It’s taken a long time, but here we go. After talking to OHLTG Aaron and Rob Way, we’ve come up with the Top 12 lists. Now, you’ll notice something down in the Rookie Ranks. Read below them for further information. As for the rest, we took a lot into consideration and, despite the fact not everyone will agree, it’s what we feel is best. Enjoy!!

First, though, is the top 12 compilation I put together. Take note - due to technical problems, I couldn’t get all the videos I wanted on there. Thus, there are some repeats. It’s 11 minutes long, too - but worth the download.

TOP 12 Fight compilation -http://www.sendspace.com/file/c6uaxn

OVERALL Top 12

1. Justin Soryal – 6’2 200lbs Peterborough Petes – 59 games 17g 22a 39pts 140 PIMS – Soryal is the classic power forward. He came on as primarily a tough guy, but developed his game to be one of the best overall players in the league. A class act off the ice, his fists show he’s all business on the ice and he’s done damage against some of the best the league threw at him.

2. Anthony Peluso – 6’3 222lbs Erie Otters/SSM Greyhounds – 63 games 7g 14a 21pts 124PIMS – Peluso is similar to Peluso, only not quite as offensive. His fists have done the talking around the league and now he uses the fear factor to get it done on the ice. Not many will test him as he’s built a solid reputation.

3. Richard Greenop – 6’3 225lbs Windsor Spitfires – 60 games 2g 3a 5pts 194PIMS – “Sir Richard”, as he’s known in Windsor, has become one of the most recognized players in the league. While he’s not likely to put up great offensive numbers, he’s respected with the gloves off and has a heavyweight fight card that’s tough to beat.

4. Kyle Neuber – 6’2 215lbs Mississauga Majors – 54games 4g 4a 8pts 133PIMS – Neuber has surprised a lot of people with his fists this season. His ability to throw with power has shot him up in the rankings. Like Greenop, he won’t put up the points, but certainly will rack up the PIMS and fighting majors while defending teammates.

5. Luke Gazdic – 6’3 210lbs Erie Otters – 67games 17g 12a 29pts 144PIMS – Gazdic had a breakout season offensively for the Otters. Add in the fact he can go toe-to-toe with the best in the league makes him one valuable player. He’s not a guy to lead the league in PIMS, but he’ll certainly challenge for the league heavyweight title next season.

6. Scott Fletcher – 6’4 210lbs Niagara Ice Dogs – 44 games 0g 1a 1pt 153PIMS – Fletcher, a big nasty defenceman, isn’t going to put up the points, but will put fear into a lot of forwards. He showed a ton of willingness to drop the mitts this year, but not many takers. When he goes, though, he can really throw ‘em!

7. Devin Didiomete – 6’ 190lbs Sarnia Sting – 56 games 23g 33a 56pts 216PIMS – You want a guy who will go through the wall for a teammate, then come out the next period and score a couple points? Here’s the man known as Deeds. He can put up points in any situation and will drop the gloves for any reason. 88 majors in 5 seasons – enough said!

8. James DeLory – 6’5 225lbs Oshawa Generals – 54 games 2g 20a 22pts 154PIMS – This giant rearguard has proven time and time again that you don’t want to mess with his teammates. The only thing stopping him from moving up in the rankings is his fight card – there aren’t many names on there. He’s one of the best in the league, but given his value to the Gens, can’t show it often.

9. Brandon Mashinter – 6’3 225lbs Kitchener Rangers – 62 games 10g 10a 20pts 84PIMS – Here’s another guy who, if he went more often, could easily move up in the rankings. Mashinter has the size, has the chin, and has the ability. The only things missing are the names on the fight card. He’s fun to watch when he goes, though.

10. David Jarram – 6’3 216lbs Saginaw/Oshawa – 63 games 11g 7a 18pts 139PIMS – Jarram is one of the more under-rated power forwards in the league. He can put the points up and will step up against anyone in the league. He might not beat the top handful of guys every night, but he’ll show up and have some fun.

11. Pete Stevens – 6’3 223lbs Kingston Frontenacs – Here’s another entertaining, toe-to-toe blue-liner. Stevens has some very entertaining fights and will drop ‘em with the top dogs. He won’t win every fight, but certainly makes sure he lets his opponent know it’ll be a grudge-match.

12. Bobby Davey – 6’1 190lbs Peterborough Petes 53 games 1g 11a 12pts 200PIMS – Davey is the definition of “heart and soul.” He goes out there with a smile, does the damage, then shows his great character off the ice. He won’t put up the points, but has never shown anything but joy for dropping the gloves. 70 majors ranks 12^th all-time in the OHL.

West:

1. Anthony Peluso

2. Richard Greenop

3. Luke Gazdic

4. Devin Didiomete

5. Brandon Mashinter

6. David Jarram

7. Ryan Wilson

8. Michael Liambas

9. Jozef Sladok

10. Jordan Shine

11. Steve Miller

12. Matt Martin

East:

1. Justin Soryal

2. Kyle Neuber

3. Scott Fletcher

4. James DeLory

5. Pete Stevens

6. Bobby Davey

7. Ryan Baldwin

8. Matt Beleskey

9. Kody Musselman

10. Andrew Self

11. Andrew Clouthier

12. Matt Corrente

Rookies:

T - 1. Marco Maggio - Sudbury Wolves - 6′ 190 - 63 games 0g 6a 6pts 162PIMS

T - 1. Mike Mascioli - Kitchener Rangers -5′10 186 - 50 games 6g 14a 20pts 125 PIMS

3. Jake Carrick -SSM Greyhounds -5′11 176 - 51 games 2g 5a 7pts 97PIMS

4. Zac Rinaldo - Mississauga Majors - 5′10 175 - 63 games 7g 7a 14pts 191 PIMS

5. Tyler Sheldrake - Peterborough Petes/Sudbury Wolves - 6′ 205lbs - 52 games 1g 8a 9pts 82 PIMS

6. Kain Allicock - Saginaw Spirit - 6′3 195lbs - 41 games 1g 1a 2pts 75 PIMS

7. Zack Kassian - Peterborough Petes - 6′3 205lbs - 58 games 9g 12a 21pts 74 PIMS

8. Garett Hunter - London Knights - 6′ 179lbs - 62 games 1g 2a 3pts 42 PIMS

9. Kyle Clifford - Barrie Colts - 6′1 190lbs - 66 games 1g 14a 15pts 83PIMS

10. Kenzie Sheppard - Peterborough Petes - 6′ 204lbs - 58 games 20g 12a 32pts 118 PIMS

11. Chris De Sousa - Niagara Ice Dogs - 5′9 198lbs - 64 games 23g 13a 39pts 103 PIMS

12. Josh Domingues - Owen Sound Attack - 5′11 191lbs - 53 games 5g 7a 12pts 59PIMS

**NOW** - as you can see, we have a tie for first place amongst the rookies.

This is where YOU, the OHL Tough Guy fan/player comes into play.

We need YOUR vote for who should be crowned rookie champion. How do you do this? Simple!

Send your vote to ohltg_dave@hotmail.com, talk to me on MSN, or comment on Facebook (either on my wall, in a message, or on the OHLTG Group). Comments on here WILL NOT be taken into consideration - lots of other options. You’re voting for either Mike Mascioli OR Marco Maggio. EVERYONE can vote (excluding me).

The time on this one is 10 days from today…June 3. So, at 11:30 on June 13 (a Friday night), is when it stops. That’s when I start my weekend volunteer work in Windsor - once I leave the house, no further votes will be counted.

You can only vote ONCE - all votes will be recorded.

All that being said, I hope you guys enjoyed the rankings!! Thanks for reading and feedback is always appreciated.

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Filed under: Content by Dave Jewell Date 3 June, 2008