From my observations in the brief scrimmage...
Nesbitt - quick for his size, likes using his frame to get to the net, good shot, willingness to get creative.
Lavigne - Decent speed for his spot/size, strong in battles for the puck, seemed comfortable. He might have a spot on the "OHL Hair All-Star" line, too!
Pace - Very quick, head up looking for plays, was looking to create offensively, didn't back down from physical challenges.
Tissier - I think they said he had four goals?
Morin - I kept noticing his speed.
Hjelholt (U18) - Looked like a veteran at times, good size, comfortable.
Ward (U18) - I think he won the shootout, creative around the net. Despite the lightheartedness of the scrimmage, I believe it was him who the coaches had to, um, remind about not being overly physical during scrimmage.
I can't give a good take on the goalies since I wasn't really sure who was who until late in the event.
I was at the on ice session as well,got to meet a few of the parents/ families, agree pretty much with your observations of the players you mentioned.
Adding a couple comments about those not mentioned ,was impressed with the play of dman Adrian Manzo,smart,positional,gap control style of defense, mobile,
Winger Kyle Butt nice style and pace,good hands,hockey sense,heavy shot and before camp we were warned about his physical tendencies and one could see he was tempted to hit but didnt will be interesting watching him future wise,forward Julian Gignac, decent skills,good shot,hustle,another one you could tell he wanted to hit lol,and dman Luke Leavens 15th round pick,had some decent moments,could be one of those diamond in the rough guys,did make the all star team so something is there played with Nesbitt this past season.
Didnt focus as much on the tenders though I thought they were fine,Donahue doesn't turn 16 till early December and Bortolin the other tender doesn't turn 17 till September so both have time to furthur develop, besides in my view with Costanzo and Froggett Spits are set in goal for the next 3 or 4 years and that's a good thing.
Must say despite the camp's briefness was impressed with the skills and skating overall,particularly Nesbitt, Pace, Lavigne, Manzo,Tissier,and Butt.
Looking forward to the main camp in early September it gives those who performed here Saturday a few months to get ready and compete for a spot on this year's upcoming team.
Would love to see 3 here next year,namely Nesbitt, Pace, and either Manzo or Lavigne,plus Evan Hjelholt the 1st rd pick dman in the U18 draft who I liked too,nice size and mobility and he doesn't turn 17 till December.
Hopefully guys like Gignac,Butt,Tissier play Jr B this year,as well as goalie Bertolin and forward Jakzen Ward a 17 year old from Windsor who impressed as well.
