Top picks ready to shine
September 4, 2008
By Aaron Bell
Life is one big adjustment these days for Erik Gudbranson.
The Kingston Frontenacs' first round pick came to camp ready to compete for his spot in the lineup and despite having an already impressive hockey resume, he admitted that getting used to playing the game at the OHL level will take some time.
"It was a lot quicker out there than I expected it to be," Gudbranson told the Kingston Whig-Standard after his first scrimmage with the Frontenacs last week. "The guys are heavier and stronger. It's a lot different. I can't really knock anyone down right now as I could in minor midget."
Gudbranson is already a big man. He is listed at six-foot-three and 190 pounds and scouts love his combination of speed, skill and toughness.
Frontenacs' GM-coach Larry Mavety said he was impressed with his star rookie's first few days with his new team.
"He handled himself well," Mavety said. "I think people can see he's going to be a good player in our league."
Gudbranson was the first of five defencemen selected in the first round of the OHL Priority Selection last May and understands that there is some pressure for him to make an immediate impact despite playing a difficult position.
"I don't feel that kind of pressure, not really," the Ottawa native said. "I'm going out to play my game. I'm proud of myself as it is. I still can't believe I'm here. I never thought I would be here, so I'm just here having fun."
Gudbranson is one of 17 players that were selected in the first round last May that are suiting up for exhibition games this week.
It's a bumper crop of prospects that also includes first overall pick John McFarland, who is expected to make an immediate impact with the Sudbury Wolves.
"He's a special player...very mature, understands the work ethic involved and he wants to be the best," Wolves GM-Coach Mike Foligno told Northern Life. "There really is a big buzz with him...he's the type of player who brings that kind of attention."
Tyler Toffoli (pictured) was teammates with McFarland last season when they helped the Jr. Canadiens win the OHL Cup minor midget championship. This season, Toffoli is anxious to suit up for the Ottawa 67's after being their first round pick in May.
"I'm very excited," Toffoli told the Ottawa Citizen when camp opened last week.
Toffoli scored 68 goals and 174 points last year in minor midget and hopes to find similar success in the OHL.
"This summer I worked real hard to get into shape," he said. "It's not going to be the same as minor midget. The guys are bigger, faster and stronger."
Christian Thomas also comes into the league with some added pressure. The London Knights' 13th overall pick is the son of former NHL star
Steve Thomas and said that his first experience at the Knights camp was an eye-opener.
"It took a while to get up to the speed of the guys out there," Thomas told the London Free Press after his first on-ice sessions with the Knights. "I want to play physical and do the best I can. There's a lot to learn. But it's nice to be signed and know you're part of the team. I know there are a lot of good players here."
Thomas is fortunate to be playing for the Knights where father-son combinations have been the norm. Coach Dale Hunter and GM Mark Hunter both have sons that wore the Knights' uniform as did former assistant coach Dave Gagner and his son Sam. Team co-owner and former NHL'er Basil McRae's son Phillip is also in the Knights' lineup.
Despite the pressure that comes with being a top pick, Thomas said that he is anxious to get his rookie season going.
"I've been waiting for this time since the draft," he said. "I'm excited to be here."
Photo: Aaron Bell/OHL
