Fans were treated to the CHL/USA Top Prospects Challenge back in November. Now the OHL’s top prospects took part in their own league showdown as the Ontario Hockey League’s best from the Eastern Conference took on the Western Conference in the inaugural Connor McDavid OHL Top Prospects Game. Team East came out on top over Team West in overtime, winning 5-4.
It was a spirited showcase from the OHL’s best as it was a quick-paced and physical game from both sides. From the opening puck drop, the tone was set as everyone wanted to leave their mark on the scouts and improve their stock. Naturally all eyes were on Michael Misa and Porter Martone, ranked third and fourth among North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting respectively. Misa was displaying his high-end speed and vision with his playmaking and Martone was displaying his anticipation, skill in tight spaces, hounding pucks and scoring the game winning goal in overtime.
While they’re the top names to watch, there were plenty of other names that stood out and made their case to improve their draft stock for the scouts. Here are six names that stood out in the showcase.
Team East
Jake O’Brien, C, Brantford Bulldogs
The captain for Team East, O’Brien showcased why he’s a top-10 ranked skater in North America. He was an offensive catalyst with his puck distribution, assisting on three goals for Team East.
O’Brien’s playmaking is his greatest attribute and it was definitely on display. He made strong and crisp tape-to-tape plays, baiting in defenders to open things up and then get the puck off swiftly through traffic and seams. Throughout the game he made a number of smart plays and was always starting a play that led to a great opportunity. O’Brien was also a factor without the puck, as he showed patience, strong positioning and awareness with his off the puck play. He was in position to intercept plays, as it was evident on Martone’s game-winning goal.
He was clearly one of their best players as he was named MVP for Team East.
Lirim Amidovski, RW, North Bay Battalion
Ranked 85th among NA skaters, Amidovski showed great skill and chemistry on the third line with Owen Griffin and Aiden Young, but was eventually bumped up to the top line with O’Brien and Martone. In short, he must’ve been that noticeable to earn that promotion.
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