Hello OHL fans! It's Go Time again as the
2005-06 season is upon us.
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SCOTT HUNTER-HADDOW |
As the exhibition season unfolds and gives
way to the regular season, I will be bringing readers more
news, updates, interesting notes and other stuff to tantalize
fan's unquenchable thirst for more.
It's been a long summer, and I can personally
say I am glad to be back writing about the good boys battling
it out in the OHL.
As always, let's start with some Sudbury
Wolves stuff.
The Wolves have eight players getting
experience with NHL clubs at professional training camps.
Though some might surprise us and stick with their respected
big league clubs, it's expected that all eight will be back in
the Wolves' den this season.
Slick skater Ben Pouliot (Minnesota),
reliable defenceman Marc Staal (New York Rangers), steady
defencemen Adam McQuaid and Jonathan D'Aversa (Columbus),
speedy centre Kevin Baker, rugged defenceman Ryan Hastings
(Carolina), goaltender Kevin Beech (Tampa Bay) and new comer
Anton Hedman (Boston) will miss part or all of the exhibition
season while attending their camps.
Wolves' 2004 second-round draft pick (25th
overall) Jesse Messier caused a buzz by attending camp.
Messier was knocked out of action with a
severe neck injury last year during exhibition play. He'll see
a specialist this week to determine where his health status
lies. The Wolves should know in a week or two.
Sudbury-born players are starting to make
their mark around the league, and not always for the right
reasons.
Crafty forward Christian Cundari, Oshawa's
third-round pick in 2004, was sent home from the Generals camp
due to a viscous facial injury. Cundari took a puck in the face
during camp and needed about 30 stitches. He also lost a tooth
and had two other teeth cracked. Cundari is a resilient kid and
should bounce back once he's healthy.
Jesse Graham, who was recently picked up by
Kingston, has made a splash in the Frontenacs' camp.
Graham, 19, dazzled the Kingston brass with
his goal-scoring touch. Graham had a decent showing at
Kingston's inter-squad game, ripping five goals. Graham then
had two assists in an exhibition game against Peterborough.
Graham has been playing on both the power play and
penalty-killing units.
Matt Leszczynski, who was drafted by the
Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds in the second round of the 2003
draft, has hung up the blades and quit hockey. Leszczynski, who
came advertised as a tough-as-nails customer, has been hampered
by shoulder problems his entire OHL career.
Leszczynski played 54 games over two seasons,
recording four assists and amassing 68 penalty minutes.
J.F. Houle is also putting on an offensive
clinic in Brampton. Houle recently had two goals and two
assists in a 7-4 exhibition win over Kitchener. Houle has been
on fire through camp and the exhibition season utilizing his
awesome array of skills.
With OHL camps in full swing, the trade
market is starting to open up.
There are reports that Kingston is actively
pursuing a trade with Toronto to acquire Sudbury native Scott
Lavigne, who plays defence. Reports indicate that Toronto isn't
willing to dance yet.
Saginaw recently picked up goalie Francois
Thuot from the Barrie Colts for a sixth round 2006 draft
pick.
