Many local hockey prospects in the 2006 OHL draft will be
glued to their seats  on Saturday as they eagerly wait to
see if  their names are picked.
Heading the list of eligible players from the Sudbury area
is speedy winger Vern Cooper from the Sudbury Nickel Capitals
Wolves AAA midget squad.
The five-foot-nine forward is expected to go in the Top 10,
and some scouts have him tagged to go as high as the Top 5.
After leading the Great North Midget League (GNML) in
scoring as a 15-year-old (39 goals and 80 points in just 36
games), Cooper is primed and ready for the OHL experience.
"Being drafted into the OHL means a lot to me because it's
something I have been working hard towards," said Cooper.
He has no reservations about where he might end up because
he just wants to play.
"It doesn't really bother me where I go - I just want to
keep playing hockey," said the slick winger. "I am ready to
make the jump. I'm very excited about playing in the OHL one
day."
Another high-profile pick is Nickel Wolves centre Kyle
Tarini, who scored 18 goals and 41 points in 30 games and could
go in the first or second round.
Tarini is approaching the draft realistically.
"Being drafted is a big thing, but it's another thing to
crack the lineup," said the six-foot-one, 190-pound forward.
Tarini would relish the experience of being selected by the
Sudbury Wolves and stay in his hometown.
"I wish Sudbury would draft me, but I would take any
opportunity," said Tarini.
Tarini feels he can add shooting, good skating and size to a
team.
Rayside Balfour AAA midgets goalie Al Valiquette shot up the
rankings over the course of the season. He had a 2.47
goals-against-average (GAA) and two shutouts in 28 games.
"It would be an honour to be drafted," said the six-foot-two
puck stopper.
Valiquette was cut from Sudbury, but made the most of his
opportunity for Rayside.
"When my team needed me, I played big. I'm a big and quick
goalie who can move side-to-side well and control rebounds,"
said Valiquette.
Another Rayside player attracting interest is feisty winger
Mike Mascioli, who recorded 21 goals, 36 points and 133 penalty
minutes in 34 games.
"Getting drafted would mean a lot to me because it would
show all the hard work has paid off," said the five-foot-10
forward. "I am ready for this and committed. It would be nice
to be drafted by the Wolves and stay close to home, but I don't
really care who picks me. My strengths are hard work, physical
play, defensive zone coverage and shooting."
Nickel Capitals defenceman Luc Comtois has his fingers
crossed he gets picked, but wants to remain in Ontario.
"It's a huge honour to be recognized as an elite player, but
I have said no to American teams that have called me," said the
six-foot, 170-pound defender.
"I speak French and want to go to a French school and I'm
not ready to move far away from home just yet."
Comtois feels he has a lot to offer.
"I bring scoring from the blueline and I can quarterback a power play," said Comtois. "I can play the defensive game and shut down other team's top players."
