Back to Guelph last night for a game between two teams expected to play mostly in the cellar of the powerhouse Western Conference. I almost didn't make this game, as I am still without my Media Pass (Canada Post, I hate you and your long waits.) At the last minute, I decided to drive up to the rink and hope somebody would be able to help me out with a Game Pass.
Luckily for me, Guelph have good people and I was able to get up to 200 Section and sit with a couple NHL Scouts. I noticed Phoenix and Toronto on their jackets, but nothing else.
As far as the game, Erie looked nowhere close the team that they could be with a solid Top Six. Passes were in feet all night and they couldn't get much going. Guelph moved the puck quick and kept the pressure on all night. In the end, it was a gong show with a 10-2 Guelph win.
Following the game, I got down to Erie's dressing room as they were heading in from the tunnel. We'll just say that they weren't too happy with themselves. Lucky enough, Sondre Olden was willing to step aside for a few minutes to answer some questions which will be used in a feature on him in the near future.
In the meantime, a few notes of the three Leaf prospects that I focused on last night.
Sondre Olden - Erie Otters
He looked to be one of the best Otters all night. He displayed a healthy amount of speed and agility, and was able to beat defenders on the inside quite regularly. Unfortunately for him his linemates couldn't seem to keep up and his playmaking abilities went unfinished all night. He still needs to work on putting power behind his shot, though. Defensively he was the first one back, and used his stick to break up plays all night. He played the top PK unit, and saw some PP time on the point as well.
He started out on the wing for Erie, but was quickly back to center for the Otters.
Greg McKegg - Erie Otters
I'll say I was disappointed. Wearing the Captain 'C', McKegg is one of the more talented OHL Players and he knows it. All night he refused to back check, and floated when he came into his own zone, as if waiting for a breakout pass. Offensively he carried the puck up the middle well but then went to the perimeter and seemed content to lurk waiting for opportunities rather than create them himself.
I get the feeling he might be a tad bored in the Ontario Hockey League.
Garrett Sparks - Guelph Storm
Sparks came into the game when McKegg barreled through Brandon Foote. Foote was noticeably shaken up as his helmet came off and he took his time getting up before having to be helped off the ice.
Looking a little nervous in the early going he moved a bit more than is normal for him, but made some unbelievable stops on a breakaway and rebound chance. He seemed to calm as the game went on and played to his strengths keeping rebounds to a minimum and moving as little as possible. He let two quick ones in the second, but was able to rebound with a healthy win.
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