.

RC Austin Watson | 1992 | NAS 2010 (1/18)

Watson’s offensive game has never progressed as much as some would have hoped, but his all around game makes him a valuable prospect moving forward. You’d be hard pressed to find a better penalty killer in the OHL, and Watson’s versatility to play all three forward positions gives the coach some flexibility. Watson has good size and strength but needs to use it more consistently to generate offense. He’s a player who should be able to chip in offensively at the next level and provide some reliable minutes. He looks to be a safe bet to perform at the NHL level, but whether he can play on a 2^nd line or be reserved to a bottom 6 role remains to be seen.

LC Alan Quine | 1993 | DET 2011 (3/85)

Quine’s OHL career took a positive turn after a mid-season trade to the Petes last season, and he appears to have found some good chemistry so far playing alongside Puempel on the team’s top line. Quine is a very talented player and relies on smooth skating and a slick array of puck skills to generate offense. Concerns about NHL upside center on him being a little weak and easily pushed off the puck. He’s got the talent to be a player at the next level, but he needs to show he can battle through tight defense and consistently provide offense every night.

LW Nick Ritchie | 1995L | 2014 Eligible

The 2^nd overall pick in the 2011 OHL Priority Selection, Ritchie has had a nice start to his OHL career with 6 goals and 11 points through his first 19 games. Ritchie is an imposing winger who creates a lot of offense with his speed and ability to shield off checks. He’s a pretty north-south player who is most effective off the rush and loves to shoot the puck on the fly. I don’t think Ritchie has the high-end creativity that a lot of offensive players have, but his raw physical tools will be intriguing to see develop over the next couple of years.

RW Stephen Nosad | 1995 | 2013 Eligible

I have to give some credit to another Petes 16-year-old who is a real gamer. I saw Nosad several times with the York Simcoe Express last year and came away impressed every time. Nosad always finds ways to win battles and is a great two-way player for his age. Already trusted to play on the penalty kill, Nosad competes hard and has some intangibles which are going to make him a very good OHL player, and someone who should get some strong NHL draft consideration in two years.

It’s not difficult to find NHL calibre talent in Peterborough this year, as GM Dave Reid has done a strong job of building a roster that is primed for long-term success. It’s success that will be long overdue in the Lift Lock City, as their fans anxiously await meaningful spring hockey once again.