It took a while to get this done, but here they are: The annual Team Toughness Reports.

Let me know what you think. I’m sure some will agree, some will disagree, and I’ll find a few that are at my door with burning stakes…but that’s the risk I take. So, read on and enjoy. As always, feedback is appreciated. (pssst, if I missed something big, let me know! I can change it anytime)

Eastern Division:

Ottawa – C

It’s tough to recall the last time a team from Ottawa was physically imposing. They’ve always had a solid team, but never one that if you mess with one of them, the rest are on you like hawks.

That being said, this years team isn’t bad. They have Julien Demers, a very capable guy, on the back end. Thing is, though, he’s not a regular enforcer. He helps, though, no question about it. They’ve also got youngsters Michael Latta and Thomas Nesbitt, which helps, plus occasional scrapper Cory Cowick. They’re a team that won’t go looking, but can stick up for themselves if need be.

Belleville – D

What happened to these guys? They’re a great team, but have nobody to defend if the tough comes calling.

They’ve got veterans in Eric Tangradi and Steve Blunden, but neither is a regular fighter. Last season, the two combined for three fights. The only one left that had more was P.K. Subban and I doubt the Bulls want him dropping the mitts. Newly acquired Spencer Anderson might do the majority of the fighting, but don’t expect more than a handful from him, either. He’s a big boy, though, and could surprise. One name that could also surprise is rookie who, in his last two seasons, had 228 PIMS in 91 games. The good thing for Bulls fans – their team could go all the way this year. I think most would take that over a couple fights.

Peterborough – C+

Despite the graduation of enforcers Justin Soryal and Bobby Davey, the team is still holding it’s own in the toughness department.

Sophomore forward Zack Kassian is showing he’s got the toughness to go along with the talent, already throwing down with tough veteran Scott Fletcher. They had veteran Derek Gregorak, but he’s now M.I.A. One guy who’s smaller, but definitely willing, is Jack Walchenssen. He had a few tilts last year against smaller competition and already showed this year he’s willing to try some bigger guys when he went up against Wolves’ forward Cory McGillis. Then you have rookies Chris Buonomo, Adrian Robertson, and David Quesnele, who have shown an ability to go. It’s not a veteran line-up, but one that could make noise as the season goes along.

Oshawa – B-

It feels odd to mention an Oshawa team without saying the name James DeLory. The fact is, though, the big man on the blue-line has moved on.

Taking the reins is veteran Shea Kewin, who has seen his fair share of solid tilts. He’s sneaked into the top-12 a few times and could move up as the season progresses. One guy who has really stepped up his game is feisty veteran Tyler Taylor. He leads the team with six fights so far and could reach 20 by seasons end. Also showing a bit more willingness is veteran Brett Valliquette, who’s getting a chance to show what he can do in the Motor City. A few youngsters to keep an eye on are Jeff Brown, who had an impressive tilt against Spitfire tough guy Rob Kwiet earlier, David Corrente, who’s shown he can definitely handle himself, and rookie John Paduolo.

Kingston – OHLTG Contributor Dave B in Kingston gives us this great report:

There is no doubt the Frontenacs have increased in talent and size this
year. The additions of Werek and Gubranson are a welcome addition.

The hardest hitter on the club is Josh Brittain; he is a true power
forward who will drop the gloves when necessary. He can handle himself
but is by no means a top 10 heavyweight. Other notable hitters are
Mignardi, Marsden, Werek, Gubranson, Dorhety, Crawford and of course
Stevens. Don’t look for too much physical play out of the top line or
the rest.

As far as the blue line protectors go, this has to be one of the bigger
D’s in the league led by Doherty. Though Doherty along the same lines as
Wallingford last year is big and plays physical he rarely drops the
gloves. The rookie Gubranson plays physical has a scoring touch and
destroyed Saginaw’s Fillman in Gubranson’s first and only fight so far.

Up front Stevens is still one of the top-heavy weights in the OHL, and
though he doesn’t win every fight, he’s sure not afraid to get involved and
protect his teammates. Pete is tied for top spot in number of fights
with five so far in only nine games. As with tough guys they usually have big
hearts, Stevens is no exception as he won the OHL Humanitarian of the
year award last year. He said to me I did the stuff off the ice not for
the reward or recognition, he did what he did for the kids and the
Kingston community.

Two other notables who will drop them are Marsden who has two fights and
Christmas, though Christmas isn’t seeing much ice time. The one question
will be Crawford, he injured his shoulder in a fight last year in
Windsor and so far has stayed away from fighting though he does hit.

Overall all I would give the team a “B-” but under the right coaching
this team could quickly evaluate their play to a hard-hitting and gritty
style to earn them a B+ or more.

Central Division:

Sudbury – B

While the days of a handful of veterans are behind them, the Sudbury Wolves are still a team to keep an eye on.

They don’t have that one pure enforcer, but a solid trio of secondary guys. Leading the way is veteran Gerome Giudice, whose willingness has never been questioned. He’ll go anyone who dares cross his teammates. Then you’ve got tough youngster Tyler Sheldrake, who made a name for himself last year going some of the bigger names in the league. Third, but definitely not least, is over-age forward Cory McGillis. He’s never been a top-12 guy, but is more than willing to step in and drop ‘em on a moments notice.

Then you’ve got youngster Chris Van Laren, who showed definite willingness last year and already leads the team in majors this season. As well, there’s Kyle Tarini, who’s kind of flying in under the radar, but has shown to be fairly willing since day one.

Mississauga – A

It’s not often I put a team as an “A” with only a couple very willing guys, but here they are.

There’s no question who the sheriff is here – Kyle Neuber. The guy is, arguably, the toughest in the league, and will show it every night for any reason. His resume speaks for itself. Then you’ve got middle-weight Zac Rinaldo, who has slowed down a bit this season, but showed what he can do last year.

They’ve also got a pretty decent support system with Michael McGurk, who has shown he can do well with the gloves off, and Tim Billingsley, who’s showing he can handle himself fine if need be.

Niagara – A

Here’s a team that could be fun to watch for a while.

The Ice Dogs have one of the best in the league in Scott Fletcher, but they also have a solid supporting cast that only a few teams could match. Veteran Chris De Sousa isn’t big in stature (listed 5’9 191), but he’s a tank on skates and can really throw ‘em. Then you’ve got rookie Johnson Andrews, who’s been amongst the most willing on the team this year, and rookie Victor Terreri, who has gone a couple solid names in Biggers and Rinaldo. Add in rookie Jamie Howard, who came into camp known as a tough-as-nails guy willing to do anything for his teammates, and many eyes will be on Niagara this season!

Barrie – B

Barrie hasn’t been a tough-as-nails team in a while, but this year, it might change a bit.

At the front of the line are two very willing guys in Andrew Clouthier and Stefan Della Rovere. Clouthier is getting his chance to shine and doing a great job, while Della Rovere is amongst the best middle-weights in the league. You could make an argument for him to be considered a heavy-weight, given his willingness and ability.

Another guy to keep an eye on is Dalton Prout. The former Sarnia defenceman is one of those occasional guys who throws very well when he wants to. We’re hoping the fire builds in him and the gloves fly off a bit more. Then you’ve got two youngsters in Kyle Clifford and Behn Robertson, both of which give Colts fans a heck of a fight every time they go.

Brampton – C-

Keep this name in your head – Luke Van Moerkerke. Why? He’s probably the one name you’ll hear out of Brampton this season.

The Battalion have never been a tough squad, but a middle-of-the-pack one. This season is no different. Van Moerkerke is the most willing and can go the heavyweights when need be. He’s the designated enforcer and is learning the craft as he goes along. He’s got some guys behind him, though, that are ready and willing – veteran Brad Albert, rookie Stephon Thorne, and rookie Sam Carrick. Veteran Ken Peroff can go, but hasn’t shown much willingness until this season.

Mid-West Division

London – A-

The big guy has found a home.

Sophomore giant Mike Yovanic (6’7 222lbs) was used sparingly in Plymouth last season, but is now the man in London. He’ll stand in there and dare you to trade punches. The only downside is that his chin isn’t the best and he’s been dropped at least once, if not twice in his career. Make no mistake, though, this guy can really go.

He’s helped out by a few guys on the Knights roster. Garett Hunter isn’t a guy who will win every fight, but he shows up as much as anyone on the team. Jason Wilson is a rookie who’s already showing that he can go with the bigger guys, and rookie Barron Smith continues to show that he can use his 6’5 205lb frame to his advantage. Add in power forward Akim Aliu and rookie Scott Valentine and this is a team that can, and will, hurt you with the gloves off.

Erie – A

While they won’t be near the top of the standings, the Otters are sure to be near the top of the league in terms of fisticuffs and toughness.

Lead by veteran power forward Luke Gazdic, the Otters are going to be a fun team to watch. Gazdic can throw with the best of ‘em and has KO potential. He’s joined by veteran Brandon Biggers, a former Sault Greyhound and Guelph Storm. Biggers is a legit heavyweight, but has found it difficult to sneak into the top 12. They’re both joined by gritty forward Mike Liambas, who, despite his 5’9 200lb frame, can throw that KO punch with ease. Another one that should make noise is rookie Anthony Luciani, who’s throwing down early this season in hopes to get his name mentioned from time-to-time in the rink. The Otters also have a solid cast of secondary fighters, including big power forward Brian Shaw. He’s never been a very willing guy, but can certainly throw with the big boys if he gets a chance.

Guelph – B

Guelph hasn’t been known as a tough team in a while. They’re usually one of the more passive squads, but this year, it’s different.

They have heavyweight Leigh Salters out there patrolling the boards. Listed at 6’3 222lbs, he can certainly go with the best the league has, but doesn’t always have that job. Given he can put the puck in the net on a regular basis, they tend to need him on the ice. That’s where the new Storm tough guy comes into play. Former Windsor and Oshawa tough guy Ryan Baldwin was brought in to help the Storm club with the gloves off. He’s never been known for his offence, but at 6’ 210, he’s pound-for-pound one of the toughest in the league.

They’ve also got a pretty solid cast of secondary guys, including veteran Matt Kennedy, who can go when it’s needed and overage veteran Nathan Martine.

OS – C-

Where’s Theo “Wreck ‘Em” Peckham when you need him? The Attack have a bit of everything, including toughness, but lack that one pure enforcer.

Their main guy is Lane MacDermid, who is as willing as anyone is in the league, but hasn’t quite made it into the top 12. Perhaps this is his year to shine. They also boast a decent secondary unit featuring veterans Grant McGee, Josh Domingues, and Michael D’Orazio, plus rookies Mark Ramkema, Steven Shipley, and Mike Halmo.

Kitchener – B+ - OHLTG Contributor Cody H. sends us this report:

A rebuilding season is always an interesting season. That’s exactly what the Kitchener Rangers have ahead of them.

Mike Duco, the firey winger who lit up the score board and stacked up the PIM last year has graduated. His grit, his hitting, and his actions with the gloves off will be missed. However, that does not mean the Kitchener Rangers are soft. In fact the Rangers have two tough guys in the top-12 in the west, and in this writer opinion top-10 overall - Over age Brandon Mashinter (fourth in the west, sixth In the league) and Rookie Champion Mike Mascioli (ninth in the west). Mashinter is the Rangers resident heavyweight at 6’3” 225lbs. Brandon likes to choose his fights, mostly with the oppositon’s heavyweight when he has the green light. With Brandon being an overager he will be relyed on heavily for his leadership. As much as many fight fans would like to see him with his gloves off, this season will be no different then last; only to stick up for a team mate or to get the team going. We expect about 10 fights, total. Visting Kitchener, you can expect one thing - watch rookie champion Mike Mascioli drop them with anyone. Nicknamed “Mass”, he is , in many peoples opinion, the leagues middleweight champion. At 5’10” and 185lbs, hes not the biggest guy but he won’t shy away from anyone. Just ask former Sting tough guy Devin DiDiomete (now in the pros). Mascioli is said to have the hardest punch in the OHL. Mass will be relied upon heavily to carry the team in fighting majors as he fears no one and he loves to drop them.

After those two the fighting drops off a lot but players such as Robert Bortuzzo, Alex Dzielski, and T.J. Battani, have proved there willing to drop the mitts, if needed. Rookie Andrew Wilson has also been said to stick up for a team mate and more importantly for himself. Steve Spot, coaches a lot like his preceder Peter DeBoer in which he has one resident fighter and the rest have the red light, unless they are sticking up for a team mate. The Rangers wont have the softest team this year but they are defiantly not the “East Avenue Bullies”

Western Division

Windsor:

Windsor should prove to be near the top of the league in talent, but also in overall toughness.

Leading the way is tough veteran Richard Greenop, who, at 6’4 235lbs, can dominate a fight when he wants to. He’ll be relied upon to round out his game, though. If he doesn’t go, veterans Rob Kwiet and Harry Young can definitely take on a bigger role if need be. Both have more than proven capable of handling the bigger boys in the league. There’s also veteran Mark Cundari who will defend teammates without warning, as well as rookie Adam Wallace, who has already shown he’ll go anytime, anywhere, for any reason, and newly acquired defenceman Patrick Moran.

Looking up and down the roster, there are very few players who haven’t dropped the mitts from time-to-time, and that might prove to be huge for Windsor. Talent goes a long way, but the secure feeling of being able to have someone watching their back never hurts. Give ‘em an A+

Plymouth – B+

This season could go either way in the Motor City.

Last season, they were a force to be reckoned with. However, two of their main threats are gone – Jozef Sladok and Mike Yovanic. Sladok carried the load against the main heavyweights, while Yovanic was learning and, at 6’7 225lbs, an intimidating force.

Middleweight Kaine Geldart should also see his fair share of fights as he’s proven time-and-time again that he can throw ‘em. Plus, don’t be surprised to see rookie Jamie Devane drop the mitts here and there. He’s a big boy and may be called on to play that physical style on occasion.
Another guy that is showing more of a willingness is sophomore R.J. Mahalak. He’s not a 40-major guy, but he’ll go when needed. Then there’s rookie Anthony Donati, who at 6’2 210lbs, is a tank on skates, and is slowly getting into the physical aspect of the league.

Last, but never least, is a wild-card – Leo Jenner. He’s more than able to do damage against the toughest in the league, but it’s a question of willingness and desire. If he goes on a regular basis, they could be bumped up to an A-rating. However, that’s not the case for the time being.

Sault –

OHLTG Contributor Jeff Wing brings us this report:

The Hounds start the 2008/2009 season minus veteran tough guy Brandon Biggers ( dealt to Erie), but this by no means has left the hounds lacking in the toughness department.

Back once again, to the delight of the Hound fans, is Anthony Peluso, who’s mere presence on the ice is usually enough to quiet most teams. Just don’t look for Peluso to drop the gloves foolishly, as his contributions to the team have gone beyond the fisticuffs, and he has proven to be a real asset on the ice.

Also back this year, after an impressive first season, is Jake Carrick, who’s willingness to go with anyone at anytime, will prove to be very entertaining.

The Hounds also have several players, namely James Livingston, Jordan Nolan, Matt Caria, and Dylan King who will not hesitate to step up and defend a teammate if the situation arises. Look also to rookie David Mead to add to the physical game. Grade given on toughness: A.

Sarnia – C

It’s going to be a tough season in Sarnia, but not the way fans had hoped for.

With veteran tough guy Devin Didiomete looking like he’ll be in the pros this season, the team will rely heavily on power forward Matt Martin to do their fighting. The thing is – Sarnia is in a rebuilding phase, so his offensive abilities will be needed on the ice, not in the box. They have a handful of youngsters who have shown a willingness to get dirty, but nobody has truly stepped up to the plate to say “here I am, let’s go!” Veteran Daniel Lombardi can definitely take care of the lightweight department, but he won’t be able to do much against the top dogs. It may be a case of one or more guys taking one, or a dozen, for the team.

Saginaw – C+

This year depends on three guys for the Spirit – Chris Breen, Kain Allicock, and Jordan Szwarz. Where they go, the team toughness goes.

Allicock is big, young forward who got his feet pretty wet last season, climbing the rookie ranks. He’s already shown that he can do alright against the big guys, getting into a solid fight with Anthony Peluso, but will that be there all season? Chris Breen is a giant, but hasn’t shown that heavyweight willingness just yet. If he can step up, they’ll be just fine. Let’s not forget middle-weight Jordan Szwarz, who impressed Spirit fans last season with some solid tilts. Again, it’s just a matter of stepping up the game a bit.

Two names to potentially watch for this season are Jason McDonough and Cody Sol. McDonough hasn’t been a regular fighter, but he’s willing and tough. It could very well go either way. Sol, like Breen, is a giant who’s getting his feet wet. Again, which way does he go – regular, willing guy, or occasional, if needed guy? Only time will tell.

Filed under: Team Reports by Dave Jewell Date 21 October, 2008