Local Prospects Find Spotlight During NHL Lockout

In this week’s edition of the Hockey News, Wallaceburg’s Seth Griffith again found the spotlight in hockey’s biggest publication.

With the NHL lockout reaching a crucial point, where the season is in jeopardy, hockey players from across the globe in Junior, NCAA, and minor pro ranks are being featured in places usually reserved for the NHL.

Griffith, scored twice in a 19-round shootout earlier this month to lift his London Knights to a win over the Mississauga Steelheads, keeping the Knights’ winning streak alive. For his feat, Griffith found himself featured (see inset picture) in the Hockey News’ Plus-Minus section, which is reserved for the best and worst of the hockey world.

Griffith currently sits tied for second in the OHL in scoring with 23 goals and 33 assists, for 56 points in 34 games, putting the Boston Bruins prospect on pace for a 100 point season. Griffith is the top scoring OHL player who will not be at the World Junior Championships this Christmas, meaning he will have a chance to climb the scoring charts even further.

Last week, another local star, Thamesville’s Dane Fox returned to action for the Erie Otters after missing almost half the season with a broken foot. In his first 5 games back, Fox scored 1 goal and added 4 assists playing alongside rookie sensation Connor McDavid on occasion.

In Owen Sound, Blenheim’s Kyle Hope was putting together another strong season for the Attack, totalling 6 goals and 7 assists in 27 games.

At the professional level, Dresden’s TJ Brodie was the leading defensive scorer on the AHL’s Abbotsford Heat, compiling 1 goal, 13 assists, and a +5 rating through 25 American League games.

Playing a backup role with the AHL’s Connecticut Whale, Jason Missiaen had a 4.94 GAA and 0.850 save percentage in 7 games this season.