Steven Strong

Steven Strong - Belleville Bulls
5'11" - 174 lbs

Like Basso, Strong is a small puck moving defenseman who sees the ice very well, is a very good skater, great passer and more than capable of quarterbacking the power play. In a preseason game against the Frontenacs, Strong assisted on all 5 Bulls goals and his power play skills were never more evident.

During the offseason, Strong worked hard to add some strength to his legs and it looks like he succeeded. But, like most OHL’ers, he will need to add some bulk to go on to the next level. Despite his size, Strong is not afraid to drop the gloves and will always come to a teammate’s aid, which is a testament to his leadership qualities.

Last season for the Bulls he played in 65 games scoring once and adding 5 assists to go along with 52 PIM. Like Basso, the Bulls will be counting on him heavily to provide offense from the defence and to quarterback the power play.

Take a moment and watch this “Incredible Minor Hockey Story”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Azi4q2mOL8

Alex Basso

Alex Basso - Belleville Bulls
5' 11" 176

In 2009/10, Basso scored 3 goals and added 14 assists with 30 PIM in 59 games. The smooth skating defenseman is often compared to Montreal Canadiens prospect P.K. Subban.

 One of the Bulls big (little) three on defense,
Basso had a very good pre-season, scoring twice and adding 7 assists.  With fellow defensemen Steven Strong (2011 eligible) and Stephen Silas (Colorado Avalanche pick), Basso joins a solid defence core for the Bulls in which he will be counted on to provide offence for a team that lacks in that ability up front.

A fourth round pick last year, Basso is a strong skater with good speed. He has excellent puck handling abilities, is a very good passer and shows great skill and on ice vision.

Basso is joining an ever growing list of what appears to be a movement towards smaller puck moving defensemen. While he is comparable in size to Kitchener’s Ryan Murphy, he doesn’t have his overall offensive flare. And if the Bull’s offense isn’t hindered by the trade of Alex Aleardi and the forwards can put the puck in the net, Basso should rack up plenty of assists this year.

Tyson Teichmann

Tyson Teichmann, Belleville Bulls

Teichmann appeared in 30 games for the Bulls posting a 4.29 GAA and .875 SV% after being selected in the first round by the Bulls from the Quinte Red Devils Minor Midget team. He was also the first goalie selected in the priority draft. He was the top rated goaltender in the draft and has the potential of being an elite goaltender when it counts as shown by his In 31 games with the Red Devils last season. He posted a 1.64 goals against average and six shutouts while leading Quinte to an OMHA Championship. Teichmann is a very slender 6’ and will need to add some bulk for next season.

Michael Curtis

Michael Curtis, Belleville Bulls

In 67 games with the Bulls, Curtis recorded 19 goals and 5 assists as a rookie. His plus/minus -22 raises some eyebrows but is more reflective of the team than himself.




Curtis was a second round pick after he spent last season with the Toronto Marlboros Minor Midget where he captained the team to an OHL Cup Championship. In 79 games played, Curtis recorded 33 goals and 49 assists and was named player of the game in the championship game of the OHL Cup. He is a strong two way player with a very good shot. He has shown by his performance in the Cup Championship that he is able to elevate his play in a big game. He is a good skater with average speed, strong on the puck and has shown a willingness to drop the gloves.



Curtis was also named to the OHL All Rookie second all star team.

Austen Brassard

Austen Brassard, Belleville Bulls

Brassard was acquired from the Windsor Spitfires in January where he was forced to play a limited role on a powerful Spits team. In 26 games for the Bulls he recorded 6 goals and 11 assists to finish the season with 10 goals and 19 assists in 63 games. The first round draft pick of the Spitfires was named, along with team mate Michael Curtis, to the OHL Rookie Second All Star Team.

He is a big kid, who will need to add some bulk. He skates well and displays a strong work ethic and plays with a lot of grit and will also drop the gloves. He is capable of producing points as shown by his 55 goals, 66 assists and 121 PIM in only 69 games for the Windsor Jr. Spitfires. 2010-11 will be important for Brassard to show he can continue to improve at every level he has played at.