The OHL Priority Selection is an important day for the North Bay Battalion but there’s a young crop of 2002 birth year players from the North Bay area that will likely be part of the OHL Draft conversation on Saturday.
The Minor Midget AAA Trappers were the best in the NOHA this season and many of their players have caught the eyes of OHL scout’s.
Battalion head coach Stan Butler praises head coach Mike Stockfish for what he was able to do with this group basically since Atom.
“I think Mike Stockfish did a great job with that group all the way up and I think there are some players there that will definitely be drafted, how high, we will just have to wait and see but there is a group there that is going to be drafted,” said Butler whose Battalion is picking 9th overall with their first pick.
“We had a good group of 01’s drafted and we will have a good number of 02’s drafted and hopefully for the kids in North Bay I would just like to see more and more kids develop and I think that is important for our community and hopefully we will get going with these new rinks that we need and that will help speed up the development of these guys.”
Here are the local scouting reports on the North Bay players courtesy Mike Mackley of HockeyProspect.com:
PACEY SCHLUETING
LD - North Bay Trappers (GNML) 6.00.5, 176
Schlueting is a big bodied, two-way defender with above average skill to his game. An intelligent defender that possesses the ability to dictate the pace of play, Pacey possesses both the physical attributes and the skill to be a dominate defender at the next level. He displays a confidence to his game that allows him to be effective on both sides of the puck. A quality skater, Pacey possesses a long and powerful stride that allows him to generate good straight-line speed. Schlueting will utilize his skating/speed to carry transition, were he confidently carriers the puck up ice, showing good puck control and an ability to create once gaining the offensive zone. Pacey is aware of passing options, however, will also utilize defenders as a screen or take the puck to the goal. Where he gets in trouble is when he fails to simplify his game when an option isn't available to him, leading to turnovers with him caught up ice. In the offensive zone Schlueting distributes the puck well from his point position, however, is more effective as a shooter, showing a heavy point shot. He recognizes traffic in front and will change the angle or velocity of his shot to utilize a deflection opportunity/to get a puck on goal. Pacey defenders well, keeping good gaps in the neutral zone and angling the opponent away from the center of the ice before finishing with contact. While his skating his slightly above average, his four-way mobility still has some stiffness to it, which can hinder his contain of explosive skating opponents, as well as his quickness on puck retrievals. Defensively Pacey has an aggressiveness and physicality to his game, using his size and strength to out-muscle opponents in position or puck battles. He utilizes his reach to his advantage and can effectively take away time and space. He does have room to improve his defensive zone awareness, however, it rarely hindered him at the minor midget "AAA" level.
JESSE KIRKBY
RW - North Bay Trappers (GNML) 6.00, 147
Kirkby is a two-way winger with a competitiveness to his game. Jesse possesses simple skill to his game that allows him to complement a line effectively, while still possessing enough individual skill to generate offensive opportunities for himself. He possesses intriguing physical traits that should he continue to add strength to his frame will allow him to become an effective power-forward type. Kirkby is a slightly above average skater who generates a quality top speed, despite a first step that has room for improvement. He often utilizes his speed both on the forecheck and back-check to aggressive pursue puck carriers and create turnovers or force low percentage decisions. Jesse shows an intelligence to his game in his positional awareness in all three zones. He provides engaged defensive zone play and is able to find space effectively on the offensive side of the puck. A competitive presence, Kirkby is often at his best in transition where he is able to generate a good top speed and attack the goal with purpose. Jesse uses his size and reach to shield the puck and is able to lean on his opponent as he pushes towards the goal. Kirkby is fairly simple offensively as he doesn't possess any single offensive trait that is elite, however several that are adequate. Jesse plays a simplistic and smart two-way game that doesn't provide much flash but is often effective.
BEN BRUNETTE
RD - North Bay Trappers (GNML) 5.09, 149
Brunette is a mobile, two-way defender with good offensive instincts. Ben is at his best in possession were he shows a poise and confidence with the puck. He routinely utilizes his foot-speed and skating abilities to carry transition up ice, handling the puck effectively in the process. Brunette does need to learn when to simplify his game however as he can force things in transition at times leading to turnovers. Ben shows good offensive instincts, however, can be aggressive when joining the attack in transition or sneaking down from his point position. His instincts are usually strong but can be caught up ice leading to odd-man rushes back the other way. Offensively Brunette shows average vision and passing skills, however, he can get pucks to the net and distribute the puck fairly well. Adding strength to his frame would benefit the velocity and effectiveness of his point shot. Brunette's skating often allows him to keep the play in front of him while defending transition through the neutral zone. However inconsistent gap control can lead to him being exploited at times. Doing a better job at taking away the center of the ice and denying easy entry to the offensive zone would increase his effectiveness as a defender. Despite having good feet and four-way mobility, Ben's inconsistent reads can leave him vulnerable to players attacking and taking him wide. He does, however, do a good job taking away time in space below the hash-marks and will display a physicality to his game despite his size and strength limitations. Brunette does a good job gaining inside position when defending the net front area and utilize his stick well to create turnovers.
DAVID CAMPBELL
RW - North Bay Trappers (GNML) 6.00, 158
Campbell is a skilled winger with a versatile offensive skill set and good size. David was a consistent contributor for the Trappers throughout the season, combining a skill set of size, speed and skill. The Sault Ste. Marie product whose family moved to Callander in the summer of 2017, has room to improve the fluidity of his stride, which would likely enhance his first step quickness, however, does reach a good top speed and can use his speed to be effective in possession and off the forecheck. In possession he does a good job creating space with his speed as he back's off opposing players, generating room to make a play. David shields the puck well and has a tendency to drive the goal in transition, showing and ability to finish in tight. He also does a good job disguising his intentions in transition and recognizing various options, showing a versatility when attacking that makes him difficult to defend. While Campbell is at his best in possession, he shows an ability to find space offensively, showing good offensive instincts as he puts himself on the right side of the puck or in position to make a play offensively. David will utilize his speed on the forecheck to pressure puck carriers, however, he often is able to be first to pucks and make quick decisions once gaining possession. He works the half-wall effectively using his body to shield pucks and/or gain inside body position. Despite utilizing his body and reach to shield pucks, he would benefit from becoming heavier on his stick through high traffic areas. Campbell is skilled but does have room to improve his puck handling which would likely enhance his 1-on-1 game. Were David will need to elevate his game the most is on the defensive side of the puck as he can float and look disengaged at times. Cleaning up his decision making would also benefit him. Campbell would benefit from a season of tier two Junior "A" before reaching the next level.
TANNER FLOOD
RD - North Bay Trappers (GNML) 5.06.75, 134
Flood is an undersized, two-way defender with good mobility. Tanner can be an effective two-way presence when utilizing his feet on both sides of the puck. While inconsistent in his willingness to carry the puck confidently, when doing so Flood can be an effective presence in transition and generate offensive opportunities. His ability to generate offensively would increase should he enhance his decision-making process once gaining the offensive side of centre. Often Tanner seems to feel the need to attack the offensive zone despite having limited puck support or passing option, leading to turnovers. Simplifying his game and showing better awareness of his surroundings would enhance his transition game. While defending in transition Flood utilizes his mobility to stay in front of opponents and an active stick to find success as a stick-on-puck defender. However, improving his gap control and denying entry to the center of the ice/offensive zone more frequently would enhance his defensive game. Tanner can distribute the puck effectively but shows some inconsistencies when dealing with pressure. Improving his strength and speeding up his decision making would make Flood an intriguing prospect.
COLE GOODE
RD - North Bay Trappers (GNML) 5.11.5, 189
Goode is a physical, stay-at-home type of defender who plays a simplistic game. Cole recognizes his physical advantages and isn't shy to use them. He often wins puck and position battles in the defensive zone by outmuscling opponents and showing a competitiveness to his game. Goode makes simple decisions once gaining possession and shows the ability to make a quick two-foot pass or an effective stretch pass. He rarely will utilize his feet to carry the play up ice and tends to limit his possession time. Cole can struggle when holding onto the puck for extended periods as his limited puck handling abilities and stiff feet limit his ability to elude pressure from a forecheck. Offensively Goode keeps it simple, he gets pucks deep and will only utilize his shot when given ample time and space. Cole does possess a heaviness to his point shot and could benefit from becoming more assertive with his shot. While defending transition Goode needs to keep a strong gap and take effective angles to the puck carrier to limit his exposure. His four-way quickness is average and does have room to improve which would help his contain and quickness on puck retrievals. Cole has the ability to play a bottom pairing role, however, will need to continue to work on his feet and puck skills.
JOE JORDAN
LC - North Bay Trappers (GNML) 5.05.75, 175
Jordan is an undersized forward with a competitive edge to his game. Despite his size, Joe plays bigger than his physical attributes suggest. A physical presence who shows no hesitation going to the high traffic/dirty areas of the ice, Jordan utilizes his deceptive strength to out battle opponents for loose pucks and/or body positioning. Jordan's physical edge and willingness to consistently make life difficult on opposing players makes him an agitating presence who can draw penalties. In possession, Jordan possesses complimentary type skill and is actually more effective away from the puck than in possession. He does a good job finding space in the offensive zone and possesses an ability to quickly strike, displaying a quick release with strong velocity and accuracy behind his shot. In possession Joe needs to reach his top speed to find an effectiveness, however, he does a good job taking the puck to space and creating a play, albeit a simplistic approach. Jordan will need to improve his foot-speed and overall quickness as his heavy feet can hinder an ability to separate from a check, while his top speed limits him.
ERIC LAFONTAINE
LC - North Bay Trappers (GNML) 5.08.75, 195
Lafontaine is an undersized forward with skill to his game. Eric possesses good strength to his frame despite his lack of height and can play a heavy style of game. He remains strong the puck when making his way through traffic and has shown an effectiveness along the wall and off the cycle, utilizing his puck protection skills to be effective. Lafontaine does a good job finding space in the offensive zone and can sneak behind defenders to find rebounds in the net-front area. A shoot-first type forward, Eric shows a quick release and good velocity behind his shot. He shows simple vision and passing skills that allow him to have some versatility offensively. Lafontaine however does possesses heavy feet and a short stride which limits his ability to separate from a check and/or create space in transition. Improving his quickness and lateral mobility would likely allow him to become more elusive in possession and increase his offensive effectiveness.
REECE PROULX
G - North Bay Trappers (GNML) 5.08.75, 141
Proulx is an undersized goaltender with a strong compete level and athleticism to his game. Reece is at his best when playing with confidence and challenging shooters by getting to the top of his crease and making himself big in the net. He does a good job playing his angles effectively and displays strong foot-work that allows him to move across his crease and remain square to a shooter. Proulx shows quick lower body reflexes and is able to make strong reaction based saves, showing quick pad kick outs. He moves fluidly and under control from post-to-post and remains calm in the net. Reece has an ability to make secondary saves due to his technical goaltending skills that put him in strong positioning following a first shot attempt. His athleticism and compete also show when battling to make secondary saves. Reece can struggle with traffic at times due to his size. It is important for him to play aggressively and battle through screens. He tends to let his rebound control and ability to field pucks cleanly suffer when passive in the crease as he is unable to track pucks as well as he does when he is fighting through traffic.
JACK STOCKFISH
RC - North Bay Trappers (GNML) 5.08.5, 146
Stockfish is an average sized centre with skill to his game. Jack was a consistent contributor for the Trappers throughout our views this season, displaying an intriguing two-way skill set. He is arguably at his best in possession were he displays a confidence and creativity in possession. Jack is able to reach a good top speed and when utilizing his speed with his puck handling abilities is able to create space for himself to make a play. Stockfish inconsistently was able to beat check's in 1-on-1 scenarios, however, learning to simplify his game at the appropriate times would limit his turnovers. Jack protects the puck well, using his body to shield the puck from traffic, however becoming heavier on the puck would benefit him in areas where he needs to expose the puck to create an opportunity. He possesses an average shot and will need to become more versatile offensively by showing more awareness of his teammates and utilizing them more frequently. Stockfish is a late birthday which will give him more time to develop, however a season of Midget "AAA" would be beneficial for him to improve his strength and work on elevating his skill on both sides of the puck.
