By Aaron Bell
It seems that every year a group of second year players suddenly emerge as stars in the Ontario Hockey League. Usually, these players are in their NHL Draft year and are looking to impress the NHL scouts while making their place in the league. This year is no exception and there is a large crop of sophomores looking to have sensational seasons. John McFarland of the Sudbury Wolves is part of that group and was included in the top stories to watch feature from two weeks ago. Here are five more of those players to watch during the 2009-10 season.
Calvin de Haan, Oshawa Generals - Although one year older than these other sophomores, de Haan is coming off of an outstanding rookie campaign with the Generals that led to him being selected by the New York Islanders in the NHL Entry Draft last June. He will join former teammate John Tavares at the Islanders' training camp before returning to Oshawa to run the Generals' powerplay. De Haan grew considerably in the past couple of seasons and once he made the adjustment to the OHL pace last season, he became a standout on the blueline.
Tyler Seguin, Plymouth Whalers - Seguin emerged as one of the top scoring rookies in the OHL last season and is a big reason why the Whalers are considered to be one of the top teams in the Western Conference this season. Seguin has the ability to score goals as well as setting up teammates and was one of Canada's top offensive producers at the Under-18 championships in August. He scored two goals in the gold medal game to help Canada win the championship.
Erik Gudbranson, Kingston Frontenacs - This hulking defenceman wore the captain's "C" for the Frontenacs for parts of last season and is already considered one of the top defenders in the Eastern Conference. Gudbranson has all the tools to be a top NHL defenceman and can play the game any way that is needed. He is happy to play a physical role but also brings a big shot from the point and the
Jeff Skinner, Kitchener Rangers - Skinner and Seguin made dynamic teammates with the Toronto Young Nats two seasons ago and both blossomed as OHL rookies last season. Skinner scored two goals in his OHL debut and finished as the Rangers' top goal scorer last season despite being just 16 years old. Skinner, who also helped Canada win the U-18 Ivan Hlinka Memorial in August, was named OHL player of the week in February and was a finalist for the Rookie of the Year award.
Ryan Spooner, Peterborough Petes - After a quick start with the Petes that included five points in his first three games, Spooner found the OHL to be a bit more difficult adjustment. But by November he was finding the net on a consistent basis and became one of the Petes' go-to offensive performers. He enjoyed a four-goal game against Niagara in March and is a lock to be on the Petes' top line this season. Spooner also helped Canada win gold at the U-18's last month.
Five more to watch: Tyler Toffoli, Ottawa 67's - dynamic offensive producer could be one of the league's top snipers this season. Ethan Werek, Kingston Frontenacs - New York Rangers' prospect came to the OHL a year late but quickly established himself as a top power forward. Steven Shipley, Owen Sound Attack - rangy forward has loads of skill. Stephen Silas, Belleville Bulls - smooth skating defender has good tools. Austin Watson, Windsor Spitfires - big forward made good strides early but saw less ice time during the Spitfires' championship run.
