By Mike Beasley /
The Sarnia Sting certainly did their homework when it came to the first overall pick at the 2010 OHL Priority Selection.
A lot of time and discussion was probably invested in their decision plus a lot of air miles as they agreed to go with F Alex Galchenyuk from the Chicago Young Americans.
But then again, maybe not, Galchenyuk is a very skilled young played that will probably be a star in the OHL for the next couple of years.
Not that picking Galchenyuk was totally off the charts, the fact is, the American-born skater becomes just the fourth U.S. player to receive the Jack Ferguson Award, courtesy of being selected first overall in the OHL Priority Selection.
The only other Americans to receive this distinction are Pat Peake (Detroit 1990), Patrick O’Sullivan (Mississauga 2001), and Robbie Schremp (Mississauga 2002).
Daniel Catenacci was the first overall pick in 2009 for the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds.
“I think the Sarnia pick is more of a reflection on the OHL’s increasing ability to attract and get the top end American born players to commit to the league,” said Rob Kitamura, Director of Central Scouting and Player Development.
“I tend to believe, and the numbers show that we will continue to have a large number of elite U.S. born players and their families decide the OHL, and across the country the CHL, is a great choice to develop as players, and more importantly as people.”
In Kitamura’s opinion, Galchenyuk is the real deal and should develop into a high-end offensive player for the Sarnia Sting.
“Alex possesses a great amount of individual skill and creativity. He should be a continuation in the line of great offensive players that have come through our league over the past decade…it will be a joy to watch him develop, and entertaining to boot.”
The Milwaukee, Wisconsin-native had an incredible season for his Minor Midget AAA team as he led the USA Hockey Tier 1 Midget league in scoring with 44 goals and 43 assists for 87 points in just 38 games, outscoring his closest rival by an outstanding 19 goals and 33 points.
One of the top-ranked players by OHL Central Scouting, the 6-1, 180-pound forward becomes the third Sarnia player to win the “Fergie” following D Jeff Brown (1994) and F Steven Stamkos (2006).
After Galchenyuk, the next four picks at the 2010 Priority Selection consisted of forwards with the Belleville Bulls selecting Brendan Gaunce from the Markham Waxers at No. 2.
With the third choice, the Oshawa Generals scooped up Scott Laughton from the Toronto Marlies while the Owen Sound Attack picked Hamilton Jr. Bulldogs forward Jarrod Maidens with the fourth pick.
With the fifth overall selection, the Sudbury Wolves opted for Matthew Campagna from the Toronto Young Nats.
A total of 301 players were selected over 15 rounds including 172 forwards, 97 defencemen, and 32 goaltenders. The GTHL led the way with 72 players selected including 15 from the Toronto Young Nationals. 70 players were selected from the OMHA, followed by 62 players selected from hockey programs in the United States. 48 players were drafted from the ALLIANCE, with 24 selected from the ODHA, 13 from the NOHA, 10 from Hockey Northwestern Ontario, and 2 from various other programs in Canada. 175 players of the 301 selected competed at the 2010 OHL Cup Showcase Tournament. |