Chatham-Kent Men’s Hockey Prospects: Offseason
Undrafted, Chatham’s Joseph Raaymakers has a big season of proving critics wrong ahead – Photo by Terry Wilson/ OHL Images
To be eligible, these players must not be NHL drafted, or signed to a pro contract.
Below are our top 15 Chatham-Kent hockey prospects for the 2016 Offseason:
15. Trenton McGrail (Unkonwn) – Chatham, 1998 – McGrail put up spectacular numbers this year for a strong London Jr. Knights Major Midget ‘AAA’ team. He was selected to play in the Alliance all-star game, and will have Junior B teams courting him this offseason. A product of Hill Academy, McGrail has been on a path of steady development.
14. Brady Campbell (NCAA, University of Maine) – Blenheim, 1992 – Offense hasn’t come at the NCAA level. 7 points in 66 games after 229 points in 193 Junior games. As a DI player, there will be opportunities for Campbell, but his ceiling will be capped unless he breaks out in his senior season.
13. Blayne Oliver – (NCAA, Hamilton College) – Blenheim, 1995 – Voted the OJHL Fan Favourite Player and helped his Trenton Golden Hawks to a Dudley-Hewitt Cup championship. He brings leadership, grit, a championship pedigree, and an offensive upside to his first NCAA D3 season.
12. Kyle Dawson (GOJHL, London Nationals) – Florence, 1998 – We had to have a Junior C player on our list, but Dawson might have pulled a fast one on us. One of the best at the Junior C level this year, Dawson spent the playoffs in Junior B with St. Thomas. Great hands and vision. NCAA potential with a breakout year next season.
11. Lucas Vanroboys (USHS, South Kent) – Thamesville, 1999 – As he continues to climb through South Kent’s own hockey ladder, it will be interesting to see what level of interest he receives from the NCAA. Has been skating with Junior teams in Ontario. Time will tell on this undersized, skilled prospect.
10. Grant Spence – (Unknown) – Chatham – 2000 – The first 2000 on our list, Spence was an 8th round pick of the OHL’s Oshawa Generals. Tall and skilled, with an aggressive streak, as Spence fills out, he could be a force. With his playing plans unclear, he needs a Junior B or A team to call home this season to ensure his development stays on track.
9. Evan DeBrouwer – (CCHL, Smiths Falls Bears) – Blenheim, 1997 – An incredible first Junior A season. With his performance, it’s surprising he didn’t capture an immediate commitment. With NCAA DI hockey as the obvious goal, DeBrouwer, who entered the Junior game late will need to repeat or better his performance from last season to make that step.
8. Nolan Gardiner (GOJHL, LaSalle Vipers) – Tilbury, 1998 – Will this be Gardiner’s year to crack Ottawa’s roster full time? Ottawa is deeper than they were last year, so a roster spot will be Gardiner’s to earn. If he makes Ottawa, his hard working style will win over scouts.
7. Levi Tetrault (OHL, Guelph Storm) – Pain Court, 1998 – Solid in his first year. Guelph was underwhelming as a team, so Tetrault’s real test as a prospect will come this season as his team naturally progresses. He’s always thought the game well.
6. Brendan Harrogate (OHL, Mississauga Steealheads) – Chatham, 1998 – Didn’t get many looks this year because of the sheer depth of Mississauga’s forward corps. His team’s entire top line were drafted in the top 41 picks. If he can climb into the top 6 with Mississauga, his production and development will skyrocket surrounded by the skill of others.
5. Brady Pataki (OHL, Sudbury Wolves) – Wallaceburg, 1998 – This is his NHL draft year, but he wasn’t listed in the NHL Central Scouting Futures list. He’ll need a break out campaign to see his name called. Big body, has always had the tools, and was projected as an NHL prospect when he came into the OHL, but time is ticking to prove he can produce at a higher level.
4. Ross Krieger (OJHL, Georgetown Raiders) – Pain Court, 1998 – Made the wise choice of moving to the OJHL where he’ll be exposed to a more skilled, NCAA-like game. With a strong start in Georgetown, it’s hard to believe he won’t get serious NCAA Division I looks. Ample hockey sense, and puck skills. He needs to add meat to his frame to handle the men in the NCAA.
3. Trent Fox (OHL, Hamilton Bulldogs) – Thamesville, 1997 – He’ll continue to get looks from pro teams, but needs to get stronger to compliment his frame and finishing abilities. His brother Dane took over the OHL in his latter seasons, and Trent could quite easily repeat that trend.
2. James McEwan (OHL, Guelph Storm) – Chatham, 1997 – Got healthy, and seized his opportunities this year. Bound to get NHL camp invites, and will have the opportunity to play pro if he can repeat his strong season, which saw him lead the OHL’s Guelph Storm in goals and points.
1. Joseph Raaymakers (OHL, Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds) – Chatham, 1998 – Not drafted by an NHL team despite hype this season. We think he’ll prove that was a mistake. Athletic goalie, who needs the opportunity to be a starter in the OHL. Goalies often take longer to ripen, but this is a make or break season for Raaymakers.