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That's Sports
Strong local flavour to OHL draft
Tuesday, May 4, 2004
This past weekend's OHL draft has all sorts of local connections. The Chatham Maroons continued their success at moving players on to the next level as Justin Azevedo was picked 14th overall by the Kitchener Rangers.Although Azevedo is small in stature he is big on skills as he was a major part in the Maroons success this past year. Azevedo has great speed and superb hockey sense with the ability to make the right decisions. I was surprised he did go as high as he did with the fact thrown into play that he would rather go the US College route than the "O". If he does go to the Rangers, he will be a nice surprise to the blueshirts.
Jonathan Sciacca was also drafted from the Maroons roster. The potential for this kid is through the roof. He was forced to played the role of a veteran in his rookie season. He will get bigger and stronger and already has the toughness needed to be a smart addition to the Windsor Spitfires.
In my opionion Jordan Shine is one of the best picks in the draft. Shine can do it all, fight, score, defensive hockey, offensive hockey -- you name it he can do it. He had a great campaign with Wallaceburg and will stick with the Barrie Colts.
Jeff McFarland is another great pick. He was stolen 61st overall by the Plymouth Whalers and will be a fixture on their roster. I saw Jeff play this year with both the Lakers and the Minor Midgets and at times with the Cyclones he looked like a man playing with boys. He is a complete hockey player that will add a new dimension to Plymouth.
Shawn Connors was taken 69th overall by the Kingston Frontenacs. Connors is a very good skater and can control the play when he has the puck. Connors will also be a player that will stick in the "O". He has the talent and the right attitude to make the step to the next level.
Brady Morrison was also a steal in the draft as the Thamesville goaltender was taken 129th overall and was the eleventh goalie selected. Morrison has worked hard and matured between the pipes this past season with the Petrolia Jets. He was a big reason for Petrolia's season success. Brady is a solid goalie that is not easily rattled. He should be playing next season in Kingston.
Dresden's Tyler McFadden was taken late as he was picked 206th overall. I have watched Tyler play since Pee Wee and he is a very talented hockey player that can elevate his game to the next level. He is solid skater and had some of the sweetest hands in the AAA loop last year. He has a talent for knowing where the puck is and is a natural goal scorer. Tyler really got tougher last season and should also be playing in the "O" next season.
I was shocked that Trevor Erdie was taken so far down in the draft. He played with the Cyclones last season and is a very solid defenseman. He is a good skater and has some great raw talent. When the Wolves are done with him, he will be a polished gem. Erdie is similar to Connors in the fact that he too can handle the puck well for a blueliner.
Joel Scott was another Cyclone that went in the draft as he wa staken 276th overall by the Sarnia Sting. Scott is a very talented player that can skate like the wind. Scott has a wicked, hard shot and some nice hands around the net. He will earn different team skills needed in the Sarnia camp and can crack the line-up with a disciplined attitude. He has all the skills needed to play in the OHL.
Tyler Roeszler is another player that should have no problem making the OHL. He should have gone much higher in the draft but the Blenheim Blades leading scorer indicated that he would like to follow in his father's footsteps and go the US College route. Tyler was one of the premier players in the Great Lakes League last season and which ever way he ends up going, will be a success.
Gary Patterson was born and raised in Chatham-Kent. He grew up in Thamesville and now lives in Chatham. Patterson was Sports Director at Beaver Communications an Blackburn Radio for over 15 years. Gary is also the track announcer at Dresden Raceway as well as some appearances at Windsor Raceway. He has played all sports inclduing being a mermber of three OBA Championship baseball teams in Thamesville and has also played hockey and football. Gary still plays golf, slo-pitch and ball hockey and well as the odd game of pick up hockey. Patterson is a passionate Miami Dolphin and Michigan Wolverine football fan. Here are few other details about Gary Patterson: Favourite food: steak, chicken wings, chili or Kenny Tharp\'s famous meatloaf; Favourite non alcoholic drink : Diet Coke; Favourite drink: Scotch, Coor\'s Light; Favourite Sports team : Miami Dolphins/Michigan Wolverines/New York Yankees; Favourite Bar : Bru\'s Room Margate Florida/Pompano Beach Florida; Favourite Bartender : Tanya (Margate), Sarah (Pompano); Favourie Vacataion spot : Pompano Beach Florida; Marital Staus : married with chilren Hockey player : Curtis Jospeh/Todd Bertuzzi; Favourite Football player : Retired Dan Marino, Anthony Thomas; Favourite Basketball player : Steve Nash Favourite Baseball player : Derek Jeter; Favourite colour : Blue; Favourite TV Show : CSI Favourite movie : The Sting, Blue Brothers and Field of Dreams; Favourite song Life Been Good To Me ( Joe Walsh); Favourite Band : Tom Petty/Eagles; Favourite type of Dog: Springer Spaniel; Favourite type of Cat : NONE
