Team Cherry Profiles

NHL Central Scouting Midterm Draft Ranking in brackets.

Maxime Comtois (LW) [15]
#44 Team Cherry
Victoriaville Tigres (QMJHL)
Twitter: @Comtois20
Hometown: Longueuil, QC
Birthday: January 8, 1999   Ht:  6.02    Wt:  200   Shoots:L

QMJHL Draft: Victoriaville’s 1st round (3rd overall) pick in 2015.

International: Represented Team Canada Red in the 2015 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge in Dawson Creek and Fort St. John, BC, being named to the tournament all-star team with seven points (1-6—7) over six games…represented Canada at the 2016 World Under-18 Hockey Championship in Grand Forks, ND, recording two points (1-1—2) in seven games…represented Canada at the 2016 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament, registering four goals and an assist in four games.

Personal: Grew up playing in the Delson Minor Hockey Assocation…says Jean-Sebastien Perron was his favourite hockey coach because he always encouraged him to work hard and have fun…favourite school subject is History because he loves to learn about our heritage and ancestors…aspires to study kinesiology…favourite player is Boston’s Patrice Bergeron…favourite NHL team is the Pittsburgh Penguins…supertitions include being last to go out on ice before games…favourite memory as a player is representing Team Canada internationally…has a black belt in karate…most difficult player to go up against is Acadie-Bathurst’s Antoine Morand…favourite QMJHL road rink is Harbour Station in St. John…is the son of Stephane Comtois and Sonia Bolduc.

Comtois describes himself as: Passionate, compete hard, leader, relentless, dedicated

NHL Central Scouting says: Solid and skilled winger with good offensive game – plays with an edge & is willing to go to dirty areas to score goals – effective physical game, protects the puck well on plays – good hockey sense and ability to make skilled plays while being checked – strong two way game and effective special teams player – good skater that can generate offense off the rush or play a strong cycle game.

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Antoine Crête-Belzile (D) [66]
#6 Team Cherry
Blainville-Boisbriand Armada (QMJHL)
Hometown: Quebec, QC
Birthday: August 19, 1999   Ht:  6.00    Wt:  191   Shoots:L

QMJHL Draft: Blainville-Boisbriand’s 1st round (11th overall) pick in 2015.

International: Served as an alternate captain with Team Canada Black at the 2015 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge in Dawson Creek and Fort St. John, BC, registering one assist in five games…served as an alternate captain for Team Canada at the 2016 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament, recording one assist in four contests.

Personal: Favourite minor hockey coach was Richard Bazinet because he made the game fun and they had a lot of success…favourite school subject is Science…aspires to someday be an engineer or doctor…favourite player is Los Angeles’ Drew Doughty…favourite NHL team is the Chicago Blackhawks…favourite memory as a hockey fan was Chicago’s 2010 Stanley Cup Championship…best memory as a player was upsetting Val-d’Or in the first round of the playoffs last spring…cites Timo Meier as most difficult opponent to go up against…favourite QMJHL road arena is Videotron Centre in Quebec…favourite athlete is NBA player LeBron James…enjoys playing the guitar…has two brothers, Olivier and Philippe and one sister, Catherine…son of Yves Belzile and Francoise Crête.

Crête-Belzile describes himself as: Hard worker, smart, competitive, confident, humble

NHL Central Scouting says: Good skater with mobility to stay with check – keeps his game with the puck simplified – makes timely & effective decisions with the puck – strong positioning on defensive side of the puck; understands his position well – good ability to find open shooting lanes and get puck to net – closes gaps quickly and blocks shots – very efficient player.

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MacKenzie Entwistle (RW) [35]
#4 Team Cherry
Hamilton Bulldogs (OHL)
Twitter: @5twisty5
Hometown: Georgetown, ON
Birthday: July 14, 1999   Ht:  6.03    Wt:  181   Shoots:R

OHL Priority Selection: Hamilton’s 2nd round (40th overall) pick in 2015.

International: Represented Team Canada Red at the 2015 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge in Dawson Creek and Fort St. John, BC, recording one goal in six games…represented Canada at the 2016 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament, recording one assist in four contests.

Personal: Grew up playing in the Toronto Marlboros Minor Hockey Program…favourite minor hockey coach was minor midget coach Dan Brown, the father of Toronto Maple Leafs winger Connor Brown, because he prepared him for the challenges of hockey at the next level…favourite school subject is English…aspires to be a firefighter…favourite player is Los Angeles’ Anze Kopitar…favourite NHL team is the Toronto Maple Leafs…best CHL memory was scoring his first OHL goal on Oct. 25, 2015 at Sudbury…sports achievements outside of hockey include Provincial Lacrosse Championship with Halton Hills Bulldogs…cites Mitch Marner as most talented opponent he has faced…favourite OHL road arena is Mississauga…favourite musician is Luke Bryan…won several GTHL Championships with the Toronto Marlboros and was also an OHL Cup Champion in his minor midget year…has one sister, Jessica…son of Dave and Margaret Entwistle, both retired police officers.

Entwistle describes himself as: Hard-working, energetic, unselfish, gritty, smart

NHL Central Scouting says: Big and hardworking power forward who is most effective playing a gritty, determined style – very strong skater with decent speed, quickness & agility; has the ability to beat the defender to the outside – very effective and aggressive when on the fore check – very good physical game when finishing his checks & very good battle game for pucks along the boards or space or in front of the opposition net –good puck handling & movement in traffic; can make the good accurate pass or shot – very responsible to play a two way game and  solid in all three zones.

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Cale Fleury (D) [74]
#3 Team Cherry
ICE de Kootenay (WHL)
Hometown: Calgary, AB
Birthday: 19 Nov 1998   Ht:  6.01    Wt:  203   Shoots: R

WHL Bantam Draft: Kootenay 4 (78) 2013

Personal: Grew up playing in the Leduc Minor Hockey and Notre Dame HoundsGrew up playing in the Leduc Minor Hockey and Notre Dame Hounds programs…says his dad John was his favourite minor hockey coach because he made the game of hockey a fun experience…wears the number 4 because Bobby Orr, who he cites as the best defencceman to ever play the game, also wore it…favourite school subject is Science…was Kootenay’s Scholastic Player of the Year in both 2015 and 2016…aspires to become an Engineer…favourite player is Los Angeles’ Drew Doughty…favourite NHL team is the Edmonton Oilers…best hockey memories include going to Oilers games with his dad and brother as a kid…favourite memory as a CHL player was the opportunities to go up against his older brother Haydn…most difficult opponent he has had to go up against is Leon Draisaitl…favourite WHL road arena is Calgary…enjoys playing ping pong…has one brother, Haydn (20), a Carolina Hurricanes prospect currently playing in the AHL…is the son of John and Sandy Fleury.

Fleury describes himself as: Robustesse, intelligence, stabilité, bon dans les deux sens de la patinoire et leadership | Physical, smart, steady, two-way, leader

NHL Central Scouting says: Smooth skating defenseman with quickness and agility– heads up player who is effective seeing the ice to advance the puck and generate chances from the back end – good skill set handling and moving the puck at offensive blue line and possesses a good shot from the point- third year player in WHL with good size/strength asset; continues to grow, already having added 2 inches since entering league as 16 year old – plays heavy minutes and is capable to play in all situations; compares his game to Ryan Suter.

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Cal Foote (D) [12]
#25 Team Cherry
Kelowna Rockets (WHL)
Hometown: Englewood, CO, USA
Birthday: December 13, 1998   Ht:  6.04    Wt:  210   Shoots:R

WHL Bantam Draft: Kelowna’s 2nd round (43rd overall) pick in 2013.

Personal: Grew up playing in the Colorado Thunderbirds Minor Hockey Program…admires his father Adam Foote, a two-time Stanley Cup Champion and long-time NHL defenceman…favourite minor hockey coach was Angelo Ricci who helped develop a well-rounded game…jersey number is 25, opposite of his father’s 52…favourite school subject is Math…awarded Kelowna’s Academic Player of the year for the 2015-2016 season…favourite player is Montreal’s Shea Weber…favourite NHL team is the Colorado Avalanche…one superstition includes napping for an hour and a half on game days…favourite hockey memory was watching his dad’s final NHL game that came against the Edmonton Oilers…best memory as a player was eliminating Victoria in Game 7 of the WHL playoffs last spring…most talented opponent he has faced is Seattle’s Mathew Barzal…favourite WHL road arena is Edmonton…has one brother, Nolan, who is a Kelowna Rockets teammate…is the son of Adam and Jennifer Foote.

Foote describes himself as: Two-way, intelligent, aggressive

NHL Central Scouting says: Very smart two way defenseman-excellent passer with very good vision – very good positional defender that uses his size and reach to advantage; hard to beat him one on one -plays top pairing minutes against the opposition’s top lines, power play and penalty kill – good puck skills at offensive blue line.

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Henri Jokiharju (D) [22]
#16 Team Cherry
Portland Winterhawks (WHL)
Twitter: @henrijokiharju
Hometown: Tampere, Finland
Birthday: June 17, 1999   Ht:  6.00    Wt:  170   Shoots: R

CHL Import Draft: Portland’s 1st round (25th overall) pick in 2016.

International: Represented Finland at the 2015 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge in Dawson Creek and Fort St. John, BC, recording one goal in five games…won gold with Finland at the 2016 World Under-18 Hockey Championship in Grand Forks, ND, recording three assists in seven contests…represented Finland at the 2016 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament, registering two assists in five games.

Personal: Grew up playing in the Koovee Minor Hockey Program…favourite minor hockey coach was former Philadelphia Flyers draft pick Sami Wahlsten who taught him valuable hockey skills…favourite area of study is languages because he has worked hard at public speaking…favourite player is Anaheim defenceman Sami Vatanen… favourite NHL team is the Chicago Blackhawks…favourite CHL memory was scoring game tying goal against Victoria on Dec. 9, 2016…favourite athlete is sprinter Usain Bolt…has one brother, Juho (21) and one sister, Linda (23)…parents are Juha and Sari Jokiharju.

Jokiharju describes himself as: Skater, quarterback, calm, team player, smart

NHL Central Scouting says: Excellent skater that is very elusive with the puck – can beat the fore check with a pass or his feet – very good passer; has excellent vision – good quickness & mobility; is able to take away time and space defensively with his skating – overall game has developed to where he is an now an impact player for Portland – leads all WHL rookie defencemen in scoring.

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Pierre-Olivier Joseph (D) [42]
#15 Team Cherry
Charlottetown Islanders (QMJHL)
Twitter: @POJoseph15
Hometown: Chambly, QC
Birthday: July 1, 1999   Ht:  6.00    Wt:  160   Shoots: L

QMJHL Draft: Charlottetown’s 5th round (78th overall) pick in 2015.

Personal: Grew up playing in the Chambly Minor Hockey Association…most influential person on his hockey career is older brother Mathieu who recently represented Canada at the World Juniors – he has always been supportive and helpful…favourite minor hockey coaches were Marc-Andre Ronda and David Dufour because of their passion and helpful teaching skills…favourite school subject is Math…aspires to someday work in with his father’s travel agency or work in math or physics…favourite player is Nashville’s P.K. Subban…favourite NHL team is the Montreal Canadiens…favourite CHL memory was reaching the second round of the QMJHL playoffs last spring…favourite road arena is Centre Videotron in Quebec…enjoys singing and cooking…has one brother, Mathieu (19), a Tampa Bay Lightning prospect who plays for the Saint John Sea Dogs…is the son of Frantzi Joseph and France Taillon.

Joseph describes himself as: Smart, competitive, calm, patient, positive

NHL Central Scouting says: Puck moving defenseman with very good size and range – makes effective decisions with puck finding open outlets – good skater with quickness & mobility that will only get better as he gets stronger – good positioning in defensive zone and good compete / battle level – very good game distributing the puck on the power play.

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Jake Leschyshyn (C) [31]
#9 Team Cherry
Regina Pats (WHL)
Twitter: @JakeLeschyshyn7
Hometown: Grasswood, SK
Birthday: March 10, 1999   Ht:  5.11    Wt:  182   Shoots: L

WHL Bantam Draft: Red Deer’s 1st round (6th overall) pick in 2014.

International: Represented Team Canada Black at the 2015 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge in Dawson Creek and Fort St. John, BC, recording two points (1-1—2) in five games.

Personal: Grew up playing in the Foothills Flyers Minor Hockey Program…son of former NHL defenceman Curtis Leschyshyn, a Saskatoon Blades graduate who played in 1033 NHL games over 16 seasons and won a Stanley Cup with Colorado in 1996…most influential minor hockey coach has been Scott Scissons because he challenged him to work on his skill game…favourite school subject is Social Studies…has been a consistent Honour Roll student…aspires to become a dentist …favourite player is Chicago’s Jonathan Toews…favourite NHL team is the Colorado Avalanche…most talented player he has gone up against has been Ivan Provorov…favourite WHL road arena is Saskatoon…is a Canada/U.S. dual citizen…has two sisters Anna (15) and Kate (13)…son of Curtis and Laura Leschyshyn.

Leschyshyn describes himself as: Hard-working, determined, smart, energetic, relentless

NHL Central Scouting says: Solid two way game who can contribute in all facets off the game – strong skater with very good instincts –  plays a two hundred foot game where he is most reliable & trusted to play in all situations. has upped his point production from last season & good knack of finding ways to contribute offensively – excellent job on the penalty kill  – unique breed in that he’s effective and capable to play a finesse  or physical game – excellent team player who never gives up on a puck/play.

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Ivan Lodnia (RW) [37]
#72 Team Cherry
Erie Otters (OHL)
Twitter: @vanya_lodnia
Hometown: Novi, MI, USA
Birthday: August 31, 1999   Ht:  5.10    Wt:  181   Shoots: R

OHL Priority Selection: Erie’s 1st round (20th overall) pick in 2015.

International: Represented the United States at the 2016 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament, recording four points (3-1—4) over four games.

Personal: Grew up playing in the Anaheim IceDogs Minor Hockey program…favourite coach was his father as he dedicated a lot of time to him and helped him make it to the CHL…favourite school subject is History…aspires to someday become a hockey coach…favourite player is Chicago’s Artemi Panarin…favourite NHL team is the Chicago Blackhawks…most memorable NHL moment was when the Anaheim Ducks won the Stanley Cup in 2007 because he had the opportunity to be there in person…most talented opponent he has faced is Mitch Marner…favourite road arena is London…enjoys learning about cars…has one sister Masha…is the son of Konstantin and Irina Lodnia.

Lodnia describes himself as: Vision, hands, shifty, compete, dynamic

NHL Central Scouting says: Very good offensive hockey sense – has a good puck composure game and effective at making plays at top speed – has quick hands that can mesmerize the best defensive defender – high end skills make him capable of being a game changer – a player you want on the ice when you need that important goal or someone to set up a scoring chance.

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Artyom Minulin (D) [49]
#55 Team Cherry
Swift Current Broncos (WHL)
Hometown: Tyumen, Russia
Birthday: October 1, 1998   Ht:  6.02    Wt:  202   Shoots: R

CHL Import Draft: Swift Current’s 1st round (29th overall) pick in 2015.

International: Won gold with Russia at the 2014 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge in Sarnia, ON…represented Russia in the 2016 CIBC Canada Russia Series in Prince George and Edmonton.

Personal: Grew up playing minor hockey in hometown of Tyumen…favourite minor hockey coach was Dmitriy Sayenko who helped him develop particularly as a defenceman…favourite school subject is Math…future career aspiration is to be a hockey coach…favourite player is Washington’s Dmitry Orlov…favourite NHL team is the Washington Capitals…favourite WHL road arena is Edmonton…favourite actor is Sylvester Stallone…has one sister Kate (23)…son of Rafael and Dina Minulin.

Minulin describes himself as: Steady, good shot, smart, passer, defensive

NHL Central Scouting says: Solid and productive player from the back end in Swift Current – good vision, skills & smarts; one of the points leaders and very effective on the power play – decent speed once in motion; capable of creating odd man rushes for scoring chances –  finishes his checks  with authority and competes hard game in and game out – good coverage and containment down low – effective on special teams play.

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Antoine Morand (C) [54]
#88 Team Cherry
Acadie Bathurst Titan (QMJHL)
Twitter: @antoinemorand18
Hometown: Mercier, QC
Birthday: February 18, 1999   Ht:  5.10    Wt:  170   Shoots: L

QMJHL Draft: Acadie-Bathurst’s 1st round (2nd overall) pick in 2015.

International: Represented Team Canada Red at the 2015 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge in Dawson Creek and Fort St. John, BC, recording six points (3-3—6) over six games.

Personal: Grew up playing in the Grenadier Chateauguay Minor Hockey Association…favourite player is Chicago’s Jonathan Toews…favourite memory as a player was competing in the QMJHL Playoffs last spring…hardest QMJHL player to go up against is Saint John’s Mathieu Joseph…favourite QMJHL road arena is Halifax…favourite athlete is NBA player LeBron James…enjoys playing Sudoku in his spare time…has one brother, Vincent, who is a paramedic…is the son of Sylvain Morand and Claudine Gervais.

Morand describes himself as: Quick, smart, compete, winner, vision

NHL Central Scouting says: Skilled center with very good vision & hockey sense – distributes the puck well on the power play – good offensive instincts and anticipates well – effective two way game who supports his defense down low – makes good decisions with puck and can score in tight. 

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Nolan Patrick (C) [1]
#19 Team Cherry
Brandon Wheat Kings (WHL)
Twitter: @nolan_patrick19
Hometown: Winnipeg, MB
Birthday: September 19, 1998   Ht:  6.03    Wt: 198   Shoots: R

WHL Bantam Draft: Brandon’s 1st round (4th overall) pick in 2013.

International: Captained Team Canada Red at the 2014 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge in Sarnia, ON, recording five assists in five games…won gold with Canada at the 2015 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament, recording five points (3-2—5) in four games…represented the WHL in the 2016 CIBC Canada Russia Series in Prince George and Edmonton.

Personal: Grew up playing in the Winnipeg Hawks Minor Hockey program…favourite minor hockey coach was Don Glennie…favourite school subject is Social Studies because he has an avid interest in history…future career aspiration is to be a hunting and fishing guide…favourite player is Philadelphia’s Ivan Provorov…favourite NHL team is the Dallas Stars…most memorable moment as a CHL player was winning a WHL title last spring…most difficult opponent to go up against has been Leon Draisaitl…favourite road arena is Saskatoon…favourite athlete is pro golfer Jordan Spieth…enjoys the music of Neil Young…is the nephew of former long-time NHL defenceman James Patrick…has two sisters and is the son of former NHL player Steve Patrick and wife Carrie, who played Olympic volleyball.

Patrick describes himself as: Creative, smart competitive

NHL Central Scouting says: Possesses the skating, skills and smarts associated with a top overall pick – very smooth & composed with the puck, doesn’t get rattled or panic when pressured – excellent hockey sense with very good vision and anticipation – displays Steve Yzerman leadership ability; makes players around him better – excellent shot, quick & good with the puck in tight quarters – equally proficient as a playmaker and a finisher – effective size/strength game; competitive and willing to engage one on one and stand up for himself and teammates – complete hockey package.

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Isaac Ratcliffe (LW) [20]
#91 Team Cherry
Guelph Storm (OHL)
Twitter: @isaacratcliffe
Hometown: London, ON
Birthday: February 15, 1999   Ht:  6.06    Wt:  195   Shoots: L

OHL Priority Selection: Guelph’s 1st round (15th overall) pick in 2015.

International: Appeared in six games with Team Canada Red at the 2015 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge in Dawson Creek and Fort St. John, BC.

Personal: Grew up playing in the London Jr. Knights Minor Hockey Association…favourite minor hockey coaches were Steve Benedetti and John Flemming because they inspired him to play with more confidence…favourite school subject is Communications Technology because he is interested in art and digital technology…academic awards include maintaining a place on the Honour Roll for grades 9, 10 and 11…future career aspirations include becoming a sports manager or sports agent…favourite player is New York’s Rick Nash…favourite NHL team is the Tampa Bay Lightning…superstitions include putting the left half of his equipment on before right…most memorable NHL moment was seeing Detroit win the 2008 Stanley Cup…most difficult opponent to go up against has been Travis Konecny…favourite OHL road arena is London…has three brothers, Jace (27), Landon (22) and Keaton (20) and one sister, Caitie (29)…is the son of Al and Elaine Ratcliffe.

Ratcliffe describes himself as: Lengthy, smart, poised, strong, confident

NHL Central Scouting says: Big, strong power forward who demonstrates good hockey intelligence and a soft touch around the net – possesses a multi-dimensional skill set where he can make plays on the rush while using his size, strength and reach to be a threat on the cycle – good puck protection game & strong net front presence – willing to compete for time and space and capable of finishing in a variety of different ways.

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Adam Ruzicka (C) [27]
#21 Team Cherry
Sarnia Sting (OHL)
Twitter: @ARuzicka21
Hometown: Bratislava, Slovakia
Birthday: May 11, 1999   Ht:  6.04    Wt:  202   Shoots: L

CHL Import Draft: Sarnia’s 2nd round (107th overall) pick in 2016.

International: Represented Slovakia in the 2014 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge in Sarnia, ON, recording one goal in five games…played for Slovakia in the 2015 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament, registering two points (1-1—2) in four games…represented Slovakia in the 2016 World Under-18 Hockey Championship in Grand Forks, ND, recording four points (2-2—4) in five games…captained Slovakia in the 2016 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament, recording four points (2-2—4) in as many games.

Personal: Grew up playing in the HK Hodonin Minor Hockey program…says Michal Dostal has been his best minor hockey coach growing up…aspires to pursue a career in law enforcement…favourite player is Pittsburgh’s Evgeni Malkin…favourite NHL team is the Pittsburgh Penguins…biggest pre-game ritual includes having pasta with ketchup and tuna before every game…favourite NHL memory was watching San Jose’s Tomas Hertl’s four goal game on Oct. 8, 2013…best memory as a player has been being invited to the 2017 Sherwin-Williams CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game…favourite movie is Rocky…enjoys the music of Justin Bieber…knows four different languages…has one sister, Michaela (24)…is the son of Eduard and Iveta Ruzicka.

Ruzicka describes himself as: Leader, positive, creative, selfless, emotional

NHL Central Scouting says: Skilled power winger with good size/strength presence –  hockey sense and vision allow him to have success playing all three forward positions –  just as capable setting up plays as he is finishing them; poised game with the puck-  possesses an excellent touch around the net – moves very well for his size, displaying deceptive quickness and good ability to maneuver through traffic –  most effective when utilizing his size, skating & puck-skills which make him a consistent threat in the offensive zone.

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Ian Scott (G) [2]
#33 Team Cherry
Prince Albert Raiders (WHL)
Twitter: @Icescott99
Hometown: Calgary, AB
Birthday: January 11, 1999   Ht:  6.04    Wt: 169   Catches: L 

WHL Bantam Draft: Prince Albert’s 1st round (9th overall) pick in 2014.

International: Backstopped Team Canada White to a gold medal at the 2015 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge in Dawson Creek and Fort St. John, BC, posting a 2.78 goals-against average and a .900 save percentage in four games…represented Canada at the 2016 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament, appearing in one game with a 1.86 goals-against average and a .913 save percentage.

Personal: Grew up playing in the Westwood Warriors Minor Hockey program…favourite minor hockey coach was Jason Bateman …favourite school subject is English because he enjoys writing essays…favourite goaltender is Montreal’s Carey Price…favourite NHL team is the Vancouver Canucks…most memorable moment as a CHL player was winning a game in his hometown of Calgary…most difficult WHL shooter he has had to face is Brayden Point…favourite WHL road arena is Calgary…favourite athlete is UFC fighter Connor McGregor…has one sister Cameron (15)…is the son of Erin and Catharine Scott.

Scott describes himself as: Competitive, reliable, calm, focused, consistent

NHL Central Scouting says: Big net presence – excellent positional and angle play – sets square and plays to the top of the paint – plays big in all situations including while down in the butterfly – traditional butterfly style – excellent leg extension protecting the low corners while sealing the ice and protecting the five hole –  very calm and relaxed demeanor – uses his gloves well  – excellent in his post to post play – very efficient and quick crease and lateral movements – smart at reading the cross ice or back door plays– great rebound control – excellent NHL potential.

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Stuart Skinner (G) [9]
#74 Team Cherry
Lethbridge Hurricanes (WHL)
Twitter: @SSSkipy_74
Hometown: Edmonton, AB
Birthday: November 1, 1998   Ht:  6.04    Wt: 195   Catches: L 

WHL Bantam Draft: Lethbridge’s 1st round (17th overall) pick in 2013.

International: Represented Team Canada Black in the 2014 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge in Sarnia, ON, posting a 4.05 goals-against average and an .859 save percentage over three games…represented Canada at the 2016 World Under-18 Hockey Championship in Grand Forks, ND, registering a 2.82 goals-against average and an .860 save percentage in three games.

Personal: Grew up playing in Edmonton’s South Side Athletic Club minor hockey program…favourite minor hockey coach was Taylor Harnet because he treated his players like pros and had faith in his teams to make it to the playoffs and finals…says he wears number 74 because his brothers Stephen, Scott and Sheldon wore 71, 72 and 73…favourite school subject is English because he enjoys writing…favourite goaltender is Montreal’s Carey Price…best CHL memory was making the WHL Playoffs last year…toughest opposing shooter to face is Regina’s Sam Steel…favourite road arena is Spokane…has 3 brothers and 3 sisters, Samantha, Sharon and Sarah…is the son of Sam and Sue Skinner.

Skinner describes himself as: Dedicated, smart, workhorse, calm, intense

NHL Central Scouting says: Huge presence when challenging especially on initial shots – excellent compete and work habits – a battler who never gives up – strong physically in the crease area to holds his ground well – solid stance and plays with authority – good overall quickness in most areas – plays the top of the paint area and is square to the shots – shows good lateral quickness and post to post play – good bounce back capability – has NHL size and goalie skills.

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Nick Suzuki (C) [16]
#37 Team Cherry
Owen Sound Attack (OHL)
Twitter: @nsuzuki_37
Hometown: London, ON
Birthday: August 10, 1999   Ht:  5.11    Wt:  183   Shoots: R

OHL Priority Selection: Owen Sound’s 1st round (14th overall) pick in 2015.

International: Won gold with Team Canada White at the 2015 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge in Dawson Creek and Fort St. John, BC, recording four points (1-3—4) in six games…represented Canada at the 2016 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament, registering three points (1-2—3) in four games.

Personal: Grew up playing in the London Jr. Knights minor hockey program…favourite minor hockey coach was minor midget coach Steve Benedetti because he helped him play to the best of his ability…says he wears number 37 because he tries to model his game after Boston’s Patrice Bergeron…favourite school subject is Math because it comes naturally to him and he enjoys solving equations…future career aspirations are to be a player agent or GM of a hockey team…favourite player is Pittsburgh’s Sidney Crosby…favourite NHL team is the Toronto Maple Leafs…superstitions include getting dressed the same way, doing the same stretches and warm ups on and off the ice…most memorable NHL moment was when Sidney Crosby lifted the Stanley Cup for the first time…most memorable moment as a CHL player was his first home OHL playoff game last spring against London…most difficult opponent he has had to go up against has been Christian Dvorak…favourite road arena is London…is a relative of Canadian environmentalist David Suzuki…has one brother, Ryan (15) who is eligible for the 2017 OHL Priority Selection…is the son of Rob and Amanda Suzuki.

Suzuki describes himself as: Intelligent, quick, hard, competitive, skilled

NHL Central Scouting says: Skilled center with elite hockey sense and vision – smart play maker who has the ability to drive possession while being able to play all three forward positions – demonstrates an excellent touch around the net and his ability to read the play ensures that he is always in the right position to produce scoring chances for himself and his teammates – competitive and highly intelligent pivot who is able to raise the play of those around him.

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Robert Thomas (C) [28]
#27 Team Cherry
London Knights (OHL)
Twitter: @RThomas_27
Hometown: Aurora, ON
Birthday: July 2, 1999   Ht:  6.00    Wt:  184   Shoots: R

OHL Priority Selection: London’s 2nd round (26th overall) pick in 2015.

International: Won gold with Team Canada White at the 2015 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge in Dawson Creek and Fort St. John, BC, recording one assist in six games.

Personal: Grew up playing in the York-Simcoe Express minor hockey program…most influential person on his hockey career is former Toronto Maple Leafs forward Wendel Clark because he taught him what it takes to be successful and how important it is to be a good teammate…favourite minor hockey coach was Mike De Pellegrin because he challenged him to be a better player…favourite school subject is Math…was an honour roll student at St. Andrew’s College in both grade 9 and 10…aspires to become a lawyer or enter into the business side of hockey…favourite player is Chicago’s Jonathan Toews…favourite NHL team is the Toronto Maple Leafs…favourite hockey memory was seeing Jordan Eberle’s game-tying goal against Russia at the 2010 World Juniors…favourite memory as a player was winning the Mastercard Memorial Cup last spring…has assisted his grandpa with various charity events through the Rotary Club of Southampton and has worked at charity golf tournaments in support of his billet brother who has Muscular Dystrophy…most talented opponent he has faced has been Windsor’s Mikhail Sergachev…favourite OHL road arena is Kitchener…enjoys the music of Dierks Bentley…has competed in tournaments in Denmark, Finland, Sweden, Czech Republic and Italy growing up during his time with the East Coast Selects team…has one brother, Connor (15)…is the son of Scott Thomas and Debbie Waechter.

Thomas describes himself as: Smart, creative, fast, smooth, playmaker

NHL Central Scouting says: Excellent hockey IQ – very smart and poised playmaker; the type that makes players around him better – strong offensive hockey sense; very creative game handling & moving the puck – deceptively good to surprise you with a play that keeps his teams puck possession alive or generates a scoring chance – hard working & competitive – capable of making a difference every time he’s on the ice.

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Owen Tippett (RW) [4]
#47 Team Cherry
Mississauga Steelheads (OHL)
Twitter: @TippettOwen
Hometown: Peterborough, ON
Birthday: February 16, 1999   Ht:  6.02    Wt:  204   Shoots: R

OHL Priority Selection: Mississauga’s 1st round (4th overall) pick in 2015.

International: Won gold with Team Canada White at the 2015 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge in Dawson Creek and Fort St. John, BC, being named to the tournament all-star team with eight points (5-3—8) in six games…represented Canada at the 2016 World Under-18 Hockey Championship in Grand Forks, ND, registering three points (1-2—3) in seven games…served as an alternate captain for Team Canada at the 2016 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament, recording two points (1-1—2) in four games…represented the OHL in the 2016 CIBC Canada Russia Series, registering a pair of assists in one game.

Personal: Grew up playing between the Peterborough Minor Hockey Association and the Toronto Red Wings minor hockey program…credits his mother Tracy as the driving force behind his hockey career through good and bad times…favourite minor hockey coach was Dan Sullivan because he took extra time to teach small details…favourite school subject is English…aspires to study Business…favourite player is Tampa Bay’s Steven Stamkos…favourite NHL team is the Toronto Maple Leafs…superstitions include getting dressed right to left…favourite hockey memory was being drafted by Mississauga…played lacrosse during his childhood up until 2010…favourite OHL road arena is London…enjoys the music of Zac Brown Band…won back-to-back OMHA Championships in Peterborough during minor hockey…has one sister, Joscelin…is the son of Tracy Tippett.

Tippett describes himself as: Fast, smart, hard, strong, shoot-first

NHL Central Scouting says: NHL shot and NHL skater – exceptional acceleration and separation speed to pull away – one of the best skaters & shooters in the draft class – prime scoring area is from anywhere inside the offensive zone because of his instant release and heavy accurate snap shot – great knack of anticipating and recognizing opportunity; all he needs is one chance and the puck is in the back of the net.

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Jarret Tyszka (D) [33]
#5 Team Cherry
Seattle Thunderbirds (WHL)
Twitter: @JarretTyszka_11
Hometown: Langley, BC
Birthday: March 15, 1999   Ht:  6.03    Wt:  191   Shoots: L

WHL Bantam Draft: Seattle’s 1st round (16th overall) pick in 2014.

Personal: Grew up playing in the Langley Minor Hockey Association…favourite minor hockey coaches were Mike Grant and Danny Franco as both were wise and all about the team and the players…enjoys Art and drawing…favourite player is Los Angeles defenceman Drew Doughty…favourite NHL team is the Edmonton Oilers…best hockey memory was making it to the WHL Finals last spring…most talented opposing player he has faced is current Thunderbirds teammate Mathew Barzal…favourite WHL road arena is Portland…favourite pro athlete is NBA player DeMar DeRozan of the Toronto Raptors…enjoys playing the ukulele…has one brother, Matthew (15)…is the son of Mark and Uanita Tyszka.

Tyszka describes himself as: Smart, fast, determined, hockey sense, offensive

NHL Central Scouting says: Good sized defender and very good skater with speed and quickness – heads up player that sees the ice well & has a quick transition game – very good first pass with excellent vision to set up odd man rush – has already tripled his offensive production over last year at the half way point of the season – handles the puck well at offensive blue line – possesses a good shot from the point and does a very good job of getting his shot to the net.

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Gabriel Vilardi (C) [3]
#13 Team Cherry
Windsor Spitfires (OHL)
Twitter: @Gabe_Vilardi13
Hometown: Kingston, ON
Birthday: August 16, 1999   Ht:  6.02    Wt:  193   Shoots: R

OHL Priority Selection: Windsor’s 1st round (2nd overall) pick in 2015.

International: Won gold with Team Canada White at the 2015 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge in Dawson Creek and Fort St. John, BC, recording seven points (4-3—7) in six games…unable to compete in the 2016 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament due to injury…represented the OHL in the 2016 CIBC Canada Russia Series.

Personal: Grew up playing in the Kingston Jr. Frontenacs minor hockey program…favourite minor hockey coach was current Charlottetown Islanders assistant coach Guy Girouard who helped him develop the defensive side of his game while not limiting him offensively…favourite school subject is Social Sciences…aspires to become a firefighter…favourite player is New York’s John Tavares…favourite NHL team is the Philadelphia Flyers…favourite NHL hockey memory was seeing Sidney Crosby win his first Stanley Cup…favourite memory as a player was winning gold at the 2015 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge…enjoys playing Tennis…favourite OHL road arena is London…favourite pro athlete is Argentine soccer player Mauro Icardi…has one brother, Francesco (21), who played in the OHL for Plymouth and Flint and now plays at Queen’s University…is the son of Lino and Giovanna Vilardi.

Vilardi describes himself as: Determined, leader, skilled, vision, battler

NHL Central Scouting says: High possession skill player with excellent hockey sense and puck-handling ability – very composed with the puck, uses his vision and play-making ability to influence the game in all three zones – excels below the dots in the offensive zone where he uses his size and reach to dictate the play and generate scoring opportunities – complete offensive threat who demonstrates a great awareness in the offensive zone and a soft touch around the net.