Mississauga, ONT – Neutral Zone had a scout in Mississauga to assess the Mississauga Steelheads and North Bay Battalion, OHL matchup on Wednesday, December 29, 2021. This was an important divisional game for both clubs, as the top of the Central Division is open for either club to challenge. Multiple lead changes through game kept the intensity high. In the end, Mississauga prevailed 5-4.
MISSISSAUGA
| Luca Del Bel Belluz | Mississauga Steelheads | OHL | L | C | 6’1″ | 179 | Mississauga Steelheads | 2019 | Woodbridge, ON | 2003 | 2021-2022: C+ |
Del Bel Belluz continues to be an impactful player in his games. Some outstanding offensive instincts. He consistently, over the course of this season displays the ability to find passing seams and complete plays. He is around the puck, always. He processes the play at an elite level and consistently appeared to be moving towards making the “next play”. As noted previously, his transitional skating will develop. Plays all situations for his team. He will be considered for selection in the top 32 of the 2022 NHL draft. Grade A+
| Kai Schwindt | Mississauga Steelheads | OHL | L | F | 6’3″ | 194 | Mississauga Steelheads | 2021 | Breslau, ON | 2003 | 2021-2022: C |
A steady performance from this player in this game. He continues to be reliable in his ability to make plays along the boards and his puck movement, but needs to make his size and style of play influence his shifts and create puck separation. He did establish himself as F1 on the fc many times and made contact when possible. Development of acceleration needs to be a focus. Grade C+
| Zakary Lavoie | Mississauga Steelheads | OHL | R | RW | 5’11” | 170 | Mississauga Steelheads | 2020 | Ottawa, ON | 2004 | 2021-2022: C |
Lavoie is a reliable, quick winger who anticipates the flow of the play exceptionally well. He contributes offensively and in this game displayed some outstanding eye/hand coordination by “bunting” the puck out of mid air and into the North Bay goal for his second goal of the game. His above average puck skills were on display in this game as he regularly made positive plays to his mates, in traffic. He is definitely a legitimate mid-round NHL draft prospect. Grade B+
| Owen Beck | Mississauga Steelheads | OHL | R | C | 6’0″ | 190 | Mississauga Steelheads | 2020 | Port Hope, ON | 2004 | 2021-2022: B |
A quiet game offensively. Beck is a reliable, two-way forward and performed that way in this viewing. He plays PK and PP for his team. His positional commitment is showcased for all 200 feet of the ice, as he rarely gets caught on the wrong side of the puck. Beck provided a clinic in the faceoff circle tonight with his team gaining possession on 20 of 28 faceoffs. Beck will likely be considered as a top 40 pick for the 2022 NHL draft. Grade B+
| Chas Sharpe | Mississauga Steelheads | OHL | R | D | 6’2″ | 194 | Mississauga Steelheads | 2019 | Orilla, ON | 2003 | 2021-2022: C+ |
Played a very simple, reliable game in this viewing. Sharpe is an excellent positional defenseman who reads the ice well and moves the puck confidently. Outside of PP time he was not involved offensively on a regular basis. His low DZ play is consistent. Increases in strength will help him excel in containment situations. Grade B
| James Hardie | Mississauga Steelheads | OHL | L | LW | 6’0″ | 180 | Mississauga Steelheads | 2018 | Innisfil, ON | 2002 | 2021-2022: B |
Hardie continues his excellent offensive impact that dates back to last season. He continues to put himself in ice around the scoring area which allows him to receive a puck and quickly direct it to any area of the net. He doesn’t just shoot the puck; he often places it into the area of the goal that gives himself the best chance to score. His two goals in this game reinforce the fact that his scoring is related to more than just shooting the puck in the general direction of the net. His first goal was a one-timer from off to the side of the net. As the puck was arriving, the North Bay goalie was recovering to the near post, taking away the bottom of the net. Hardie anticipated this and placed his shot high, into the uncovered area of the net. His second goal came off a 2 on 1 rush. A deflected, cross-crease pass went into his skates which he promptly re-directed up to his stick blade. As the goalie re-set himself, Hardie, all in one, continuous motion, quickly sent the puck up and over the shoulder of the goalie. This goal proved to be the game winning goal for Mississauga. Grade A
NORTH BAY
| Ty Nelson | North Bay Battalion | OHL | R | D | 5’10” | 196 | North Bay Battalion | 2020 | Toronto, ON | 2004 | 2021-2022: A- |
Nelson is a confident defenseman whose mobility range allows him to participate in the play, regardless of its location on the ice surface. He is very active on the attack and will join most plays headed up ice, if he isn’t leading it. He is far from reckless, rather reads the ice and developing plays quite well. His gap management and mobility helps him defend and stall/disrupt opponent attempts to attack up ice. He had 5 shots on goal in this game . . . he is very active in the OZ. This remained game close until the final buzzer, and it felt as though he could break it wide open at any point. Very impactful player. Grade A
| Liam Arnsby | North Bay Battalion | OHL | R | C | 5’10” | 183 | North Bay Battalion | 2019 | Ajax, ON | 2003 | 2021-2022: C |
A heart and soul type of player. Armsby is a relentless worker who reads the ice and anticipates the next play at an elite level. He is quick and confident in his decisions with and without the puck. He is above average moving in any direction, particularly in small ice areas. He competes for pucks in board play and in traffic. Plays all situations for his team. Grade B+
| Tnias Mathurin | North Bay Battalion | OHL | L | D | 6’3″ | 201 | North Bay Battalion | 2020 | Ajax, ON | 2004 | 2021-2022: C+ |
A left shot defenseman with good size. Mathurin, like most at his position will need to continue developing his edges and mobility. He does an excellent job of scanning the ice as he turns and retrieves pucks deep in his DZ. He is able to invite pressure, deal with it, and still recognize where his outlets are. He locates his options and is reliable in getting the puck to them promptly. His containment play in DZC will continue to improve with strength training and physical maturation. Occasionally, he can lose his D side positioning on his opponent down low. Potential with this player is intriguing and his progress is worth continued monitoring. Grade B
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