Team Orr Profiles

NHL Central Scouting Midterm Draft Ranking in brackets.

Sasha Chmelevski (C) [38]
#89 Team Orr
Ottawa 67’s (OHL)
Twitter: @SashaChmelevski
Hometown: Northville, MI, USA
Birthday: June 9, 1999   Ht:  6.00    Wt:  186   Shoots: R

OHL Priority Selection: Sarnia’s 1st round (10th overall) pick in 2015.

International: Captained the United States at the 2015 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge in Dawson Creek and Fort St. John, BC, recording four points (2-2—4) over five games…earned a silver medal with the United States at the 2016 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament, leading the event in scoring with 10 points (5-5—10) over five games.

Personal: Grew up playing in the Detroit Belle Tire minor hockey program…cites Konstantin Lodnia as his favourite coach growing up because he instilled a lot of good habits and qualities in his game…favourite school subject is math…was named the OHL West Division Academic Player of the Month for December 2015…aspires to someday become a doctor…favourite NHL player is Pavel Datsyuk…favourite NHL team is the Pittsburgh Penguins…favourite memory as a hockey fan was meeting Alexander Ovechkin and getting his autograph…cites former Sarnia Sting teammate Jakob Chychrun as the most difficult opponent to play against…favourite OHL road rink is in London…favourite actor is Robert DeNiro…favourite athlete is Kobe Bryant…has two brothers, Nico (14) and Ilia (12)…is the son of Tal and Maria Chmelevski.

Chmelevski describes himself as: Vision, IQ, skilled, driven, competitive

NHL Central Scouting says: Highly gifted center with deceptive offensive ability and instincts – possesses high-end puck skills and very quick and clever in one on one situations – displays good vision with the puck and is able to execute skilled plays in traffic – high hockey IQ and ability to anticipate the play make him a central figure in his team’s offensive attack.

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Michael DiPietro (G) [7]
#64 Team Orr
Windsor Spitfires (OHL)
Twitter: @miketendy
Hometown: Amherstburg, ON
Birthday: June 9, 1999   Ht:  6.00    Wt:  193   Catches: L 

OHL Priority Selection: Windsor’s 2nd round (23rd overall) pick in 2015.

International: Helped Team Canada Red to a fourth place finish at the 2015 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge in Dawson Creek and Fort St. John, BC, leading the event with a goals-against average of 1.75 to go with a .929 save percentage over five games…helped Canada to a fifth place finish at the 2016 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament, recording a 2.01 goals-against average and a .923 save percentage over three contests.

Personal: Grew up playing in the Sun County Panthers minor hockey program…played AAA baseball before stopping to focus solely on hockey…cites OHL graduate Danny Anger as his favourite minor hockey coach for making the game fun and teaching him professionalism…wears the number 64 because it is his father’s birth year…favourite subject in school is Law…is an honour roll student…aspires to become a lawyer…favourite goaltender is Los Angeles’ Jonathan Quick…favourite NHL team is the Detroit Red Wings…superstitions include tying his left skate before his right and tapping his jersey once with right hand before every game…favourite hockey memory is getting his first OHL shutout on Dec. 11, 2015 at Sarnia…cites Travis Konecny or Michael Dal Colle as the most talented shooters he’s faced…favourite OHL road rink is Kitchener…favourite athlete is Montreal’s Carey Price…has one brother, Mark Fenty…is the son of Vic DiPietro and Assunta Fenty-DiPietro.

DiPietro describes himself as: Determined, motivated, athletic, leader, fast

NHL Central Scouting says: Very quick. flexible and athletic; uses those skills in most areas of his game – very assertive style of play  – has explosive leg drive to be effective when reacting to shots or recovering for a rebound – excellent work ethic ( a never give up attitude ) – possesses “cat like” quickness with his glove hand – very strong stance and plays the top of the crease setting square to the shots – plays very low in his crouch and tracks the puck well – excellent lateral quickness; very quick and efficient post to post play to prevent the wraparound attempt –  stands out with his athleticism, high end skills and desire.

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Alex D’Orio (G) [8]
#33 Team Orr
Saint John Sea Dogs (QMJHL)
Twitter: Goalie_dor99
Hometown: Sherbrooke, QC
Birthday: April 28, 1999   Ht:  6.02    Wt:  205   Catches: R

 QMJHL Draft: Saint John’s 1st round (9th overall) pick in 2015.

International: Represented Team Canada Black at the 2015 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge in Dawson Creek and Fort St. John, BC, recording a 2.90 goals-against average and an .895 save percentage in two games.

Personal: Grew up playing in the Sherbrooke Minor Hockey Association…favourite minor hockey coach was Jean-Francois Grégoire because he knew how to communicate with the players and lead the team well…favourite school subject is history…aspires to study law…favourite goaltender is Carey Price…favourite NHL team is the Chicago Blackhawks…favourite memory as a hockey fan was when Blackhawks goaltending coach Stephane Waite brought the Stanley Cup to Sherbrooke…favourite memory as a player was his first QMJHL game on Oct. 5, 2016 against Gatineau…most difficult shooter to face is Sea Dogs teammate Julien Gauthier…favourite QMJHL road arena is the Videotron Centre in Quebec…enjoys the music of Florida Georgia Line…has one brother, Jérémy (19)…is the son of Franco D’Orio and Vickie Guillemette.

D’Orio describes himself as: Calm, technical, aggressive, focused

NHL Central Scouting says: Excellent quickness and athleticism – great balance and crease management skills – very quick feet and pads – good glove hand quickness – very good game preparation; consistently focused and determined –  quick to challenge and has strong legs for post challenges or quick lateral movements –  very good following play and tracking pucks through traffic – controls rebounds very well- ultra-quick reflexes and excellent recovery skills– very good breakaway skills – positional and angle play is excellent for size; stays square to the shots and plays to top of the crease area – solid pro potential.

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Alex Formenton (LW) [24]
#80 Team Orr
London Knights (OHL)
Twitter: @88Forms
Hometown: King City, ON
Birthday: September 13, 1999   Ht:  6.01    Wt:  157   Shoots: L

OHL Priority Selection: London’s 11th round (216th overall) pick in 2015.

Personal: Grew up playing in the Barrie Colts and Toronto Young Nats minor hockey programs…says former Toronto Maple Leafs great and former coach Wendel Clark has been influential in his career, teaching him what it takes to be a pro and providing him helpful pointers…favourite school subject is Business…has been an honour roll student in every year of high school…aspires to become a physiotherapist or remain in the game as a coach…favourite player is Chicago’s Patrick Kane…favourite NHL team is the Toronto Maple Leafs…superstitions include having the same pre-game meal before every game and placing his stick in the same spot before every home game…favourite memory as a hockey fan was seeing the Leafs take on the Red Wings in the Winter Classic in Michigan…favourite memory as a player was being a part of London’s Memorial Cup run late last season…best opposing player he has ever faced is Jakob Chychrun…favourite actor is Mark Wahlberg…was a three-time GTHL champion in minor hockey…has one brother, Justin (20)…is the son of Jim and Christine Formenton.

Formenton describes himself as: Dedicated, passionate, fast, smart, determined

NHL Central Scouting says: First year player in the OHL with excellent NHL speed & quickness – combination of size, speed & skill make him a dangerous offensive threat – his speed can be a difference maker on the play which defenders learn to respect – brings a consistent work ethic and plays a strong puck pursuit game – competes consistently & effectively with his skills and assets in all situations to earn extra ice time.

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Morgan Frost (C) [29]
#61 Team Orr
Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds (OHL)
Twitter: @_morganfrost_10
Hometown: Aurora, ON
Birthday: May 14, 1999   Ht:  6.00    Wt:  170   Shoots: L 

 OHL Priority Selection: Sault Ste. Marie’s 4th round (81st overall) pick in 2015.

Personal: Grew up playing in the Barrie Colts minor hockey program…cites his minor midget coaches John Macarthur, John Kelly and Mark Guerrero as his favourite minor hockey coaches for building his game on the ice and helping him become a better person off the ice…favourite school subject is history…aspires to be involved in sports management in hockey, baseball or basketball…favourite player is Chicago’s Patrick Kane…favourite NHL team is the Chicago Blackhawks…favourite memory as a hockey fan was Patrick Kane’s Stanley Cup winner against Philadelphia in 2010…favourite memory as a player was upsetting Sarnia in Game 7 of the first round last spring…toughest opponent to face in the OHL has been Jakob Chychrun…favourite OHL road arena is Kitchener…is a big basketball fan, following Steph Curry and the Golden State Warriors closely…enjoys music by The Lumineers…has one sister, Marley (12)…is the son of former Toronto Maple Leafs public address announcer and Toronto radio host Andy Frost and wife Dana.

Frost describes himself as: Skilled, deceptive, smart, creative, vision

NHL Central Scouting says: Smart and skilled center with very good offensive hockey sense – excellent vision and anticipation to quickly take advantage of opportunities – creative with the puck to set up plays and generate scoring chances – very good puck skills to execute passes in traffic and while being checked – heads up game to evade checking pressure and consistent two way effort.

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Cody Glass (C) [8]
# 8 Team Orr
Portland Winterhawks (WHL)
Twitter: @Cody12Glass
Hometown: Winnipeg, MB
Birthday: April 1, 1999   Ht:  6.02    Wt:  179   Shoots: R 

 WHL Bantam Draft: Portland’s 1st round (19th overall) pick in 2014.

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

Personal: Grew up playing in the Maples Monarchs minor hockey program…credits his father Jeff for helping him get to where he is in his career today…favourite school subject is Law…aspires to someday become a player agent or scout…favourite player is Sidney Crosby…favourite NHL team is the Winnipeg Jets…superstitions include always putting his equipment on left-to-right and not allowing anyone to touch his stick after it’s been taped…favourite memory as a hockey fan was when the Jets returned to Winnipeg…favourite memory as a hockey player was being invited to the 2017 Sherwin-Williams CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game…most talented opponent he has faced is Seattle’s Mathew Barzal…favourite athlete is NBA player LeBron James…little known fact is that he nearly had to quit hockey because of financial troubles…has one brother, Matthew (21)…father Jeff is a mailman.

Glass describes himself as: Creative, versatile, dynamic, smart, leader

NHL Central Scouting says: Highly skilled center with game breaker ability – NHL speed and quickness make him a dangerous scoring threat – excellent play maker with top end puck skills – leads his team in goals, assists and game winning goal – -top 10 in WHL in points, and is the top point getter for ’99 born players – creates scoring chances almost every shift with his deceptive quickness and smarts.

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Nicolas Hague (D) [11]
#41 Team Orr
Mississauga Steelheads (OHL)
Twitter: @nichague14
Hometown: Kitchener, ON
Birthday: December 5, 1998   Ht:  6.05    Wt:  216   Shoots: L 

OHL Priority Selection: Mississauga’s 2nd round (29th overall) pick in 2014.

International: Represented Team Canada White at the 2014 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge in Sarnia, ON, recording two goals over five games…represented Canada at the 2016 World Under-18 Hockey Championship in Grand Forks, ND, recording two assists over seven contests…represented the OHL in the 2016 CIBC Canada Russia Series in North Bay and Hamilton.

Personal: Grew up playing in the Kitchener Minor Hockey Association…credits minor midget coach Dean Desilva for helping with hockey and non-hockey related issues and being there to help no matter what…favourite school subject is Math because there is only ever one right answer…was the recipient of the OHL’s Bobby Smith Award in 2015-16, awarded to the league’s Scholastic Player of the Year…aspires to someday be the CEO of a company…favourite player is Tampa Bay’s Victor Hedman…favourite NHL team is the Tampa Bay Lightning…favourite hockey memory is his first OHL game on Sept. 25, 2015 vs. Ottawa…cites Mitch Marner as the most difficult opponent to face…favorite OHL road arena is Kitchener…favourite athlete is Pittsburgh’s Sidney Crosby…enjoys the music of Zac Brown Band…often captained his team coming up through minor hockey…interesting fact is that he is right-dominate in everything he does except hockey…is the son of Bob and Sheila Hague.

Hague describes himself as: Competitive, smart, leader, selfless, committed

NHL Central Scouting says: At 6’6” he is a rare breed because he is such a multidimensional hockey player – can quarterback the power play; his one timer is heavy and accurate – very good hands and puck moving game for a defenseman; solid game at offensive blue line – composed under pressure, doesn’t panic with the puck and makes good decisions with the puck in all zones –  moves very well for his size – has excellent reach & stick to puck technique which makes it difficult for forwards to beat him wide or one on one – good understanding of positional play – solid two way game.

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Nico Hischier (C) [2]
#13 Team Orr
Halifax Mooseheads (QMJHL)
Twitter: @nicohischier
Hometown: Naters, Switzerland
Birthday: January 4, 1999   Ht:  6.00    Wt:  174   Shoots: L 

 CHL Import Draft: Halifax’s 1st round (6th overall) pick in 2016.

International: Represented Switzerland at the 2015 World Under-18 Hockey Championship in Zug and Lucerne, Switzerland, recording one goal over five games…represented Switzerland at the 2016 World Under-18 Hockey Championship in Grand Forks, ND, recording four points (1-3—4) over five games…suited up for Switzerland in the 2016 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship in Helsinki, Finland, registering two assists over six games…represented Switzerland in the 2017 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship in Montreal and Toronto, recording seven points (4-3—7) over five games and was named one of his club’s top three players.

Personal: Grew up playing in the EHC Visp program…says his older brother Luca, a professional player in the NLA, Switzerland’s top pro division, inspired him to play hockey…says he wears the number 13 because his brother also wears it and Pavel Datsyuk does as well…favourite subject in school is learning different languages…favourite memory as a player was his first QMJHL goal on Oct. 8, 2016 vs. Charlottetown…enjoys playing soccer…says the most difficult opponent to go up against is Swiss blueliner Jonas Siegenthaler…favourite movie is Happy Gilmore…favourite athlete is tennis star Roger Federer…won a Swiss Junior Championship with SC Bern in 2015-16…little known fact is that he enjoys yoga…has one brother, Luca (21) and one sister, Nina (20)…is the son of Rinn and Katja Hischier.

Hischier describes himself as: Speed, quickness, playmaker, two-way, smart

NHL Central Scouting says: Elite prospect with excellent hockey sense – able to make plays with speed and accuracy – top five in goal scoring and points as a first year player in the QMJHL – complete player that competes at both ends of the rink – excels at finding open teammates and creating open ice for himself – excellent vision and playmaking skills as well as ability to score – strong puck possession game & competitive game to be a difference maker every time he’s on the ice.

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Kole Lind (RW) [21]
#16 Team Orr
Kelowna Rockets (WHL)
Twitter: @Klind13
Hometown: Shaunavon, SK
Birthday: October 16, 1998     Ht:  6.01    Wt:  173  Shoots: R

WHL Bantam Draft: Kelowna’s 4th round (87th overall) pick in 2013.

Personal: Grew up playing in the Shaunavon Minor Hockey Associaiton…names Kent Woods as his favourite minor hockey coach for teaching him to work hard…favourite school subject is Math…would like to run a farm someday…favourite player is Edmonton’s Jordan Eberle…favourite NHL team is the Edmonton Oilers…favourite hockey memory is winning a WHL championship with Kelowna in 2015…played baseball when he was younger with the Regina Nationals…most talented player he has faced is Seattle’s Mathew Barzal…favourite WHL road arena is Swift Current…enjoys the music of Keith Urban…favourite athlete is Toronto Blue Jays third baseman Josh Donaldson…has two sisters, Tenelle (16) and Taylor (14) and one brother, Kalan (11)…is the son of Ashley and Marcia Lind.

Lind describes himself as: Goal-scorer, responsible

NHL Central Scouting says: Very good offensive player with game breaker ability – strong skater with an extra gear to quickly pull away on the play – leads his team in goals, assists and game winning goals – very good offensive instincts to be open on the play – NHL shot with an quick release – power play specialist as a precise passer with excellent vision and timing to generate scoring chances.

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Stelio Mattheos (C) [23]
#12 Team Orr
Brandon Wheat Kings (WHL)
Twitter: @smattheos7
Hometown: Winnipeg, MB
Birthday: June 14, 1999     Ht:  6.01    Wt:  190  Shoots: R

 WHL Bantam Draft: Brandon’s 1st round (1st 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 four points (2-2—4) over five games.

Personal: Grew up playing in the Assiniboine Park Hockey Association in Winnipeg…names Grant Ostir as his favourite minor hockey coach because he believed in him and got the most out of him…favourite school subjects are social studies or global studies because he enjoys knowing about the world around him…earned the James A. Richardson Scholarship for proficiency in academics and athletics…aspires to study law or business…favourite player is Chicago’s Jonathan Toews…favourite NHL team is the Winnipeg Jets…favourite memory as a fan was being at the Winnipeg Jets first game in their return to the NHL…favourite memory as a player was winning the WHL title last spring…most talented player he has faced is Mitch Marner…favourite WHL road arena is the ShoWare Centre in Seattle…favourite movie is The Shawshank Redemption..favourite athlete is NBA player LeBron James…enjoys fishing…has one brother, Dimitri (15) and one sister, Letta (11)…is the son of Sarantos and Mary Mattheos.

Mattheos describes himself as: Competitive, hard-working, creative, two-way, heavy

NHL Central Scouting says: Displays a strong two way game – can play a physical game finishing checks with authority causing turnovers and a finesse game with quick offensive instincts to generate scoring chances – strong skater with a good burst of speed driving to the net and getting to pucks first – displays good play making and finishing abilities –leads his team in power plays goals – developing a strong leadership style and is a reliable ‘go to’ player on his club this season.

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Jacob Paquette (D) [90]
#6 Team Orr
Kingston Frontenacs (OHL)
Twitter: @JPaquette28
Hometown: Ottawa, ON
Birthday: May 26, 1999    Ht:  6.03   Wt:  208  Shoots: L

 OHL Priority Selection: Kingston’s 2nd round (31st 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 Blackburn Minor Hockey Association…names minor midget coach Kyle Barber as being influential on his hockey career because he was confident in the players, was fair to everyone and still keeps in touch with them…favourite school subject is Science…aspires to study Engineering…favourite player is Montreal defenceman Shea Weber…favourite NHL team is the Ottawa Senators…best hockey memory is being drafted by the Frontenacs…says Erie’s Dylan Strome is the most challenging player to go up against…favourite OHL road arena is Niagara…favourite pro athlete is Pittsburgh’s Sidney Crosby…is fully bilingual…has two brothers, Adrien and twin brother Samuel…is the son of Marc and Guylaine Paquette.

Paquette describes himself as: Strong, defensive, physical, aggressive, calm

NHL Central Scouting says: Poised defender who plays effectively in all zones – plays a strong positional game utilizing a good stick and body position to eliminate opposing players from the play – possesses a physical element to his game and is concentrated on making opposing forwards earn each and every opportunity – makes efficient plays under pressure and is able to drive possession by executing smart passes advancing the puck.

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Markus Phillips (D) [62]
#52 Team Orr
Owen Sound Attack (OHL)
Twitter: @MPhillips_18
Hometown: Toronto, ON
Birthday: March 21, 1999   Ht:  6.00   Wt:  200  Shoots: L

 OHL Priority Selection: Owen Sound’s 1st round (9th overall) pick in 2015.

International: Captained Team Canada Red at the 2015 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge in Dawson Creek and Fort St. John, BC, recording one assist over six games…represented Canada at the 2016 World Under-18 Hockey Championship in Grand Forks, ND, registering two assists over seven contests…captained Canada at the 2016 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament, notching one assist over four games…represented the OHL in the 2016 CIBC Canada Russia Series.

Personal: Grew up playing in the Toronto Titans Minor Hockey program…names minor midget coach Bob Marshall as being influential over his career for teaching him the importance of being responsible in his own zone…favourite school subject is Math…was named the Midwest Division Academic Player of the Month in the OHL last season…hopes to pursue a career in the game as a GM, scout or agent down the road…favourite player is Los Angeles’ Drew Doughty…favourite NHL team is the Washington Capitals…favourite hockey memories as a fan were watching Canada win gold at the 2010 and 2014 Olympics…favourite memory as a player was representing the OHL in the 2016 CIBC Canada Russia Series…names Mitch Marner as the most talented opponent he has faced…favourite OHL road arena is Oshawa…enjoys the music of Florida Georgia Line…favourite pro athlete is Sidney Crosby…enjoys country music…has one sister, Chantel (14)…is the son of Mark and Linda Phillips.

Phillips describes himself as: Smart, skilled, relentless, leader, team-first

NHL Central Scouting says: Gifted fluid skater who is able to control the play with his mobility and puck skills – possesses good offensive instincts and ability to join the attack making him very difficult to neutralize – good ability to utilize skating ability to limit time and space of opponents as well as having good strength to separate his man from the puck – capable wo-way defender who has the skill and attributes to impact in all three zones.

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Nikita Popugaev (LW) [18]
#71 Team Orr
Prince George Cougars (WHL)
Hometown: Moscow, Russia
Birthday: November 20, 1998   Ht:  6.05    Wt:  202   Shoots: L

CHL Import Draft: Moose Jaw’s 1st round (22nd overall) pick in 2015.

Interntional: Won gold with Russia at the 2014 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge in Sarnia, ON, recording three goals over six games…represented Russia in the 2016 CIBC Canada Russia Series in Prince George and Edmonton, recording one assist in two games.

Personal: Grew up playing in the CSKA Moscow Hockey Program…says his father Andrei, a former player in the Russian professional ranks, has helped him immensely…favourite coach growing up was Alexander Titov because he was very positive in his approach…typically wears the number 71 because his favourite player Evgeni Malkin also wears it…favourite school subject is Math…in addition to Malkin, also likes New York’s Rick Nash…favourite hockey memory was coming to play in Canada…favourite WHL road arenas are Calgary and Edmonton…favourite pro athlete is Cristiano Ronaldo…has one sister, Anna (24) who used to play professional tennis and is now an instructor…is the son of Andrei and Svetlana Popugaev.

Popugaev describes himself as: Speed, character, shot, pass, hungry

NHL Central Scouting says: Good package of size, skills and smarts – excellent vision with hockey sense to support teammates and make good choices on the play – utilized in all situations and plays the point on the power play at times – unselfish game with the puck – responsible to play a solid two way game – vision and thought process often a step ahead of teammates – competes with his skills and assets – doesn’t like to lose a battle in any situations and plays to win.

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Eemeli Rasanen (D) [57]
#77 Team Orr
Kingston Frontenacs (OHL)
Hometown: Joensuu, Finland
Birthday: March 6, 1999   Ht:  6.06   Wt:  205  Shoots: R

CHL Import Draft: Kingston’s 2nd round (113th overall) pick in 2016.

International: Appeared in five games with Finland at the 2015 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge in Dawson Creek and Fort St. John, BC…represented Finland in the 2016 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament, recording one assist over four games.

Personal: Grew up playing in the Jokipojat Hockey Program…says Jouni Varis was his favourite coach growing up because he taught him so much about the game…favourite subject in school is Physical Education…favourite player is  Boston’s Zdeno Chara…favourite NHL team is the Florida Panthers…best hockey memory is playing his first OHL game on Sept. 23, 2016 vs. Barrie…most talented player he has faced is Edmonton Oilers prospect Jesse Puljujarvi…favourite OHL road arena is London…favourite musician is Drake…favourite athlete is CrossFit star Rich Froning Jr…can speak English, Finnish and Swedish…has two sisters, Nanne (24) and Aino (22)…is the son of Marko and Irene Rasanen…father Marko played in the Finland’s Elite Rinkball League for 10 years.

Rasanen describes himself as: Patient, creative, hard to play against, aggressive, offensive

NHL Central Scouting says: Big and strong defenseman who uses his size and reach effectively to make himself hard to play against – an effective physical presence who looks to eliminate his opponents at every opportunity – demonstrates a powerful shot from the point making him an asset to his team’s power-play – very good first pass instincts enabling him to transition the puck quickly and start his teams attack – effective skill-set allows him to play and be trusted in every situation.

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Michael Rasmussen (C) [6]
#15 Team Orr
Tri-City Americans (WHL)
Twitter: @mrasmussen16
Hometown: Surrey, BC
Birthday: April 17, 1999    Ht:  6.05   Wt: 200     Shoots: L

WHL Bantam Draft: Tri-City’s 1st round (7th 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 three points (2-1—3) in five games…represented Canada at the 2016 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament, recording four points (1-3—4) in four games.

Personal: Grew up playing in the Semiahmoo Minor Hockey Association…names Mike Needham as his favourite minor hockey coach because he taught him the importance of never taking a day off and brought out the best in him…favourite school subject is English because he enjoys writing…hopes to remain in the game of hockey long-term, whether on the ice or off of it…favourite player is Chicago’s Jonathan Toews…favourite NHL team is the Chicago Blackhawks…favourite hockey memory was attending Game 5 of the 2011 Western Conference Final between Vancouver and San Jose – Kevin Bieksa scored the game winner in double overtime…favourite memory as a player was playing his first WHL game as a 15-year-old on Jan. 21, 2015 at Kamloops…made British Columbia’s baseball all-star team in 2011…most talented opponent he has faced is Seattle’s Mathew Barzal…favourite WHL road arena is Spokane…favourite pro athlete is NFL defensive end J.J. Watt…interesting fact is that he is ambidextrous…has two sisters, Jaclyn (35) and Samantha (19)…is the son of Paul and Denise Rasmussen.

Rasmussen describes himself as: Hard-working, smart, physical, strong, responsible

NHL Central Scouting says: Excellent combination of size and skill – can play a power forward type of game using his size and strength to advantage – moves well for a big man and is effective at always being on top of the play – excellent play making ability recognizing opportunity and setting up in offensive zone –  possesses a natural goal scorer’s touch and can score in a variety of ways -smart game with and without the puck; always an option for his teammates – among the league leaders in goals and power play goals.

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Nate Schnarr (C) [32]
#7 Team Orr
Guelph Storm (OHL)
Twitter: @schnarzy68
Hometown: Waterloo, ON
Birthday: February 25, 1999    Ht:  6.03   Wt: 180     Shoots: R

 OHL Priority Selection: Guelph’s 3rd round (58th overall) pick in 2015.

Personal: Grew up playing in the Waterloo Minor Hockey Association…names minor midget coach Shawn Dietrich as having a big influence on his career because he runs his program like an OHL program…wears the number 16 because his older brother always did growing up…favourite school subject is Chemistry…has been an honour roll student in each year of high school…hopes to study Biomedical Engineering in University…favourite player is Chicago’s Jonathan Toews…favourite NHL team is the Toronto Maple Leafs…favourite hockey moment was Sidney Crosby’s golden goal in the 2010 Olympics…favourite memory as a player was scoring his first OHL goal on Jan. 13, 2016 vs. London…played lacrosse growing up for the K-W Braves from 2005-12…most difficult opponent to go up against has been Windsor’s Logan Brown…favourite OHL road arena is Sault Ste. Marie…favourite pro athlete is NBA player LeBron James…enjoys the music of Keith Urban…has two older brothers, Zach (25) and Ben (23)…is the son of Pete and Michele Schnarr.

Schnarr describes himself as: Leader, passionate, dedicated, responsible, accountable

NHL Central Scouting says: Very intelligent two-way player who reads the ice quickly – capable of playing multiple positions and all situations – utilizing his size and skating ability to have an impact in all three zones – very poised with puck possession game and is able to make plays at top speed – very good awareness away from the puck and demonstrates a capacity for finding open areas in the offensive zone – NHL shot asset and shoot with authority.

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Matthew Strome (LW) [19]
#18 Team Orr
Hamilton Bulldogs (OHL)
Twitter: @Mstrome16
Hometown: Mississauga, ON
Birthday: January 6, 1999    Ht:  6.03   Wt: 203     Shoots: L

 OHL Priority Selection: Hamilton’s 1st round (8th overall) pick in 2015.

International: Appeared in five games with Team Canada Black at the World Under-17 Hockey Challenge in Dawson Creek and Fort St. John, BC…represented Canada at the 2016 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament, registering one goal in four games.

Personal: Grew up playing in the Toronto Marlboros Minor Hockey program…names minor midget coach Dan Brown, the father of Toronto Maple Leafs forward Connor Brown, as one of his biggest influences…wears the number 18 because his older brother Ryan wears it as well…favourite school subject is Physical Education…was named the OHL East Division Academic Player of the Month in November 2016…aspires to someday get involved in Sports Marketing…favourite player is New York’s Ryan Strome…favourite NHL team is the New York Islanders…superstitions include not letting his tape touch the ground before a game…favourite memory as a hockey fan was attending the 2012 World Juniors in Calgary and Edmonton…favourite memory as a player was being drafted by Hamilton…represented Team Ontario in lacrosse in 2011…most talented OHL opponent he has faced is Mitch Marner…favourite OHL road arena is Niagara…favourite athlete is Toronto Blue Jays third baseman Josh Donaldson…was a two-time GTHL and OHL Cup champion in his minor hockey career…has two brothers, Ryan (23) and Dylan (19)…is the son of Chris and Trish Strome.

Strome describes himself as: Smart, big, strong, aware, competitive

NHL Central Scouting says: Strong power offensive game with a natural scorer’s touch and finishing ability – great hands and shot which he gets away quickly and with authority – leads his team in goals scoring and points – Outscored both older brothers in his OHL rookie season – strong game down low in puck battles and in one on one play – one of the best in this Draft class in puck protection – size and skill assets make it tough for opponents to check him – smart offensive instincts to always get himself in the right spot at the right time and always is a scoring threat.

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Conor Timmins (D) [26]
#21 Team Orr
Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds (OHL)
Hometown: Thorold, ON
Birthday: September 18, 1998    Ht:  6.01   Wt:  182  Shoots: R

OHL Priority Selection: Sault Ste. Marie’s 4th round (79th overall) pick in 2014.

Personal: Grew up playing in the Southern Tier Admirals Minor Hockey program…says his father Dan, who was the former Jr. B coach of eventual NHL stars in Nathan Horton and Zenon Konopka, coached him through much of minor hockey and taught him everything he knows about the game…favourite school subject is Business…was named the OHL West Division Academic Player of the Month last season…professional aspirations include entrepreneurship or a role in his dad’s food processing business…favourite player is Chicago’s Duncan Keith…favourite NHL team is the Toronto Maple Leafs…best hockey memory was eliminating Sarnia in Game 7 of the first round last spring…most difficult player to go up against in the OHL has been Pavel Zacha…favourite OHL road arena is London…enjoys music by the Chainsmokers…favourite athlete is NFL receiver Odell Beckham Jr…won four OMHA gold medals, two silver medals and two bronze medals during his minor hockey career…interesting fact is that he has two different coloured eyes…has two sisters, Shannon (20 and Brenna (15)…is the son of Dan and Sandra Timmins.

Timmins describes himself as: Competitive, smart, efficient, versatile, all-around

NHL Central Scouting says: Highly intelligent defender with good vision and offensive instincts – reads the play extremely well – passing ability allows him to be constant threat in his team’s transition game – very poised under pressure and quick to process the game and capable to make the high percentage plays while being checked – has the ability to run the power-play and demonstrates the skill to get his hard, accurate, shot through from the point with consistency.

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Juuso Valimaki (D) [9]
#3 Team Orr
Tri-City Americans (WHL)
Twitter: @Juike4
Hometown: Nokia, Finland
Birthday: October 6, 1998   Ht:  6.02   Wt: 200     Shoots: L

CHL Import Draft: Tri-City’s 1st round (14th overall) pick in 2015.

International: Won silver with Finland at the 2015 World Under-18 Hockey Championship in Zug and Lucerne, Switzerland, recording one assist over seven games…represented Finland at the 2015 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament, recording one assist in four games…captained Finland to a gold medal at the 2016 World Under-18 Hockey Championship in Grand Forks, ND, recording two assists over six contests…suited up for Finland at the 2016 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament, registering a goal over five games…represented Finland at the 2017 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship in Montreal and Toronto, scoring twice in six games.

Personal: Grew up playing in the Ilves Tampere hockey program…says Jouko Myrra has been his best minor hockey coach because he gave him a chance to learn and grow and transformed his mindset…Wears the number 6 because one of his favourite players is Shea Weber…favourite school subject is English…favourite player is Tampa Bay’s Victor Hedman…favourite NHL team is the Tampa Bay Lightning…favourite hockey memory was attending his first NHL game in April 2016 in Minnesota…favourite memory as a player was his first WHL game on Sept. 26, 2015 in Spokane…most talented opponent he has faced is Seattle’s Mathew Barzal…favourite WHL road arena is Spokane…favourite pro athlete is retired Finnish hockey star Teemu Selanne…enjoys singing and his stretching routine…Has one sister, Laura (21) and two brothers, Niko (14) and Rasmus (6)…is the son of Tommi and Mia Valimaki.

Valimaki describes himself as: Hard-working, confident, two-way, hockey IQ, loves winning

NHL Central Scouting says: High end dynamic offensive d-man – top five in defenseman scoring in the WHL and highest among first year draft eligible players – very good skater with speed, quickness and mobility – good offensive instincts and skills to lead and join the rush – ultra quick transition game – excellent on-ice vision and play making ability – capable to make those end to end rushes and generate scoring chances.

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Kailer Yamamoto (RW) [17]
#17 Team Orr
Spokane Chiefs (WHL)
Twitter: @Kailer_Yamamoto
Hometown: Spokane, WA, USA
Birthday: September 29, 1998    Ht:  5.09   Wt: 160     Shoots: R

WHL Bantam Draft: Spokane’s 5th round (105th overall) pick in 2013.

International: Won silver with the United States at the 2014 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge in Sarnia, ON, recording six points (3-3—6) in six games…represented the United States in the 2015 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament, leading the event in scoring with seven points (3-4—7) over four games…won bronze with the United States at the 2016 World Under-18 Hockey Challenge in Grand Forks, ND, leading the tournament in goals with seven to go with six assists for 13 points over seven games.

Personal: Grew up playing in the Los Angeles Jr. Kings Minor Hockey program…says his father Russell Yamamoto has played a big role in his development as a player, encouraging him to always try to be the best player on the ice…favourite school subject is Math because it comes easy and it helps him think about his angles and approaches when on the ice…aspires to someday start his own business…favourite player is Pittsburgh’s Sidney Crosby…favourite NHL team is the Pittsburgh Penguins…favourite hockey memory was watching Sidney Crosby hoist the Stanley Cup for the first time…favourite memory as a player was scoring the game-tying goal with five seconds remaining in Game 6 of the first round of the 2015 WHL Playoffs against Everett…most talented opponent he has faced is Seattle’s Mathew Barzal…favourite WHL road arena is Calgary…enjoys the music of Luke Bryan…was the WHL’s Western Conference Rookie of the Year in 2014-15…enjoys playing racquetball…has one brother, Spokane Chiefs teammate Keanu Yamamoto and one sister, Kyra…is the son of Russell and LeAnn Yamamoto.

Yamamoto describes himself as: Hard-working, respectful, responsible, caring, happy

NHL Central Scouting says: Dynamic undersized offensive player with exceptional speed and quickness – leads his team in goals, assists and game winning goals – leading scorer on his team last year as an underage by almost 20 points – excellent vision and play making ability and able to make the plays at top speed – smart competing with his skills and assets and consistently produce offense – Spokane, WA  native who plays alongside his older brother (Keanu) and was taught to skate by the mother of Tampa Bay Lightning forward Tyler Johnson.