Alliance Hockey Top OHL Prospects: 2020 OHL Draft
Elgin-Middlesex Chiefs captain Owen Van Steensel (right) was the Alliance’s top regular season scorer – Photo by CKSN.ca
Based on the season that was, here is a look at the top OHL Draft eligible prospects from the Alliance Hockey Minor Midget ‘AAA’ loop.
1. Bryce McConnell-Barker – London Jr. Knights – F – Slated as a top 10 pick in the draft, potentially even top 5, a weak playoff showing didn’t help, but was second in the Alliance in goals in the regular season. Great in call ups to GOJHL’s Komoka Kings. NeutralZone.net‘s Derek Munroe has this to say of McConnell-Barker: “He is an effortless skater and plays hard in all zones. He makes players around him better and has a pass first mentality but needs to use his shot more often.”
2. Hunter Haight – Elgin-Middlesex Chiefs – F – Strong in each zone, Haight could sneak into the top 10. Led the Alliance in goals with 32, and is a right shot. Munroe says this of Haigh, “He generates lots of speed in the neutral zone and backs defenders in. He can get the puck up quickly around the net.”
3. Brady Stonehouse – Elgin-Middlesex Chiefs – F – Could jump ahead of Haight after an incredible postseason where he was completely dominant for the Chiefs. Hard to play against, incredible edges and puck protection. He will play in the OHL next season. Looked to be a second rounder for much of the year but has done enough to earn himself first round consideration. More than a point per game in his Junior B call ups.
4. Justin Dezoete – Hamilton Huskies – F – Speed for days, he backs in defenders, and then flashes his skill. A hard working player who is also defensively responsible. He’s a round 2-3 player.
5. Owen Van Steensel – Elgin-Middlesex Chiefs – F – Quietly led the Alliance in scoring with 62 points in 33 games, despite not getting as much fan fare as some teammates, mostly because he lacks flash. Munroe called Van Steensel “A coach’s delight,” who “doesn’t cheat at either end.” Likely to be picked in rounds 3-5.
6. Liam Eveleigh – Waterloo Wolves – D – A threat off the rush, who combines that component with good decision making. Doesn’t lose many 1-on-1s. Strong on his feet, Eveleigh is the Alliance’s top defender. He is a work horse, and the was the backbone of this strong Waterloo team.
7. Evan Klein – Waterloo Wolves – F – Always seems to be around the puck. A big body with good hands for his size (6’2″). Some concern on his skating, but his ability to use his reach, play in traffic, and create offense out front are assets teams won’t turn down.
8. Dylan Roobroeck – London Jr. Knights – F – Another big bodied player at 6’2″, NeutralZone.net says “Roobroeck has the potential to be an impact player at the Junior level.” That level will almost certainly be Junior B next season as Roobroeck continues to develop consistency to complement his evident skill package.
9. Jacob Couchie – London Jr. Knights – F – Fast. Sometimes almost too fast for his own good. An energy player who although not one of the top skill players on this list, has the ability to move up and down the lineup, and contribute in all aspects of the game.
10. Zander Veccia – Elgin-Middlesex Chiefs – F – Always seems to find himself in a scoring position, proved that by sitting among league leaders in points during the regular season and playoffs. Foot speed has been his knock, but he’ll be a solid mid-round pick up for a team looking to add offensive talent to their prospect stable.
Others skaters to watch from the Alliance: Austin Harper (Lambton Jr. Sting, F), Gavin Grunder (Windsor Jr. Spitfires), Patrick Thomas (Hamilton Huskies, F), Owen Kindree (London Jr. Knights, D), Matt Mayich (Hamilton Huskies, D), Cedricson Okitundu (Waterloo Wolves, D), Andy Reist (Waterloo Wolves, F), Koen Taves (Sun County Panthers, D), Ethan Coups (Huron-Perth Lakers, D), Wyatt Adkins (Elgin-Middlesex Chiefs, D), Gavin Bryant (Brantford 99ers, F), Maddox Amaral (Elgin-Middlesex Chiefs, F), Cory Jewitt (Huron-Perth Lakers, F), Jacob Julien (Chatham-Kent Cyclones, F), Ryan Gagner (Chatham-Kent Cyclones, F).
Goalies to watch from the Alliance: Owen Willmore (Elgin-Middlesex Chiefs), Riley George (Hamilton Huskies), Boe Piroski (Sun County Panthers), Tyler Bouck (Brantford 99ers), Marcus Vandenberg (Elgin-Middlesex Chiefs), Collin Mackenzie (Waterloo Wolves)