I have a grandson playing in HEO for the Upper Canada Cyclones, and watched a ton of games this year in the Ottawa area.
I've been keeping tabs on some of the local kids for years, and I've watched a ton of U15 - U18 games over that time, and this has to be one of the more impressive draft eligible crops from HEO I've ever seen. Not a ton of super-stars, but some real solid talent.
Just to name a couple of kids from each of the HEO teams that impressed me this year.
Ottawa Valley Titans - Top team in the league by far. Many great players to choose from.
1. Kaden MacGregor - A no-brainer for sure, and while I see lots of high regard for him here, I don't think he gets the same level of attention as some of the Toronto area kids do. This kid should be on every teams' top 3 list.
2. David Buchman - Top D in the HEO league. Good skater, good decision maker, and solid positionally; he just rarely makes any mistakes. This kid was really fun to watch for those who know what they are looking for. Should go reasonably high in the OHL draft (2nd round?).
UCC - Strange season for them; lots of ups and downs, but performed pretty well in the playoffs.
1. Carter Beauchesne - Loads of talent, and can score, but needs to focus on playing hockey right. Too much diving and complaining, and takes too many undisciplined penalties.
2. Quinn Young - Good skater, smart player, and can finish. This team had a great PP this year, mostly due to Young's play. He's always hard on the puck, and difficult to bounce him off of it.
Myers - Took a step back this year losing Buchman to the Titans. Couldn't remain consistent.
1. Alex Tangalin - Solid D, with good sense and skating. Like Buchman, he doesn't make too many mistakes. Lots of potential with this young player.
2. Will Mullins - This kid plays good hockey - he can skate, he can shoot, and he can pass. This team appeared to struggle at times with team play, but Mullins seemed to always stand out.
Eastern Ontario Wild - Better season from that of previous years; lots of changes in the line-up.
1. Dax Mackinnon - Undersized, but doesn't play like it. This kid was probably one of the strongest (physically) in the league despite being 5'5" (or less). He's quick, and can finish.
2. Alex Campeau - Big, strong kid. Appeared to have lost a bit of a step this year, but still produced. Good decision maker, and shows great patience with the puck.
Ottawa Jr 67s - Great season as far as this group is concerned. Unfortunately, they have been a weak team for years, but changed coaching dramatically, and brought in players who worked hard. 0 Wins in their regular season last year, to almost making HEO playoffs this year.
1. Will Walker - Not a great skater, but can simply just finish. He doesn't look like much, and needs to work on his D-zone game, but somehow put up points for a traditionally weak team.
2. Caleb Killeen - Ok skater, great passer, and sees the game very well. Great on face-offs, and D-zone, but needs to build on his offensive game and skating speed.
Not saying that these boys will all be drafted, but just some general observations.