Chatham-Kent Top Men’s Hockey Prospects: End of Season

In this edition of CKSN’s Top Men’s Hockey Prospects, we count down the Top 20 Chatham-Kent men’s hockey prospects.

When the season begins, we’ll return to our usual Top 15 format, however with the variables that come with the offseason, we thought we’d allow our list to balloon. At the bottom, you’ll also find a watch list, which includes prospects who didn’t make our list, or aren’t eligible because they are not Junior aged.

The major change on this edition comes at the top, where we’ve graduated Travis Konecny, who is a lock to become an NHL Draft pick this June, before our next edition is released. Should Trent Fox join him in the June draft, he’ll also graduate from our list.

We’ll complete an offseason update once players begin committing to teams and programs for the 2015-2016 season.

20. Ian Faubert (GOJHL, Chatham Maroons) – Wheatley, 1995 – One of the best penalty killers in the GOJHL, Faubert’s role has grown with the Maroons each season. One of their best two-way forwards, and a tireless worker, Faubert will be counted no to increase his scoring output this season. His speed, and 200-foot game could make him a commodity for a college or University program in a year.

19. Blair Derynck (GLJCHL, Blenheim Blades) – Chatham, 1998 – A big bodied rookie, Derynck progressed throughout the season, and will likely step into a Junior B lineup this season. He needs to work on his agility and skating during the offseason to make the step successfully. A member of a very strong ‘AAA’ team in Chatham-Kent the year prior, Derynck, like many of his peers, has a big upside after being part of such a strong group for many years.

18. Steven Beenackers (GOJHL, Chatham Maroons) – Muirkirk, 1996 – A big body, Beenackers looks to be a future University level player at some level. Finished 16th in GOJHL scoring this year, he’ll be the go to player for what will be a depleted Chatham Maroons lineup next season. A straight line player, Beenackers would benefit from a more formal strength and conditioning program to round out his edges.

17. Ty Jackson – (OJHL, Trenton Black Hawks) – Wheatley, 1996 – Jackson made a name for himself this season being named the Lambton Shores Predators captain, and getting off to a hot start. Late in the season, Jackson made the jump to the OJHL’s Trenton Black Hawks. Playing in the heavily scouted Junior A loop, Jackson will have the chance to live his dream of playing NCAA hockey. A grinder and two-way player, known for his edge, Jackson has two seasons left to earn a college opportunity.

16. Brett Hope (NCAA, Buffalo State College) – Blenheim, 1993 – The captain of the NCAA’s Buffalo State College, Hope will have the chance to slide into a lower level pro loop, or head to Europe should he choose to do so after next season. Known for his two way game, and leadership abilities, Hope has shown a capacity for producing this season. His brother Kyle, could appear on this list as he’s playing for the Windsor Lancers, and will also have a shot at turning pro, but having already made his pro debut, Kyle no longer qualifies for our list.

15. Nick Delyzer (GOJHL, Lambton Shores) – Merlin, 1998 – It may have taken Delyzer all season to crack our top 15, but he’s here now. Delyzer played this year on Lambton Shores’ fourth line, but made strides. He still needs to work on his skating, and didn’t produce big numbers. That being said, Delyzer got an opportunity to do something few 16-year-olds do, play Junior B hockey, and he did it in a risk free environment with an experienced coach. His ceiling is undefined, but will depend on a strong offseason, and quickly seizing the first opportunities placed in front of the young forward next season.

14. Nolan Gardiner (GLJCHL, Wheatley Sharks) – Tilbury, 1998 – Gardiner suffered in the seasons second half from being on a Wheatley Sharks team that collapsed in many ways, and seemed all around uninspired. The good news is, Gardiner didn’t fit that mold. He continued to show the spark that got him selected by the Ottawa 67s last season. Pegging as a role player, Gardiner will likely take the long road to the OHL, requiring a season in Junior B. He’ll be a welcomed addition to any team’s third line who is looking to add energy.

13. Blayne Oliver (OJHL, Trenton Black Hawks) – Blenheim, 1995 – Will return for his final year of Junior eligibility playing Junior A in the OJHL. Had NCAA interest this year, but hoping to get the best possible offer. A tough leader, who produced offensively this year, Oliver will be one of the OJHL’s top defenders next season, and was a runner up in the league’s annual Fan Favourite vote.

12. Kier Cumming (Alliance AAA, Chatham-Kent Cyclones) – Chatham, 1999 – Cumming was seen by the Sudbury Wolves, the OHL team that drafted him this season, as a two-way forward. Struggling with injuries early in the season, Cumming showed improvement throughout the year, capping off his year with a point per game playoff performance, and a call up to the Junior B Chatham Maroons where he’ll likely play next season. Cumming had a good showing at the Wolves development camp, but a season in Junior B is his next step.

11. Lucas Vanroboys (USHS, South Kent) – Thamesville, 1999 – Our highest ranked 1999 born player, Vanroboys has NCAA written all over him. Attending a prep school in Connecticut known for producing college players, Vanroboys was a late round OHL selection of the Hamilton Bulldogs this year. A former Chatham-Kent Cyclones forward, Vanroboys is a slick playmaker with good puck skills and an ability to play at a high tempo. He impressed at a USA Hockey Development camp in Arizona this year, and his upside, despite his current size, have been catching the interest of scouts willing to dig deeper into the talent pool.

10. Jake Reed (EOJHL, Perth Blue Wings/ CCHL, Carleton Place Canadians) – Chatham, 1997 – Reed’s ceiling on this list will be determined next season if he’s able to grab a full time roster spot with the Junior A Carleton Place Canadians. More time in the Junior B EOJHL, where he suited up with the Perth Blue Wings for a portion of this season, isn’t ideal, as the league pegs below the competition level of the GOJHL. Named Perth’s top defenseman, a step up is logical. If he can’t click up North, Reed would be a welcomed addition to the Chatham Maroons, who will be starving for Junior experience next season.

9. Ross Krieger (GLJCHL, Dresden Kings) – Pain Court, 1998 – After a spectacular season, that saw the underage rookie finish 7th in league scoring with more than a point per game output, Krieger was named the Great Lakes Rookie of the Year. With his skating, two way maturity, and on ice vision, which promotes his role as a playmaker, Krieger will step in and instantly contribute at the Junior B or A level next season. He’s received interest and invites from multiple GOJHL and OJHL teams. Although he also got OHL invites and attended camps, Krieger projects as an NCAA player, and is a Michael Verboom prototype.

8. James McEwan (OHL, Guelph Storm) – Chatham, 1997 – After a rookie campaign marred by a nagging injury, an offseason of strength and conditioning, and a fresh start is what McEwan needs. He finished the season strong, so expect the Storm to open the door for him to take a larger offensive role next season.

7. Brady Campbell (NCAA, University of Maine Blackbears) – Blenheim, 1992 – After sliding down this list, Campbell is staying put, for now. He ended his NCAA season stronger than he’s played since joining Maine. He stayed in the lineup, got his first goal, and notched a few points. Next season as a Junior, it’s time to shine for this former scoring machine.

6. Brendan Johnston (OHL, Windsor Spitfires) – Port Lambton, 1997 – By season’s end, it was hard to say who was the starter for the Windsor Spitfires, Johnston, or Alex Fotinos. That was a question no one doubted at the beginning of the season as Fotinos was the unchallenged heir. Johnston had spectacular moments, but needs to become consistent. In the goalie world, slower development is allowed, so don’t count out Johnson.

5. Brendan Harrogate (GOJHL, LaSalle Vipers) – Chatham, 1998 – He scored, and then scored some more. Playing for a LaSalle Vipers team known for producing OHLers by the bundle, Harrogate has a spot to lose next season in Mississauga. After dominating for the Vipers, helping them to the Sutherland Cup, he’s should be all but a lock in the OHL. If his play at the Junior B level carries over at all, he’ll find himself on the draft radar by midseason next year.

4. Levi Tetrault (GOJHL, Chatham Maroons/ OHL, Guelph Storm) – Pain Court, 1998 – When the Chatham Maroons were without Tetrault to end the season due to a broken finger, they struggled. His first pass and high hockey IQ were missed. At seasons end, he joined another Chatham born player, Brock Philips as a pair of 1998 defenseman playing for the OHL’s Guelph Storm. He’ll get NHL Draft looks next season, but needs to add grit to his game at the next level.

3. Brady Pataki (OHL, Sudbury Wolves) – Wallaceburg, 1998 – With an extra year to develop, Pataki will immediately be on NHL draft lists for 2017. His step for next season? Score consistently, and use his big frame to become the power forward he projects as. Slow and steady development will win the race.

2. Trent Fox (OHL, Belleville Bulls) – Thamesville, 1997 – A trade to the Belleville Bulls took time for adjustment. Fox continued to produce with his new team, and has a shot to be a late round NHL pick. If not, no problem. Older brother Dane serves as an example on continued development in the OHL leading to an NHL deal. If he hears his name in the NHL draft, as he’s the 139th ranked North American skater, he’ll graduate from this list.

1. Joseph Raaymakers (OHL, Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds) – Chatham, 1998 – Should find himself on most NHL Draft lists next season. With Halverson probable to return however, things won’t be easy. Raaymakers will get, and deserve more responsibility next year. If Halverson is gone, Raaymakers’ stock will rise dramatically.

Watch List – Drew Marlatt, Geoffry Vandenboorn, Brady Hogg, Zach Lindley, Kadin Ritchie, Tyler Hotham, Drew Vandehogen, Grant Spence, Eric Carter, Spencer Marcus, CJ Burgess, Colton Shoemaker, William Tetzlaff, Dede Cato, Kyle Dawson, Nolan Vandenboorn, Brendan Ritchie, Hunter Burk, Cam Aitkens.