Player Profile: Michael Davies (2013 OHL Draft)

Michael Davies
Southern Tier  Admirals
Forward
6’1, 195 lbs
Year of Birth: 1997

A player with game-breaking prowess, Davies plays his best hockey in up tempo affairs. While Davies can bring the puck to the net straight up centre ice using speed and puck skills, he is just as comfortable zig-zagging through the offensive zone, protecting the puck in the process. In shooting range, Davies can unleash a quick and heavy shot. A physical aspect to his game is largely apparent as Davies regularly engages in board play and will use his dense frame to throw impactful hits. Davies keeps his feet in constant motion and skates with a low centre of gravity, making attempts to strip him of the puck virtually futile. Davies would benefit from utilizing his teammates more often on rushes but he is still an offensive threat every time he approaches the offensive zone.

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Player Profile: Mitchell Stephens (2013 OHL draft)

Mitchell Stephens
Toronto Marlboros
Forward
Year of Birth: 1997

Speed and aggressive skating are two characteristics making Mitchell Stephens such a dynamic player. More impressive is his execution in full flight. Stephens possesses quick feet and elite acceleration on top of very good straight ahead speed. To his credit, Stephens takes a multi-faceted approach to maximizing his skills. Pure speed is used for tenacious forechecking and puck pursuit while offensive anticipation and acceleration allows Stephens to earn breakaway opportunities. A strong finisher with a wicked shot, Stephens will opt to shoot given the chance but his passing ability should not be underrated. Stephens anticipates the game well and seems to know where the puck will be at any moment in time. Very few players in the age group are able to dissect their way through the middle to create scoring chances as well as Stephens who uses vision and edge work to do so. Mitchell Stephens is one of the top forwards entering the 2013 OHL Priority Selection.


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twitter: @416_musings

Player Profile: Matt Spencer (2013 OHL Draft)

Matt Spencer
Oakville Rangers
Defence
6’2, 185 lbs
Year of Birth: 1997

Matt Spencer is a player who clearly stands out among the star-studded cast of the 97 Oakville Rangers. With added strength, Spencer should easily achieve pro-size for a defenceman. Puck rushing ability is impressive, especially for a player with his physical dimensions. In particular, the velocity with which Spencer can attack the offensive zone from his own blue line is eye-opening and often catches defencemen flat footed. Spencer plays a poised and physical game in his own end, managing and limiting opponents by taking away space and smothering them against the boards. Puck distribution and decision making from his own end is a work in progress, ranging from sharp to faulty, but Spencer usually advances the play with short range passes. One would have to give Matt Spencer consideration for being one of the best Ontario defencemen in the age grouping.


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twitter: @416_musings

Player Profile: Tyler Sensky (2013 OHL Draft)

Tyler Sensky

Compuware

Defence
5'11, 175 lbs

Year of Birth: 1997

Tyler Sensky is yet another prospect on the star studded defence corps of the 1997 Compuware squad. Although not overtly obvious as an offensive defenceman, Sensky's hockey sense and skating indicate that he may develop into one. A strong skater with a powerful stride, Sensky can very quickly take away time and space from opposing forwards. Sensky anticipates the offensive game very well and naturally plays an intelligent transition game. With the puck, Sensky has shown flashes of patient playmaking through several viewings. Tyler Sensky has not committed to a college program as of the posting date.

416musings@gmail.com
twitter: @416_musings