Monday 3 April 2017

'99 Born OHL All-Stars



1st Team

G Michael DiPietro Windsor Spitfires



As far as NHL draft years go it can't get much better than what DiPietro showed this season. On two seperate occasions he was named CHL goalie of the week including one historic weekend where he picked up 3 shutouts in a row all on the road on Teddy Bear toss night leaving thousands of Northern Ontario Childeren without toys this past Christmas. On the season DiPietro finsihed 2nd in the league in GAA, 3rd in Save Percentage and 5th in wins. Not to shabby for a player 2 years removed fron Minor Midget. On top of this he set Spitfire franchise records for shutouts in a season (6) and career (8).




D Evan Bouchard London Knights



The 2018 NHL draft eligible defender is sometimes the forgotten man on a blueline that includes Mitchell Vande Sompel, Victor Mete and Olli Juolevi. Bouchard though is a burgeoning star in his own right. A fantastic skating and puck moving defenceman who fits right in with the previously mentioned 3. A lock for Team Canada at the U18 should Windsor win game 7. Bouchard was fantastic offensivlely this season for London especially when considering offensive minutes were not always handed to him first. Should be a treat to watch in his draft year next season.


D Eemeli Rasanen Kingston Frontenacs



Kingston had 2 import picks and the early returns seem to point towards 2 home runs. Rasanen was dynamite on the power play with 30 points on the man advantage this year. In fact his 26 power play assists had him tied for 6th in the whole OHL.


F Nick Suzuki Owen Sound Attack



When you are 17 and you finish 5th in the elague in points you are doing something right. Suzuki also finished 2nd in the league with 5 short handed goals. He can create offense on his own or make those around him better. Owen Sound has the potential to be just as deadly offensivly next year as they are this year and Suzuki is a major reason why. Already a top 10 forward in the OHL.



F Owen Tippett Mississauga Steelheads



Outside of DeBrincat an argument could be made that Tippett is the leagues deadliest sniper. If your team is holding on to a 1 goal lead Tippett is one of the last guys who you want the puck to be on his stick.  He has an elite shot mixed with great vision and anticipation. He finished 5th in the league in goals and was a constant scoring threat for the Steelheads all year even when they were struggling early on.





F Gabriel Vilardi  Windsor Spitfires



Slowed down by injury this season Vilardi still managed to have a major impact for the Mem Cup host Spitfires this season. He averaged a robust 1.24 points per game while managing to do most of his damage at even strength. He averaged more than 3 shots per game and was a constant scoring threat inspite of the fact that he was rarely 100%.




2nd Team


G Mathew Vilalta Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds




Have you ever heard of the Westport Rideaus? Unless you are from the NCR you likely havn't heard of them. They are the CCHL2 team that Villalta had signed with in July in the event his trek to Sault Ste. Marie for their main camp as a Free Agent invite didnt produce a contract. He suited up on opening night with Joseph Raaymakers at the New York Rangers camp and promptly lost. He then rattled off 17 straight wins between the pipes for the Hounds and eventually took over the starers job near the end of the year. His season culminated with OHL Rookie and Goalie of the month honours for March. Not too bad for a free agent signing. Villalta was also twice named CHL goalie of the week and is a finalist for OHL rookie of the year.

Check out Dominic Tiano's player profile of Villalta from earlier in the season



D Marcus Philips Owen Sound Attack



One of two Attack 1st round picks from 2015 (thank you Victor Mete). Philips is an exciting and developing talent who plays a solid 2 way game. With OA scoring star Santino Centorame playing the big offensive minutes Philips wasnt relied on to put up the points. He contributed though when called upon and was a vital cog in the deep and underrated Owen Sound Defence corps.



D Noel Hoefenmayer Ottawa 67's



Hoefenmayer was an offensive blessing this season on what was an extremly young and green backend for the 67's. His production placed him 5th on the team (one of 3 '99s in the top 5) and had him as the highest scoring Dman on the team. His 10 goals and 18 assists at even strength is extra incouraging as it shows he doesnt have to rely on the power play to put up his points. Should be looking at another jump in production next year especially if his shot totals take a jump forward.


F Morgan Frost Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds



Greyhounds 2015 4th round draft pick has worked his way up the Hounds deep veteran lineup to earn valuable and leveraged ice time with the team. He is an underrated 2 way player who can be trusted in all situations. He has the offensive versatility to thrive with a multitude of offensive weapons on the Greyhounds.  



F Jason Robertson Kingston Frontenacs



I Dont know if there is a more underappreciated 80 point 300 shot NHL draft year then the one that Robertson put together this year. What makes it more impressive is that Robertson is the guy to shut down in Kingston and they dont have the pieces to insulate him. He seems to thrive when the pressure is on and has shown he is more than capable of carrying an offence.


Isaac Ratcliff Guelph Storm



One of the few bright spots on an otherwise dreary season for the Storm. Ratcliff who was a minor midget teammate of Owen Sound star '99 Nick Suzuki saw his production jump in his sophmore season. On a team that only scored 202 goals Ratcliffe was able to get a point on over 25% of them.



Difficult Ommisons


F Matthew Strome Hamilton Bulldogs

After the torrid finish to his rookie season Strome's production this year was somewhat of a disappointment. He seemed lost during the time when Luff and Petti were out with injury. Will still be a star in this league but it seems he is starting to get passed by some in his draft class.


F Mackenzie Entwhistle Hamilton Bulldogs

Gritty forward who plays a strong 2 way game. Doesn't have the offensive game as others on the list but can affect it in a multitude of ways. Great penalty killer already at a young age who should continue to blossom offensivly


D Tom Hedberg Barrie Colts

Hard to put up good numbers on such a bad team but Hedberg was able to do that this year in his first year in North America. Another great find by the Colts through the Import Draft.


F Adam Ruzicka Sarnia Sting

Up for rookie of the year this year inspite of a season that saw him put up only 46 points in 61 games. After a slow transition to North America he started to get better in the 2nd half.


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