Neutral Zone had a scout in Hamilton, ONT on Saturday, November 27th to observe the OHL game between the Kingston Frontenacs and the Hamilton Bulldogs. Three points separated the teams in the standings, heading into the late afternoon game. The Bulldogs were outshot 40-30 by Kingston in an entertaining, back and forth affair. Kingston leaves with a 5-4 victory, and the extra point after winning the game in a shootout, on a nifty goal by 2005 (late) birth Christopher Thibodeau.
HAMILTON
| Jonathan Melee | Hamilton Bulldogs | OHL | L | C | 6’1″ | 183 | Hamilton Bulldogs | 2020 | Rockland, ON | 2004 | 2021-2022: C |
Melee is a left shot forward who was very noticeable at different points during this game. He showed smart angling skills and defensive awareness in the NZ by using his stick, body positioning and speed to influence the direction of the play. He has previously shown a very good ability to anticipate the flow of the puck, and did so again in this game. He occasionally moved himself inside the scoring area, in the OZ and was rewarded with an opportunity to jump on a loose puck and score. A player worth monitoring over the course of this season. Grade B
| Jorian Donovan | Hamilton Bulldogs | OHL | L | D | 6’2″ | 181 | Hamilton Bulldogs | 2020 | Calgary, AB | 2004 | 2021-2022: C |
Standing 6’2″ left shot has the size to make NHL scouts immediately take notice. Donovan confidently takes the puck and skates up ice with it, as one of his puck advancement options. His decision to carry the puck up ice led to some offensive zone time and Hamilton’s second goal. He has a long, strong stride that is shown when he carries the puck up the open ice. His edgework and mobility are above average, and he shows a smooth pivot when turning to retrieve pucks or defend an outside lane when an opposing forward drives wide with speed. We noticed him working to be an offensive outlet for his defensive partner as well as doing a very good job of providing positional support while defending. Grade B+
KINGSTON
| Shane Wright | Kingston Fronteacs | OHL | R | C | 6’1″ | 187 | Kingston Frontenacs | 2019 | Vaughan, ON | 2004 | 2021-2022: A |
Wright showcased why his name is always mentioned as the possible first overall selection at the 2022 NHL draft. He generated 9 shots on the Hamilton goal, scoring two on the power play. He also set up Edmonds for a goal, so he had a direct influence on 3 out of 4 Kingston regulation time goals. Both his power play goals, and his PP assist to Edmonds displayed an NHL ready release as he received the puck while positioned on his forehand flank side. A quick step towards the goal and on all three occasions Wright unleashed a quick, accurate and heavy shot to the goal. His first goal deflected on off an opponent. His second goal beat the Hamilton goalie clean into the far corner of the net and his assist to Edmonds was a far pad shot off the goalie, and the rebound was cleanly met by Edmonds for his goal. Wright tended to maneuver his positioning onto the 1 timer side of Kingston’s PP setup, but clearly had more success driving downhill on the opposite side of the zone. Wright’s confidence and composure was noticeably mature. His sense of timing and anticipation of the play is elite. Grade A+
| Paul Ludwinski | Kingston Fronteacs | OHL | L | RW | 5’11” | 172 | Kingston Fronteacs | 2020 | Pickering, ON | 2004 | 2021-2022: C+ |
Ludwinski is a confident and reliable player. He sees the ice extremely well and is able to find or create passing lanes, in advance of moving the puck. His plays are generally, low risk because he completes them successfully. He made a number of passes across the offensive zone/ot through defenders after allowing the appropriate lane to develop. His eyes appear up and scanning the offensive zone. His vision with the puck is above average. Grade B+
| Lucas Edmonds | Kingston Fronteacs | OHL | R | LW | 5’11” | 183 | Kingston Fronteacs | 2017 | North Bay, ON | 2001 | 2021-2022: C+ |
Edmonds is an intriguing player. Born in North By, Ontario he has spent most of his junior eligibility playing in Sweden. As an overage player in the OHL, he is also a rookie. He sits among the league leaders in points and should definitely warrant a strong look as a pro prospect. He put 8 shots on net and contributed 2 goals and 1 assist in this game. Edmonds works the entire game. You get a very good view of his quick feet and determined play when there is a loose puck. On back side pressure, he is crafty, using stick lifts to “steal” pucks and then turn the play in the other direction. He uses his body well to create more space when on offence. He shields the puck or will quickly pull up, creating a delay so he can locate his next best option. His decision making with the puck is reliable. Grade A
| Thomas Budnick | Kingston Fronteacs | OHL | L | D | 6’1″ | 190 | Kingston Fronteacs | 2020 | Petoskey, MI | 2004 | 2021-2022: C |
Budnick is a good size defenceman (6’0”, 190 lbs.) with room to grow. He plays a committed positional game, manages the ice around him well and showed that he is capable of quickly transitioning the puck up ice. Defensively, he maintains good body and stick positioning to eliminate his opponents access to the middle lane of the ice. He makes excellent use of his stick to put pressure on the puck carrying opponent’s stick. Most of the time, he is in good position in the NZ to manage his gap, often using his stick to disrupt offensive attacks from his opponent. His mobility, particularly when turning to retrieve pucks behind him, will require development. Grade C+
Evaluation: Murray Nystrom
Logo Courtesy of Kingston Frontenacs
Stats provided by InStat