Lucas Lessio

Lucas Lessio - Oshawa Generals
6'1" - 185 LBS

Lessio was the 7th overall pick of the Niagara Ice Dogs in 2009. After months of speculation that he was going to attend the University of Michigan, the Ice Dogs pulled the trigger on a trade with the Generals. The saga finally ended when Lessio signed with the Generals prior to this summer.

The Generals paid a hefty price for his services. The Generals surrendered a second round pick in 2010 and a conditional pick 2011 -- which with Lessio's signing turns into second rounders in both 2012 and 2013 and if he plays beyond this coming season additional third and fourth round picks.

The offensive weapon recorded 30 goals and 72 points in only 41 games playing for St. Mike's of the Central Canadian Hockey League.

He's got good size and great speed. He has very good soft hands as evidenced by this Rick Nash type goal http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kMt9G0pFpCc.

Lessio possesses leadership qualities and works hard to improve himself. This summer, he hired a personal trainor to work on his lower body strength. He drives to the net hard and protects the puck well. He likes to go into the corners and fight for pucks. He's not afraid to take a hit, nor does he shy away from dishing one out everytime he has the chance.

Some say Lessio has flown a little under the radar. But consider this. His services were fought for for months with the University of Michigan offering a full scholarship, the Ice Dogs trying to desperately sign him and the Generals giving up a lot of future in order for a chance to sign him.

Lessio will make a strong push to become a top 15, maybe even top 10 pick.

Mitchell Theoret

Mitchell Theoret, Niagara Ice Dogs

Theoret captained the Kitchener Minor Midgets prior to his draft and recorded 12 goals and 17 assists in 25 games and was one of the top players in the league.




He was originally drafted by the Kitchener Rangers in the 8th round of the Priority Draft. I’m not sure how he became a member of the Ice Dogs. He appeared in 53 games and scored 2 goals and 6 assists.



He’s a big player who skates well and has a scoring touch as well as playmaking ability and plays well defensively.



The Ice Dogs have a very strong group of 17 year olds for next season and Theoret will be counted upon as a leader.

Dougie Hamilton

Dougie Hamilton, Niagara Ice Dogs

Hamilton has a large frame at 6’3” but like most OHL’ers, he needs to add some bulk. He was named to the OHL all rookie team and was a finalist for rookie of the year (?).

He is more than solid in his own end and logged major minutes in the games I seen him. Was used in all situations, PK, PP, 5 on 5 and in shut down roles. He has the ability to improve his offence (3G 13A in 64 games). Has good vision, a pretty decent shot and always makes the safe play.

His adjustment to the OHL was probably made easier with older brother Freddie (a pretty good scorer himself) having already been with the Ice Dogs for a season.

Hamilton is one of my sleeper picks for the 2010-2011 season. I expect he will make up the most ground.