BY SCOTT
HADDOW
The seeds have been planted, and now OHL clubs will wait
patiently for a potentially bountiful crop of local hockey
prospects to harvest at the 2007 OHL Draft.
Once again, Greater Sudbury has an exciting group of young
players who are eager to strut their stuff and make a strong
case to get drafted.
Last year, Sudbury had several prospects picked by OHL teams,
including Vern Cooper, Kyle Tarini, Mike Mascioli, Alain
Valiquette, Zac McGillis and Jeff Verreault.
Over the next few weeks, Northern Life will bring readers
feature stories on some of the top local prospects for 2007
including Jamie Haines (Valley East Cobras), Nick Esposto
(Rayside-Balfour Sabrecats) and Marcus Foligno (Sudbury Nickel
Capitals).
Further to those stories, Northern Life will also keep close
tabs on all local prospects with monthly updates on stats,
scouting reports and movement up or down the draft
rankings.
Haines, Esposto and the latest Foligno aren't the only ones
making waves in the scouting pool. Players such as Ryan Sidun,
Denis Restoule and Steve Landry (Sudbury), Elliot Richardson,
Chris Chaput and Jordan Carroll (Valley East) and Brandon
Labelle and Nathan Beer (Rayside-Balfour) are also
excelling.
Recently, the local kids had a chance to shine at the Big
Nickel AAA Hockey Tournament, and many didn't disappoint,
playing against the best squads in Ontario at the highest minor
level.
Esposto, 15, was on fire. The hard-working forward helped the
Sabrecats go undefeated during round-robin play (2-0-2) while
piling up three goals and seven points in four games.
Labelle was also a force, as he lead all local scorers with
three goals and eight points in four games.
Carroll showed promise, popping three points in four games,
while Beer racked up two goals and three points in four
games.
Haines, a physical marvel, was held to just two goals in four
games, but it didn't seem to take away any of his lustre.
Needless to say, it's going to be a wild seven months as the
players jockey for positions and try and catch and keep the
eyes of scouts, hoping to make the right impression and realize
the dream of being drafted into the OHL.
All the players compete in the Great North Midget Hockey
League.
Stay tuned each month for the updates and stories throughout
the hockey season.
The first feature story (see Page 22) focuses on Marcus
Foligno.
