1. Riley Daniels (G) – Fort Erie Meteors (GOJHL) – February.5.1999 – 6’1, 180 – Beamsville, Ontario
25 GP – (10-11-0) – 4.34 GAA – 0.860 Save % – 0 SO
A big, athletic, hybird style goaltender, Riley Daniels possesses an excellent work ethic along with a high end skill set and strong physical attributes. While the seventeen year goaltenders numbers might not be eye-opening with the Fort Erie Meteors, he has performed admirably for a middle of the pack GOJHL club, splitting time between the pipes with a veteran netminder. A calming presence in the net, Daniels shows exceptionally strong lateral movements, excellent reflexes and a lightning quick glove head. A goaltender who tracks the puck well, Daniels gets out to the top of his crease and challenges shooters, while remaining strong positionally, squaring up the opposition and playing his angles to the utmost effectiveness. An agile and athletic goaltender, Daniels also shows impressive rebound control along with an ability to play and handle the puck well. Daniels effectively takes away the lower half of the net, has a knack for making impressive desperation saves and remains patient in the goal as he’ll out wait shooters. A true workhorse goaltender, Daniels has the ability to take over an steal games as he often did with the Niagara North Stars during his Minor Midget “AAA” campaign.
2015 – 3rd Round – 56th Overall
2. Zach Sheedy (LW) – Toronto Nationals Midget “AAA” (GTHL) – May.2.1999 – 5’10, 157 – Markham, Ontario
Statistics Unavailable
Zach Sheedy is a well round offensive threat that boasts two-way capabilities along with a physicality to his game. Sheedy is blessed with quick feet that allow him to possess an explosive first step and generate above average straight line speed. Displaying impressive mobility, Sheedy uses his quick feet, speed and overall agility to become shifty and elusive in possession as he also displays strong change of pace and direction abilities. Arguably at his best in possession, Sheedy displays intriguing puck skills as he combines deceptively quick hands with strong puck control and impressive puck protection abilities off the rush. A player who gets to the gritty areas of the ice, Sheedy does not shy away from traffic and can be tough to contain off the rush and off the cycle. Away from the puck Sheedy shows an ability to find soft spots in defensive zone coverage’s along with strong anticipation abilities. Aggressive on the forecheck and tenacious in puck pursuit, Sheedy takes direct routes to pucks and will engage physically at the appropriate times. On of the top offensive guns with the Toronto Titans during his minor midget season, Sheedy continues to excel offensively this season with the Toronto Nationals.
2015 – 7th Round – 132nd Overall
3. Zach Roberts (LW) – Stouffville Spirit (OJHL) – August.4.1999 – 6’0, 180 – Stouffville, Ontario
40 GP – 1 G – 9 A – 10 PTS – 130 PIM
Zach Roberts is an agitating, gritty, two-way forward with a deceptive amount of offensive ability. Roberts is a tough to play against winger with an in your face mentality that makes his opponents earn their ice every shift. Bringing a strong work ethic and consistent effort, Roberts plays an aggressive style of play, shows a tenaciousness in puck pursuit and a willingness to engage physically. Aggressive on the forecheck, Roberts does possess impressive speed that allows him to force turnovers as opponents begin to hear footsteps when he’s on the ice. While Roberts plays with grit and is highly effectively as a checking line winger, the physical winger does show intriguing hockey sense as he anticipates the play well and shows impressive positional play. Strong on the Penalty Kill, Roberts anticipation abilities are on full display as he often picks off passes or at the very least can tip pucks and block shots with effectiveness. In the offensive zone Roberts gets to the high traffic areas and shows an effectiveness as the agitating winger works the half boards and cycle extremely well and is an effective net front presence. In possession Robert displays quiet offensive attributes as he shows quality puck skills along with impressive puck protection skills and a deceptively strong shot that comes off a quality release and shows good accuracy. A good decision maker in possession, Roberts doesn’t force things, although he does keep things simple. During 5 on 5 play in his own zone he can puck watch at time. Roberts also teds to get restless in his own zone and will being to puck chase at times.
2015 – 5th Round – 93rd Overall
4. Regan Kimens (LW) – St. Andrew’s College (CAHS) – May.28.1999 – 6’0, 174 – Concord, Ontario
29 GP – 14 G – 13 A – 27 PTS – 31 PIM
Regan Kimens is an energetic, two-way forward that boasts deceptively strong offensive instincts along with a high end Hockey IQ. Kimens displays a long and fluid stride that allows him to generate above average straight lines speed. While his first step isn’t exactly explosive it doesn’t take much to get him to top speed. A player who displays impressive edges, Kimens shows an ability to spin out of checks and drive up ice or towards then net with effectiveness. Kimens displays a tireless work ethic as he displays a tenaciousness in puck pursuit, along with an aggressiveness on the forecheck. Willing to engage physically, Kimens combines his speed and tenacious on the forecheck to effectively force turnover and generate offensive opportunities. Blessed with an impressive hockey IQ, Kimens shows excellent on ice awareness and anticipation skills that are most notable on the defensive side of the puck. Kimens puts forth an excellent effort on the back check, gets in the shooting lanes defensively and is excellent on the penalty kill. While his offensive skill set continues to round out, Kimens does show deceptively good vision and playmaking skills, although he could show better patience in possession as he tends to force things at times.
2015 – 4th Round – 73rd Overall
5. Nicholas Pryce (LW) – Toronto Nationals Midget “AAA” (GTHL) – March.23.1999 – 5’10, 181 – Toronto, Ontario
Statistics Unavailable
Coming off an OHL Cup Championship with the Toronto Marlboros, Nicholas Pryce is currently skating with another strong team as the Toronto Nationals finished 3rd overall in the GTHL standings. As he was with the Marlboros last season Pryce is a consistent offensive threat that has the ability to pick his team up with a big goal or a big hit. An intriguing and versatile threat, Pryce displays a near explosive first step, possesses quick feet, strong mobility and high end straight line speed. A player that is absolutely tenacious in puck pursuit, Pryce has an uncanny ability to force turnovers with his aggressiveness and willingness to engage physically. Pryce works the half boards and cycle effectively, showing intriguing puck protection skills along with a willingness to get to the high traffic areas of the ice. Blessed with deceptively strong vision and a quiet playmaking skill set to his game, Pryce is argubably a shoot first forward and for good reason as the physical and skilled winger possesses a lethal shot. Combining a quick release with pin point accuracy and high velocity, Pryce is able to get his shot off in full stride and through traffic. Displaying impressive strength, Pryce is heavy on the puck and very tough to contain off the rush. A player who should enjoy another lengthy playoff run, look for Pryce to contend for a roster spot in Owen Sound next season.
2015 – 8th Round – 143rd Overall
6. MacKenzie Warren (D) – Quinte Red Devils Midget “AAA” (OMHA) – February.16.1999 – 5’11, 204 – Stirling, Ontario
34 GP – 6 G – 15 A – 21 PTS – 37 PIM
Mackenzie Warren is a mobile, fleet footed defensive with intriguing two-way capabilities. Warren boasts a number of intriguing aspects to his game and while know aspect of his game may be considered elite, he does almost everything very well. Displaying strong four-way mobility, Warren possesses impressive foot speed along with a fluid stride and strong speed. A player who is rarely caught flat footed, Warren shows excellent on ice awareness and an impressive Hockey IQ. In possession Warren makes good decisions, moves the puck quickly and effectively and protects the puck effectively on zone exits. While Warren shows a capability as a puck carrying defender, Warren sees the ice well and makes a crisp and accurate outlet pass. Warren plays the game with a calm demeanor and excellent poise, handles the forecheck well and shows strong positional awareness. A player who transitions well, Warren injects himself appropriately at the appropriate times, effectively creates shooting lanes and displays a deceptively strong point shot. Defensive Warren handles the rush well, closing gaps efficiently, while excelling as a stick on puck defender. While Warren could stand to add more physicality to his skill set, it is not a determent to his game by any means.
2015 – 6th Round – 113th Overall
7. Joey Berkopec (D) – Oakville Rangers Midget “AAA” (OMHA) – February.12.1999 – 6’0, 178 – Oakville, Ontario
Statistics Unavailable
Joey Berkopec is a physical, two-way defensemen with fluid mobility and intriguing offensive attributes. Berkopec is currently enjoying a strong season with the Oakville Rangers Midget “AAA” team where he effectively runs the teams power play and provides consistent contributions at both ends of the rink. An effortless skater, Berkopec displays strong four-way mobility, a fluid stride and impressive straight line speed. Strong on his edges, Berkopec shows an effectiveness as a puck carrying defensemen but also shows strong vision and an ability to make a crisp and accurate first pass. Boasting an excellent work ethic and strong compete, Berkopec displays a willingness to engage physically and a nastiness to his game. A player who transitions well offensively, Berkopec handles the rush well defensively. Closing gaps effectively, while forcing the opposition to low percentage areas of the ice. Berkopec makes the opposition earn every inch of the ice, shows impressive contain in his own zone and displays an active and effective stick. With a rangy two-way skill set Berkopec certainly possesses the ability to play at the major junior level next season.
2015 – 9th Round – 178th Overall
8. Matthew Bumbstead (D) – Cobourg Cougars (OJHL) – April.20.1998 – 6’3, 211 – Whitby, Ontario
30 GP – 2 G – 8 A – 10 PTS – 30 PIM
Matthew Bumstead is a physical defensemen with intriguing two-way upside and deceptively good mobility for a big bodied defensemen. Bumstead undoubtedly is a defense first defensemen who is at his best when he keeps things simple and plays within himself. Displaying impressive on ice awareness, Bumstead anticipates the play well, shows quality contain in his own zone along with an active and effective stick. A player who can be tough to play against, Bumstead clears the front of the net with effectiveness, engages physically and shows a willingness to block shot/clog the shooting and passing lanes. A defensemen who is strong on puck retrievals, Bumstead displays adequate puck skills, shows poise and patience in possession and makes an effective first pass. While his decision making can be hindered by an aggressive forecheck, Bumstead is an effective complimentary d-partner for a defensemen with high end offensive capabilities. Offensively speaking Bumbstead creates shooting lanes well, displays a quick release along with heavy and accurate point shot. While his offensive abilities and puck skills will never be of the high end variety, Bumstead can contribute at the offensive end of the rink in a minimal capacity or simply will not be a weak link in the O-Zone.
2014 – 9th Round – 168th Overall
9. Michael Botiz (G) – Oakville Blades (OJHL) – March.2.1998 – 6’3, 160 – Oakville, Ontario
18 GP – (8-9-0-1) – 3.43 GAA – 0.886 Save % – 1 SO
Another intriguing young goaltender in the Owen Sound Attack system, Michael Botiz is currently enjoying a successful rookie season with the OJHL’s Oakville Blades where he is playing a back up role to veteran Brendan McGlynn. Botiz play thus far this season as also earned him a spot in the CJHL Top Prospects game. A big bodied, athletic, hybrid goaltender, Botiz boasts an intriguing skill set. Extremely poised, Botiz is a calming presence between the pipes, shows impressive rebound control and impressive post to post movements. A goaltender who tracks the puck well, Botiz gets to the top of his crease, plays his angles well and challenges shooters. Boasting quick reflexes, Botiz can become very tough to beat cleanly as he combines his hulking frame with the aforementioned reflex abilities and strong positional play. With a number of intriguing goaltending prospects in the fold for the Attack, Botiz will likely battle Riley Daniels to be Michael McNiven’s backup next season.
2014 – 7th Round – 128th Overall
10. Colin Tonge (LW) – Kingston Voyageurs (OJHL) – February.10.1998 – 5’10, 160 – Kingston, Ontario
43 GP – 14 G – 14 A – 28 PTS – 36 PIM
Committed to Princeton University for the 2017-2018 Season Colin Tonge would undoubtedly be much higher on this list if not for his NCAA commitment. A player who had some minor question marks about his skating during his minor hockey years, Tonge has become quiet an explosive skater showing an impressive first step along with above average straight line speed and intriguing change of pace/direction abilities, that allow him to become shifty and elusive in possession. Offensively speaking Tonge shows impressive level of creativity in the oppositions zone. Blessed with high end hockey sense, Tonge see’s the ice extremely well and distributes the puck with effectiveness. However with that being said Tonge would be considered a shoot first winger and for good reason as he displays a quick release along with impressive accuracy and high end velocity. A player who shows an uncanny ability to find soft spots in defensive zone coverage’s, Tonge displays quick strike abilities and is likely to emerge as a pure goal scorer. While Tonge is intriguing offensively he does lack a physical element to his game and does show an inconsistent effort at the defensive end of the rink. He tends to puck watch and get caught flat footed or ice quick to leave the zone. If Tonge can become less of a peremiter player he will only become an even more intriguing offensive threat as he currently shy’s away from high traffic areas and contact.
2014 – 8th Round – 148th Overall
11. Will Knierim (RW) – Dubuque Fighting Saints (USHL) – January.22.1998 – 6’3, 218 – Skokie, Illinois
35 GP – 9 G – 9 A – 18 PTS – 87 PIM – -2
Originally expected to join the Owen Sound Attack after a year in the USHL, Will Knierim now looks poised to honor his commitment to the University of Miami (Ohio) in 2016-2017. Blessed with impressive physical attributes, which are hard to ignore when evaluating his talent, Knierim plays to his strengths as a 6’3, 212 pound foward. With prototypical power forward traits, Knierim routinely engages physically, thrives in the high traffic areas and is an effective net front presence. With deceptively good hands in tight, Knierim plays a heavy game and is tough to contain off the rush as he drives the net with authority. Blessed with strong puck protection skills, Knierim works the half boards and cycle well, excelling below the goal line. While his skating is still a work in progress, it continues to improve and should round out in the long term as Knierm displays excellent long term project-ability. A complimentary winger at this time, Knierim displays a deceptively strong shot and can move the puck quickly and effectively as he does have an ability to anticipate a play/see a play developing. Knierim possesses a skill set that would most fit the OHL style of play, making the possibility of him coming to the Owen Sound a decent one, as whatever NHL team selects him will likely push the OHL. However because he is considered more of a long term project, the three to four years he would spend at college is also an appealing route.
2014 – 2nd Round – 32nd Overall
*Greg Smith (LW) – Wellington Dukes (OJHL) – April.2.1998 – 6’0, 165 – Ajax, Ontario
12 GP – 1 G – 4 A – 5 PTS – 6 PIM
Having already played 10+ games with the Attack we’ve left Smith outside the Top 10 Prospects, however with that being said Smith should play a role with Owen Sound throughout the 2016-2017 Season. Since being re-assigned to the Wellington Dukes of the OJHL, Smith has played admirably, routinely chipping in on the offensive side of things, while remaining competent in his own zone and showing an impressive compete level and overall work ethic.
NCAA Commitments
William Knierim (RW) – Dubuque Fighting Saints (USHL) – Committed to Miami (Ohio) University for the 2016-2017 Season
Colin Tonge (LW) – Kingston Voyageurs (OJHL) – Committed to Princeton University for the 2017-2018 Season
Brent Gates (C) – University of Minnesota (NCAA)
Joseph Masonius (D) – University of Connecticut (NCAA)
Written By: Mike Mackley (@Macker61)
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Scouting Reports By – Mike Mackley
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