By Raine Hernandez/OHL
As the U16 season enters the second half, it is time to re-introduce one of the most popular series leading up to the Priority Selection.
Each week, OHL Central Scouting takes a look at some of the top 2007-born prospects eligible for the 2023 Priority Selection, breaking down what stands out about their skillset on the ice.
Welcome to this year’s first edition of “Five to Watch!”
Owen Griffin – York-Simcoe Express
OHL Central Scouting says: Owen has picked up right where he finished last year when he played for the Markham Waxers. He is one of the smartest and most skilled centres in this year’s draft class. He makes everyone around him better as he puts the puck in areas that they will be successful, he is a top end playmaker that see the ice extremely well. He is so hard to defend against because he is also a dangerous goal scorer who has a deceiving shot that he gets off quickly and is very accurate. His smarts always have him in the right place at the right time and the puck seems to follow him around the ice. He is defensively responsible and does not cheat on either side of the puck. He will be relied on to help his team continue to have success as they have in the first half of the season.
Raine’s OHL Player Comp: Ty Voit, Sarnia Sting
Jimmy Lombardi – Don Mills Flyers
OHL Central Scouting says: Jimmy is a skilled centre that plays the game at high pace and is always putting pressure on the opposition either with or without the puck. He is a player that competes hard in all three zones and is not afraid to get his body involved. He is very skilled and can make plays at top speed, which make him very hard to contain both off the rush and down low off the cycle. He drives the offence for his team and is used in all the key moments in a game. He sees the ice very well and has a good feel in and around the net. Jimmy is a difference maker for his team and will be relied on heavily in the second half of the season.
Raine’s OHL Player Comp: Braeden Kressler, Flint Firebirds
Matthew Schaefer – Halton Hurricanes
Matthew is an elite defenceman in this age group and he continued his strong play since playing U16 last season as an underage. He is a powerful defender that has speed to burn and he uses it in all three zones. He can be a one-man breakout as his foot speed allows him to beat forecheckers and make a good heads-up pass or continue though the neutral zone with the puck as he isn’t afraid to lead the play and create offence. He uses his outstanding skating ability to defend with the best of them as he closes on players fast and gives them little time and space to make plays. He has a great understanding of the game and knows what each situation calls for. He plays a ton and I would expect to see him lead his team into the playoffs and beyond.
Raine’s OHL Player Comp: Jorian Donovan, Hamilton Bulldogs
Brady Martin – Waterloo Wolves
Brady is a complete elite centre that can play the game any way you want him to. He is a very strong skater with good separation speed. He has elite puck skills and offensive creativity that he uses to make everyone on the ice around him better. He is both a playmaker and goal scorer and is always dangerous when he has the puck on his stick. He protects the puck so well and is hard to knock off it because of his good balance and edge control. He is a fierce competitor that will do anything it takes to score a goal or win a game; he is physical when he needs to be and does not lose many puck battles. He will be one of the top players for Ontario at the Canada Winter Games this February in PEI.
Raine’s OHL Player Comp: Bryce McConnell-Barker, Soo Greyhounds
Matheas Stark – Toronto Marlboros
Matheas is a complete centre that is the leader on one of the top U16 teams in Ontario. He has the top-end skill and skating ability to play an open game that is high paced and he is not afraid to mix it up physically if that is what is called for. He pays attention to detail in all three zones and plays a complete 200-foot game. His skill is right up there with the best of them in this age group; he is dangerous off the rush, has very good vision with the puck and possesses a great shot with a lightning-fast release. He competes and works hard every shift. He leads by example on the ice and is the type of player all coaches love to have on their bench as he can be used in every situation.
Raine’s OHL Player Comp: Danny Zhilkin, Kitchener Rangers
