‘Down the road we need four or five of these guys to play’
It will take some time for the Windsor Spitfires to see just how productive Saturday’s Ontario Hockey League Draft was for the team.
Of the 15 players selected, only first-round pick Nathan Staios and fifth-round pick Louka Henault, both defencemen, are expected to have a shot at making the roster in 2017-18. “I really like our first two picks,” Spitfires general manager Warren Rychel said.
The rest will likely need another season of development before challenging for a roster spot while eighth-round pick Dominick Fensore and 11th-round pick Cade Webber, who are also both defencemen, are headed to the United States Development Program, but could figure in the plans down the road.
“Down the road we need four or five of these guys to play, especially in two years,” Rychel said.
Following is a look at Windsor’s 15 selections in Saturday’s draft, along with their vital stats including games played, goals, assists, points, penalty minutes and a brief comment on each from Rychel. Round 1 (16): Nathan Staios, Vaughan Kings minor midgets, left defenceman, 5-foot-9, 160 pounds, 16-5-11-16-32.
“Elite skater and heads-up passer,” Rychel said.” Power-play guy, he walks the offensive line real good, makes good plays and he’ll grow.” Round 5 (96): Louka Henault, Toronto Marlboro minor midgets, left defenceman, 5-foot-11, 168 pounds, 81-11-45-56-32.
“Plays a full 200-foot game,” Rychel said “A very intelligent player. Staios is a little more dynamic (offensively) and this kid may be a little better defensively.” Round 6 (109: Daniel D’Amico, Toronto Marlboro minor midgets, left wing, 5-foot-10, 161 pounds, 80-39-39-78-86.
“He’s got high-end skill and just needs to pull it all together,” Rychel said. Round 6 (113): Austin Brimmer, Mississauga Rebels minor midgets, right wing, 6-foot-1, 182 pounds, 72-25-26-51-NA.
“Big kid that works hard and can score goals from the wing,” Rychel said. Round 7 (125): Jordan Frasca, Mississauga Senators minor midgets, left centre, 6-foot-1, 158 pounds, NA-8-9-17-NA
“Good on faceoffs,” Rychel said. “Works hard and plays the game the right way.” Round 8 (150): Michael Andrews, Quinte Red Devils minor midgets, left wing, 5-foot-10, 182 pounds, 42-33-43-76-54.
“Big point getter from the Belleville area,” Rychel said. “He can provide offence.” Round 8 (152): Markus Paterson, Toronto Nationals minor midgets, left wing, 6-foot-2, 180 pounds, 7911-18-29-NA.
“Strong two-way player,” Rychel said. Round 8 (156): Dominick Fensore, P.A.L. Jr. Islanders U16, left defenceman, 5-foot-6, 128 pounds, 23-10-17-27-11
“Best defenceman in the United States,” Rychel said. “We took a chance on him.” Round 9 (176): Erik Yelle, Toronto Marlboro minor midgets, right defenceman, 6-foot-1, 186 pounds, 80-9-21-30-74.
“Steady two-way defenceman,” Rychel said. Round 10 (182): Stefan Dobrich, Sun County Panthers minor midgets, left defenceman, 6-foot-2, 180 pounds, 32-0-8-8-28.
“Defends, not fancy, but a good defender and good character,” Rychel said. Round 11 (216): Cade Webber, Rivers Public School in Minnesota, left defenceman, 6-foot-4, 175 pounds, 31-2-15-17-NA.
“Big, mobile defender and one of the top eight defenceman in U.S. in his age group,” Rychel said. Round 12 (221): Cameron Recchi, Cushing Academy, centre/left wing, 5-foot-7, 142 pounds, 32-38-11-NA
“Small, hard worker with good bloodlines,” Rychel said of the son of former NHLer Mark Recchi. “He plays hard.” Round 12 (236): Jeff Taylor, Kemptville midgets, right centre, 5-foot6, 134 pounds, 44-8-5-13-20
“This kid, last Ottawa trip, stuck out to me,” Rychel said. “Very intelligent, makes creative plays with the puck. He’s a smart player.” Round 13 (256): Matthew Crasa, Selects Academy U15, right centre, 5-foot-9, 178 pounds, stats not available
“Really can skate and shoot,” Rychel said. “He’s a really good player and has a chance.” Round 14 (267): Braeden Agresti, Toronto Red Wings minor midges, right wing, 5-foot-9, 151 pounds, 33-5-15-19-26
“A hardworking, two-way forward,” Rychel said.