The 2009 OHL Priority Selection will be conducted online on Saturday May 2. Each week leading up to the OHL Priority Selection, we will take a look at five of the top minor midget players available this season.
Daniel Catenacci, York Simcoe Express – Centre, 5’10”, 175 lbs.
Catenacci is considered one of the most dynamic offensive players available this year. He had an outstanding season with York Simcoe and capped it with two goals and three points in five games at the OHL Cup Showcase Tournament in Mississauga. Scouts say that Catenacci has the ability to make good decisions while playing the game at a quick pace.
“He has the ability to go from a dead stop to full speed with his first few strides,” said Robert Kitamura, the OHL’s Director of Central Scouting and Player Development. “But what makes him even more dangerous is his ability to play the game at top speed. Every time Catanacci is on the ice there is the potential for the puck going into the back of the oppositions net. He is always a threat to score.”
Broll is a big power forward that loves to play a crash and bang style of game. He mixes that size with a lot of skill and that gives him the ability to be a dominant player. The Mississauga native led the Young Nats with three goals and nine points in five games at the OHL Cup.
“When Broll is on his game he is competing at a high level, playing with a real edge finishing checks and driving hard to the net,” Kitamura said. “He shows no hesitation to play in traffic and the combination of his size, quickness and puck handling skills makes him very tough to handle for many of the defensemen at this level.”
Carter Sandlak, London Jr. Knights – Left Wing, 6’1”, 175 lbs.
At times, Sandlak plays the role of a typical power forward crashing up and down the boards but he also has a lot of skill with the puck and the vision to find open teammates. He scored one goal and picked up 10 minutes in penalties in four games at the OHL Cup. Carter is the son of former NHL winger Jim Sandlak, who played for the London Knights in the 1980’s.
“Overall, he just plays a very simple and effective game,” Kitamura said. “He constantly does the little things that make you successful. He finishes his checks and plays with toughness without losing his emotional control. He has the potential to develop into a very effective player at the next level.”
Alan Quine, Jr. Canadiens – Centre, 5’10”, 160 lbs.
Quine is a very good prospect that is blessed with outstanding speed. Scouts like his ability to compete at both ends of the rink and say that his blazing speed helps create offensive opportunities. Quine scored a goal and two assists for three points in five games at the OHL Cup.
“Quine is a very smart, two way center who is effective in all three zones of the ice,” Kitamura said. “He seems to instinctively know when to use his top gear and just seems to fly all over the ice. He reads and reacts to the play exceptionally, always getting him into a space where he can contribute and influence what is happening on the ice.”
Kyle Rankin, Ottawa Jr. Senators – Centre, 6’0”, 160 lbs.
Rankin is another quick centre that uses his speed to spark his offensive game. He intimidates the opposition on the forecheck because of his great speed and ability to separate defencemen from the puck by playing the body. He picked up a pair of assists in four games at the OHL Cup.
“Rankin possesses a good collection of physical tools,” Kitamura said. “He has adequate size, is a very good skater and he displays a very good stick. He has very good feet, utilizing a strong and smooth stride; most importantly he is always moving his feet working to support the puck and the play all the time. One of the things that make Rankin so effective is that he is always playing the game at top speed.”
