Preseason OHL Draft Analysis: 6 Players To Watch In The Alliance

Brady Stonehouse, seen here last season with the Chatham-Kent Cyclones Minor Midget team as a call up, will be one of the top players to watch this season in the Alliance Minor Midget ‘AAA’ loop – Photo by CKSN.ca

With the Hockey Season approaching quickly, I’ve listed the following six players below that are players to watch. As the season progresses, I will highlight these and other players who I feel have the opportunity play next level hockey.

Without further adieu, here are some of the players I feel you should be following this season with Alliance Minor Midget AAA Hockey:

Evan Klein – F – Waterloo Wolves – Excellent skater and dominant with the puck, Klein has a ton of finish to his game and can takeover a game in an instant. Tough on the the opposition with a ferocious forecheck as well as having the Hockey sense to come back into the player, this player has a high work ethic and drive. Deadly shot. Expect Klein to be dominant in his OHL Draft year.

Brady Stonehouse – F – Elgin-Middlesex Chiefs – Maybe the fastest skater in Alliance AAA, Stonehouse uses blinding speed and quick acceleration to dominant offensively. Tough on the half-wall and good with the cycle, Stonehouse is tough to handle in the offensive end. Much like Klein, he has a deadly release. With joining a very solid Chiefs team after the last year in Chatham-Kent, it will be interesting to see how Stonehouse adjusts to new line mates.

Bryce McConnell-Barker – F – London Jr Knights – A solid player at both ends of the rink, McConnell – Barker leads by example at both ends of the rink. This player has an excellent feel for the game, moves the puck well, and utilizes his teammates offensively. Very responsible player with good Hockey Sense.

Owen Kindree – F – London Jr Knights – Excellent two – way defenseman. Can make outlet passes out of his zone and has the Hockey IQ to determine when to carry the puck out. Doesn’t get caught out of position very often and has the skating ability to get back when caught. Stirs the offensive drink for the Knights. Player to watch.

Tyson Wassink – D – Hamilton Huskies – A good sized defender who is solid at both ends of the rink. Not a flashy player by any means, but can make a first pass and quickly cut – off offensive players on a break. Can QB a powerplay and uses his size well. Was strong in my viewings last year and could be a darkhorse this year.

Nicholas Graniero – F – Windsor Jr. Spitfires – Good sized player who has deceptively fast hands. Excellent in tight against defenders and can quickly accelerate out of trouble. Enjoyed this players game during my viewings as he could seemingly turn a game around quickly. Is strong on the puck and hard to defend against.