OHL Western Conference

MIDWEST DIVISION London Knights (59- 7- 2-0) Despite losing a number of key players, like OHL scoring leader Corey Perry (130 points), forward Dan Fritsche, defenceman Marc Methot and goalie Gerald Coleman, the OHL and Memorial Cup champions should still field a competitive team. Acquired defenceman Ryan Lee from Plymouth yesterday. Owen Sound Attack ( 40- 18- 7-3) GM Mike Futa has been assured Bobby Ryan will return from Anaheim camp in early Oct. so offence should be ok. Their defence is deep and tough. Unless Mike Brown returns their weakness will be in net with last season’s backup, Neil Conway and rookie Russ Brownell. Kitchener Rangers (35- 20-9-4) The Rangers have good depth on D with Matt Lashoff, Boris Valabik and Jakub Kindl, but need to replace power-play QB Andre Benoit. The grit and leadership of forwards Mike Richards, Adam Keefe and David Clarkson will be tough to replace. Erie Otters (31- 25-6-5) Erie’s success could depend on if or when goalie Josh Disher returns for his over-age campaign. Scoring shouldn’t be a problem with Ryan O’Marra and Mike Blunden, but defence is spotty. With captain Brian Lee graduating, Otters will need someone to step into that leadership role. Guelph Storm (23-34- 10- 1) If Ryan Callahan is back as an over-ager, he’ll lead the offence with help from Matt D’Agostini. Montreal’s first-rounder Ryan Parent is one of the OHL’s top defencemen and should bring Storm first-rounder Drew Doughty along nicely. WEST DIVISION Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds (33- 25-9- 1) The Hounds have a talented goalie in Kyle Gajewski, some speed and talent up front with Tyler Kennedy and Cody Thornton. The Soo’s D has already lost first-rounder Jake Muzzin to a back injury till Christmas. Plymouth Whalers (30- 29-6-3) Over-age goalie Ryan Nie put together a solid year last season. Up front, look for over-ager John Vigilante, Dan Collins and James Neal to lead the way. Sophomore centre John Armstrong could be ready for breakout year. Windsor Spitfires (26- 29-6- 7) Windsor shouldn’t have any problems with their offence since Steve Downie, Cal O’Reilly and David Lomas can all put up big numbers. Whether their defence can stop the opposition is the biggest question. Sarnia Sting (16-41-6-5) GM Allan Millar and head coach Shawn Camp still in rebuilding mode. This will still be a tough season, though defencemen like Mark Katic, the OHL’s second overall pick, and Calgary firstrounder Matt Pelech are nice building blocks. Saginaw Spirit (18-42-4-4) Picked up over-age goalie Francois Thuot, which should help. Forward Ryan McDonough, acquired from Sudbury, should lead the offence. Forwards Tom Pyatt and Tom Mannino will be expected to pick it up.