Super Russian Alexander Khokhlachev, who electrified watchers with his preseason performance, scored in his OHL debut for the Spits. With his speed and pure skill, he's sure to be a B2011DW favorite. He and his team spoiled a great night from a pair of Plymouth Whalers in Garrett Meurs (three helpers) and Alex Aleardi (two goals). Aleardi is a small (listed at 5-9 and just 150 pounds), but skilled center from Michigan who was passed over in the draft and was acquired by Plymouth from Belleville last week. For more on Meurs, check out last month's OHL draft watch list-- he's in the top-10.
Whalers goalie Matt Mahalak faced just 22 shots (17 saves) and that was a tough performance to debut with, as expectations for him are very high this season. Windsor goalie Jack Campbell, the first-round selection of the Dallas Stars last June (11th overall), did what he does best: slam the door at crunch time. He was shaky early, but ended up making 27 saves on 31 shots to hold off the Whalers and secure the come-from-behind win.
So, in honor of Big Jack, here's his unofficial B2011DW theme song, even though his draft story is closed.
Just getting ready to head to London to see the Knights and Whalers. Can't wait to see Aleardi in person. Was hoping Knight would be back in town but i guess he may play tomorrow.
ReplyDeleteHave no doubt in my mind Aleardi can put the puck in the net, but i want to see his aggressive game...and he can fight...despite, like you said, his small size.
Great job on blog Kirk, been a long time follower on your draft previews and HFBoards......thanks for all your work. Was at the Sarnia/Windsor game tonight. I agree the Russian Khokhlachev is going to be a player eventually.....just not sure he would fit the mold of the team the Bruins are trying to build. I think Ritchie from the Sarnia is more the player I would target....size and a not a bad skater coming in off the wing. It is always about teams needs and I believe Khokhlachev is a centre, at least that is where he was playing tonight. Anyhow just my opinion, keep up the great work. BTW Sarnia looked a lot better than Windsor tonight (4-0)......though Jack Campbell is a very cool goalie....think his puck control needs some work though! And I realize Windsor will be getting more players back from camps soon, just thinking Sarnia is starting to turn the corner.....lost of draft potential for the 2012 draft I am sure we will all be hearing about next year:)
ReplyDeleteThanks for all your time and work, it is a pleasure to read.
Dave
Thanks for the kind words-- I'm trying to take this blog to much higher places than last season, so be sure to tell your friends about it. Even if they aren't Bruins fans, there will be a wealth of info. on the 2011 prospects and even some from the 2012 class as appropriate.
ReplyDeleteKhokhlachev-- I agree that he's probably not a great option for the Bruins, given his style and what he brings to the table. I'm thinking that they're going to go 'D' heavy and that they'll trade a couple of those early picks for NHL bodies this season, especially if Marc Savard is lost for the long-term with his PCS issues.