NEWS RELEASE
ONTARIO HOCKEY LEAGUE
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With the OHL Cup less than a week away, OHL Central Scouting takes a look at some of the top 2008-born prospects eligible for the 2024 Priority Selection, breaking down what stands out about their skill set on the ice.
A few weeks back, we analyzed the playing styles of Ethan Belchetz (Oakville Rangers), Jean-Christoph Lemieux (Quinte Red Devils), Zach Hyman (Vaughan Kings), Braidy Wassilyn (Markham Majors), and Cole Zurawski (Mississauga Rebels). Read more on our first edition of Five to Watch for the 2024 Priority Selection here.
Noah Barton — defence, Oshawa Generals
OHL Central Scouting says: Noah is a defenceman that has been trending the right way since the beginning of the season. He is a good-sized defenceman that plays within his limits. He skates well and has good mobility in all directions. He plays a simple yet effective game, makes a good first pass out of his end. He will follow up and join the rush at times but he does a good job of reading when he should jump in. He shoots the puck well from the back end and gets the majority of his shots on and through traffic. Defensively he is very solid, takes the body well, has a good active stick and has good body positioning. He is the anchor on his team’s defensive core.
Raine’s OHL player comparison: Matthew Andonovski, Kitchener Rangers.
Colin Fitzgerald — forward, Peterborough Petes
OHL Central Scouting says: Colin is a big two-way centre that is very effective and hard to play against in all three zones. He is a powerful skater that gets up to top speed quickly and will use his speed on the forecheck and off the rush to create chances. He possesses a very good shot with a quick release. He has become more of a consistent factor for his team over the second half of the season and is now driving the offence for his team. He is now a threat whenever he is on the ice. His compete and size make him very hard to handle.
Raine’s OHL player comparison: Cole Beaudoin, Barrie Colts.
Alexander Hage — forward, Vaughan Kings
OHL Central Scouting says: Alexander is a highly skilled centre that makes everyone around him better. He is an elite playmaker with great vision and creativity when he has the puck. He is a pass-first type of player that is always looking to set up a teammate for a scoring chance. He drives the offence when he is on the ice and is extremely effective on the power play when he has a little more time and space to manoeuvre. He is a very quick skater that isn’t afraid to challenge you one on one. He will need to get stronger to really have an impact at the next level where he has the skills to be a game breaker.
Raine’s OHL player comparison: Hunter Haight, Saginaw Spirit.
Brady Knowling — goaltender, North York Rangers
OHL Central Scouting says: Brady is one of the top goalies in this year’s priority selection class. He possesses a great combination of size and athleticism. He has very good edge control and moves laterally in his net very well. He plays a very confident game that allows him to challenge shooters well and play at the top of his crease. He is very consistent in his game as I have rarely seen him give up a weaker goal and he always bounces back well after allowing a goal and coming up with the next save. At almost 6-foot-4 Brady does a great job of taking away the bottom part of the net and controlling most rebounds. He has been a big part of his team’s success and I look forward to him continuing this into the playoffs.
Raine’s OHL player comparison: Dom DiVincentiis, North Bay Battalion.
Alex McLean — forward, Barrie Colts
OHL Central Scouting says: Alex is an elite centre that has the skill to make everyone around him better. He is a dynamic skater that has the ability to change gears in mid-stride. He will challenge anyone with the puck on his stick. He sees the ice extremely well and is very unselfish in his play, but also understands when he needs to shoot the puck or try and make a one-on-one play. He is a very responsible player and doesn’t cheat to create offence, uses his speed and quickness to defend down low. He has been a big part of his team’s success so far this season and will help lead them into the OHL Cup.
Raine’s OHL player comparison: Nick Lardis, Brantford Bulldogs.
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