Hockey will begin a new era next year and what better way to bring in a new millenium
than with a fresh young group of talented players, especially from the OHL. The OHL is
represented very strongly in the 2000 draft. The OHL has a mix of fine young defenseman to go
along with some outstanding forwards. Here is a profile on the top youngsters from the OHL
looking to make it big in the 2000 NHL draft.
DAN GROWDEN
Height/Weight: 6’0 180
Position: Defence
Birthdate: February 9, 1982
Peterborough, Ontario
Current stats: 6 points in 52 games in Windsor
HF Comments: Dan Growden represents speed in the 2000 draft. This offensive minded defenceman was
selected by Windsor 5th overall in 1998 and is yet to prove himself. He logs an incredible
amount of playing time and slowly he is becoming more comfortable in the league. His defensive
game is very poor and his inability to clear corners and in front of the net has left the Spits
picking the puck out of the back of the net. He loves to jump into the rush and in some
occasions is used up front on the penalty kill. A willing learner who is gradually learning
the defensive game in the OHL. His major strength by far is his mobility and his ability to clear
the zone. He will have to get more physical and more confident in order to become a quality
defenceman in the league.
BOBBY TURNER
Height/Weight: 6’2 187
Position: Defence
Birthdate: April 15, 1982
Stoney Creek, Ontario
Current stats: 3 points in 53 games in London
HF Comments: Bobby Turner is tough. He is potentially the most physical defenceman in the
draft and is already gaining a reputation as one of the toughest and most physical defenceman in
the league. He is seeing plenty of ice time in his rookie campaign and benefitting from every
minute. He is a great skater who has a good vision on the ice. He moves the puck up the ice well
and he has an excellent shot. His physical game is the best aspect of his all around game. He can
really throw some huge checks and loves to drop the gloves. A fierce competitor is what Turner
can be described. He will certainly be a valuable asset on a team in the future.
KRIS NEWBURY
Height/Weight: 5’10 181
Position: Left Wing
Birthdate: February 19, 1982
Brampton, Ontario
Current stats: 10 points in 44 games with Belleville
HF Comments: A Wendel Clark type player, Newbury does not put up the big numbers but he makes up for
it with his hard-nosed attitude and tremendous work ethic. His best strength would be his
skating as he blows by many unsuspecting defencemen. His overall offensive skills are very good.
He can handle the puck very well and his shot is average. His passing ability is good and his
anticipation of the opposition is astounding. His offensive output will have to improve, which it
should, in order for him to gain more respect from the watchful scouts.
KURT FOSTER
Height/Weight: 6’4 200
Position: Defence
Birthdate: November 24, 1981
Carp, Ontario
Current stats: 13 points in 45 games with Peterborough
HF Comments: Foster is a punishing hitter with a developing aggressive streak. His size and his skills
make the scouts drool. He is oozing with potential and in his 2nd season in the OHL, he is
finally beginning to realize it. His offensive game is not too fancy but he owns a very hard shot
and developing better playmaking skills, as he is seeing some time on the Power Play. He will
need to fully develop his physical game and earn more of a scoring touch in order to be a
dominant force in the OHL and the NHL.
Kris Vernarsky, Plymouth LW – Big, Manny Malhotra type player can score some big goals as well as
dish out some big hits.
Jared Newman, Plymouth D – Great defensive skills, a stay at home type who lacks a scoring touch.
Mike Wehrstedt, Kitchener C – FUTURE STAR! Had 174 points in 67 games in Bantam. Has a huge shot.
Samu Isosalo, North Bay RW – Huge winger has good hands and a mean streak. Could be a high pick.
Mark Popovic, Toronto D – Offensive defenceman with great skating ability.
