Final installent of my age group all star teams. Let me know what you think. As always these lists are open for discusion and wouldn't expect anybody elses list to be exactly the same as mine so let me know who would be on your list.
1st Team
G Jacob Ingram Mississauga Steelheads
How on earth is Ingram not a finalist for OHL rookie of the year? This IMO is the most mind boggling omission from an OHL ballot in years. (a close 2nd is David Bell being a finalist for coach of the year over Ryan Oulahan). He was named OHL goalie of the month for January and is solidification of the net for the Steelheads coincided with the teams turn around.
D Ryan Merkley
1st overall selection and became only the 3rd defenceman to lead the OHL in rookie scoring. There were times this season when his defensive commitment and sense were questioned but there is no denying his skill, confidence and creativity. There is no doubt that he is a net positive player when it comes to his impact. The other areas will grow as he gains more experience but even now you can tell Merkley is a special player.
D Denis Busby
Had a big impact this season for the Flint Firebirds. Was somewhat sheltered with their 3 veteran D but Busby was able to make himself noticed this year with his play for good reasons. Will be interesting to see what happens next year with their blueline graduations. He isn't ready to be "The Guy" yet but is definitely ready to take a jump in responsibility for the Firebirds.
F Akil Thomas Niagara Icedogs
The Icedogs 1st round pick was a major reason why they were able to hang on to a playoff spot this season. He finished 1st in goals among '00 born skaters and 2nd in points behind Merkley. He was a constant offensive threat and a player opposing teams couldn't discount because of his age.
F Alan McShane Oshawa Generals
One of the highest scoring players post deadline to have been traded. McShane quickly asserted himself and a burgeoning prospect and a key depth contributor to the Erie Otters early in the season. Upon arrival in Oshawa following the Cirelli trade McShane quickly announced himself as a key offensive cog with the Generals. The sky is the limit with McShane who is capable of doing great things with the Generals.
F Nathan Dunkley Kingston Frontenacs
The first year forward what a key contributor to the Fronts this year while finishing 4th among '00 born skaters. Was called upon late in the season to play a bigger role with the team and has certainly carried that over into the playoffs.
2nd Team
G Jordon Kooy London Knights
There weren't many '00 born goalies in the league this year but that doesn't mean you should discount the work of Kooy. Sure it was a small sample size of only 515 minutes this season but he had a stellar .927 save percentage in that time. It looks like the Knights have their goalie of the future.
D Giovanni Vallati Kitchener Rangers
The young defenceman gained valuable experience this year manning the blueline for the Rangers. He was able to add offence while also playing impressively in his own zone both in preventing chances and kick starting the offence with a quick outlet pass.
D Connor Corcoran Windsor Spitfires
What a fantastic pick for the Spits. The versatile Corcoran has been a godsend for the injury plagued Spits this season. He has been particularly useful in soaking up valuable minutes once Logan Stanley went down with an injury.
F Semon Der-Arguchintsev Peterborough Petes
Part of me didn't want to name him because that is an incredibly hard name to spell and type without looking. Unfortunately his play this season gave me no valid justification to omit him. He was fantastic this year for an '00 on the Pete's and his play on the Power Play in particular did not go unnoticed.
F Barrett Hayton Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds
The first thing I notice about Hayton is he has a fantastic ability to control the puck even when getting checked. Now there are times when i feel he has too much confidence in his ability and may not look to a pass back to the D to maintain possession and regroup before going on an attack. That said he has a fantastic shot and his confidence grew as the season went on. He started attacking the net more often and getting in position where his shot became more of a weapon.
F Ty Dellandrea Flint Firebirds
Most of the talk at the draft was that the Firebirds would not be able to get anyone to commit. When they drafted Dellandrea and he committed fans went on to say they settled for a lesser talent who would commit. He is the 2nd Firebird draft pick to make this list as he finished 3rd among '00 born players in goals this season. He is an intriging talent who still has plenty of untapped offensive potential in him. Should see a nice jump in production come his sophomore year.
Difficult Ommissions
Kirill Nizhnikov Barrie Colts
A valid argument can be made for him to be on the above list. Limited to only 43 games on a very bad Barrie Colts team. Will still be an elite scorer in this league.
Riley Damiani Kitchener Rangers
Another young Ranger who impressed this season. Was able to take advantage of his offensive oppertunities. Expect greater production with an expanded role next season
Liam Foudy London Knights
Hard to make an impact on a team as deep as the Knights. Foudy is a highly skilled forward who produced in extremely limited ice time that saw him average less than a shot a game. The fact that he put up the numbers he did in his limited ice time is impressive.
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