6 Players to Watch In the OHL

 

There may not be any NHL hockey but that doesn't mean there isn't hockey to cover. Since I'll be focusing more on junior hockey it's time to take a brief look at the OHL and some of the players to keep an eye out for. Some of these players may even be drafted by your favourite team in the next draft.

A big thanks to Margann who helped provide me information on who to watch in the OHL.

6. Trevor Petersen- Niagara IceDogs

[caption id="attachment_649" align="alignright" width="294"] Petersen fights off a check[/caption]

You may remember an interview I did with Trevor a few months back at the time of the interview he was just finishing up a fantastic first year with the IceDogs. Entering his second season in the OHL he is poised and ready for a huge year. He will be called on to be one of the  leaders on the team to put into practice what he learned from some of the veterans last season and put up big points. This is Petersen's draft year so he'll be looking to have a big season and hopefully lead the IceDogs back to the playoffs.

5. Tyler Biggs- Oshawa Generals

After being drafted by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the first round of the 2011 draft out of the US development program, Biggs will be entering his first full season in the OHL with the Oshawa generals and is poised for a big year. As a Leafs prospect he will be in the public eye and under a bit more scrutiny over his play. At 6 foot 3 and 224 pounds, Biggs is not afraid to mix things up and plays a very truculent style. Watching him play shows little wonder why Brian Burke drafted him, he's the Burke prototype and will put an end to the Leafs woes of small forwards.

4. Samuel Bennett- Kingston

Despite being a 16 year old rookie in the OHL, bennett has put in his time and after a full summer of working with Gary Roberts is ready for a big year in Kingston. The two-way forward is hoping to be more of a role player in his first year pro but is still determined to put up some major points.

3. Andrew Fritsch- sue st Marie greyhounds

Despite playing in just 33 games last season due to a wrist injury, Fritsch is healthy and ready to prove to everyone he can still be a key aspect to any team. After putting up 8 goals and 10 assists in the final 19 games of last season everyone is waiting to see what he can do when healthy and in top notch shape. Fritsch is determined to set new career highs in both goals and points to get attention from the Phoenix coyotes and garner himself a contract with the team who drafted him in the sixth round in 2011.

2. Max Domi- London Knights

The son of former Toronto Maple Leaf Tie Domi, Max has a habit of making a splash just like his father. Despite him and his father demanding a trade to the Knights, Domi is able to put is talent where his mouth is, as he was one of the top '95s in the OHL last season. The majority of his offensive chances are generated from his quick speed as he is easily one of the fastest players in the OHL. His speed and agility open up ice for him and his teammates.  This year Domi has the chance to be a first line centre on the Knights and has the potential to have a fantastic season.

1. Sean Monahan- Ottawa 67's

Monahan is a player who could easily go in the top 5 of the 2013 draft and is arguably one of the best '94s in playing in the OHL. In his first 5 games of the 2011-2012 season he notched 5 multipoint games including 2 games in which he recorded 3 points. The best/most unique part of Monahan's game is his rare ability to elevate the game of not only himself but also his teammates. Last season Monahan really turned heads after he racked up 78 points in just 62 games with the 67's. Topping last years points will be no easy task but he's off to a solid start with 7 points in just the first 4 games of the season.

There you have folks, the OHL is loaded with talent. Tons of young kids busting their butts to earn pro contracts who would love to see you out at some of their games. It's time junior hockey started to get the attention it deserved, so if you're missing the NHL make sure you check out one of the junior league (OHL, CHL, AHL QMJHL) as I will be following each of these leagues and players closely.

If you have any questions about any one of these players feel free to tweet myself or Margann.