Petan may be a little undersized, but he certainly more than makes up for it with his skill level. He is a threat to score or pick up an assist whenever he is in the offensive zone, and he works hard to create those chances for his teammates and himself. Petan is very quick on his feet, but also understands that the puck moves much faster than he ever could, and utilizes his vision to get a quick transition going. He uses his skating along the boards to try to get away from his opponents and create some time to make a play. It seems that if he has any prolonged time to dissect the situation, he is able to create a scoring chance shortly after. He makes decisions very quickly, and looks confident with the puck on his stick. Petan is not afraid to go to the net to score off of rebounds, and is willing to take the hits and slashes to get the puck.

 HockeyProspect.com's Michelle Sturino recently spoke with the WHL's Portland Winterhawks 2013 NHL Draft Prospect.

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The captain of the Wheat Kings is having another good season in the WHL so far. It is his 3rd full season in the juniors, and has continued to make good progressions to his game. The biggest weapon for Pulock is his slap shot. He recently recorded 102 MPH in a skills competition put on by the team. In game situations, he is able to get them on net whenever he does get his big shot off, but has had less opportunities to do so because opponents have stuck to him like glue whenever he is in the offensive zone. Pulock makes good first passes out of the zone, and is dangerous off the rush whenever he chooses to carry the puck. He is a good skater who quickly picks up speed and has the ability to make subtle direction changes to keep opponents flat footed. Defensively, Pulock has been good on a team that has given up a lot of goals to date.

 HockeyProspect.com's Michelle Sturino recently spoke with the WHL's Brandon Wheat Kings 2013 NHL Draft Prospect.

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HockeyProspect.com's Michelle Sturino recently had a chance to speak with 2013 NHL Draft Prospect, Justin Bailey, of the OHL's Kitchener Rangers. Justin speaks about his development and gives some thoughts on his NHL Draft season so far and adjusting to the Ontario Hockey League.

Hunter Shinkaruk, Medicine Hat Tigers

Shinkaruk is one of the most dynamically skilled players available in this year’s NHL Entry Draft. He is like a magician with the puck, and does everything at such a high pace that opponents have a difficult time containing him in the offensive zone. Shinkaruk scores highlight reel goals on a regular basis, which are often the results of his hands, speed and aggressive mentality. He is so fast and so agile out on this ice, that his skating abilities really allow him to be the dominant player that he is now. He has also shown the ability to dish the puck effectively and use his teammates to create good scoring chances. As a captain for Medicine Hat, he consistently brings his “A” game and sets an example for his teammates, and has certainly lived up to the hype this season. Shinkaruk just needs to keep developing his strength on his feet and awareness without the puck in his own zone to be a more effective player.

HockeyProspect.com's Michelle Sturino recently spoke with the WHL's Medicine Hat Tigers 2013 NHL Draft Prospect.

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QMJHL Championship Series Preview

(1) Halifax Mooseheads vs. (2) Baie-Comeau Drakkar
Mooseheads won season series 2-0

The top two seeds in the QMJHL playoffs will meet in the championship series for the first time since the 2006/07 season, when Lewiston defeated Val-d'Or.

Both teams are undefeated at home during the post-season - Halifax is 6-0, Baie-Comeau is 7-0 - and neither team has lost when leading after the 1st period.

The Mooseheads own the #1 power play & #1 penalty kill in the playoffs and they've scored 5 short-handed goals in 12 games. The Drakkar have balanced scoring, with 8 players in double-digits heading into the final.

WHL Championship Series Preview

(1) Portland Winterhawks vs. (1) Edmonton Oil Kings
Oil Kings won season series 1-0

The top two teams in the regular season will meet in a rematch of last year's final, which was won by the Oil Kings in 7 games.

Edmonton won the only meeting with Portland in 2012/13, a 4-3 win in Oregon on February 27th. Michael St. Croix scored the game-winning goal with just over a minute remaining in the game to complete a comeback victory after the Winterhawks took a 3-1 lead.

Both teams regularly outshoot their opponents and both have excellent records when leading after the first period (Portland 11-2, Edmonton 9-1). However, neither team has yet to win a 1-goal game in the playoffs.

Edmonton had the top-ranked power play in the WHL during the regular season (87.5), while Portland was #2 overall (23.4). As for the penalty kill, the Winterhawks were #1 in the league (87.9) and the Oil Kings were #2 (87.5).

OHL Championship Series Preview

(1) London Knights vs. (2) Barrie Colts
Knights won season series 2-0

The Barrie Colts will try to become the first Eastern Conference team to win the J. Ross Robertson Cup since the Peterborough Petes in 2006. The Western Conference representative has won the OHL title in six consecutive seasons and 10 times in the last 11 years.

London won both meetings with Barrie in 2012/13, but both of those games were early in the season. The Colts will face Anthony Stolarz for the first time. Barrie is 3-0 in overtime games during the playoffs, while London is 3-1.

The Colts (25.3%) and the Knights (25.1%) were 1st and 3rd in power play efficiency during the regular season and they both sit in the top 5 through the first three rounds of the playoffs.

Players To Watch

Max Domi - Centre, London (14GP - 10G, 15A)
NHL Draft: Eligible in 2013

Domi leads the Knights in playoff scoring and is tied for 1st in OHL goals (10) and game-winning goals (4). He's recorded 8 multi-point games in the post-season, including a 5-point game & OT goal in the series-clinching win against Plymouth.

Alex Broadhurst - Centre, London (14GP - 9G, 12A)
NHL Draft: Chicago Blackhawks, 7th Rd, 2011

QMJHL

(1) Halifax Mooseheads vs. (8) Rouyn-Noranda Huskies
Halifax won 2012/13 season series 2-0
The Mooseheads have yet to play a top ranked team in the QMJHL and they will be heavily favoured against the Huskies, a team they easily defeated twice in the regular season. Halifax has yet to lose a game in the playoffs and will be well rested, while Rouyn-Noranda is coming off a 4-1 series win over the 5th-ranked Quebec Remparts.
Both teams are undefeated at home (Halifax 6-0, Rouyn-Noranda 5-0). The Mooseheads have not lost a game in regulation time since February 8th, a streak of 25 games.

Playoff Warriors
Zach Fucale - Goaltender, Halifax (8-0, 1.13 GAA, .938 SV%)
NHL Entry Draft: 2013 Eligible
Zach Fucale didn't face many shots from Saint John and Gatineau in the first two rounds of the playoffs, but he came up big in key moments, including in a 2-1 win against the Sea Dogs in game 2 of round one. The 17-year old has allowed only 9 goals in 8 games and owns the best goals against average and save percentage in the league.
Stefan Fournier - Right Wing, Halifax (8 GP - 11G, 8A)
NHL Entry Draft: Free Agent
Fournier scored 8 goals & 2 assists during the 2nd round sweep of Gatineau and leads the Mooseheads in playoff scoring. He's scored in every game so far, while recording one short-handed goal and two game-winners.
Martin Frk - Right Wing, Halifax (8 GP - 6G, 8A)
NHL Entry Draft: Detroit Red Wings, 2nd Round (49th), 2012
Frk started the post-season by recording 5 goals and 3 assists in the opener against Saint John and setting a new franchise record for goals & points in a playoff game. In two games vs. the Huskies this season, he scored 2 goals and 3 assists.

Jonathan Drouin - Left Wing, Halifax (8 GP - 4G, 11A)
Nathan MacKinnon - Centre, Halifax (8 GP - 3G, 12A)
NHL Entry Draft: 2013 Eligible
The draft-eligible duo have been consistent scorers throughout the season and very little has changed in the post-season. They're averaging almost two points per game after two rounds and it will be interesting to see if they can keep up that pace as the competition gets tougher. MacKinnon has won 63% of his faceoffs in the playoffs (114/181). Drouin recorded 1 goal and 6 assists in 2 games vs. Rouyn-Noranda this season.
Sven Andrighetto - Right Wing, Rouyn-Noranda (10 GP - 6G, 16A)
NHL Entry Draft: Free Agent
Andrighetto leads the league in playoff assists and points. He's scored in every playoff game, including six multi-point games. Since February 1st, Andrighetto has recorded 57 points (15G, 42A) in 26 games.
Nikita Kucherov - Right Wing, Rouyn-Noranda (10 GP - 7G, 11A)
NHL Entry Draft: Tampa Bay Lightning, 2nd Round (58th), 2011
Kucherov is coming off a 6-point effort (3G, 3A) in the series-clinching game against Quebec. He has 7 playoff goals, including the game-winning goal in overtime against Drummondville in game 4 of the opening round.
Jean-Sebastien Dea - Centre, Rouyn-Noranda (10 GP - 10G, 6A)
NHL Entry Draft: Free Agent
Dea has scored 10 goals so far in the playoffs, 2nd most in the QMJHL, including three multi-goal games. He's won 60% (95/157) of his faceoffs in the 2nd round.


QMJHL - (2) Baie-Comeau Drakkar vs. (3) Blainville-Boisbriand Armada
Blainville-Boisbriand won 2012/13 season series 3-1
Baie-Comeau and Blainville-Boisbriand were separated by only three points in standings during the regular season. They're both coming off series sweeps in the 2nd round and they're both 4-0 at home in the post-season. The Armada won the season series and the franchise is 10-2 against the Drakkar in the past three seasons.

Playoff Warriors
Petr Straka - Right Wing, Baie-Comeau (8 GP - 8G, 10A)
NHL Entry Draft: Columbus Blue Jackets, 2nd Round (55th), 2010
Straka leads Baie-Comeau in playoff scoring and has recorded three games of 3+ points. Seven of his 18 points have come via the power play. He scored 1 goal & 3 assists in the season series with Blainville-Boisbriand.

Jeremy Gregoire - Centre, Baie-Comeau (8 GP - 8G, 5A)
NHL Entry Draft: 2013 Eligible
Gregoire is tied for 3rd in QMJHL goals during the post-season. In the 1st round, he recorded a 5-point game (3G, 2A), a short-handed goal & a game-winning goal from a penalty shot. He followed that up with 5 goals in 4 games during the 2nd round sweep of Victoriaville. Gregoire has doubled his point production since joining Baie-Comeau (0.43 PPG to 0.86 PPG - 35 games).

Philippe Cadorette - Goaltender, Baie-Comeau (8-0, 1.63 GAA, .930 SV%)
NHL Entry Draft: 2013 Eligible
Cadorette sits 2nd in goals against average and save percentage in the playoffs. He's only allowed more than two goals once in the post-season and has recorded one shutout.

Christopher Clapperton - Left Wing, Blainville-Boisbriand (9 GP - 5G, 12A)
NHL Entry Draft: Free Agent
Clapperton is 5th in the league in playoff scoring. He scored two game-winning goals in the first round and then recorded 7 assists in 4 games against Val-d'Or.

Marc-Olivier Roy - Right Wing, Blainville-Boisbriand (9 GP - 5G, 11A)
NHL Entry Draft: 2013 Eligible
Roy is the 2nd leading scorer for the Armada in the post-season. He has five multi-point games and two 'first goals'. He scored 2 goals & 2 assists vs. the Drakkar this season.

Etienne Marcoux - Goaltender, Blainville-Boisbriand (8-1, 2.09 GAA, .916 SV%)
NHL Entry Draft: Free Agent
Marcoux has been getting better throughout the playoffs. He's recorded one shutout and his only loss came in overtime in the opening round.

OHL

  Eastern Conference Final
(1) Belleville Bulls vs. (2) Barrie Colts
2012/13 Season Series Tied 1-1
For the first time since 2008/09, the top two seeds in each conference will meet in the OHL semi-finals. The Bulls and Colts are coming off 2nd round sweeps and are undefeated at home in the post-season (Bulls 5-0, Colts 4-0). Both teams are averaging over four goals per game and have allowed less than two per contest. They split their season series, with each team winning at home.

Playoff Warriors
Taylor Graovac - Centre, Belleville (10 GP - 5G, 12A)
NHL Entry Draft: Minnesota Wild, 7th Round (191st), 2011
Graovac has 55 points in 40 games since joining the Belleville Bulls mid-season. He's scored in every playoff game to date and is currently on a 14-game point streak (6G, 16A). Graovac sits 2nd in OHL scoring and has scored three 'first goals' in the post-season.
Mark Scheifele - Centre, Barrie (8 GP - 5G, 11A)
NHL Entry Draft: Barrie Colts, 1st Round (7th), 2011
Scheifele started the post-season by scoring a goal in each of his first 5 games, including three game-winners against Kingston in the opening round. He then recorded 5 points in 4 games in the 4-game sweep of Oshawa. Five of his 10 assists were earned on the power play.

Malcolm Subban - Goaltender, Belleville (8-2, 1.31 GAA, .951 SV%)
NHL Entry Draft: Boston Bruins, 1st Round (24th), 2012
Subban leads the league in goals against average and save percentage in the post-season. He recorded three shutouts in the opening two rounds and has given up more than 3 goals only one time in 10 games. He is currently on a shutout streak of 135 minutes, 2 seconds.


OHL - Western Conference Final
(1) London Knights vs. (2) Plymouth Whalers
Knights won 2012/13 Season Series 3-1

London and Plymouth will meet in a rematch of the 2007 Western Conference final. The Knights won 3 of 4 meetings in the regular season, holding the Whalers to only 6 goals in those games. Matt Rupert has 5 goals in his last 5 games against Plymouth.

The Whalers will face goaltender Anthony Stolarz for the first time. Stolarz owns the league's second-best GAA (1.76) in the playoffs. London has not lost at home in five games, while Plymouth is 4-1 on home ice.

Playoff Warriors
Max Domi - Centre, London (9 GP - 5G, 9A)
NHL Entry Draft: 2013 Eligible
Domi scored 3 goals & 4 assists during the 4-game sweep of Saginaw. He added 7 more points in the 2nd round vs. Kitchener, including the game-winning goal late in the 3rd period in game two. Domi leads the Knights in playoff scoring.
Chris Tierney - Centre, London (8 GP - 3G, 8A)
NHL Entry Draft: San Jose Sharks, 2nd Round (55th), 2012
Tierney seems to come up big when the Knights need him the most. He's scored two game-winning goals so far in the post-season and both of them were netted in overtime. His first of the post-season was in double-overtime in game two against Saginaw. He then scored a key goal in the 3rd period against Kitchener in game one of their 2nd round series. Tierney followed that up with another overtime goal in game four, handing the Rangers their first home loss of the playoffs.
Vincent Trocheck - Centre, Plymouth (10 GP - 9G, 12A)
NHL Entry Draft: Florida Panthers, 3rd Round (64th), 2011
Since joining the Whalers, Trocheck has taken his game to another level, recording 35 goals & 80 points in 38 games. He leads the OHL in playoff scoring and has already recorded two hat tricks in the post-season.


WHL

(1) Edmonton Oil Kings vs. (3) Calgary Hitmen
Calgary won 2012/13 season series 4-2
Edmonton and Calgary will meet in the post-season for the first time since 2009 in what is expected to be a great matchup. The Oil Kings went 26-6-1-3 at home in the regular season, but three of those losses came at the hands of the Hitmen.
Calgary is 6-0 at home in the playoffs, while Edmonton is 4-0 on the road. The Oil Kings own the #1 penalty kill and #3 power play in the post-season. Edmonton has only allowed 9 goals in 9 games. The Hitmen are 14-3 in their last 17 games, while the Oil Kings have not lost a game in regulation since February 23rd.


Playoff Warriors
Laurent Brossoit - Goaltender, Edmonton (8-1, 0.97 GAA, .963 SV%)
NHL Entry Draft: Calgary Flames, 6th Round (164th), 2011
Brossoit leads the WHL in goals against average & save percentage after two rounds. He's recorded three shutouts in the post-season and his only loss came in overtime in game 2 of the opening series vs. Kootenay.
Stephane Legault - Left Wing, Edmonton (9 GP - 5G, 8A)
NHL Entry Draft: Free Agent
Legault has stepped up his offensive game in the playoffs. He opened the post season by recording a 7-point game (3G, 4A), one short of the league record, and he is currently tied for 1st in plus/minus (+14).
Henrik Samuelsson - Centre, Edmonton (9 GP - 6G, 5A)
NHL Entry Draft: Phoenix Coyotes, 1st Round (27th), 2012
Samuelsson has been getting better as the Oil Kings go deeper in the playoffs. He has scored in every situation - even strength, power play & short-handed - and has recorded three 'first goals' and two game-winners. Samuelsson has 5 goals in his last 3 games. He scored 5 goals and 3 assists in 6 games vs. Calgary this season.
Chris Drieger - Goaltender, Calgary (8-2, 1.73 GAA, .946 SV%)
NHL Entry Draft: Ottawa Senators, 3rd Round (76th), 2012
The only goaltender with better stats than Drieger in the playoffs is Brossoit. The Senators prospect has played the 2nd-most minutes (626) and faced the 2nd-most shots (33.3/game) in the WHL through two rounds. He hasn't lost in regulation time and his only losses came when his opponent has fired 42 or more shots on net.
Victor Rask - Centre, Calgary (10 GP - 4G, 9A)
NHL Entry Draft: Carolina Hurricanes, 2nd Round (42nd), 2011
Rask has recorded a point in every playoff game so far and is on a 16-game point streak heading back to the regular season. He leads the league in game-winning goals (3) during the post-season.
Cody Sylvester - Left Wing, Calgary (10 GP - 4G, 5A)
NHL Entry Draft: Free Agent
Sylvester has recorded three multi-point games so far in the playoffs, but his biggest moment so far was an overtime goal in game 4 of the 2nd round against Red Deer.
Calgary tied for the league lead in short-handed goals in regular season (14) and Sylvester was 2nd in the league with 6. He has yet to score one in the playoffs, but the Oil Kings should be wary about his game-breaking potential.

WHL - (1) Portland Winterhawks vs. (3) Kamloops Blazers
Portland won 2012/13 season series 3-1 (Kamloops only scored 9 goals in 4 games)
Portland and Kamloops will meet in the post-season for the second consecutive season. The Winterhawks survived in 2012 with a game 7 win after taking a 3-0 series lead. Both teams are coming off series sweeps in the 2nd round. Portland is 5-0 on the road and owns the #1 power play in the playoffs. Kamloops has identical 4-1 records at home and away. The Winterhawks won the season series, while holding the Blazers to only 9 goals in four games.

Playoff Warriors
Ty Rattie - Right Wing, Portland (10 GP - 11G, 8A)
NHL Entry Draft: St. Louis Blues, 2nd Round (32nd), 2011
Rattie leads the Winterhawks in playoff scoring and is tied for the league lead in goals. During the 2nd round, he moved into 5th place all-time for most playoff points in a WHL career (78). Should Portland moved into the final, he could be within reach of Dale Derkatch's record of 103.
Oliver Bjorkstrand - Right Wing, Portland (10 GP - 5G, 8A)
NHL Entry Draft: 2013 Eligible
Bjorkstrand leads all CHL rookies in playoff scoring. After a slow start, he's scored 4 goals and 5 assists in his last 5 games, including two game-winning goals. Bjorkstrand scored 2 goals and 2 assists in four regular season games against the Blazers.
J.C. Lipon - Right Wing, Kamloops (10 GP - 5G, 16A)
NHL Entry Draft: Free Agent
Lipon leads the WHL in playoff scoring and has scored in every post-season game. He's currently on a 17-game point streak, which includes a hat trick and four game-winning goals. Lipon scored 2 goals & 4 assists in the season series with Portland.
Kale Kessy - Left Wing, Kamloops (10 GP - 11G, 2A)
NHL Entry Draft: Phoenix Coyotes, 4th Round (111th), 2011
Kessey leads the WHL in playoff goals and power play markers (5). In 29 games since February 1st, he's averaged over a point per game while scoring 20 goals and 12 assists.
Brendan Ranford - Left Wing, Kamloops (10 GP - 5G, 14A)
NHL Entry Draft: Philadelphia Flyers, 7th Round (209th), 2010
Ranford leads the league in power play assists during the post-season (8) and sits tied for 2nd in scoring. He is two points away from 400 combined regular season & playoff points in his WHL career.

One Week In-How Are the Recently Drafted NHL Rookies Doing?

There are 13 rookies on NHL rosters who were drafted in either 2011 or 2012. Although one or two could be sent back to their junior teams shortly (this year, NHL teams have 5 NHL games to decide before the first year of a rookie's entry-level contract kicks in), most will stick with their NHL teams. All six of the 2012-drafted rookies were selected in the first round; of the seven selected in 2011, all but one of the prospects, Brandon Saad, was chosen also selected in the first round.

So who are these particularly young rookies, and how are they and their teams doing?

Although the Toronto Maple Leafs haven't seen a playoff game since 2004, and the team's regular season point totals have not improved much in the ensuing years, there is reason to believe that the Leafs are now on the cusp of becoming a playoff team. Tonight is the first night of the shortened 48 game season for Toronto, and there is no question that the team has turned a new Leaf. Gone is President and General Manager Brian Burke, who took over in November 2008. In is Dave Nonis, Senior Vice President and General Manager. Expect other changes in the coming weeks, but make no mistake about it, The Leafs could very well be a playoff team come the end of April.

2012 NHL Draft Selections' Strong Beginning to the 2012-13 Season

With the exception of three second round picks (Nic Kerdiles---Anaheim, # 36 overall; Brian
Hart--Tampa Bay, #53 overall; and Jordan Martinook--Phoenix, # 58 overall), all of the 2012
first and second round selections have seen action early in the 2012-13 season. Had there not
been an NHL lockout, several of these players would be skating for NHL teams, but, at this time,

of the 60 players selected in the first two rounds, 31 are currently playing in the CHL, 14 on
college teams, 9 are in Europe, and 6 are skating for AHL teams.

Several players in each of the CHL, Europe, the NCAA and AHL have quickly jumped out of the
gate. Of particular interest are the players mentioned below. All stats include games through the
October 22, 2012.

The 2010-11 Stanley Cup Champion Boston Bruins had an excellent balance of home grown talent, free agents, as well as players who came by way of trade.  Although the 2011-12 team was eliminated in the first round of the playoffs by Washington, the team accumulated 102 points during the 2011-12 season, finishing the regular season as the Northeast Division champion.  

Six of the 25 players on the 2011-12 roster had been drafted by the team from 2003 through 2010, including two 1^st round selections (Jordan Caron, Tyler Seguin), three 2^nd round picks (Patrice Bergeron, David Krejci, and Milan Lucic), and one 3^rd round selection (Brad Marchand).  All the others either came by trade or were signed as free agents.

Boston has had success with their drafts generally. With the exception of 2005 and 2007, in every draft year from 2003-2010, at least one of the players selected has become an NHL regular. The most successful recent draft year for the Bruins was 2003, when four of the nine players selected by Boston became regular NHLers, with three of those four spending significant time as members of the Bruins.

The current prospect pool within the Bruins organization consists of 37 players, including 28 players drafted by the Bruins, five skaters who were signed as free agents, and four that were obtained through trade.

Goaltending

Boston has very deep pool of goaltending prospects.

Nikita Korostelev - Toronto Jr. Canadiens RW- 6'0" 176 lbs

LB : How do you describe yourself as a player?

NK: I'm a playmaking forward - I'm not very good defensively, but I'm best at making plays in the offensive zone. I'm working on my defensive abilities, but not as good as I want them to be now.

LB: Who would you say is one of the toughest players for you to play against?

NK:I never played against Travis Konecny at the start of the season because I was injured, but I know he's a very good player. He's a strong player and a tough kid to play against.

LB: What would you say is the strongest part of your game right now?

NK: Offensively, making different plays - pretty good shot and good hands.

LB: You mentioned a moment ago that the defensive part of your game isn't as good as you'd like it to be. So will that be your main focus as OHL draft approaches?

NK: Not the main focus - the main focus is to help my team win every game. Defensive abilities is just something I want to get better at.

LB: If there is any player you could bring to the OHL with you, who would it be and why?

NK: My Russian buddy on this team - he's not eligible for the draft because he is European player like me, #88. (Vladislav Sharipov)

LB: Growing up a European player, when did the potential to play in the OHL become real for you?

NK: When I played in Russia, I had no idea that I would play in Canada. I wasn't growing there as a hockey player, so I decided to come here last year and try what I can. Then my coach picked me up this year and I stayed with '96's so I was an underager. It really helped me.

Zach Wilkie - Toronto Jr. Canadiens - RD - 5'11" 162

LB: How do you view yourself as a player?

ZW: I'm a physical defenceman. I like to throw my body around, but I can also chip in on the offence if my team needs me to do so. I'm mostly defensive, but I can also chip in offence every so often.

LB: Who, for you, is consistently the toughest player for you to play against?

ZW: I'd say Dylan Strome. He's a very good forward, great vision on the ice, so you have to take his time and space away, then you go from there.

LB: What would you say right now is the strongest part of your game?

ZW: Probably my physical ability. I like hitting a lot, so I can be offensive as well. But mainly my physical ability is probably the best part of my game.

LB: What is the main aspect of your game you need to improve on?

ZW: I would probably say one of the main things I have to improve on is my patience. I have to be a little more patient with the puck. I tend to throw it away sometimes, so I have to calm my game down sometimes and use my ability to just be patient and move the puck up the ice.

LB: If you could bring any player to the OHL with you, who would it be and why?

ZW: I'd probably have to go with Nikita Korostelev for sure. When he and I are on the ice, we seem to find each other well, we have great chemistry and have all year, plus he's a phenomenal player to play with and it'd be a challenge to play against him.

LB: What aspect of your game will put you a step above the competition?

ZW: Being able to use my shot. I've been working on it all year, which has improved a lot. So if I can keep working on it then that will help my team.

Have you seen our 2013 OHL Draft Guide?

Justin Lemcke - Whitby Wildcats - RD - 6'1" 185 lbs

LB: How do you see yourself as a player?

JL: I see myself as a shut-down man, being able to shut down the first line, make the first pass and get the puck out of our own end.

LB: Who are some of the toughest players or one player in particular that's difficult for you to play against?

JL: Probably on Kingston, the combination of Josh Leblanc and Aaron Luchuck. Both of them are good two-way players and being able to go both ways and they can put it in the back of the net if you give them a chance.

LB: What would you say right now is the strongest part of your game?

JL: Being able to shut down their first line and generating offence on the power play and penalty kill. So special teams has been good for me this year.

LB: With the upcoming OHL draft so close, there's room for improvement. Have you been giving feedback on something you need to improve on?

JL: Yeah, to just keep working on the first pass, make sure I pay attention in the defensive zone, and keep getting the puck out.

LB: If you could bring any player to the OHL with you, who would it be and why?

JL: Probably #61 on our team, Hayden McCool. He's fun to play with, a dynamic forward, and today he got the game winner for us. He can put the puck in the back of the net and play two ways as well in the defensive zone.

LB: What do you think you could bring to the table that's a step up above the competition?

JL: The ability to win here…losing on the OMHA final fueled our team and we're not going to let it happen again. We want to beat Oakville in the final.

Jacob Middleton is highly ranked prospect for the upcoming 2012 OHL Draft. The Huron Perth Lakers defender was invited and participated in the All Canadians program last summer in

It’s a couple hours before puck drop and players are warming up in Yost Ice Arena, home of the University of Michigan Wolverines.

And one of the team’s upcoming players, Phil Di Giuseppe, pops his head around the corner to give his former coach the peace sign.

The versatile player has a lot of skill, but there’s one characteristic he lacks: an ego.

From the first moment he stepped out onto the ice in a Wolverines jersey, he succumbed to his emotions.

“It was an exhibition game, but nonetheless the place was pretty packed and my eyes lit up. I was just really happy and excited to be there. We have a band and a student section. It’s been said that it’s hard for people to come in and play because the students are so into the game as well. The fans really help us out a lot and it’s a really great place to play.”

It’s one of the most exiting arenas in all of hockey, seating over 6600 fans, and now Di Giuseppe is part of its history. However, the forward is creating a name for himself. Having the opportunity to don the infamous yellow Wolverines jersey, the 18-year-old laughs and lights up every time he and his teammates wear them.

The Maple, Ont. native was a sixth round draft pick of the Niagara IceDogs in 2009, but was not picked up immediately. But he knew that when one door closes, another opens.

“My general manager and coaches sat down and asked if I wanted to play OHL or NCAA … I said NCAA. They told me what to do to expose myself to some school and what it takes to play at the college level.”

The differences for players in the NCAA are beyond that of just the mental game. The adjustment means a different workout routine, 39-game schedule as opposed to 68 in the OHL, and a university workload, including two hours of mandatory tutoring after practice.

It’s a change, but Di Giuseppe doesn’t see it as a disadvantage.

“There’s a lot more practicing and obviously a lot more attention to detail. As well during the week, there’s a lot more lifting. I’d say that’s one of the biggest differences [when training]. At the college level, that’s something that they strive on.

“In NCAA there are a lot of older guys. Some are 23, 24, or 25. Whereas in the OHL, the oldest you can be is 21. So I’d say the biggest difference is guys are stronger, possibly even a little faster here because they’re older. I’d say in the OHL there’s probably a little more skill and youth.”

Di Giuseppe isn’t on the fast track to a professional career, just a different one. His play throughout his young season is turning heads, and he thanks his development at the University of Michigan for that.

“I think it makes me more of a mature hockey player.

“They’re more tenacious out there and harder working. I’d say that’s the biggest difference between a young hockey player and an older hockey player. The older guys know what it takes to play at that level, so they set the tone.”

He might not acknowledge his own talent, but someone did. HockeyProspect.com recognized his skill during his minor midget years, but only recently did Hockey Canada see his potential. According to Di Giuseppe, that’s when more eyes followed him on the ice.

However, the recognition is still new to him.

“I started getting attention recently and I haven’t been really used to it, but I try to just keep it in the back of my head and try not to pay too much attention to it. I just try to ignore it.”

Yet, there was one call Di Giuseppe couldn’t ignore.

With attention shifting to the 2012 World Junior Championship, scouting eyes began searching for Canadian talent. Although most players had already seen action on the World Junior Development Camp roster in the summer, Di Giuseppe was one of 41 (one of two from NCAA) to get invited this past December.

Despite his heartbreak from getting cut, the winger will take what he can from the experience, but is still focused on his goals for this year.

“I want to try and help Michigan win. We have a good team and that’s my main focus now. Whether I get drafted first round or seventh round [in the 2012 NHL entry draft], it doesn’t really matter to me right now. I just want my team to win.”

As the freshman looks back on everything that’s happened, he still needs a moment to take it all in, but doesn’t forget the people who helped him get where he is today.

“If I had to credit someone, I’d have to say my dad and my family. My dad has always been a quiet guy. But he has always been there for me throughout hockey. And he’s very passionate and I guess that’s rubbed off on me. My mom has always been there for me as well.

Di Giuseppe has the talent, but he also has the intelligence, averaging mid-80s in his courses.

“Michigan, in my mind, is the best school to come to for developing. You see it through Mike Cammalleri and Andrew Cogliano, both former students here. It’s helped me develop as a player and person.”

Owen Sound Attack W Zach Nastasiuk has had an eventful year.   He has participated in the CHL Top Prospects Game, won a Gold Medal on the Canadian Under 18 team who travelled to Sochi and had a good season for the Owen Sound Attack.  On top of that, he won the Standing Long Jump event among all Draft Eligible players at the NHL Combine.   Ranked 13th among N.A. prospects by NHL Central Scouting in their final rankings, Nastasiuk discusses his season with HockeyProspect.com

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Thatcher Demko is a goaltender from the USNTDP who will be taking his services to Boston College next season. The December 1995 birthdate makes Demko a 2014 NHL Draft eligible prospect. HP's Director of Scouting, Mark Edwards saw Demko recently in Sochi, Russia at the World U18 Championships. "I thought Thatcher played some solid hockey, early in the tournament his defenseman hung him out to dry a little bit giving up way too many odd man rushes. He bailed them out on more than one occasion. He is a big athletic kid who does a good job covering a lot of net, plenty of upside with Thatcher. I hope he gets plenty of playing time next season so scouts can follow his progress."

HP's Steve Fitzsimmons caught up with Thatcher and spoke to him about getting his start to hockey in San Diego and playing in the recent tournament in Russia.

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Gemel Smith and Joseph Blandisi are two NHL Draft eligible prospects for this years draft in Pittsburgh. HockeyProspect.com's Steve Fitzsimmons recently chatted with both players about their recently completed seasons.

Jason Dickinson was recently projected by HockeyProspect.com to be a possible 1st round pick in the 2013 NHL Draft. Steve Fitzsimmons spoke to the Guelph Storm Head Coach, Scott Walker, before Sunday nights game #6 vs the Plymouth Whalers. Walker gave his thoughts on Jason Dickinson and added a few comments about last years 1st round pick, Hunter Garlent.

Dickinson was a 2nd pick by the Storm in the 2011 OHL Draft and has developed nicely this season. HP's Mark Edwards spoke about Dickinson, "He has come a long way this season, especially since Christmas, he barely resembles the player I saw early in the season. It's like something clicked and he gained confidence and it all became easier for him. He is a smart player who does

I'll try my best to keep a running update on some players as the tournament moves along.

Tuesday

Branden Troock: He took some bad penalties that hurt his team. I have been a bit underwhelmed by Troock so far in this event after watching some good games with his home club in the WHL. He will need to play physical more often and be stronger on the puck.

Brendan Gaunce: He followed up his strong game on Monday with another good game. He made some strong plays winning pucks down low and was strong on the puck which enabled him to search out his options and make some smart plays. I'm sure if you asked him, he would tell you that he wished he could have finished a couple of his chances. He had a few scoring opportunities but failed to bury. I wish Cameron would have finished a few checks in this one. He passed up a chance to bury Trouba in the 1st period.

Josh Morrissey: My first live viewing was in Windsor in December. He impressed me then and he has impressed me in Brno. Great feet to go along with a good hockey IQ. He made a few subtle plays on the PP that shows what sets him apart from other players. I love his decision making and his ability to make adjustments to the pucks location. He made some great reads that enabled him to keep some pucks in the USA end that others may not have made. He also showed some toughness and physical play for a less tha huge kid.