Team Toughness Report
With three months of the season under our belts, teams have defined their strengths and weaknesses. Let’s take a look at how each team fares in the toughness department.
EASTERN DIVISION:
Kingston Frontenacs – OHL contributor Dave B sent us this report:
“The Frontenacs are definitely not ranked in the top of the OHL for team toughness, however this team has had more heart then many teams from the past. When light weight Mignardi jumps on the back of ranked heavy weight Jarram to protect a team mate and fully expects a pounding in return, you know this team has heart.
So let’s look at team toughness. This doesn’t mean the Fronts are with out individual toughness. OHLTG ranked Peter Stevens could be classed as the leader for toughness. He took boxing lessons this past summer so now has a good inside punch and upper cut as display against (Kyle) Neuber earlier this year. The issue with Pete is his limited ice time resulting in far fewer fights then last year. It might be that dance partners are hard to come by in the east. I think the situation with coaching may be playing the biggest role for Pete’s low fight numbers.
Big Wally (Justin Wallingford) has the potential to be heavy weight champ of the OHL. Agree or not but nobody can argue that he isn’t one of the biggest kids on the ice this year. The big reason he isn’t even ranked is that he just doesn’t fight. He sure is a monster so maybe finding a willing combatant is hard for him. When he does fight he is devastating, just ask (Akim) Aliu.
(OHLTG comment: If you haven’t seen this fight yet, send me an email – it’s a must-see!!)
Continuing on, a bit of a surprise to be mention is Jonathan Sciacca, he is a legit middle weight. He doesn’t fight often but is dynamic when he does. Of all the fights I have seen him in he has dominated.
Hitting, which seems to have taken a back seat in this era of hockey, are done by two lunch bucket players. Kyle Bochek established his play since coming to the Fronts playing a physical game, the biggest surprise and rise to the top as the most dominant physical player is sophomore Josh Brittain. He has steam rolled over everybody he plays against and crashes the net with the best of them. Brittain certainly has had more fights this year. His last fight was a quick one punch win over Lalonde of Belleville. He is going to be the future for physical dominance for the Fronts.
If mouth and agitator count as anything, Nathan Moon would win this hands down. Besides having a good set of hands apparently he can discuss things with the other team that infuriates them. It is nice to see the great communication on the ice between opposing players.
After the above players mentioned, we have some hard working players who will play for a coach that inspires them. Team toughness may be a bit lacking but there are individual bright spots on this team that will illuminate the way for the rest of them.
Grade: C-
Oshawa Generals –
The Generals are a team who can do damage to you both on the scoreboard and with the fists. They boast two of the toughest guys in the league in James DeLory and David Jarram. DeLory is a 6’5 225lb defenceman who will crush you in the corner and, should you annoy him, with the fists at center ice. Jarram is your 6’3 215 stereotypical power forward. He will crash the net, put in a few points, and drop the mitts with anyone who wants a piece. If those guys aren’t available, you’ll have to deal with energetic forward Shea Kewin. While not big (6’ 184), he can throw with the best and do very well.
We’re not done yet, either. The Gens feature occasional scrappers Cory Cowick and Tyler Taylor, two feisty guys who will go with anyone, but when you least expect it.
When you have guys like Brett McLean, Dale Mitchell, and John Tavares on your team, though, you better have toughness. Few will mess with this Generals team and with good reason.
Grade: A-
Belleville Bulls –
Belleville has always been a team that can fight, but doesn’t go too often. They have a legit heavyweight in Matt Beleskey, though, which is good for Bulls fans. He can drop them with just about anyone in the league and win. In addition, they picked up lanky forward Andrew Self from university. He was with Sudbury last year. Self can go with anyone and has the chin to really go places if he wants. Fans will remember his epic bout with Niagara tough guy Scott Fletcher last year.
Like Oshawa, Belleville has a handful of guys who will go if needed, but don’t always go looking. Chris Mifflen is a scrappy kid who made a name for himself in Sarnia. He’s not going to fight every game, but can certainly hold his own when need be. P.K. Subban is another that fits this mold. A valuable asset on the blue-line, Subban seems far more interested in the puck game than the fist game. That doesn’t mean you can upset him, though. He can handle himself against some tough kids and push his buttons enough, you’ll find out what I’m talking about.
Grade: B
Peterborough Petes –
They’re certainly not a team that’s going to back down from anyone. Featuring the reigning OHL champion, Justin Soryal, the Petes find themselves with a great mix of scoring and toughness. They brought in tough overage defenceman Bobby Davey to help out, too. Davey and Soryal combine for one of the best one-two punches in the league.
In the off-season, they also brought in rookie Zack Kassian, a power forward who has proven he can go with some of the best in the league, and they also have veteran Kenzie Sheppard. He’s a stocky guy who likes throwing hard.
Grade: A-
Ottawa 67s –
It’s been a few years since Kilreas club had a legitimate heavyweight. This year is no different as they’re more of a team that prefers to play hard-nosed hockey and if you want to go, so be it. They don’t have a main guy, but more of a handful of solid middleweights. Adam Zamec, arguably, leads the way for the team. He’s a capable middleweight who can go some heavies if need be. Then you have Julien Demers, who won’t go often, but can handle himself. Add in Jason Bailey, a willing middleweight, and youngster Thomas Nesbitt, who can go toe-to-toe with ease, and you’ve got a willing, if not overly dominant team.
Grade: C
CENTRAL DIVISION:
Barrie Colts –
Barrie is another team that has lacked a true enforcer over the last few years. This year, though, is a bit different. They grabbed tough guy Andrew Clouthier from Saginaw and he’s done his job in making a name for himself. Then there’s youngster Stefan Della Rovere, a stocky forward who has gone a lot more this year. They combine for a pretty solid, up-and-coming duo. Veteran Cory McGillis isn’t known for dropping the gloves for no reason, but has shown time and time again that if you go after his teammates, he will inflict a beating on you.
The Colts aren’t a team you’d go to see if you want a physical brand of hockey. That doesn’t mean, though, that they’re not willing. It’s just not a common sight.
Grade: C+
Brampton Battalion –
At the start of the year, they had very little to cheer for with the gloves off. Then, they went out and got veteran Kody Musselman, and suddenly a light appeared at the end of the tunnel. He’s not going to dominate everyone in the league, but he’s always been a willing, fierce competitor.
They also had a nice surprise after grabbing Luke VanMoerkerke from London. He didn’t go much last year, but is a new player this season, throwing down with just about anyone willing to go. Plus, veteran John DeGray is there to defend teammates, no matter who the opponent is. It’s not the first team you’d look at for a physical game, but they can hold their own when the going gets tough.
Grade: C+
Mississauga Majors –
What is this controversy you speak of? Despite all the commotion during the off-season, the Majors are keeping their fans focused on the games. How? By going out and dropping the mitts whenever they can. Returning is improved tough guy Kyle Neuber, who can go anyone in the league and inflict damage. Then you have rookie sensation Zac Rinaldo, who, despite his 5’10 170lb frame, has shown serious KO power. Plus, there’s tough guy Mike McGurk, who has slowed down a bit, but has always been willing when need be. Even veteran Matt McCready has shown he’ll go when he has to.
The Majors aren’t a team you’ll intimidate and they have guys up and down their lineup to prove it game-in and game-out.
Grade: A
Niagara Ice Dogs –
The Ice Dogs are new to the St Catharine’s area and are showing fans a tough brand of hockey. Lead by veteran tough guy Scott Fletcher, the Ice Dogs will not deal with any cheap shots thrown their way. Fletcher can and will go anyone, do damage, then continue playing solid defence. He’s backed up by a trio of solid middleweights – tough rookie Chris De Sousa, a stocky forward who likes going toe-to-toe, veteran agitator Jordan Foreman, who has shown a definite ability to throw, and hard-hitting defenceman Matt Corrente, who, while he hasn’t gone much, has no issues when the time comes.
Niagara won’t go looking for a ton of fights, but if you step into their barn and go after their boys, they’ll make sure you pay the price.
Grade: A
Sudbury Wolves –
Sudbury is truly an up-and-coming club. They lost a lot of toughness from last year when veterans Devin Didiomete, Andrew Self, and even Akim Aliu left. However, they’re slowly trying to make up for that. Rookie Marco Maggio will go anyone, on any night, more than once, and fare alright. He’s not going to drop anyone with a right, but he’s certainly able to take a few to try. Then there are rookies Kyle Tarini and Tyler Sheldrake, who pack a mean punch. You’ve also got rookie Jesse Hebscher, who’s happy to go, and veteran Gerome Giudice, who is playing on a top line, but is willing when given the shot.
Oh, and they have this kid named Steve Miller. He dropped Erie tough guy Luke Gazdic last year and can go with anyone in the league. Thing is, though, his willingness isn’t always there.
Grade: B
MIDWEST DIVISION:
London Knights – OHLTG contributor Scott White sent us this report from London:
The London Knights are a club that have always centered themselves around grit and approaching the 07/08 season it looked like it would be more of the same. During the offseason the Knights lost heavyweights David Jarram and Josh Beaulieu along with Jordan Foreman and Todd Perry. With a definite need for toughness, Mark Hunter hit the phones and was able to acquire Nathan Martine, Trevor Koverko, and Cody Smith.
This season has been fairly disappointing so far as Cody Smith is expected to be on the shelf until late December, Trevor Koverko is currently the odd overager out and Nathan Martine has been traded. London has been relying solely on the prowess of Jordan Shine.
Since returning from his 20 game suspension, Shine has racked up 3 fighting majors while being the primary enforcer on the Knights roster. Though not the best fighter, Shine is always willing to answer the bell. The native of Wallacetown, ON is coming off of a 33 fight campaign where fans saw Shine lose more then he won.
Trevor Koverko was the lone London Knight enforcer at the dawn of the 07/08 season. Appearing in 16 games with the Knights, Koverko has amassed 4 fighting majors going up against the likes of Richard Greenop, Ryan Baldwin, Zack Kassian, and Peter Stevens. Koverko is much more capable then Shine but not as active. Since the acquisition of Sean O’Connor, Koverko has been a healthy scratch as the team is currently carrying too many overagers.
Aside the Koverko and Shine, fans don’t currently have much to look forward to fighting wise. It’ll be interesting to see what happens as the trade deadline approaches with the Knights currently carrying four overagers. If Koverko gets his spot back the Knights will be an exciting team with the tandem of Koverko, Shine and Smith. Unfortunately right now, the team doesn’t stack up to past teams which featured the likes of Danny Bois, Brandon Prust, Josh Beaulieu, David Jarram and Kelly Thomson.
Grade: C
Kitchener Rangers:
The Rangers are going for it all this year, which means a balance of offence, defence, and toughness is sorely needed. They went out and grabbed tough guy Brandon Mashinter from Sarnia. He replaces tough guy Brian Soso as the main heavyweight. Soso was always willing, but wouldn’t always win. Mashinter is almost the opposite – can go with anyone, but not always willing. The most willing guy on the team is rookie Mike Mascioli. He’s not big (5’10 186), but will go toe-to-toe with anyone who dares challenge him. Matt Pepe, Mike Duco, and Doug Clarkson represent the older crowd who can go when called upon, but aren’t frequent fighters.
Grade: B
Owen Sound Attack –
Here’s another team that doesn’t have the legitimate heavies, but can certainly hold their own. With veteran agitator Wayne Simmonds being dealt to the Sault, the main man in the Sound is lanky Lane MacDermid. He’s a tough kid, but won’t be able to handle all the heavyweights. Call him a great middleweight or light heavy. After him, it really drops off. There are rookies Peter Mrksic and Paul Bezzo, but they have a handful of fights between them. It’s certainly a change of pace from the Oreskovic/Peckham days.
Grade: C-
Guelph Storm –
The potential is there for Guelph to be a team others fear. Thing is, though, it’s just potential and not a reality – so far. The Storm have one of the better heavyweights in the league in Leigh Salters, but he’s an occasional fighter at best now, given his value to the team. They also have Matt Kennedy, who will do well when he goes, but again, his value is needed on the ice. Nathan Martine could be added to that list, too. They really have a handful or more of capable scrappers, but all are valuable on the ice and can’t afford to sit in the box. Thus, fights are few and far between unless the score gets out of hand.
Grade: C
Erie Otters –
When tough guy Anthony Peluso was dealt to the Sault, it left a bit of a hole in the teams toughness. Then veteran Ronnie Rogers went home looking for a trade. That didn’t help them, either. However, they’re still amongst the best in the league with some very solid scrappers. The main guy is Luke Gazdic. Despite the aforementioned loss to Miller, he’s able to go anyone in the league and has KO potential. Gazdic has improved leaps and bounds over the last 12 months and is a force to be reckoned with now. Then there’s the mighty man, Mike Liambas. He reminds many people of Marco Caprara, as Liambas stands 5’9 190lbs and packs a punch. He’s also an entertaining fighter, preferring to go toe-to-toe over wrestling. After these two, it drops off a bit, but not enough to drop them in the standings.
Grade: B+
WESTERN DIVISION:
Windsor Spitfires –
There’s no question – Windsor is one of the most willing teams this season. Few games feature no fights and most actually feature a few scraps. They’re lead by tough guy Richard Greenop, last year’s rookie champion. He’s improved his stamina and can take on anyone who’s willing. He’s joined by toe-to-toe scrapper Ryan Baldwin, who made a name for himself last year with an “anyone, anytime” attitude. He also dropped Sault tough guy Brandon Biggers earlier this season.
Unlike most teams, though, Windsor has a solid supporting cast. Harry Young has stepped up as one of the tougher guys around the league. He’s not a “fighter”, as he put it, but he can go whenever it’s needed. Jordan Nolan is another who, when agitated, will hurt you. Thing is, after being dropped by MacDermid last season in Owen Sound, Nolan hasn’t found that anger again. When he does, though, it’ll be a treat to watch. Then, there are veterans Mark Cundari and Mickey Renaud, two valuable assets to the club who, when pushed, will push back with force. Add in Elgin Reid, a tough overager, Matt Bragg, another willing overager, and tough rookies Tom Kane and Andrew Yogan – this isn’t a team that’ll go down without a fight. They definite deserve their rating.
Grade: A+
Sault Greyhounds –
The acquisition of Peluso puts this team right up there in terms of toughness. They’re not on a Windsor level, yet, but they’re getting there. Peluso joins fellow tough guy Brandon Biggers and willing veteran Wayne Simmonds, to produce a capable trio. Add in youngster James Livingston and this team is fun to watch. It drops off a bit after that, but they still deserve a solid rating.
Grade: A
Plymouth Whalers –
Plymouth has always been a team that prides itself on defending teammates. They won’t always go looking, but can go with just about any team. They’re lead by tough blue-liner Jozef Sladok. The lanky import will do well against anyone in the league and is a legit top 12 guy. Then you’ve got interesting rookie Mike Yovanic. This giant stands 6’7 222lbs, but rarely sees the ice. It’s become almost a Jeff Kugel-like situation in Plymouth, where the fans enjoy his little time on the ice as they know something is coming. Almost an opposite situation is with Leo Jenner. He’s big, he’s mean, but he won’t do much with that. He was injured last season and hasn’t really been the same since. What he’s proven, though, is he has power in his punches. Just ask former Spitfire Kevin Hudes, who was KO’ed in Windsor early last season. If you can convince the quiet giant to go (Jenner is 6’4 200lbs), watch out as he’ll make sure you regret that decision. Add in a handful of other willing, occasional guys, and it’s another entertaining team.
Rating: B+
Sarnia Sting –
Sarnia lost toughness in the off-season when they dealt Mashinter and Davey in a pair of trades. However, they gained part of that right back by grabbing tough veteran Devin Didiomete from Sudbury. Plus, they have scrappy veterans Ryan Wilson and Matt Martin to help out. Wilson can handle himself very well against anyone, while Martin is more of a light heavy or solid middleweight. There’s also energetic little guy Daniel Lombardi, who won’t be able to handle the bigger guys, but can be fun to watch against the lightweights.
Grade: B-
Saginaw Spirit -
Last, but never least, are the Saginaw Spirit. Their main guy is rookie Kain Allicock, who can handle himself against just about anyone. Standing 6’3 195, he’s a tough kid who is making a name for himself around the league. The Sprit also picked up Jason McDonough, who played on Peterborough last season. He’s not an every day fighter, but certainly can shed the mitts when desired. Giant forward Chris Breen (6’6 218) has shown he can win fights, but the desire isn’t always there. Saginaw is in a rebuilding mode, and rumour was they are picking up someone who’s a veteran tough guy. Time will tell how this helps or hinders them.
Grade: C
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