“Dustin Brown: Tale of a Sniper”

Dustin Brown has always been a sniper, but no one knew who he was until last year. That’s when the then 15 year old broke into the OHL as a second round pick of the Guelph Storm. But at the time of the 2000 OHL draft, Brown was not very well known. He didn’t have the high profile of some of the other 2000 draftees like Patrick Jarrett, Rick Nash, Tim Brent, or Bryan Rodney.

In fact almost all of the OHL teams didn’t even have him ranked anywhere on their draft lists. The story is well know now. At the 200 OHL priority selection when Guelph GM Alan Millar called the Ithaca, New York native’s name, everyone was stunned (much to the same effect as at the ’98 draft, when Erie Otters GM Sherry Bassin called then little known Brad Boyes in the 1st round). Figuring it was a waste of a pick. Fast forward through last season, and the 6’0″-193lbs right winger is an early concensus top five pick for the 2003 NHL entry draft.

Brown combines speed and pillow soft hands to account for his almost goal-a-game pace this season. Brown, who just turned 17 is also in consideration for team USA, who will compete at the WJC. Although the US team doesn’t usually take younger playerse, it would be hard to ignore Brown is he keeps up the play he has been displaying this year.

Brown and linemate Marty St.Pierre have been ripping up the Ontario League scoresheets this season, and the prospect of both of them being in Guelph for another 2-3 years is great for Guelph fans and management. Brown could stand to get a little more physical (0 fights in two years. Unless you count the thuggery of the London Knights), as he is very well built. But, with all his natural skill, he should be alright. Plus, it’s not as though he is a pushover. If brown keeps up his play, and keeps improving, he will be a top ten pick in the 2003 NHL entry draft. That you can count on.