Cole Beaudoin of the Barrie Colts. Photo by OHL Images.
HT
WT
DOB
POS
SH
OHL DRAFT
NHLCS
NAT
6’2”
206
Apr 24, 2006
C
L
10th, 2022
31st, N.A.
CANADA
SEASON
LEAGUE
TEAM
GP
G
A
PTS
2019-2020
HEO U14
Ottawa Myers
30
13
27
40
2021-2022
HEO U18
Nepean Raiders
32
24
53
77
2022-2023
OHL
Barrie Colts
63
8
12
20
2022-2023
WHC U17
Canada Black
7
3
2
5
2023-2024
Hlinka/Gretzky
Canada
5
3
3
6
2023-2024
OHL
Barrie Colts
67
28
34
62
Cole Beaudoin is an intriguing prospect who remains somewhat mysterious. If not necessarily the best, he is one of the top 3 defensive forwards in the draft class. Beaudoin boasts high-level skills for disrupting plays in the neutral zone, blocking passing lanes in his own end, and maintaining excellent defensive positioning. His penalty killing abilities are also nearly unmatched at this level.
Consistency is a concern, as his performance fluctuates dramatically both shift-to-shift and game-to-game. He is prone to disappearing acts that leave you questioning if he even played, yet also capable of impressive displays reminiscent of the player you hoped to see.
Offensively, Beaudoin has not lived up to expectations despite driving play in top international tournaments like the World Hockey Challenge Under-17 and Hlinka-Gretzky Cup even though he neared a point per game. His league play has been underwhelming in that department.
One season ago, his skating skills were rightly questioned. He has clearly put in effort to improve those abilities, but still has more work to do. Adding speed, improving lateral movement and edge work would benefit his skating.
The most intriguing aspect is Beaudoin’s evident maturity and skill when fully engaged, which suggest he could reach the NHL level if he continues improving his skating and consistency.
Marek Vanacker of the Brantford Bulldogs. Photo by OHL Images.
HT
WT
DOB
POS
SH
OHL DRAFT
NHLCS
NAT
6’1”
170
Apr 12, 2006
LW
L
23rd, 2022
25th, N.A.
CANADA
SEASON
LEAGUE
TEAM
GP
G
A
PTS
2021-2022
Alliance U16
Brantford 99ers
23
19
26
45
2022-2023
WHC U17
Canada Black
7
0
3
3
2022-2023
OHL
Hamilton Bulldogs
55
4
12
16
2023-2024
OHL
Brantford Bulldogs
68
36
46
82
Marek Vanacker has shown immense skill by increasing production fivefold over the last year. This dramatic improvement is no mere stroke of luck.
He is an elite skater and one of the quickest players in the draft class, excelling in edgework, first strides, and top speed. His ability to rapidly accelerate and decelerate on his blades throws off opponents. Leveraging his skating prowess, he attacks the net with and without the puck. Adding more lateral agility could make him even more dangerous, though his skating raises no major concerns.
Vanacker is an excellent puck handler. His skating allows him to dangle past defenders and drive the puck into space. With good vision and playmaking ability, he can find teammates for scoring chances. He also recognizes when to shoot himself, firing hard wrist shots that challenge goalies. Varying his release point and shot placement as well as improving his accuracy would make him even more dangerous.
Defensively, Vanacker leverages his speed and hockey IQ to his advantage. With quick reactions, he slides into passing lanes to stymie opponents’ chances. Wielding an active stick, he disrupts plays and swiftly turns defense to offense. Though presently a decent sized winger, he has the frame to add muscle and more physicality when he does so.
Vanacker currently projects as a reliable two-way forward who can contribute secondary scoring from a middle six position in the NHL. But don’t be surprised if there is more to come.
Luke Misa of the Mississauga Steelheads. Photo by OHL Images.
HT
WT
DOB
POS
SH
OHL DRAFT
NHLCS
NAT
5’10”
175
Nov 25, 2005
C
L
9th, 2021
45th, N.A.
CAN
SEASON
LEAGUE
TEAM
GP
G
A
PTS
2019-2020
SCTA U15
Oakville Rangers
33
31
31
62
2021-2022
OHL
Mississauga Steelheads
62
4
22
26
2022-2023
OHL
Mississauga Steelheads
64
13
30
43
2023-2024
OHL
Mississauga Steelheads
66
26
55
81
Having been born in late 2005, Luke Misa has just finished his third OHL season and is now eligible for the NHL Entry Draft for the first time. This impeccable timing aligns with his breakout season.
Misa is an elite skater among this year’s OHL draft prospects, arguably one of the top two or three. He possesses excellent speed paired with superb edgework, enabling him to change direction seamlessly without slowing down. This high-level skating ability is essential for undersized players like Misa.
In his first two OHL seasons, Misa developed a reputation as a playmaking, pass-first player who often declined chances to shoot. This became an area needing improvement. When he started shooting more often, he began scoring goals, boosting his confidence to seize scoring opportunities when warranted. This shift has proven beneficial. He comfortably led the Steelheads with 210 shots on goal.
Misa initially struggled on the power play, but improved as the season went on. Out of his 26 goals, only 6 came with the man advantage, while 15 of his 55 assists were on the power play. This highlights his exceptional even-strength play and 5-on-5 value.
Though Misa shows offensive flair, including scoring shorthanded goals, his defensive game remains a work in progress. He must refine his positioning and avoid over pursuing the puck. With continued effort to mind the details of playing responsibly in his own end, Misa can shore up this fixable weakness.
Lukas Fischer of the Sarnia Sting. Photo by Natalie Shaver/OHL Images
HT
WT
DOB
POS
SH
OHL DRAFT
NHLCS
NAT
6’3”
170
Aug 9, 2006
LD
L
208th, 2022
55th, N.A.
USA
SEASON
LEAGUE
TEAM
GP
G
A
PTS
2021-2022
HPHL U15
Compuware AAA
20
5
3
8
2022-2023
OHL
Sarnia Sting
47
3
7
10
2023-2024
OHL
Sarnia Sting
68
6
28
34
Fischer’s hockey career took a surprising turn last season. He started off playing in the USHL but then joined the Sting mid-season. However, the Sting already had a strong defensive roster, limiting Fischer’s ice time. Still, the Sting saw great potential in this former 11th round OHL draft pick.
His size stands out immediately, and he may still grow more. Despite his size, he displays incredible athleticism. His skating abilities are well above average, with smooth transitions between forward and backward skating without losing speed. He also shows impressive quickness and edges with great lateral mobility on his blades.
Despite his youth, he demonstrates remarkable defensive maturity. With his long reach, he skillfully thwarts scoring chances. His quick footwork enables him to maintain tight gaps and instantly pressure the puck. This is far different than the player we saw early in the season. He does need to find consistency in his physical game.
Fischer quickly recovers loose pucks and stays composed under pressure. He consistently makes smart plays, advancing the puck up ice with precise passes or his own skating. His poise with the puck will only improve as he gains more confidence on the ice.
Offensively, some question if his offensive skills will transfer effectively to the next level. Currently, he directs the powerplay adeptly and has demonstrated skill at this level of play. His vision, passing accuracy and speed are assets. Though his shot is solid, increased strength would likely add force. Additionally, he has shown the ability to join the attack at opportune moments.
Though those are positive indicators, they offer no assurance he will excel offensively. However, even if his scoring skills do not translate to the NHL, he can still have a successful career as a lockdown defender.
Beckett Sennecke of the Oshawa Generals. Photo by OHL Images.
HT
WT
DOB
POS
SH
OHL DRAFT
NHLCS
NAT
6’3”
178
Jan 28, 2006
RW
R
8th, 2022
15th, N.A.
CANADA
SEASON
LEAGUE
TEAM
GP
G
A
PTS
2021-2022
GTHL U16
Toronto Marlboros
45
35
45
80
2022-2023
WHC U17
Canada White
5
0
3
3
2022-2023
OHL
Oshawa Generals
61
20
35
55
2023-2024
OHL
Oshawa Generals
63
27
41
68
It’s well documented since being drafted by the Oshawa Generals; Beckett Sennecke has undergone a substantial growth spurt. Originally listed at 5’10” for his OHL draft, he now stands at 6’3″ – a remarkable increase in height for a hockey player over just a couple years. And he appears to have put in the work to maintain and improve his level of play.
Sennecke’s skating technique and overall mobility on the ice have steadily improved year over year. He exhibits strong edgework and east-to-west movement. Adding muscle mass, particularly to his legs, could further enhance his first step quickness and speed. That added strength could benefit him in other areas as well.
Despite his 6’3″ frame, Sennecke can be knocked off the puck rather easily. While he is one of the hardest workers most nights, battling for pucks, he needs to win more of those physical battles. Building strength would benefit Sennecke by making him harder to knock off the puck during battles along the boards.
One of his strengths is his shooting ability. He possesses a heavy one-timer and wrist shot with decent release. As he builds strength, his shot will further improve. However, he struggles with accuracy at times, which requires refinement as he develops. Nonetheless, his solid shooting fundamentals provide a strong foundation.
Sennecke is more than just a goal scorer. He has the ability to slow the game down, lure in defenders, and then find open teammates after creating space. While his vision is slightly above average, it’s an innate skill that’s difficult to improve through training.
Though his defensive game remains a work in progress, he shows great promise on that end of the ice. In the neutral zone, he uses his size and reach to disrupt play as effectively as anyone. The main area for improvement is his defensive zone positioning and decision-making on when to challenge the puck carrier.
Henry Mews of the Ottawa 67’s. Photo by Luke Durda/OHL Images
HT
WT
DOB
POS
SH
OHL DRAFT
NHLCS
NAT
6’1”
183
Mar 9, 2006
RD
R
7th, 2022
27th, N.A.
CANADA
SEASON
LEAGUE
TEAM
GP
G
A
PTS
2021-2022
AAA U16
Toronto Jr Canadiens
52
14
64
78
2021-2022
OHL Cup
Toronto Jr Canadiens
6
1
4
5
2022-2023
WHC U17
Canada White
6
2
6
8
2022-2023
OHL
Ottawa 67’s
55
12
19
31
2023-2024
Hlinka/Gretzky
Canada
5
1
6
7
2023-2024
OHL
Ottawa 67’s
65
15
46
61
Henry Mews of the Ottawa 67’s has consistently generated offense throughout his career, from AAA to the World Hockey Challenge U17 tournament to the Ontario Hockey League. Though considered the third-best defenseman in his OHL draft class after Sam Dickinson and Zayne Parekh, Mews brings a distinct skill set compared to his highly-touted peers. The trio couldn’t be more different.
Mews’ skating ability stands out as his greatest asset, with fluid mechanics, explosive acceleration in just a few strides, and adept edge work enabling effortless changes of pace and direction. While his top-end speed could improve, this minor weakness does not detract from his overall excellence on the ice.
Mews is an excellent puck handler who thrives during breakouts and in transition. With elite vision and superb playmaking ability, he gets the job done moving the puck up ice. Although not a scoring threat yet, he still creates danger in the offensive zone by using his accurate shot to generate rebounds. Developing a heavier shot could make him even more of a dual threat, but for now his playmaking skills make him someone you want controlling the puck.
The area of concern at this level is always a player’s defensive game and it is no different for Mews. While he can play with an edge and is superb at keeping his gaps tight thanks to his elite skating, I have concerns about his inconsistent defensive effort. There are times he looks lost in his own zone, not from a lack of hockey IQ, but seemingly from a lapse in effort. If he can maintain strong defensive effort, he has the skillset to succeed at the next level.
Jett Luchanko of the Guelph Storm. Photo by Natalie Shaver/OHL Images
HT
WT
DOB
POS
SH
OHL DRAFT
NHLCS
NAT
5’11”
183
Aug 21, 2006
C
R
12th, 2022
21st, N.A.
CAN
SEASON
LEAGUE
TEAM
GP
G
A
PTS
2021-2022
Alliance U16
London Jr Knights
21
19
27
46
2022-2023
OHL
Guelph Storm
46
5
9
14
2023-2024
OHL
Guelph Storm
68
20
54
74
Jett Luchanko of the Guelph Storm is an elite skater with excellent speed and agility. His quick first steps, top-end speed, and ability to separate give him an edge. Luchanko also possesses sharp edge work that allows him to change direction and maneuver in full flight. He can slow down or accelerate to create space for himself or teammates. While speed and skating skills are assets, hockey sense is crucial to utilize them fully. Fortunately, Luchanko has hockey intelligence to complement his skating talents.
Despite his smaller stature, Luchanko is unafraid to throw his weight around and finish checks. He battles fearlessly against larger opponents, never backing down from physical play. Though he will need to build his strength over time, his ability to shield the puck is already highly skilled. His eagerness to take the puck into traffic and drive hard to the net is admirable.
Luchanko possesses the skills to excel as a playmaker. However, he could benefit from occasionally taking shots himself rather than always looking to pass. Additionally, he must improve his awareness of when to drive forward versus pull up for the shot. Though not a poor shooter, adding strength would make his shot more consistent.
Luchanko’s defense is still a work in progress. Although he has made some improvements, as a center he must provide better support to his defensemen. He has a tendency to prematurely charge up ice on the attack rather than helping his team transition out of the defensive zone.
I’m not to worried about that. He’s too smart not to get it.
Liam Greentree of the Windsor Spitfires. Photo by Luke Durda/OHL Images
Though the Windsor season was lackluster overall, left-wing Liam Greentree was a standout. Greentree often carried the team, his stellar play drawing well-deserved attention. With his impressive performance, Greentree seems destined to be a top draft pick at the 2024 NHL Entry Draft in Las Vegas.
Greentree is an aggressive forward who excels at driving the net from both sides to create scoring chances. He loves charging straight ahead to attack the front of the opposition’s net, especially on north/south plays. But he also moves laterally well to exploit openings by cutting to the middle of the ice. Once in tight, Greentree has a knack for scoring on tips, rebounds and second chances in the slot.
Greentree has more than just a knack for scoring gritty goals; he also boasts a deceptive, lightning-quick wrist shot that he would be wise to utilize more often.
Despite Greentree’s large frame, he could play with more physicality. While he uses his size to win battles and protect the puck, throwing more body checks would make him a more consistent physical presence.
Greentree is a surprisingly agile skater despite his large frame. He accelerates quickly from a standstill and can separate himself from opponents with ease. His strong edges and fluid movements make him remarkably nimble on the ice.
Nearly all players at this level have aspects of their game that need refinement. For Greentree, shoring up his defensive consistency would significantly improve his impact. This inconsistency seems endemic to the Spitfires as a whole rather than just Greentree, implying a team-wide issue is at the root of individual struggles.
Liam Greentree of the Windsor Spitfires. Photo by Luke Durda/OHL Images
Though the Windsor season was lackluster overall, left-wing Liam Greentree was a standout. Greentree often carried the team, his stellar play drawing well-deserved attention. With his impressive performance, Greentree seems destined to be a top draft pick at the 2024 NHL Entry Draft in Las Vegas.
Greentree is an aggressive forward who excels at driving the net from both sides to create scoring chances. He loves charging straight ahead to attack the front of the opposition’s net, especially on north/south plays. But he also moves laterally well to exploit openings by cutting to the middle of the ice. Once in tight, Greentree has a knack for scoring on tips, rebounds and second chances in the slot.
Greentree has more than just a knack for scoring gritty goals; he also boasts a deceptive, lightning-quick wrist shot that he would be wise to utilize more often.
Despite Greentree’s large frame, he could play with more physicality. While he uses his size to win battles and protect the puck, throwing more body checks would make him a more consistent physical presence.
Greentree is a surprisingly agile skater despite his large frame. He accelerates quickly from a standstill and can separate himself from opponents with ease. His strong edges and fluid movements make him remarkably nimble on the ice.
Nearly all players at this level have aspects of their game that need refinement. For Greentree, shoring up his defensive consistency would significantly improve his impact. This inconsistency seems endemic to the Spitfires as a whole rather than just Greentree, implying a team-wide issue is at the root of individual struggles.
Carter George of the Owen Sound Attack. Photo by Luke Durda/OHL Images
Today we will be examining the goaltenders that will be available for the 2024 NHL Entry Draft. The list will be in the order of NHL Central Scouting’s mid-term rankings and will contain some goaltenders who are not ranked. Below, I have included a few brief thoughts.
Carter George – Owen Sound Attack – NHL Central Scouting: 1
George is an exceptional goalie with excellent technical skills. He remains calm and confident in the net, which has a positive influence on his teammates. Although he is not a big-bodied goaltender, he works hard to see the puck through traffic and has great anticipation skills. He excels at controlling rebounds and handling the puck. However, his foot speed could use some improvement, although he is quick to challenge the shooter by moving out on top of the blue paint. He could also improve his lateral movement to become more agile.
Ryerson Leenders – Mississauga Steelheads – NHL Central Scouting: 3
Leenders is a talented goaltender who often makes remarkable saves, earning him recognition as the OHL’s save of the night or week. Although he may not possess the same level of technical skill as George, Leenders’ athleticism and determination allow him to battle for every puck, like Michael DiPietro’s style of play. While he needs to improve his rebound control and ability to navigate through traffic, I am confident that with better coaching, he will continue to progress and reach his full potential.
Landon Miller – Sault Ste Marie Greyhounds – NHL Central Scouting: 17
Miller is a bigger goalie than both George and Leenders and is currently serving as a backup for the Soo. As a result, he doesn’t see as many pucks as the other guys. However, there’s no doubt that he’s the goalie of the future for the Greyhounds. In fact, at times, he has outperformed the current starter, Charlie Schenkel. Miller is an agile goalie, especially considering his size. Although he needs to work on some technical aspects of his game, such as his positioning and rebounds, coaching can easily help him with those. Overall, Miller has the potential to become an excellent goalie.
Karsen Chartier – Sarnia Sting – NHL Central Scouting: 23
It can be challenging to evaluate a goaltender like Chartier on a young and rebuilding team. Often, he is left to fend for himself, facing a significant number of high-quality scoring opportunities against him. To gain a complete understanding of his abilities, it is necessary to observe him consistently. If you only watch him on his off nights, you might miss his potential. However, if you also observe him on his good nights, you can see the skills he possesses. Chartier is a large, athletic goaltender who takes up a lot of space in the butterfly position. Although his technical game requires some fine-tuning, he has the potential to improve with the right guidance.
Zachary Bowen – Peterborough Petes – NHL Central Scouting: 30
Bowen is a draft re-entry with a save percentage of less than .900 in his OHL career. However, he faces a lot of shots on goal and has a calm demeanor that keeps him from getting rattled. Bowen has good glove and blocker hands with quick reflexes. He is quick to move out of the net to the top of the paint and is also fast post-to-post. Although his technique is a work in progress, he has the potential to improve his rebound control.
Sam Hillebrandt – Barrie Colts
Many people were surprised when he received an invitation to Team USA camp for the WJC and was expected to be named the third goalie. However, he demonstrated the right attitude when he said, “My main goal is to just go there and win the number one job.” He has proven people wrong at every level, moving from Junior C to the OHL to the WJC in short order. Despite his size, he compensates with excellent positioning and technical skills. His movements are fluid and controlled, but he needs to work on his rebound control and become stronger on second-chance opportunities.
Owen Willmore – London Knights
As difficult as it is to judge a young goaltender like Chartier on a young and rebuilding squad, perhaps it’s just as difficult doing the same with a young goaltender such as Willmore on a powerhouse London Knights team. Willmore came to the forefront in last year’s playoffs after injuries forced him into action. That was also his first year of draft eligibility. The youngster’s poise, calmness, and confidence exuded from him, and it carried over to this season. A big goaltender who is positionally sound and athletic, he isn’t on many people’s draft list the second time around.
OHL Writers 