Michigan’s 2000 birth-year players to know before junior draft season
Editor’s note – This article originally appeared before the OHL Priority Selection. To see the results from that draft process, click here. Tonight marks the beginning of the two-day USHL Draft, with the Phase 1 draft taking place at CJ’s Brewing Company inside USA Hockey Arena in Plymouth. Hockey players and fans are encouraged to attend the event.
By Matt Mackinder –
As seasons wind down, teams across the country have already started to prepare for the 2016-17 season and for junior teams in the Ontario Hockey League, United States Hockey League and North American Hockey League, that also means getting set for each league’s draft.
The OHL draft is Saturday, April 9, while the two USHL drafts take place Monday, May 2 and Tuesday, May 3. The NAHL stages its draft on Tuesday, June 7.
Make sure to check out MiHockeyNow.com to see the full results of the 2016 OHL Priority Selection.
OHL Midwest U.S. scout Kevin Hess recently gave his take on the top 2000 birth year prospects hailing from Michigan for the upcoming drafts. Some players will make their way to the OHL or USHL for the 2016-17 season, while others will remain in midgets for another season.
NOTE: Players are listed in alphabetical order.
ZACHARY BORGIEL, GOALTENDER, HONEYBAKED U15
“An athletic goalie that plays a pure butterfly style. Challenges to the top of his area and plays good angles. Tracks the puck well and possesses very good rebound control.”
LUCAS CRAWFORD, FORWARD/DEFENSEMAN, OAKLAND JR. GRIZZLIES U15
“A hybrid player that can play anywhere the coaching staff asks him. Plays a solid, stay-at-home defensive game with some offensive upside and gets in on the forecheck, winning loose puck battles. Keeps his team’s energy level high.”
DREW DeRIDDER, GOALTENDER, OAKLAND JR. GRIZZLIES U16
“Butterfly goaltender plays at or near the top of his paint. Very hard worker, tracks the puck well, squares up to shots well and does a good job of controlling rebounds. Game elevates to the next level when his team needs it the most.”
MAX ELLIS, FORWARD, HONEYBAKED U16
“Gets up to top speed quickly. Is very good in puck pursuit and takes away passing lanes well. Possesses very good hockey sense. Does a good job finding quiet spots in the scoring area to generate high-quality chances.”
CALEB EVERETT, DEFENSEMAN, HONEYBAKED U16
“Solid, two-way defenseman that skates well for a young man his size. Playing only his second year of AAA hockey, but is adjusting to the speed of the game fairly well. Does a very good job of walking the line with his head up to find a shot lane.”
CANNON GREEN, FORWARD, OAKLAND JR. GRIZZLIES U16
“Skilled forward that can play all three spots. Gets up to top speed quickly and can separate himself from defenders in open ice. Battles through checks, not quitting on the play and keeps playing his game.”
JOHN GRUDEN, FORWARD, HONEYBAKED U16
“Skilled centerman that possesses good hockey IQ. Pretty good on draws, winning a high percentage cleanly. Plays an honest, two-way game. Has the poise to wait until the last second to make a play.”
XAN GURNEY, DEFENSEMAN, LITTLE CAESARS U16
“Two-way defenseman that plays in every situation. Plays with a bit of a mean streak. Has a hard shot, which is low and on target. Has the physical tools to be a solid 2-4 defenseman at the next level.”
BLADE JENKINS, FORWARD, COMPUWARE U16
“Highly-skilled center that sees ice in every situation. A good skater who does a good job of changing speeds to create time and space for himself. If my team needs to score a goal, as a coach, I want the puck on Jenkins’ stick.”
CALEN KIEFUK, FORWARD, HONEYBAKED U16
“Skilled forward that can play any type of game from wide-open to tight-checking. Always wants the puck and does whatever is necessary to go and retrieve it. Distributes the puck unselfishly.”
CHRISTIAN KRYGIER, DEFENSEMAN, LITTLE CAESARS U16
“Tall, lanky, two-way defenseman plays in every situation, plays a quiet, simple, yet very effective game. Shows patience with the puck under pressure and makes good outlets.”
COLE KRYGIER, FORWARD/DEFENSEMAN, LITTLE CAESARS U16
“Tall, lanky forward/defenseman can do it all. Plays with a mean streak and finishes a good majority of his checks. Whatever position he plays, he brings a high compete level and good hockey IQ.”
MICHAEL KRYGIER, GOALTENDER, COMPUWARE U16
“Hybrid style goalie that is very aggressive. Challenges well out past the top of his blue paint. A raw, athletic goaltender who never gives up on a puck. Plays the puck like a third defenseman on the ice.”
WILLIAM MacKINNON, DEFENSEMAN, HONEYBAKED U16
“Two-way defenseman that plays an in-your-face style of game. Is extremely physical and punishes players all over the ice with clean body checks. Recognizes when and where he can jump into the rush.”
JOSH MAINE, FORWARD, MICHIGAN HOCKEY ADVANCEMENT U16/ORCHARD LAKE ST. MARY’S
“Prototypical power forward with an intriguing upside. Plays the game the right way and competes hard in all three zones. Shows the willingness to go into the tough areas.”
BRADLEY MAREK, FORWARD, FOX MOTORS U16
“Two-way center plays the game the right way. Defends well and wins a good percentage of his loose puck battles. Anticipates the play before it happens. Sees the ice well and makes good passes into tight windows.”
HUNTER NOFS, FORWARD, OAKLAND JR. GRIZZLIES U15
“A good-sized right wing that displays a good work ethic and plays with some jam. Good north and south skater that makes a defenseman’s life difficult. Protects the puck well on the cycle. Has a very heavy and accurate shot.”
ALEC REGULA, DEFENSEMAN, CRANBROOK KINGSWOOD
“Gaps up well on the rush. Does a good job of rush recognition and communicates with his teammates on what to do. Defends well in containment and at net front. Makes a good first pass and activates into the rush when appropriate.”
JACOB SEMIK, DEFENSEMAN, HONEYBAKED U16
“Puck-rushing defenseman has impressed scouts with his offensive abilities. Possesses very good skill, skates well and is very shifty. Is extremely poised and patient when he has the puck, no matter what zone he is in. Sees the ice very well.”