Today, 35 of the country's top junior aged hockey players will arrive in Regina to begin the battle for a position on Canada's 2010 World Junior hockey team. Of those 35, 11 are currently playing in the Ontario Hockey League.
Obviously the biggest news so far has been the unavailability of returnee Cody Hodgson, as he continues to rehab from a back injury. Initially named as the 36th (and 12th OHL) member of the camp roster, Hodgson will be unable to participate.
Below I have profiled each OHL player at the camp and organized them according to their chances of making the final roster.
Virtual Locks
Ryan Ellis - Defense - Windsor Spitfires
It's pretty rare that Hockey Canada cuts a returning member, especially one that played such a crucial role. Ellis' offensive and powerplay skills make him a big part of Canada's offense. The test for him will be whether he can play a larger role 5 on 5.
Taylor Hall - Forward - Windsor Spitfires
Cut last year, Hall will look to rebound and make this year's roster. As quite possibly the most dynamic offensive player in the entire CHL, I find it hard to believe he won't make the team this year...and play a crucial scoring line role.
Very High Probability
Matt Hackett - Goaltender - Plymouth Whalers
With most people already penciling in Jake Allen as one of the goaltenders, Hackett has to be the leading candidate for the other spot considering his great play this season and his strong performance at the Summer evaluation camp.
Calvin de Haan - Defense - Oshawa Generals
I'll be very surprised if de Haan doesn't make the final roster. He's solid at both ends, he makes few mistakes with the puck, and he can run a powerplay. These are attributes Canada often looks for in their Team Canada defenseman.
Stefan Della Rovere - Forward - Barrie Colts
Another returning member of last year's Gold Medal winning squad, Della Rovere has a lot of people talking about a possible cut this year. However Hockey Canada is often very loyal to players who came off a gold medal. That being said, I don't think he's a lock as he'll be pushed by several other players they brought to the camp for the same energy role he's going to play.
50/50 Shot
Tyler Seguin - Forward - Plymouth Whalers
While Seguin has lit the OHL on fire this season, he remains one of the youngest players at the camp and experience has to be taken into account. While he's a quality two way player, he's going to have to prove he can provide offense against the best opposition.
Adam Henrique - Forward - Windsor Spitfires
Has two things going for him. 1) He's developed great chemistry with Taylor Hall, and 2) He's a very versatile player who can excel in any role given to him. He has a lot of competition from players who have similar skills though.
Greg Nemisz - Forward - Windsor Spitfires
He's going to have to show Hockey Canada that he can be a consistent physical force and big man in the offensive end. If he's willing to be a crease crasher and board player, he'll have a good shot at earning a spot. If he tries to get on as a finesse player, his chances diminish.
Nazem Kadri - Forward - London Knights
Perhaps the most talked about player for this team (as a Leafs draft pick). Since his disappointing demotion by the Leafs, Kadri has only been OK in the OHL and not great as expected. Like Taylor Hall at last years camp, Kadri is going to have to show Hockey Canada that he can be creative offensively without jeopardizing his team defensively. Hall wasn't able to show that last year, can Kadri?
Long Shots
Shawn Lalonde - Defense - Belleville Bulls
No question that Lalonde is one of the best offensive defenseman in the OHL. Speed, puck rushing ability and point shot are all NHL quality, however is he good enough defensively to stand out amongst a group of other players with similar skill sets?
John McFarland - Forward - Sudbury Wolves
I think McFarland was the biggest surprise addition to the camp roster for most people, but not for me. Hockey Canada seems to really like him, considering how well he performed at the Under 18's. In order to make this team, he's going to have to show Hockey Canada that he can provide grit with his offense and be a physical, pesky force on the ice.
Regardless of the decisions made by Hockey Canada, the final roster will always face criticism. Just the nature of the beast. I for one am curious to see what happens next Wednesday when the roster gets named.
Until then, be sure to check out the blog...OHL Prospects.
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According to TSN, Tyler Cuma has been added to the camp roster. He's in for the injured Patrick Wiercioch.
http://www.tsn.ca/world_jrs/story/?id=302209
He's been playing much better lately, but considering his offensive game is still struggling to find its mojo, I'd have to include him in the "Long Shots" category.
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