Welcome to Michael’s Monthly—a monthly report that goes over all the prospects and games I’ll cover in a given month.
Sudbury at Kingston (Pre-Season)
First game of the year was a neutral site pre-season game in Newmarket, ON. Here are the players I felt had an impact.
Genc Ula, D (Sudbury Wolves):
Ula had a rough start to his game, taking two bad penalties in the 2nd period and instigating Pobezal for the duration of the game. Fortunately, his antics eventually resulted in a power play for Sudbury. The power play ended with a shorthanded goal before Ula scored a rocket from the point, finishing the game with 1 goal and 1 assist. He is a violent defender with a strong slap shot and a temper that often lands him in the penalty box. His play style reminds me of Radko Gudas.
Kingston Harris, C (Sudbury Wolves):
Before this game my knowledge of Harris was limited, but his skill tonight really put him on my radar. He is a fast skater and hits everything that moves. From the moment the puck dropped Harris was dialed in. He ended up scoring Sudbury’s first goal on the power play. He even had a bit of penalty-kill time, which was Sudbury’s bread and butter as they killed off all five of Kingston’s power plays. He currently reminds me of Seth Jarvis, but only time will tell if he has similar potential.
Aleks Kulemin, C (Kingston Frontenacs):
Despite not getting on the score sheet much at the Hlinka-Gretzky Cup, Kulemin impressed me with his 200-foot game. After getting to watch him in person, he has some good offensive skills, scoring on a breakaway quickly into the game. He reminds me a lot of his father, Nikolai Kulemin, who I grew up watching.
Matthew Henderson, D (Kingston Frontenacs):
Henderson got to work right, away putting up 2 assists on Kingston’s first two goals of the game. His speed, good breakout passes, and ability to step up to stop the rush are all factors that contributed to why he was my player of the game. It is clear why Frontenacs fans are excited to see him play this year.
Windsor at London (Home Opener)
Attending London’s home opener was incredible. Especially knowing that it is one of the OHL’s most historic franchises. The home opener was a mad house. There was not a single empty seat and the fans were as loud as ever. This game was a slow boil, but by the end of the third, the tea pot was screaming. London had a failed challenge on Windsor’s controversial and late tying goal, resulting in Windsor receiving almost a full power play for overtime. In the end the Knights found a way to make everyone go home happy after a wonderful night of hockey. Let’s go over the standouts.
Cooper McAslan, D (London Knights):
McAslan had a bumpy start to the game and looked nervous in the 1st period. As the time passed you could see his confidence grow with every shift. A big block on the penalty kill, a good pivot out of danger, and a great stick lift to stop a high danger shot. In the 3rd his offense came to life. A good rush up the ice, and a shot on goal. He made some mistakes reaching for pucks off the rush, but he improved thus far. In overtime he made a huge block that could have gone in and scored the game winner off a tip from Barch. If he can learn to settle his nerves and be more patient he could be a 1st round talent in this year’s NHL Draft. So far he reminds me of Brian Campbell.
Kane Barch, F (London Knights):
Barch immediately caught my eye with his defensive reads and offensive skill set. He was already where he needed to be both offensively and defensively. Always succeeding at the little things; Slot passes, puck battle wins, holding the puck when no lane was available, hitting his teammate full speed with a crisp pass. He was on his game, and was rewarded with assisting on the OT winner. Number 10 in London has caught my eye, and I’m sure others will begin to watch him very closely.
Ty Bergeron, C (Windsor Spitfires):
Despite being held off the score sheet, Bergeron had a nice game. He made several good offensive plays including driving the net, good forecheck, and a nice reverse hit to keep the cycle going. I was impressed by him at Hlinka and I believe he will adapt to the OHL very quickly. However, for right now I have him sitting in the late 2nd round.
Luca Santala, C (Kitchener Rangers):
I’m glad I was able to see Luca live in London before he was traded. He had a solid game making good moves to enter the zone, and good passes to teammates. Everything except a point. I’m not too worried as he’s already on the score sheet with Kitchener. His play reminds me of James Neal.
Sarnia at Peterborough (Novotný’s Return)
Man did the Petes come to play in this one. Led by their returning superstar, Adam Novotný, who put up 2 goals and 2 assists for 4 points. Although Sarnia scored first, the Petes quickly took over the game. Sarnia only scored again during the power play.
Matthew Perreault, D (Peterborough Petes):
Even though he did not end up on the score sheet, he impressed me with a +3 and 5 shots on goal. He quarterbacked the power play well and was a key part in getting the puck out of the defensive zone and into the offensive zone. A late birthday for this year’s draft, Perreault still has lots of room to grow, but I’m excited to see him develop. Overall, I really enjoyed his performance.
Easton Walos, F (Sarnia Sting):
Easton was one of the four Sarnia players that I had my eye on, and he did not disappoint. He continued his hot start to the season by getting two power play goals. However, he will need to show off more than just his powerful shot if he wants to climb the draft ladder.
Adrian Sgro, D (Sarnia Sting):
Sgro isn’t eligible for this year’s draft but it is no surprise why he was taken #4 at the OHL draft this summer. He moves well, has an active stick and doesn’t shy away from being physical. He made two terrible mistakes, but he was still impressive. Adrian Sgro might be a name to remember when the U18s come later around later in the season.
Brantford at Oshawa (Battle for the East)
The top two teams in the East Division competed on Sunday. Unsurprisingly, it was an excellent game of hockey. Oshawa has had a hot start going 3-1, and Brantford one of few remaining undefeated teams (4-0). The game however, really opened up in the 2nd period and Brantford scored 4 straight goals. Oshawa tried to fight back but couldn’t make up for it, losing 5-3.
Kaden McGregor, C (Brantford Bulldogs) :
The former OHL 1st overall pick has shined so far with Brantford this season. Back to back goals in this game, one on the power play and one 5-on-5. Playing 2nd line with Němec gives him a speedy option on his wing, helping him get off to a hot start with 6 points in 5 games. I would like him to support the defense a bit more but there is no denying his skill and IQ. A late 1st or early 2nd rounder for me personally at the moment. You can read more about him in Stuart’s weekly three stars article here.
Adam Němec, LW (Brantford Bulldogs):
Němec really caught my eye at Hlinka. His speed and shot are a deadly combo. He has struggled to score in the OHL but with 4 assists in 5 games he is still putting up points. Once he gets one I am sure the goals will start flooding in, but for now he is still doing his part both 5-on-5 and on the power play. He will need to do more to cement himself as a projected 1st rounder.
David Buchman, D (Brantford Bulldogs):
Buchman had a very solid game, I can see why he is playing first pair minutes for Brantford. He has good speed, good hockey IQ and strong playmaking abilities. While he only had 1 assists on the power play, he leads all Draft Eligible defenseman in the OHL with 6 points in 5 games. He also did a good job taking the puck away and tying up players in front. Just like McGregor, a late 1st or early 2nd rounder for me right now.
Tyler Hinde, LW (Oshawa Generals):
Due to Hinde receiving a fighting major and an instigating misconduct, he was out for majority of the game. I may not have seen much of him but sticking up for your teammate is a great first impression. Excited to see more of him this year.
Sam Roberts, D (Oshawa Generals):
The youngest Roberts brother did not disappoint. He shot out of a cannon right out the gate with a nice shot and a good hit. He did take a delay of game penalty which resulted in the games first goal, however, he got an assist after some hard work in the offensive zone later on in the 2nd period. If Sam can find the scoresheet more he might be hearing his name come draft day in June.
Outside the OHL
Players outside the OHL that have caught my eye this month.
Max Calce, C (Alder Mannheim, DEL):
Calce is by far the largest jump in my rankings. He’s had an incredibly hot start. With good skating, IQ and tenacity, Calce doesn’t quit when he steps on the ice. He steals pucks on the forecheck and creates scoring chances out of thin air. His early highlight pack speaks for itself as does his production. He has entered my top 10 but will need to be consistent to get in the top 5 by June.
Sergei Skvortsov, LW (Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod, KHL):
Skvortsov has been the talk of the town thanks to his elite skating. Many others have him in the top 3 of their rankings. It’s hard to disagree after watching him in the KHL. There is some concern with his defensive play but with limited viewings, it’s hard to say exactly where he is this early in the season. That being said, he reminds me of a young Leon Draisaitl.
Paul Sintschnig, F (Halifax Mooseheads, QMJHL):
Sintschnig has had my eye for a while now, going all the way back to last year. I’m glad to report he has adjusted to the QMJHL very well. He continues to develop his game of getting the puck and passing it to teammates in the slot or just driving the net with it himself.
Michal Hartl, LW (HC Kometa Brno, Czechia):
I really like Hartl at Hlinka and I’m pleased to say he has been doing well to start the year. He forechecks well and wins puck battles with his use of an active stick. He is a good skater and competes well. I would like for him to hit more on the forecheck but a good start none the less.
Andrei Pustovoy, RW (Lokomotiv Yaroslavl, KHL):
Pustovoy has been making quite the noise in the KHL thanks to his high IQ and compete level, he’s making quite the noise in the KHL. Despite being pointless in 9 games, he is doing all the little things very well. If he can find a way to start scoring, he might be an underrated candidate for the top 10. He reminds of Andrew Ladd.