A little off topic (my apologies), but are you or Tigers familiar with the '97 GTHL class? Is it considered a strong group? I watched the Marlies and Vaughn Kings Bantams and came away thinking it wasn't up to the level as some of the other top Bantam teams I have seen from the GTHL in recent years. Thanks.
I'm not sure to be honest. I haven't gotten to see any '97s outside of McDavid. I can't imagine it's as strong as the '96 class, which is the best class the OHL has seen in years. I watched Dylan Strome a few years ago, Ryan's younger brother, and you could notice he had talent.
As for the GTHL, I'm sure there'll be players coming from all over Ontario to play in the GTHL as there is every year.
It's weird because Ho-sang had that same problem in Bantam with not utilizing his teammates enough but when he played with the 95's he played a lot different and did very well moving the puck with guys like Cianfrone and Ritchie etc. He is so good, he could easily do it if he wanted too.
And that's what I see him doing at the next level. As a 16-year-old that is. Ho-Sang's a smart player, he does those end-to-end rushes in MM because he can. Which is why when playing against players a year older, he simplified his game.
McDavid is hands down a phenomenal prospect and only getting better. His hands and vision are something that you just don't see everyday. The combination of him and Ho-sang are just lethal. I will never forget the first time catching a glimpse of McDavid's play in Major Peewee while waiting to watch a Minor Midget game at a tournament. He was very impressing and you saw the potential at a young age. I found it a bit creepy when you got agents stocking the kid before him playing a game of Minor Bantam.
Great post, I definitely agree. McDavid should be pretty well-known by now, especially after playing in the OHL Cup last year with the '95s.