Hockey Prospects, NHL Draft, Hockey Scouting,OHL Draft

Binnington played in 22 games for the Owen Sound Attack as a rookie in 2009/2010. The Richmond Hill Ontario native posted a 6-10 record on a non playoff team with a 4.38 goals against average.  Jordan had a couple of rough outings which inflated his numbers a bit . The rookie tender had a rude welcome to the league as the Barrie Colts fired 49 shots his way en route to a 9 goal outburst.

This season was a different story after taking over for injured started Scot Stajcer. Binnington led the charge in the regular season and came to the rescue in the playoffs. Jordan did nothing to hurt his draft stock in 2010/2011.

Binnington was selected 40th overall by the Attack as their second pick in the 2nd round of the 2009 OHL draft. Jordan was the 3rd goalie selected behind Tyson Teichmann (Belleville 1st round) and Matt Mahalak (Plymouth 2nd round) Binnington was chosen out of the Vaughan Kings organization.

The Interview:

HP: How did you go about choosing to play hockey, and goalie specifically?

JB: When I was younger, playing hockey as my favorite sport. I just tried goalie and liked it so I pursued it.

HP: Did you feel pressure this season at Owen Sound after being a high pick in the OHL Draft?

JB: Well, I try not to worry about that stuff but there is always pressure with everything. I try to block it out as much as I can; but my teammates and family have helped me out a lot in terms of staying calm.

HP: Overall how did the season go for you at Owen Sound?

JB: It was all right. There were definitely some games where I got “lit up” for lack of a better word. It was obviously tough, but it went pretty well. As the season went on I matured a lot. Without those couple of tough games, my season would've looked a lot better on paper.

HP: So what style goalie do you see yourself as?

JB: I would say probably a hybrid goalie. I play up and down. I'm pretty flexible so I can make the desperation saves.

HP: What was the most difficult thing to adjust to in the OHL as a goalie?

JB: For sure the speed of the game. Everything develops a lot faster so you have to improve your reaction time; even as a goalie.
HP: What do you think improved most about your game this season?

JB: I would say without a doubt my mental toughness. I think I have grown a lot in that area as both a goalie and a person

HP: In terms of mental toughness, say you let up a soft goal; how do you about bouncing back from that?

JB: Well, in minor hockey I had a problem because I got too angry after stuff like that. I've started not to worry about it though. I try just to get past it and not think about it. That has worked out well for me.

HP: You play to make the next save instead of worrying about the most recent one ?

JB: Yeah, that's what works.

HP: So, what do you consider as some of your strengths on the ice?

JB: I consider my strengths to include my technique, my flexibility, learning how to read the play better and my position in the crease. I would say I'm also good at playing the puck.

HP: What about some things you want to improve on?

JB: Some things I still want to improve on are my flexibility and my strength. That is one thing I'm working on a lot this summer. You can also never go wrong by working on mental focus.

HP: How do you go about working on “mental focus”?

JB: Well preparation for the games is definitely one. You just want to always be ready to go in that sense.

HP: What are you doing this offseason to work on that?
JB: Yeah, I have a personal trainer who I've been working with since the end of the season. I've been gaining a lot of weight, which is good. I'm definitely getting bigger, stronger and faster.
HP: What is the best piece of advice you have received from a coach?

JB: My goalie coach is always giving me good insight and keeping me motivated. Picking one specific thing is tough. But, the best thing he reminds me of is to keep battling; to do whatever you can to make the save.

HP: What are you goals for the upcoming season?

JB: Obviously to play as well as I can. I have also been setting some goals for myself in terms of lower numbers. I just want to have a strong season.

HP: Have you had any nerves about the 2011 Draft?

JB: No, I'm trying not to worry about it. I'm going to do what I can, work hard and just try not to worry about.

HP: Who has been the toughest offensive player you've had to go against?

JB: That's another tough one. Thinking about the guys that have scored against me. Windsor is a tough team to play against for sure. Also, Nazem Kadri has given me some trouble along with Peter Holland on Guelph.

HP: Do you have any NHL or CHL goalies you like to model your gaem after?

JB: Yeah, Marc-Andre Fleury is a big one. I've watched him for a couple years now ever since he reached the NHL. I love his technique and how he reads the plays. I like to watch that; and another NHL games just to study the goalies and what they do. I watch him the most though.

We love his compete level, as Biggs hates losing a board battle let alone a hockey game. He has the ability to take over a game when he is on. When he brings his full blown nastiness he is just plain fun to watch.Biggs is a very coachable prospect who oozes upside and could easily be a top 20 pick. Biggs needs to refine his scoring skills to become an NHL top 6 forward but is a very safe bet to make the NHL.

Kamloops Blazers F Dylan Willick had a solid 2nd WHL season, doubling his goal production from his rookie year, potting 24 goals and 44 points in 72 games. >But the numbers don't tell the story for Willick. He's an excellent penalty killer and shot blocker who plays well in all three zones. Ranked 164th by NHL Central Scouting for the upcoming NHL Draft, Willick discusses his season and his career and gives his thoughts on playing against number one ranked Ryan Nugent Hopkins.

The Saint John Sea Dogs became 2011 MasterCard Memorial Cup Champions after a hard fought 3-1 victory over the Mississauga St. Michael’s Majors this past Sunday May 29th. HockeyProspect.com looks at the team from a prospective point of view, as the Sea Dogs have several players eligible for the 2011 NHL Entry Draft.

#5 - RD - Gabriel Bourret

Bourret is rated to go in the 6th round by HockeyProspect.com. We were happy with his play, as Gabriel appeared steady for the Sea Dogs. He generally kept his game safe when called upon, and make the smart simple plays for the Dogs’. He isn’t a defenseman that will wow you with his skill level, but was fairly physical for a QMJHL defenseman with average size. All in all Bourret was a positive contributor for Saint John.

#7 - RC - Zach Phillips

Phillips was a bit of a surprise for us. We were wondering if he would show us that he deserved to be ranked inside the top 30, rather than just outside of in, where he finished with HockeyProspect.com, but he really didn’t show much in terms of being a game breaker. Zach showed a tendency to pass the puck up, much more than take opportunities to shoot it, which is not something you commonly see out of a 38 goal scorer during the regular season. Phillips however did get one goal in the tournament, which just happened to be the championship winning goal. The goal, set up by a turnover by Michael Kirkpatrick, sent over the Jonathan Huberdeau, who quickly fed Phillips for the goal, and the early 2-0 lead.
When asked what the difference between the Majors and the Sea Dogs in the MasterCard Memorial Cup Championship game Phillips said “We both worked really hard, they were all over us, we had a great effort, and we were able to bury on our chances.”

#11 - LW/C - Jonathan Huberdeau

Huberdeau has showed time and time again through the CHL playoffs, and into the MasterCard Memorial Cup, that he is a clutch performer, and one of those few players who not only have top end skill, but a knack to come through for his team when they need a big goal. Huberdeau not only secured his spot at #3, but also made himself a legitimate argument to be worthy of the 2nd or even 1st pick in this year’s draft. Jonathan was great in front of the opposing net, willing to take punishment and using his outstanding hand/eye co-ordination making life difficult for the goaltenders, he works hard in every area of the ice, and he reads the play so incredibly well.

HP asked Jonathan Huberdeau about his cup clinching goal with 3:43 left in the 3rd period.

“It was unbelievable I knew the goal was very important, we were dominated in our zone at the moment, but our goaltender did great under pressure”

We then asked Jonathan “NHL Entry Draft going 1st, 2nd, 3rd, etc, does it matter to you?”

“Nope, doesn’t matter I feel like my game has improved all season, and I did what I did, and now we will see what NHL team takes me”

#13 - RW - Tomas Jurco

Jurco continued his outstanding playoff by finishing tied for 1st in goals in the MasterCard Memorial Cup. Jurco made it clear right from his first shift he was going to be an impact player, scoring an outstanding goal to open the tournament. Jurco shows outstanding puck handling abilities, and speed. He can control the play when the puck is on his stick, and is very difficult to contain. He’s not afraid of a little physicality either. During the season Jurco saw his stock drop with some right out of the first round, but he has proven with his playoff performance, and his showing at the MasterCard Memorial Cup, that he is worthy of a first round selection.

#15 - LW - Scott Oke

Oke didn’t really impress or disappoint at the MasterCard Memorial Cup. He received limited ice time, and was decent in applying forecheck pressure, as well as defending his own zone, but he really didn’t show off any standout skill. Oke is a very tough player to gauge going forward due to his lack of ice, despite the amount of games he has played.

#19 - LW - Ryan Tesink

Tesink got limited ice time for Saint John, but appeared to make the most of it, forcing turnovers, and applying good pressure in the offensive zone. Ryan showed good energy throughout the tournament. Ryan is the one player that we would probably move higher in the rankings if we were to update our NHL Draft Guide post Memorial Cup. Ryan is a smart hockey player that showed very good skills and awareness. We like his big upside. He plays bigger than his slight frame would have you believe.

#22 - LW - Aidan Kelly

Kelly was used sparingly either as a 12th forward, or a healthy scratch. Aidan, when given ice showed good work ethic, and battled hard and tried to make his shifts count.

#28 - LD - Nathan Beaulieu

Nathan was certainly not playing up to his potential to start the tournament. Beaulieu admitted post game, that the nerves were effecting him early on, which played a part in several misplays with the puck, but he, and his team were able to settle in. Nathan played 3 more games, and improved greatly in every outing, to the point where he was playing a big positive factor in Saint John’s success. Considered a top 10 pick by HockeyProspect; Nathan is a very offensively capable defenseman, who rushes the puck up the ice well, and has an excellent point shot. Nathan isn’t afraid to play physical either.

#2 - RD - Dylan DeMelo

Dylan is starting to show the potential he’s hinted at all season. Obviously limited ice time has been a factor, but his ice time has grown as the Majors’ have become more confident with his skills and maturity. DeMelo is deceptively strong, and did well when battling for the puck. He was effective in his own zone, and moved the puck well. Although not called upon as much as some other defensemen for the Majors, if anything DeMelo proved he is ready for an expanded role next year.

#5 - RD - Stuart Percy

Stuart did absolutely nothing.. to change our minds or make us second guess where we have him ranked. When looking at HockeyProspect’s rankings, Stuart Percy’s 19th overall ranking is one of the most drastic jumps from NHL Central Scouting for any prospect in the draft. But Stuart proved this, by playing a critical role in shutting down the opposition, while also setting up a number of goals for his team, finishing 2nd in scoring for the Majors during the MasterCard Memorial Cup. His composure and maturity is astonishing considering he is the youngest player on the Majors’ roster. He has been effective, and a standout in our mind at both ends of the ice, he simply just needs to get stronger and fill out his already 6’1” frame. We were able to speak to Stuart after their 3-1 victory over Kootenay. Here’s what he had to say.

When asked to describe the type of player he is, Percy replied

“I’m a solid defensive defenceman that can shut down opposing teams top forwards, and I also bring some offense to the table, moving the puck well, and contributing on the power play occasionally.”

When asked if there‘s something Stuart wants to work on this off-season he replied.

“I want to work on my strength, and speed, and my shot as well, and just becoming quicker out there, and being more physical.“

#16 - LC - Joseph Cramarossa

We felt Cramarossa would be a solid 2nd round selection in this year’s draft, and despite not putting up any points during the MasterCard Memorial Cup, he showed that he is one of the safer picks in the draft due to his 6’1” frame, and his willingness to be physical, and take whatever punishment is necessary to help the team succeed. Cramarossa plays primarily a bottom six role with the Majors, despite likely being a 2nd liner on most other CHL teams. Joseph is durable, being able to play both centre and wing, and worked hard night in and night out through the tournament. When the Majors were gaining pressure in the 3rd period of the Championship game, Joseph was a key factor in keeping the momentum rolling with his physical play, and smart puck decisions. Expect Joseph to take on a much bigger role with the Majors next year.

Photo: Terry Wilson CHL Images

Zemgus Girgensons is a top rated 2012 NHL Draft prospect who is currently playing in the USHL for the Dubuque Fighting Saints. HockeyProspect.com spoke to Zemgus a couple of times recently including this conversation Steve Fitzsimmons had with Girgensons today. Zemgus was highly touted on the HP pre-season rankings and showed nothing to make our scouts waver on their opinion of him at the recent USHL Fall Classic in Sioux City, Iowa.  HP's Mark Edwards has moved Zemgus up the #2 spot on his current personal rankings right behind Nail Yakupov of the Sarnia Sting.

Girgensons chats about his style of play and the decision to play in North America.

2012 Home Hardware CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game Rosters:

Team Orr (White):

Goaltenders:
Malcolm Subban (Belleville Bulls)
Francois Tremblay (Val d'Or Foreurs)

Defencemen:
Gianluca Curcuruto (Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds)
Matthew Finn (Guelph Storm)
Olli Maatta (London Knights)
Adam Pelech (Erie Otters)
Derrick Pouliot (Portland Winterhawks)
Griffin Reinhart (Edmonton Oil Kings)

Forwards:
Andreas Athanasiou (London Knights)
Francis Beauvillier (Rimouski Oceanic)
Raphael Bussieres (Baie-Comeau Drakkar)
Radek Faksa (Kitchener Rangers)
Mikhail Grigorenko (Quebec Remparts)
Tomas Hyka (Gatineau Olympiques)
Scott Kosmachuk (Guelph Storm)
Matia Marcantuoni (Kitchener Rangers)
Tanner Pearson (Barrie Colts)
Colton Sissons (Kelowna Rockets)
Chandler Stephenson (Regina Pats)
Lukas Sutter (Saskatoon Blades)

Team Cherry (Red):

Goaltenders:
Matthew Murray (Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds)
Brandon Whitney (Victoriaville Tigres)

Defencemen:
Cody Ceci (Ottawa 67's)
Mathew Dumba (Red Deer Rebels)
Nick Ebert (Windsor Spitfires)
Slater Koekkoek (Peterborough Petes)
Ryan Murray (Everett Silvertips)
Damon Severson (Kelowna Rockets)

Forwards:
Martin Frk (Halifax Mooseheads)
Brendan Gaunce (Belleville Bulls)
Coda Gordon (Swift Current Broncos)
Charles Hudon (Chicoutimi Sagueneens)
Scott Laughton (Oshawa Generals)
Jarrod Maidens (Owen Sound Attack)
Andrew Ryan (Halifax Mooseheads)
Gemel Smith (Owen Sound Attack)
Dominik Volek (Regina Pats)
Thomas Wilson (Plymouth Whalers)
Nail Yakupov (Sarnia Sting)
Daniil Zharkov (Belleville Bulls)