CK Prospect Report: Wallaceburg Lakers

The Chatham-Kent Prospect Report will look at players from local hockey programs, after viewings this season. Players to be reviewed must be 1997 or 1998 birth year.

This report is from an initial viewing of the Wallaceburg Lakers, from their October 22, 2014 game against the Alvinston Flyers.

Brock Daugherty – 1997 – Wallaceburg – Playing both powerplay and penalty kill minutes, Daugherty has earned the respect and trust of his coaching staff. In tight, Daugherty has good hands, but sometimes tries to make one too many moves. His hands come from lacrosse experience, as Daugherty also played for the Junior B Wallaceburg Red Devils this past season. He made several nifty plays around the net creating scoring chances, and is an efficient skater. Daugherty will be an excellent Junior C player next season, and will likely blossom into one of Wallaceburg’s leading scorers, in particular, if he adds more muscle and mass to his frame, which right now is slight, listed at five-foot-nine, 165 lbs.

Brendan Ritchie – 1998 – Chatham – Wallaceburg’s 16-year-old, Ritchie may not jump to Junior B next season, but is playing reliable minutes with the Lakers. Having spent several seasons playing ‘AAA’, including stops with the Elgin-Middlesex Chiefs and Chatham-Kent Cyclones over the past two seasons, Ritchie’s experience at a higher level is evident. He plays with his head up, and makes good decisions with the puck on his stick. Ritchie however, spends too much time on the periphery. Ritchie projects as a two way forward, who can contribute offensively. Ritchie should focus on getting to tougher areas. If he does, more offense will come. Wallaceburg is a good spot for his development, as their coaches are taking a patient approach with Ritchie, and he’s receiving substantial playing time.

Cory Lucier – 1997 – Wallaceburg – Lucier saw significant ice on the Lakers blueline, playing in all situations. Another Wallaceburg player who has benefitted from playing Junior B lacrosse. He has good hands, and a high compete level. Lucier was willing to jump into the rush, and showed a promising offensive upside. At some points, his offensive advances put him out of position, but Lucier’s compete got him out of trouble each time. His real area of improvement, rests in his skating. With adequate speed for the Junior C level, Lucier has a short stride, that doesn’t utilize his edges fully. He’ll be a contributor for the Wallaceburg Lakers this season, and will play a big role in the organizations turn around next year as well.

Michael Pearce – 1997 – Sarnia – Despite his six-foot-two frame, Pearce didn’t “stand out” on the ice. However, for a defenseman who plays the game he does, that isn’t necessarily a bad thing. A stay at home style defender, Pearce played a dependable north-south game, and finished checks in his own zone. With the puck, he looked slightly less comfortable under pressure, but made sensible decisions, and kept the puck to the periphery. With his size, Pearce would benefit from adding some snarl to his game.