The 2005 OHL Priority Draft, despite the fact
John Tavares, the next big thing in hockey is available, is,
for the most part, a weaker draft compared to most years.
"It's a below average draft," said
International Scouting Services chief scout Mark Seidel. He
knows what he's talking about because he's driven 28,000
kilometres this past season to watch players.
"There's some quality guys at the top end of
the draft, who are very good, but then the talent level drops
off. There are a lot of guys who will play, but no stars.
There's a lot of depth players available, which every team
needs."
The OHL draft will also feature the standard
dose of local talent.
"There's been some kids…who have been
overlooked…Not having a minor midget team or league is a huge
impediment to getting exposure. I see a lot of local players
going late in the draft, "said Seidel.
Out of the crop of Sudbury players available,
Yves Bastien, Justin Levac and Chris Pontes have drawn the most
interest.
Overall, the north could steal the spotlight
with a couple of flashy picks.
Probably the third and fourth picks overall
will be from the north," said Seidel. "There's Mark Katic from
Timmins and Zack Torquato from Sault Ste. Marie. There's also
plenty of players who should be selected in the second, third
and fourth rounds as well."
It's expected the Wolves might grab Zach
Harnden, a six-foot-two, 180-pound right winger, out of Thunder
Bay.
