Hockey Prospect ranked US based players 1-6 (Fantilli at #1- Canadian in the US, the other 5 were Americans not expected to play in the O). Seems like one of those years where the US just has more horses than Ontario.
That said, I like what the team did with their first four picks:
1) Nicholas Moldenhauer RW (#24 OA Hockey Prospect ranking)- 23 goals in 33 games and a reputation for strong two way play. 5"10 and 155 pounds. Should be able to play 3-4th line this year;
2) Brady Stonehouse RW (#32 HP )- 5'9 and 165 known as a power forward who his teammates love for his tenaciousness and battling ability. His long HP writeup made him sound a bit like Keating- I would take that 100p;
3) Thomas Sirman D(#81)- 5'10, 173 lbs described as playing a feisty style and being a good puck mover. Younger brother of Will who played a couple games for the 67's two years ago;
4) Matthew Mayich D (#73)- 6' 150 with a late, December birthday. Big, late blooming kid who was the PP QB on a good team. Some thought that he could use another year in Junior A to bulk up and learn to play a bit more aggressively.
Some other good picks according to HP rankings:
5) Jacob Couchie (#164)- power forward type
6) Aidan Pulie (
#50)- good value at this spot for another power forward type- good size and skating with a strong work ethic- needs to refine some skills in Jr. A for another year
9) Will Gerrior (#103)- small player, but strong skater and exciting to watch. 29 goals in 45 games in HEO
13) Ryland Landon (#143)- big D out of Pembroke who is a high end skater but considered raw at this stage
We didn't take the high upside American kids this year like in other years though Cameron Korpi and Seamus Powell were invited to the US NTDP tryouts before they were cancelled:
2020 NTDP Evaluation Camp Roster Announced
Korpi was the starter for Little Caesar's in nets. He'd be a good get. Powell made the program and would be a longshot at this point as a 15th rounder ever to show.
