Scout’s Perch: NHL Draft observations from the road Photo: Erie Otters phenom forward Connor McDavid has been one of the few bright spots for an Erie club that is in rebuilding mode (courtesy of Terry Wilson/OHL Images) Thoughts accumulated on a two-week trip that took me through eight states and four provinces. Lots of snow and lots of coffee. 2013 ECHL All-Star Game: Grubauer’s ECHL swan song comes on a high note Photo: Washington Capitals prospect Philipp Grubauer, shown here playing for the OHL's Kingston Frontenacs, has performed impressively so far in the ECHL (courtesy of Aaron Bell/OHL Images) The ECHL and the ECHL All-Star Game has quietly become one of the top showcases and grooming grounds for upcoming National Hockey League goaltenders. Just ask the Washington Capitals. Monahan tops the crop of 2013 OHL prospects at season’s midpoint Photo: London Knights defenseman Nikita Zadorov is considered a top 10 propsect by ISS Hockey, but CSS ranks Darnell Nurse ahead of the big Russian (courtesy of Terry Wilson/OHL Images) If the Canadian Hockey League considers itself the best road to the NHL, then the Ontario Hockey League can lay claim to being the CHL’s most popular route. Having provided five of the last six first-overall draft picks, it’s likely that players coming out of the OHL will have their names called early and often at the 2013 NHL Draft that will take place in Newark, NJ in late June. 2013 CHL Top Prospects Game: Team Orr posts rare shutout in 3-0 win over Team Cherry Photo: Goaltender Spencer Martin (L) led the way early for Team Orr with shutout hockey, while forward Laurent Dauphin (R) earned Player of the Game honors for his performance in Team Orr's win at the 2013 CHL Top Prospects Game (courtesy of Richard Wolowicz/Getty Images) The final result may not have been what the local fans in Halifax were hoping to see but the 2013 Home Hardware NHL/CHL Top Prospects Game did not disappoint in delivering plenty of skill, speed and physical play. When the last buzzer sounded, Team Orr had beaten Team Cherry by the score of 3-0 in what was the first shutout in the history of the Top Prospects Game. 2013 CHL Top Prospects Game: Monahan hitting peaks, valleys in his draft season Photo: Ottawa 67's forward Sean Monahan currently sits among the top 20 scorers in the OHL despite missing 10 games due to a suspension (courtesy of Terry Wilson/OHL Images) The draft year is an exciting time for any hockey player on the road to becoming an NHL prospect. From scouts in the stands to tournaments and rankings, all culminating in the big event in June, the whole year is a whirlwind of activity as players show off their skills and hope to hear their name called. |
