Chatham-Kent Men’s Hockey Prospects Update
Trent Fox of the OHL’s Hamilton Bulldogs – Photo by Terry Wilson/ OHL Images
We’ve done away with our “Watch List” for this edition, but hockey players including Jake Reed, Dede Cato, and Blair Derynck at the Junior B level remain in the discussion, as do Junior C players Kyle Dawson and Kier Cumming, to name a few.
Presenting our midseason Chatham-Kent men’s hockey prospects update:
15. Blayne Oliver – (OJHL, Trenton Golden Hawks) – Blenheim, 1995 – Selected an All-Star this season, Oliver is a leader, who plays a gritty, puck moving game. He’ll have NCAA offers again this year, but is waiting for the best available option.
14. Ian Faubert – (GOJHL, Chatham Maroons) – Wheatley, 1995 – Chatham’s best player this year, plays a two-way game, skates well, and has increased his offense exponentially. Handed the “C” midseason, an honour he deserved from the start, Faubert will get a chance to crack an OUA team next season.
13. Brady Hogg – (GLJCHL, Dresden Kings) – Ridgetown, 1999 – Hogg has played a lot for the Dresden Kings on a thin blueline. He couldn’t maintain the hot start he had in the preseason, but definitely one of the best underage players in the league this season.
12. Lucas Vanroboys (USHS, South Kent) – Thamesville, 1999 – Playing for a prestigious prep school, Vanroboys is developing the NCAA way, and will get interest from NCAA schools. His size may be a concern, but his skill definitely is not.
11. Brendan Johnston (OHL, Flint Firebirds) – Port Lambton, 1997 – After losing his job in Windsor, Johnston came back to Chatham and played well at the Junior B level, which prompted the OHL’s Flint Firebirds to acquire the goalie. The future is still very unknown for this netminder.
10. Brady Campbell (NCAA, University of Maine) – Blenheim, 1992 – Slow but sure, Campbell is improving, but remains a depth player, not the prolific scorer he once was in Junior B, at the NCAA level.
9. Ross Krieger (GOJHL Chatham Maroons) – Pain Court, 1998 – Having a strong rookie season, it will be in Krieger’s best interest to leave home next season for a Junior A league that can help him get more looks at the NCAA level.
8. Nolan Gardiner (GOJHL, LaSalle Vipers) – Tilbury, 1998 – Returning to the GOJHL’s LaSalle Vipers from the OHL wasn’t easy, but Gardiner found a scoring role he has not had in recent seasons. His development is on track, and after signing with the Ottawa 67s, he’ll likely take a roster spot next season full time.
7. Evan Debrouwer – (CCHL, Smiths Falls Bears) – Blenheim, 1997 – To say Debrouwer came out of nowhere, despite this being his debut on our list, isn’t exactly true. A member of Ridley College the last few seasons, putting up stellar numbers, after great numbers in AAA, Debrouwer made the jump to Junior A in the CCHL this season, and has been a work horse. He sits among league leaders in every category, and is going to be a commodity for NCAA programs, especially after earning an invite to Canada’s World Junior A Challenge camp.
6. Brendan Harrogate (Mississauga Steealheads, OHL) – Chatham, 1998 – An OHL rookie, Harrogate has been a solid addition to the Steelheads lineup. All offense last season with LaSalle, Harrogate is learning the 200-foot game this season, something that will pay dividends in the long run as he earns more responsibility at the OHL level.
5. Levi Tetrault (OHL, Guelph Storm) – Pain Court, 1998 – Steady. It’s been Tetrault’s calling card since ‘AAA’. He’s played regular minutes as an OHL rookie defender. No flash, but a solid first pass, and good hockey sense will eventually catch the eyes of scouts.
4. James McEwan (OHL, Guelph Storm) – Chatham, 1997 – Opportunity is what James McEwan needed, and he’s seized that this season, stepping up as one of Guelph’s offensive leaders. Although his team has had struggles, McEwan has proved he can play important minutes in the OHL, and he’ll have the attention of those from the next level.
3. Brady Pataki (OHL, Sudbury Wolves) – Wallaceburg, 1998 – After a spectacular camp, Pataki got out of the gate slow for the Wolves. His ice time has seen hits in response. With another year remaining before he is NHL eligible, there is still time for the big winger to blossom, and his size and physical tools are enticing.
2. Trent Fox (OHL, Hamilton Bulldogs) – Thamesville, 1997 – Fox is playing with a purpose, and is a leader with his Hamilton club. He’s well on his way with a strong re-entry season to hearing his name called on NHL Draft day.
1. Joseph Raaymakers (OHL, Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds) – Chatham, 1998 – Raaymakers has seen an improved rating beside his name for the upcoming NHL draft, and was more consistent between the pipes to start his sophomore OHL campaign. He’s still got work to do, but don’t be surprised if someone takes a shot on this athletic goalie in the draft.