Henry Mews is one of the top 2006-born defencemen eligible for the 2022 OHL Draft. With speed, flair, confidence and versatility, Mews projects to be a game-breaking player at the OHL-level and beyond.
– Henry Mews –
Toronto Jr. Canadiens (GTHL) | Defence | 2022 OHL Draft Eligible
Nepean, ON | 6′, 180lbs | May 9th, 2006
The Toronto Jr. Canadiens are, to no one’s surprise, a powerhouse in the GTHL once again this season. The club made this fact abundantly clear in their International Silver Stick Championship victory over the equally capable Mississauga Senators in a clash between what could very well be the top two teams in Ontario. One major influence in the Jr. Canadiens’ run to the Championship — and in their success throughout the current season as a whole — has been defenceman Henry Mews. The native of Nepean, Ontario is a superb two-way defenceman who can impact the game in all three zones of the ice. Eerily reminiscent to former high-end GTHL defenders such as Ty Nelson and Jamie Drysdale, Mews is an impressive young player who boasts immense potential at the OHL-level and beyond.
Strengths:
Skating Speed and Agility
Edge-Work
Hockey Sense and Offensive Instincts
Two-Way Ability
Playmaking Capabilities
Shot Release and Penetration
Competitiveness
Defensive Prowess
The foundation of Mews’ game is his speed and agility on the ice. The youngster can fly throughout the ice with absolute ease regardless of whether the puck is on his stick or not. In his defensive end, Mews can track down and smother opposing forwards before moving the puck to his teammates or breaking the puck out on his own. Owing to his high-end offensive instincts, Mews loves to join the rush when it is safe to do so and is downright dangerous when the puck is on his stick. He has the ability to carry the puck end-to-end before unleashing a shot on goal or devising a lethal play with his fellow teammates. As a prospect who has played significant stretches of his career at various forward positions, Mews has a well-rounded understanding of the game in all three zones of the ice and owns an innate sense of confidence with regards to when it is safe for his to act as an offensive threat rather than a shutdown defenceman. In fact, Mews led the HEO in scoring in his U14 season — collecting 25 goals and 62 point in 29 contests — all while playing multiple positions on the ice.
Yesterday, the Ottawa native set up Michael Hage in the semis for the GWG against North York, as the @JrCanadiensAAA would move onto the championship game, and later win the entire tournament.
Some might classify Mews as somewhat of a rover, but fact is Mews is a defenceman first and an offensive threat second — however, his ability to play both roles in a seamless fashion can lead to mixed opinions of his future at the next level. However, we feel there is no question that Mews will develop into a sensational player at the OHL-level. Not only does Mews already boast solid size and strength, but he owns intangible abilities that are downright difficult for many high-level players to adapt. Mews’ ability to feel the game and its ebbs and flows is something to behold, as the youngster has an impressive feel for the game and regularly makes accurate and confident decisions with the well-being of his team being at the forefront of his thought process.
Future Potential:
At the end of the day, Henry Mews will be a game changer at the OHL-level and beyond. Despite playing against many of the best players in Ontario in the GTHL this season, Mews has made the game look easy on countless occasions owing to his innate sense for the game and high-end skill set. Much like Ty Nelson at the end of his GTHL career, Mews is a step above his competition and is ready for the challenges which the major-junior level will present. Come the 2022 OHL Draft, expect Mews to be one of the first defencemen selected — if not the first.
Benjamin Cormier of the HEO’s Navan Grads U18 is a highly skilled and versatile forward who is downright lethal with the puck on his stick — the reason why he is one of the 2022 OHL Draft’s top prospects.
The Navan Grads are one of the top teams in the HEO U18 this season, and for good reason. In addition to Nathan Villeneuve, the Grads also boast Benjamin Cormier — a lethal and versatile forward whose immense work ethic and raw competitiveness combine to make him one of the top players eligible for the upcoming 2022 OHL Draft.
Strengths:
Skating Speed and Strength
Acceleration and Edge-Work
Shot Release
Playmaking and Vision
Hockey Sense
Two-way Abilities
Competitiveness and Work Ethic
The basis of Cormier’s game is his skating, as the native of Orleans, Ontario can traverse the ice with not only high end speed but elite-level agility. This ability allows Cormier to stand as an involved and over-whelming player in all three zones of the ice, as not only can he slide through opposing defenders like a hot knife through butter, but Cormier will regularly catch and strip opponents on the back-check or smother them in his own zone. Boasting a strong first step, great acceleration and refined edge-work, containing Cormier is no simple task.
What’s more is that Cormier can handle the puck and exhibit his high-end skill all while playing the game at a high rate of speed. Firstly, there is Cormier’s shot. He has the ability to release the puck extremely quickly and can place his shot on-goal with remarkable accuracy and consistency. Owing to his high-end shot, Cormier has also developed excellent hockey sense and playmaking abilities — for those occasions when his opponents place too much emphasis on defending his shot. Cormier can move the puck with ease and authority, and has the confidence in his game necessary to execute high-risk, high-reward passes with little hesitation.
Rounding out Cormier’s strengths are his two-way abilities on the ice and his innate, intangible abilities. As mentioned earlier, Cormier is not just and offensive dynamo — he plays a structured and responsible two-way game. He loves to pressure opposing forwards on the back-check and is no stranger to picking his opponent’s pockets when the chance presents itself. Moreover, Cormier is a relentlessly hard-working player who brings his best to the ice on a game-by-game basis. Even when he isn’t able to make his mark on the scoresheet, Cormier is working hard in the other two-zones of the ice to help ensure success for his team.
Areas for Improvement:
Personal Strength
When it comes to a player of Cormier’s calibre, there often aren’t many areas in need of drastic improvement. When it comes to Cormier, he — like every other player of his potential — would do well to add additional strength to his frame. Now, this is not to say that Cormier is under-sized in any way, but rather that continuing to add greater strength will assist in his transition to the OHL-level and beyond. And, with greater strength comes additional shot and passing power, as well as improved acceleration and top speed.
Future Potential:
Ultimately, Cormier holds the potential necessary to develop into an elite player at the OHL-level and far beyond. His skating abilities are incredibly advanced for a player of his age, and so too are his abilities when the puck is on his stick at a high rate of speed. And, as a player who is incredibly successful at operating in traffic and who has the confidence necessary to drive the puck to the net, transitioning to the OHL should be a relatively easy task.
Michael Hage of the GTHL’s Toronto Jr. Canadiens is a well-rounded centre and one of the most complete prospects eligible for the 2022 OHL Draft. Learn about his game, here.
– Michael Hage –
Toronto Jr. Canadiens (GTHL) | Centre | 2022 OHL Draft Eligible
Oakville, ON | 6′, 175lbs | April 14th, 2006
The Toronto Jr. Canadiens are a perennial powerhouse in the GTHL, and this year’s club is no different.
Leading the charge for the Jr. Canadiens in 2021-22 is none other than Michael Hage — an incredibly well-rounded centre who plays an excellent two-way game defined by its attention to detail and potency. In fact, not only is Hage able to devise and capitalize on high-percentage scoring chances in the offensive zone, but he is also capable of shutting down his opposition’s top players in his defensive zone — a skill set which combines to make him one of the top prospects eligible for the 2022 OHL Draft.
Strengths:
Edge-work and Balance
Acceleration
Shot Strength and Release
Playmaking Abilities
Hockey Sense
Two-Way Ability
Face-offs
Defensive Aptitude
The list of Hage’s strengths is long, and for good reason. Hage can seemingly do it all on the ice, whether he takes to it at even-strength, on the power-play or on the penalty-kill. Driving Hage’s play are his excellent skating abilities, as the youngster boats excellent edge-work, balance and acceleration on his blades. These capabilities allow Hage to create space from his opposition in the offensive zone, track them down in the defensive zone and protect the puck with ease when it is on his stick.
Our first @GTHLHockey game of the season is in the books – the @JrCanadiensAAA thump the Mississauga Rebels 10-0.
This ability to create time and space for himself affords Hage with ample time to create scoring chances or unleash his stellar shot on goal. Owing to his impressive vision and hockey sense, Hage can execute high-risk passes with relative ease and improve the play and productivity of his fellow teammates in the process. When Hage does decide to uncork his wicked wrister on net, it is remarkably accurate and has the velocity necessary to overwhelm opposing goaltenders before they have the time to react. Hage’s combined playmaking and goal-scoring abilities allow him to stand as a multi-faceted and therefore unpredictable player in the offensive zone.
— Toronto Jr Canadiens (@JrCanadiensAAA) April 6, 2018
Rounding out Hage’s game are the abilities he possesses which separate him from his the majority of his peers. As a centre, Hage is strong in the face-off circle — he wins the bulk of his draws and, therefore, helps to bolster his team’s time with possession. Moreover, as we touched on above, Hage is a detail-oriented two-way player. Sure, he is a lethal offensive player, but he is also a centre who doesn’t take unnecessary risks or neglect his defensive zone. He is aware of his defensive responsibilities and positions himself well in order to support his defencemen and facilitate efficient breakouts.
Areas for Improvement:
Personal Strength
When it comes to Hage and areas in which he would do well to improve, there are few. As we’ve stated on multiple occasions, Hage is a very well-rounded player, meaning there are very few holes in his game. Like most players of his age, Hage would do well to bolster his personal strength in the years ahead — progress which will come naturally as he matures. If able to add extra strength to his growing frame, Hage will be able to transition to the OHL-level with ease and become even more difficult to knock off of the puck in the process.
Future Potential:
At the end of the day, Hage has the skill and ability necessary to develop into an elite player at the OHL-level and beyond. His lethal offensive instincts, leadership, innate two-way play and natural ability to improve the productivity of those around him combine to make him a player worth watching for years to come. In fact, Hage’s game is eerily reminiscent of former Toronto Jr. Canadiens star forward Pano Fimis, who was chosen second-overall in the 2020 OHL Draft by the Niagara IceDogs. If Hage can follow a similar developmental path to that of Fimis, he will be well on his way to becoming a household name.
Nathan Villeneuve is one of the top prospects eligible for the 2022 OHL Draft. Learn about the Navan Grads U18 star’s game and why he is so exceptional, here!
If you’re searching for a competitive, highly skilled and detail-oriented two-way centre, look no further than Nathan Villeneuve of the Navan Grads U18. As one of the top prospects eligible for the 2022 OHL Draft, Villeneuve has consistently maintained a 2.0+ points per game pace despite playing against opponents as much as two years older than him in the HEO. A lethal force on the rush and in the offensive zone, as well as a centre committed to securing his defensive end in the process, Villeneuve is unquestionably a highly talented OHL prospect of immense potential.
Strengths:
Acceleration
High-End Speed
Puck Protection
Shot Release and Accuracy
Hockey Sense and Awareness
Two-Way Game
Physicality
The strengths present within Villeneuve’s game are seemingly endless, as the youngster is capable of flourishing regardless of the situation he finds himself in on the ice.
First and foremost there is Villeneuve’s impressive skating ability — the skill set which serves as the foundation of his game. Capable of accelerating to top speed in a few short and explosive strides, Villeneuve is impossible to catch when his feet are moving. This elite separation speed allows Villeneuve to create time and space for himself in the offensive zone, whether it be on the rush or in the midst of the cycle. Further, Villeneuve combines his exceptional edge-work with his raw strength while in possession of the puck, an ability which allows him to shield and protect possession for his team on a regular basis.
Villeneuve is undoubtedly at his most dangerous when at top speed on the rush. Owing to his short and quick shot release, Villeneuve can easily overpower opposing netminders and has the ability to pick corners with remarkable consistency. And, don’t be surprised to see Villeneuve unleash the occasional slap shot — he owns a heavy one which he enjoys to hammer on goal from distance. Rounding out Villeneuve’s impressive game are his hockey sense, commitment to playing a two-way game, ability to kill penalties and quarter-back the power-play, and his willingness to mix things up physically. A determined back-checker committed to defending his own zone, Villeneuve will regularly strip opposing players of the puck or block shots for his team when needed. And, given his strength, don’t be surprised to see Villeneuve throw a massive hit from time to time.
Areas for Improvement:
Strength
When it comes to Villeneuve, there aren’t any major areas of his game which would do well to be improved. As it stands, Villeneuve brings an exceptionally well-rounded game to the ice each and every night — the reason why he could very well be selected first overall in the 2022 OHL Draft. As Villeneuve continues to develop his game, adding additional strength to his frame will only bode well for him in the long-run, and especially so as he transitions to the major-junior level. Although already a strong and solid player, adding greater strength should allow Villeneuve to become an immediate impact player in the OHL in his rookie campaign.
Future Potential:
The sky truly is the limit for Villeneuve, whose game is already incredibly calculated and detail oriented. One current NHL star who comes to mind when watching Villeneuve play is Nathan MacKinnon of the Colorado Avalanche. Like MacKinnon, Villeneuve is an incredibly competitive centre who thrives off of his lower-body strength and excellent skating abilities. And, like MacKinnon, Villeneuve boasts a quick and deadly shot and the innate ability to make his fellow teammates better with each passing shift.
The 2006-born prospect class eligible for the 2022 OHL Draft is an incredibly deep and talented one, which made it woefully difficult to compile our first 2022 OHL Draft Ranking of the season. Nonetheless, here it is!
Normalcy.
It has been terrific to see a return to it this year, as the best and brightest players in minor hockey have returned to their second homes — the rink. After missing all of the 2020-21 season due to the ongoing pandemic, players with aspirations of one day playing in the N.H.L. have returned to the ice, and with them parents, family, fans and scouts to the seats to watch. And to say that the 2021-22 minor hockey season to date as failed to disappoint would be a massive understatement. Games are being played with a renewed sense of purpose and passion, a reality which has made this campaign to date and incredibly exciting one to watch.
Make that 15 goals in 16 GP for 2006 born Orleans, ON native Nathan Villeneuve. Beautiful play to take the pass off his feet in the neutral zone before taking advantage of the minimal space he’s given to drive the net and show his finishing ability. #OHLDraft@NavanGradsAAApic.twitter.com/bdJeRwcvRv
One other factor which has contributed to the excitement we have all witnessed on the ice this year is the immense quality of competition which we are fortunate to witness. This year’s draft class, those born in 2006 and eligible for the 2022 OHL Priority Selection, are as talented and unique as they are in position and region. There are a breadth of incredibly skilled players set to hear their names called in the 2022 OHL Draft, so much so that this — our initial ranking of the season — was woefully difficult to assemble. For example, the likes of Nathan Villeneuve, Michael Hage, Benjamin Cormier, Henry Mews and Malcolm Spence all stand atop this year’s crop… good luck determining which of those players is superior to the others!
Moreover, there are a handful of prospects who hold first-round talent who we have ranked outside of the top-20 for the time being. This class is simply that deeply skilled. With this all being said, jump into our first 2022 OHL Draft ranking of the 2021-22 season. Due to the depth of this year’s class, we’ve also included 25 honourable mentions. These 25 youngsters just missed cracking the top-50 overall, and should be watched closely in the weeks and months ahead as their respective games continue to develop.
Keep in mind that this ranking, coming relatively close to halfway point the season, is still a very early one. We expect this ranking to change dramatically and for new players to be added in the near future.
Although the 2022 OHL Draft is months away, we’ve compiled a list of 15 top 2006-born prospects you’ll want to watch this season.
Although the 2022 OHL Priority Selection remains months away, we’ve been itching to discuss this year’s class of draft-eligible players. And why is that, you ask? Well, the 2006-born class of OHL prospects appears to be an incredibly strong and deep one, as there are players of elite-level talent to be found at virtually every position on the ice. In addition, because of the on-going COVID-19 pandemic, the hockey world has been deprived of its normalcy and routines for far too long. However, with minor hockey and its leagues ramping up to restart in just a few short months, there truly is no time like the present to begin highlighting some of the best young players which the 2006-born draft class has to offer!
With that being said, let’s take a look at 15 of the top 2006-born prospects eligible for the 2022 OHL Priority Selection. Although this list has been compiled at quite an early date as mentioned above, we feel as though the bulk of players mentioned below will be made first or second-round selections in the 2022 OHL Priority Selection, if not household names in due time.
The first player on our list is none other than Jacob Brunton, a highly technical centre-man who played most recently for the Southern Tier Admirals of the SCTA. Already boasting good size and strength, Brunton boasts a clear vision on the ice when the puck is on his stick and has the ability to create plays as well as finish them. Known for his quick hands and strong work-ethic, Brunton plays a detailed two-way game and doesn’t hesitate to attack his opponents one-on-one when he has both speed and determination on his side.
Nolan Donnelly – LW
2019-20 Team: Quinte Red Devils (ETA)
Recent Stats: 6GP: 5G, 8Pts (WYC U14)
The Quinte Red Devils have come to be known for their ability to develop highly skilled power-forwards, and Nolan Donnelly appears to be the next line. Standing 6-foot-2, Donnelly is a highly skilled winger who boasts blazing speed and the willingness to drive hard to the next with the puck on his stick or in search of rebounds. As a natural goal-scorer, Donnelly isn’t afraid to unleash his heavy shot on goal — in addition, his tendency to shoot the puck also allows him to create plays if his opposition consistently challenges his shot.
Parker Forlin – C
2019-20 Team: Southern Tier Admirals (SCTA)
Recent Stats: 32GP: 34G, 56Pts
Parker Forlin is one of the most dangerous offensive players skating in the SCTA — a reality which could make him one of if not the first player selected from the SCTA come the 2022 OHL Draft. Although slightly under-sized, Forlin is a dynamic offensive machine. Not only does Forlin feature terrific speed and agility, but the youngster pairs a crisp, accurate shot with innate play-making abilities. As a multi-faceted centre, Forlin keeps his opposition on their toes due to his unpredictable nature when the puck is on his stick. In short, there are many reasons why Forlin scored at greater than a goal-per-game pace in his most recent season — expect him to continue this trend in 2021-22 as he ramps up for the 2022 OHL Draft.
Michael Hage – C
2019-20 Team: Toronto Jr. Canadiens (GTHL)
Although somewhat under-sized compared to the majority of his competition, Michael Hage stands as a lethal two-way player capable of influencing the outcome of any given game. As a terrific skater, Hage uses his speed, acceleration and stellar edge-work to fly about the ice and create ample distance from his opposition.
Top '06 from Ontario, Michael Hage dangles defender and puts the backhander upstairs. pic.twitter.com/Ksv8Cc9ZX5
Capable of devising plays or shooting the puck, Hage can do it all in the offensive zone owing to his strong work-ethic and relentless pursuit of the puck. In addition, Hage is routinely one of the smartest and most calculated players on the ice — he doesn’t take unnecessary risks and has the innate ability to predict the outcome of plays before they develop.
Justin Huynh – D
2019-20 Team: Mississauga Senators (GTHL)
Recent Stats: 7GP: 4G, 11Pts (WYC U14)
If you’re curious as to who could be the top defenceman selected in the 2022 OHL Draft, look no further than Justin Huynh. With great size and strength heading into his Minor Midget season, the parallels between Huynh and 2020 OHL Draft first-overall selection Ty Nelson are seemingly endless. Like Nelson, Huynh is a terrific two-way defenceman who can be relied upon at even-strength, on the power-play, and on the penalty-kill. Capable of driving his team’s offensive game from the back-end, Huynh is as aggressive as they come when the puck is on his stick and can quarterback his team’s power-play with absolute ease. Consistently a point-per-game player and incredibly difficult to play against within his own zone, don’t be surprised if Hunyh is one of the first players selected come the 2022 OHL Draft.
Owen King – F
2019-20 Team: Don Mills Flyers (GTHL)
When the GTHL resumes play, expect Owen King to be at the top of the goal-scoring leaderboard. What makes King such a deadly offensive player is his ability to operate with the puck on his stick at a high-level of speed. Not many players can do it, but those that can handle the puck as they intend to while blazing down the ice like King can boast the ability to create over-whelming scoring opportunities for their teams. Known for his great shot and ability to score goals in a wide variety of ways, look for King to fill the net en route to the 2022 OHL Draft.
Evan Maillet – G
2019-20 Team: Mississauga Senators (GTHL)
Recent Stats: 3GP: 2.25GAA, .905%SVP (WYC U14)
Although it’s early, expect Evan Maillet to stand as one of the top goaltenders eligible for the 2022 OHL Draft in a few months’ time. Following in the footsteps of former Mississauga Senators star goaltender Charles-Edward Gravel, Maillet is a highly technical goaltender who boats laser-sharp focus and the innate ability to come up with timely saves for his team. In addition, Maillet positions himself well within his crease, has a great feel for his angles and doesn’t hesitate to challenge shooters in order to reduce their shooting angles. While he is still growing in stature, Maillet has all of the tools necessary to develop into a stellar goaltender at the next level.
Henry Mews – F/D
2019-20 Team: Ottawa Senators U14 (HEO)
Recent Stats: 29GP: 25G, 62Pts
Henry Mews led the HEO in scoring at the U14 level in the 2019-20 season. Across his 29 games played, he collected 25 goals and 62 points — a mark which topped fellow top prospect Nathan Villeneuve by six points. However, the most impressive aspect of this performance was that Mews did so while alternating between playing centre and defence.
The Nepean Raiders are proud to select Henry Mews with our 1st selection in the 2021 CCHL Bantam Protect Draft. Henry joins the Raiders from the Myers AAA program. Join us in welcoming Henry to #RaidersNation! #CCHL#developmentpic.twitter.com/rijxvnbpym
Although he is a natural defenceman, Mews’ lethal skill set and abilities allowed him to play centre when called upon by his team, and to say that he did well would be a massive understatement. If he chooses to become a full-time forward, don’t be surprised if his offensive totals sky-rocket this coming season. However, if he chooses to man the blue-line full time, he’ll remind you of former Ottawa Senators star Erik Karlsson.
Riley Patterson – C
2019-20 Team: Burlington Eagles (SCTA)
Recent Stats: 32GP: 35G, 48Pts
When you score at greater than a goal-per-game pace, scouts are going to take notice. And that is exactly what Riley Patterson did in his most recent season with the Burlington Eagles of the SCTA, as the youngster potted 35 goals in just 32 games played. Simply put, Patterson is a natural goal-scorer — his shot is hard and accurate and he owns a wicked release which he can snap on goal in the blink of an eye. Moreover, Patterson can deflect pucks well and finish rebounds despite being in-tight to the goal. Look for him to establish himself as one of the 2022 OHL Draft’s best goal scorers this coming campaign.
Beckett Sennecke – C
2019-20 Team: Toronto Marlboros (GTHL)
Recent Stats: 4GP: 2G, 3Pts (WYC U14)
What would the OHL Draft be without a handful of incredibly talented Toronto Marlboros prospects? Beckett Sennecke checks all of the boxes when it comes to being incredibly talented, as the youngster has lightning-quick hands, significant on-ice intelligence and the innate hockey sense necessary to succeed at the next-level. While he is no stranger to scoring goals, Sennecke’s true strength lies in his play-making abilities. Whether on the rush or in tight to the goal, Sennecke has the ability to feather passes to his teammates or draw opposing defenders in in order to create time and space to devise a lethal scoring chance.
Malcolm Spence – W
2019-20 Team: Mississauga Senators (GTHL)
Recent Stats: 8GP: 9G, 19Pts (WYC U14)
Malcolm Spence could be a top-five selection in the 2022 OHL Draft — his game is simply that strong and well-rounded. The foundation of Spence’s game is his skating, as the youngster boasts a stable stride and one which affords him with great speed and agility on the ice. In addition to his deceptive skating Spence features a blistering and accurate shot which he can put on net from a variety of angles.
One player sure to be in the conversation for 1st overall at the 2022 OHL Draft is @GTHL_Senators Malcolm Spence. He’s currently leading the @WYCPhiladelphia in scoring with 9 points in 3 games. The event features some of the top 2006s in the US along with a few Ontario players. pic.twitter.com/FHEdUEJINh
Moreover, he can change his shooting angle with ease based on the traffic in front of him and has the ability to deceive opposing goaltenders as a direct result. However, this is just one facet of his game, as Spence is also a calculated playmaker who loves to setup his teammates and devise high-percentage scoring plays. As an incredibly hard-working and team oriented player, you’ll want to keep an eye on Spence this season.
Luke Tuin– D
2019-20 Team: Niagara North Stars (SCTA)
Recent Stats: 29GP: 6G, 14Pts
If you’re looking for a steady, minute-munching two-way defender, then Luke Tuin is your man. Unlike most defencemen these days who are particularly offensively minded, Tuin places a strong focus on his own one before thinking offence. Tuin boasts an active and accurate stick which he uses to break up scoring chances, as well as the size and strength necessary to punish opposing forwards below the goal line. Tuin’s ability to play a physical game is well complimented by his skating, as he can chase down and smother opposing players before jostling the puck loose and transitioning possession to his forwards shortly after.
Nathan Villeneuve – C
2019-20 Team: Ottawa Jr. 67’s (HEO)
Recent Stats: 29GP: 33G, 56Pts
The HEO is loaded with elite 2006-born talent, and Nathan Villeneuve of the Ottawa Jr. 67’s could very well be the best of them all. As an impressive physical specimen, Villenueve boasts terrific strength and has come to be known as almost impossible to knock off of the puck when it is on his stick. Featuring a relentless compete level and work-ethic, Villeneuve strives to create offence with each passing shift and is successful in doing so at an alarming rate. Not only does he possess an OHL-calibre shot, but Villeneuve is a tactful and deadly playmaker who makes those who he plays alongside better each and every night. Moreover, Villeneuve is developing into the type of leader which all teams and players hope for — in short, he is a complete prospect who should easily command a top-five overall come the 2022 OHL Draft.
Matthew Virgilio – D
2019-20 Team: Toronto Marlboros (GTHL)
For scouts and fans alike, Matthew Virgilio is going to remind you of a former Toronto Marlboros star by the name of Jamie Drysdale. Now, that is not to say that Virgilio plays the same game as Drysdale, as Virgilio’s play is different in a number of ways — however, the comparisons in a number of regards are rather shocking. Like Drysdale, Virgilio skates incredibly well and loves to push the pace of the play.
And, like Drysdale, Virgilio is incredibly intelligent on the ice and has the ability to read react to the play before it develops. Further, Virgilio is an elite two-way defenceman, as he can shut down opposing players owing to his active stick and firm gap control before transitioning the puck up the ice alongside his teammates. In this year’s draft class, expect to see Virgilio, Mews and Hunyh as three of the top defenders available.
Thomas Zocco – F
2019-20 Team: North Jersey Avalanche (AYHL)
Recent Stats: 16GP: 16G, 40Pts
Although he isn’t a lock to play in the OHL in 2022-23 given the fact that he is a native of New York, Thomas Zocco would surely be a highly sought after prospect in the 2022 OHL Draft were he to announce his intention to play in the league. In 2019-20, Zocco played up a year against older competition and was able to record 27 points in 20 games played. Then, in 2020-21 against competition the same age as him, Zocco scored 16 goals and recorded 40 points in just 16 games played with the North Jersey Avalanche of the AYHL. A stout two-way player with great size and natural offensive instincts, Zocco’s terrific shot and consistent level of play would make him a first-round talent should he decide to opt for the OHL.
Prospect Pipeline 