CK’s 2015 Fantasy Hockey Team

In recent years, Chatham-Kent has started producing elite hockey talent on both the men’s and women’s side of the game. It would be interested to see what an all Chatham-Kent team would look like in hockey. What level would they be able to compete at? For fun, here’s a look at a “Fantasy” Chatham-Kent men’s hockey team. Heck, we’ve even included a world class coaching staff.

Think we’ve left someone off? Let us know.

The Forwards

Line 1: Seth Griffith (Wallaceburg) of the NHL’s Boston Bruins would be the scorer, while former Edmonton Oilers winger Ryan Jones (Chatham) who now skates with the Cologne Sharks of the German DEL would be the veteran muscle. Griffith’s former Chatham-Kent Cyclones and London Knights teammate Dane Fox (Thamesville), who was signed by the Vancouver Canucks last winter after leading the OHL in goal scoring, and now plays for the ECHL’s Kalamazoo Wings, would also provide scoring, and an edge.

Line 2: Centering the line would be Travis Konecny (Clachan). After captaining Canada’s U18 roster and the OHL’s Ottawa 67s, Konecny is a likely first round NHL pick this year. Providing more leadership would be Jamie Schaafsma (Blenheim). The reigning CHL playoff MVP, Schaafsma has international experience with the Netherlands, and is the captain of the ECHL’s Allen Americans. Capping off the line would be another Blenheim product, Brady Campbell, who currently plays for the NCAA’s Maine Black Bears.

Line 3: At the forefront of this line would be Trent Fox (Thamesville), the younger brother of Dane, who is currently in his rookie season with the Erie Otters, and is sitting in the top 10 in OHL rookie scoring. Adding veteran toughness to the line is Kyle Hope (Blenheim), who has AHL experience to his resume, and was five year OHL veteran, and now plays in the OUA with the University of Windsor Lancers. On the wing would be another big body, OHL rookie Brady Pataki (Wallaceburg), who is considered a prospect for the 2017 NHL draft, and plays for the Sudbury Wolves.

Line 4: The number of captains on this team goes up by one with Brett Hope (Blenheim), who captains the NCAA’s Buffalo State College Bengals and plays a defensive style game. Providing depth scoring would be OHLer James McEwan (Chatham), who plays for the Guelph Storm. Rounding out the playoff corps is Blake Blondeel (Tilbury). A long time Chatham Maroons star, Blondeel now plays for the OUA’s University of Windsor Lancers.

The Defence

Pairing 1: Emerging as an NHL all-star, and Norris Trophy candidate, Calgary Flames defenseman TJ Brodie (Dresden) is the cornerstone of this team. Beside him is a similar style offensive defenseman Brandon Montour (Tilbury). Drafted in the second round of last year’s NHL draft by the Anaheim Ducks, Montour skates with the NCAA’s UMass Minutemen.

Pairing 2: An all international pairing. Dresden’s Wes Cunningham is another veteran professional, having played in both the ECHL and AHL in the past. Cunningham now plays in Ligue Magnus in France with Amiens. Also playing professionally in France after several seasons in the CHL, as well as pro stints in England and Italy is Wallaceburg’s Jamie Vanderveeken, who plays for Rouen. Both a OHL alumni with several seasons of professional experience.

Pairing 3: By far the least experience part of the roster, the third defense pairing features a pair of up and comers. Levi Tetrault (Pain Court) made his OHL debut as a 16-year-old this season with the Guelph Storm. He has also been playing with the GOJHL’s Chatham Maroons. Beside him is Junior veteran Blayne Oliver (Blenheim). Oliver, who is an assistant captain with the Junior A OJHL’s Trenton Golden Hawks, will play University hockey in the future, whether at the NCAA or OUA level.

The Goaltenders

Jason Missiaen (Chatham) has a full year of AHL experience under his belt, and has been called up to backup the NHL’s New York Rangers on multiple occasions. He’d be the starter, as he is this season with the ECHL’s Greenville Road Warriors. Youngster Joseph Raaymakers (Chatham) has been a star for the OHL’s Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds this season as a 16-year-old rookie, and is considered one of the OHL’s top prospects for the 2016 NHL draft. Behind this duo, is a capable third stringer, Brendan Johnston (Port Lambton/Wallaceburg), who is the backup this season for the OHL’s Windsor Spitfires.

The Coaching Staff

Head Coach: Doug Shedden (Wallaceburg) is the Head coach of EV Zug of the Swiss League and Canada’s head coach at the Spengler Cup. Assistant Coach: Brian Wiseman (Bothwell/Chatham) has coached in the American Hockey League, and is now an assistant for the NCAA’s Michigan Wolverines. Assistant Coach: Rounding out the coaching staff is Chris Bergeron (Wallaceburg), who is the head coach of the NCAA’s Bowling Green Falcons.