Daniel Paille (6’0″ – 184lbs) In only his second year in the league, Guelph’s Danny Paille has lived up to the expectations put on him when he was drafted 6th overall in the 2000 OHL draft. Paille is one of those players who you need on your team. Paille, 17, fits a lot of grit and leadership into his 6’0″, 184lbs frame. The leadership skills he shows on a nightly basis, may just land him the “C” next year, as this years captain Morgan McCormick moves on. Paille’s main attributes are his work along the boards, his 100% a shift work ethic, and his ability to take the punishment to score goals. When I watch Paille play, he really reminds me of a young Adam Deadmarsh. He has a great balance of skill and grit, he also shows a lot of character off the ice. Look for him to be selected during the first two rounds of the 2002 NHL entry draft.
Kris Vernarsky (6’2″ – 207lbs) Kris is a veteran of the Ontario Hockey League, in this, his fourth season. His offensive ability is beginning to show a little more than it has in the past. With his 19 points in 18 games he is scoring at a point-a-game clip. But scoring will not be his calling at the next level, nor is it really at this level. Kris is a great grinder. He is spectacular along the boards, and is a very gritty and determined player. He will drive to the net, and drop the gloves when he has to. He is a very good defensive player, and his big 6’2″ frame, helps him take hits, as well as give them.
Jimmy Gagnon (6’0″ – 170lbs) While Jimmy isn’t enjoying a successful offensive season (4pts/13gms), he is still one of the more intense players in the league. He opens up a lot of room for his teammates with his hard-nosed style of play. Jimmy is a character player. He won’t wow you with dazzling stickhandling or blaze by you wiht his speed. But you can count on him giving his all, whenever he is out on the ice. And his hard work always leads to goals, whether he gets credit on the scoresheet or not.
Morgan McCormick (6’4″ – 215lbs) Morgan is in his final season in the OHL, and he wants to lead his team to a league championship. Morgan is the heart and soul of his Guelph Storm hockey club. His 9 points in 12 games doesn’t even scratch the surface of Morgan. Every one of the players on the Guelph Storm team will testify that Morgan is the best captain in the OHL. Mogan is a good skater for his 6’4″ frame, he throws hits, sticks up for teammates, and scores timely goals. He is the type of player that keeps playing until the final whistle. Whether his team is winning or losing. There will be a spot for him at the next level, his size and leadership is coveted by many teams.
Ben Eager (6’2″ – 206lbs) Oshawa’s Ben Eager definitely appears to be ready to take the next step in his OHL career. Last season, Ben’s first in the league, was a learning experience fo rhim as he played the rookie role. Limited ice time and 10 points. This year he has emerged as the tema’s main power forward. So far, Ben’s totals of 17 points in just 20 games, already surpass’s last season’s totals. He is also on pace for 100 PIM’s, as he currently leads the league in that department. Eager has shown his willingness to drop the gloves this year, and also to drive to the net with reckless abandon. He great on the power play, as he just parks his 6’2″ body in front of the net. And at 17 years old, he has a lot of time to improve.
Malcolm MacMillan (5’11″ – 190lbs) This season Malcolm is finally starting to show the offensive upside that the Soo Greyhounds saw in him when they drafted him 31st overall in the ’99 draft. After two troubling years (on and off the ice) in Sault Saint Marie, he was traded this year to the Guelph Storm, where Strom coach Jeff Jackson really saw something in MacMillan. After a good rookie season, MacMillan seemed ready for another good season last year. But off ice troubles, and a badly broken wrist spelled the end for him in the Soo. Now, MacMillan is playing his agitating style in Guelph.
And the fans are loving him. MacMillan is, pound for pound, one of the toughest kids in the league. His fearless nature and in your face style, annoys other teams to no end. That was alreay known. This year he has chipped in with 12 points in 18 games, and 62 PIM. MacMillan is one of the hardest workers in the league, and he never stops motoring. Could be a great 3rd or 4th liner in the show if he gets his head on straight. If the OHL made a “Most Hated” player award, MacMillan might be tied for 1st with Windsor’s Steve Ott (which is a good thing).
Cody McCormick (6’2″ – 210lbs) Cody may be one of the most improved players in the OHL. The Colorado draft pick is one of the more physical players in the Ontario League. He is at the top of list for hits, and his 11 points show that he contributes on the scoreboard as well. The 6’2″ right winger is a blend of speed and physical play. He really hustles on the ice, and loves to drop the mits. Cody is a natural leader, and may captain the Bulls someday. Throws himself at the net, and is fantastic along the boards. Is a fan-favourite in Belleville for his abrasive style.
Danny Bois (6’0″ – 194lbs) The captain of the Knights and Avalanche draft pick is one of the best agitators in the league. The thing that makes him special is the fact that he can put the puck in the net. Danny is a great leader, with an underrated shot, and is highly effective on the power play. He is not afraid to drop the gloves (as his 218PIM last season show), and he loves to stick up for his teammates. All the London management echo the same sentiment. Players like Danny make it at the next level, because he simply won’t have it any other way. Plays a similar game to Shayne Corson.
Thanks for reading.
Robert Moore
