Scouting Report: Local Players Eyeing Attention For 2020 OHL Draft

By Matt Pepper

The Chatham-Kent Cyclones Minor Midget ‘AAA’ team had a a whirlwind weekend on October 5th and 6th. It began with a very tough and game Elgin-Middlesex team with former Cyclones on the opposition and against a very game Brantford team.

I’ve highlighted some of the best players from both games below. Please note as always that a full scouting report on this game is available on TheScout.ca.

Elgin–Middlesex Chiefs vs Chatham Kent Cyclones
October 4th, 2019 – 8-3 final for EMC

#19 Hunter Haight, F, Elgin-Middlesex Chiefs – If you’re talking a high Hockey IQ, look no further than Haight. He lit the lamp 4 times in this game and from multiple angles. Plays well at both ends of the rink and utilizes his teammates on the ice at all times. Excellent shot.

#17 Brady Stonehouse, F, Elgin-Middlesex Chiefs – CK product Stonehouse is an excellent set-up man for Haight. Not only does he have excellent vision with the puck, his skating ability opens up his linemates. Maybe the most explosive skater in Alliance this season.

#74 Zander Veccia, F, Elgin-Middlesex Chiefs – Another CK product and the last component to the top line, Veccia compliments both Haight and Stonehouse with his strength on his skates and with the puck. Puts the team on his back by taking abuse in front of the net and causing havoc outside the blue paint.

#14 Owen Van Steensel, F, Elgin–Middlesex Chiefs – Part of what makes this team a strong one is secondary scoring, and Van Steensel is going above and beyond in this role. Smart player who is rarely out of position. Scored a tap-in goal in this game and buzzed around the net all game. Responsible in his own end.

#55 Ayden Blain, F, Chatham–Kent Cyclones – Best forward for Chatham-Kent in this game. Used his size and strength well with a good physical game. Good board with with his size and will muck it up with the best of them. Big hits at the blue line. Didn’t quit even with the game out-of-hand.

#44 Ryan Richardson, F, Chatham–Kent Cyclones Best straight away skater on this team and used his speed well to create offensive opportunities. Scored a goal on the doorstep in this game. Has a good shot and release. Good work ethic until the final buzzer.

See below for game highlights:

Cambridge Hawks vs Chatham-Kent Cyclones
Sunday, October 6th, 2019 – 2-2 Final

#9 Kyle Caron, F, Cambridge Hawks – Was dominant at both ends of the rink with good speed and acceleration and able to break gaps. Hard and accurate release. Loved his back checking in this game, using his speed to catch players with stick lifts and stealing pucks.

#94 Steve Leskovar, F, Cambridge Hawks – Good skating who can handle the puck at high speeds with good puck protection. Puck handling is good forehand to backhand. Unafraid to take the puck to the net. Tough to knock off the puck.

#37 Taydon Shantz, F, Cambridge Hawks – Big body with skill. Scored on a penalty shot in this game with a good release. Moves the puck well out of the zone and is a good passer.

#30 Jacob Steinman, G, Cambridge Hawks – Excellent from buzzer to buzzer. Was under pressure late in game, but kept it close to escape with a tie. Reflex goaltender and excellent down low with leg/split saves. Smaller goaltender who challenges shooters on the rush. No panic and good communication with defense.

#44 Ryan Richardson, F, Chatham-Kent Cyclones – Speedy forward with work ethic. Always looking to make a play with his speed and opens up teammates. Had one assist in this game. At his best when attracting attention with his skating and opening up other players.

#55 Ayden Blain, F, Chatham-Kent Cyclones Tied the game late with a rebound goal. Used his body well again with good physical play. Works the boards well with size and strength in the offensive end and is hard to remove from the puck. Tough to handle in the paint.

#92 Maddox Nazwaski, G, Chatham-Kent Cyclones – Unorthodox play style but a high work ethic. Battled all game to see pucks. Timely saves kept his team in this game. Showed a good glove. His work ethic is obvious as he is constantly moving and challenging.

See below for game highlights: