Kingston Frontenacs – McKeen's Hockey

Lawson Crouse: A presence on the ice and scoreboard

David Burstyn — Sun, 01 Mar 2015 18:51:35 +0000

Size, speed and a snipers touch finds Lawson Crouse currently ranked fifth overall on McKeen’s January rankings. The 6’4 inch, 210 pound winger brings many different elements to the Frontenacs, including a good presence in the room along with some toughness - not afraid to drop his gloves combined with a nasty streak evidenced by a wicked slash on Oshawa General’s captain Josh Brown in mid-February. Currently leading the Frontenacs in scoring with 39 points and 25 goals (47-25-14-39) and a healthy 64 penalty minutes

Crouse helped end a five year gold medal drought for Team Canada at the World Junior Tournament playing in a fourth line capacity. He is the only player this season to win both an Ivan Hlinka Tournament and WJC gold. He provided six goals in five games in the Hlinka tournament including two in the gold medal game.

David Burstyn provides a scouting report below. He believes that injuries in particular to Bennett and Polesello have added more offensive responsibility to Crouse which has stunted his offensive totals despite leading the team. He added eight goals in February, and three in three since the return of Sam Bennett on February 25^th.

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Lawson Crouse (2015), LW, Kingston Frontenacs

Photo by Terry Wilson/OHL Images.

Sizeable winger who plays a power forwards game and has a lighting quick release whose shot always picks top corners .. sniper’s release who doesn’t hesitate to shoot at will – shot explodes off his blade often without goalies even being able to react .. skates hard and digs into the ice with long powerful strides .. speed is good off the mark as is his quickness and agility .. strong cuts and pivots allows him to charge to the middle of the ice to make a strong play inching his way closer to the goal .. plays an inside game as he will go hard to the net .. has a patent move in which he makes a quick move off the boards to attack the goal from the side .. strong body who still has yet to fill out however he is extremely difficult to knock off stride and/or his feet .. equipped with a nasty streak as he plays physical and will not hesitate to stand up for his teammates – witnessed by four fighting majors this season .. good in neutral zone eliminating players angles and taking away their passing lanes .. valiant in the defensive zone chasing guys down and smothering his man with his intimidating size .. average stick handler; his game is more suited as a trigger man as he needs someone to complement his style of play and bring out his skill set .. plays a complete, mature game that will be better suited at the pro level than junior.

Disappointed Kingston Frontenacs still optimistic about future

Peter Harling — Thu, 03 Apr 2014 15:09:26 +0000

Photo by Aaron Bell/OHL Images

After a very successful regular season finish for the Kingston Frontenacs, the playoffs were extremely disappointing.

The third-seeded Fronts played the No. 6 seed Peterborough Petes in the first round and took a commanding three games to none series lead. It seemed as though Kingston’s 16-year drought of no playoff series victories was all but over.

But you have to tip your hat to the Petes as they never gave up and fought their way back one game at a time, including two overtime victories.

The series was very physical, and at times a little dirty as there were several fights, a suspension and plenty of hate right from the drop of the puck in game one. In the seventh game the trainers for both teams were rather busy tending to injured players in what was an extremely hard fought game in front of a full house at the K-Rock centre in Kingston.

The crowd was vocal and spirited as three busloads of Petes fans made the trip to watch their team complete the miraculous comeback when Nick Ritchie scored the series winning goal late in the first overtime period.

And just like that, the heavily favoured Kingston Frontenacs were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs ending what had been a successful season and one that had some thinking possible Championship possibilities and a trip to the Memorial Cup. But Kingston is a young team, and while some playoff experience would have been great for the players and engaging for the fans, the future is still bright.

And just like that, the Fronts are out. Disappointing end , but remember, the team is built around 95 and 96s. Still loads of time.

— Sean Lafortune (@SeanLafortune) April 2, 2014

While it is assured the team will see turnover for next season, the core of talent such as Sam Bennett, Roland McKeown, and Spencer Watson will all be back. Overage players Matt Mahalak, Darcy Greenaway and Mike Moffat will all be moving on. It is also expected that the World Junior Gold Medal winners from Finland, Henri Ikonen and Mikko Vainonen will make their Pro debuts elsewhere next season as well. One or both could return as an overage but would also still use up an import card as well so it is doubtful. Both players have been drafted by an NHL team and will likely make their AHL debuts.

The playoffs were a bit of a coming out for Fronts rookie Lawson Crouse. Crouse had a successful rookie season and has been nominated for the league rookie of the year award, and was very good in the playoffs. Head Coach Todd Gill recognized his elevated performance as he was promoted from his regular third line role to playing on the first line with Sam Bennett and Henri Ikonen for the seventh game.

With the regular and post seasons both over in Kingston, focus will shift to the OHL Priority draft on Saturday April fifth. The Fronts own the 15^th pick overall and will likely pick a forward as it is a forward heavy draft. McKeens scout Sean Lafortune predicts they will select Logan Stanley of the Waterloo Wolves in his mock draft.

Following the Priority draft is the import draft. The Fronts will be busy here as well as t is expected the Fronts will use both picks on imports this year

Several Kingston players will have busy summers as Bennett, McKeown and Watson will all be invited to play for Canada at the under 18 tournament and will all be at the NHL Entry Draft in June as well.

It was a crushing defeat for the Kingston Frontenacs and their fans as their playoff drought seemed all but over before it all came crashing down. But the future is still bright and brimming with optimism and hope as their window of opportunity surrounds their 18 year old star players who will all be back next season to pursue a championship and fulfill the expectations.

OHL 2014 Draft Eligibles: We Three Kings-ton Frontenacs

Sean Lafortune — Thu, 14 Nov 2013 06:46:40 +0000

Sean Lafortune of thescout.ca has reports on recent OHL viewings with a Kingston Frontenacs heavy review of 2014 draft eligibles along with a review of Hall of Fame Al MacInnis son, Ryan, and defenseman Roland McKeown.

Also featured is Sam Bennett who started the season with a 20-point run (10-10-20) in his first 10 games dressed, lining up alongside Tampa Bay 2013 pick, Henri Ikonen (6th rnd 154th overall). He missed one game (game 7) but recorded a point in every contest in in the first 10 in which he dressed. Talk about making a statement out of the gate in your draft year.

There's a slight detour from Kitchener before heading to Kingston.

Ryan MacInnis, C, Kitchener Rangers (2014)

A high potential pivot making playing in his inaugural OHL season. Son of NHL Hall of fame defenseman Al MacInnis. Has represented the United States internationally at the 2012 World Under 17 Challenge, playing a lead role in the team's bronze medal victory. A tall, lanky play maker with quick, soft hands. Slippery in traffic, protects and handles the puck comfortably, aided by an extended wingspan. Calm in possession, can dangle and weave through checks. Packs a tricky wrist-shot, one that has a deceptive release point that always keeps goaltenders guessing. Efficient at finding open ice in the offensive zone, getting lost in coverage and opening himself up for a quick strike. Balance, coordination and agility all need to come along. A somewhat slushy and upright skater, must strive to get stronger on his feet and continue to add length to a somewhat short stride. Top speed is adequate, should improve as he ads lower body strength. Could inject a more consistent physical edge, does not always project a strong, aggressive presence. Added success and strength to a somewhat lean frame should benefit multiple aspects of his game. Far from a finished product, projects as a smart, top 6 forward at the next level, one who already possesses size and a pro shot. Will be asked to play significant minutes for a rebuilding Kitchener Rangers squad, allowing him to develop all aspects of his game.

Roland McKeown, D, Kingston Frontenacs (2014)

The undisputed leader of the Kingston Frontenacs defence core. Has represented Canada internationally twice, first as an underage player at the World U18 Championships in April and at the Summer Ivan Hlinka Tournament, winning a Gold medal on both occasions. A skilled, creative puck mover with gifted vision and offensive awareness. Agile, lively skater who generates a sharp acceleration burst from a wide stride. Slick on his edges, boasting exceptional lateral quickness and agility. Can paralyze opponents one on one with rapid stick handling moves. Lethal in transition, deft long range passer and talented shooter. Confidently joins the attack, has a knack for has a knack for sneaking into open spaces. Imaginative powerplay quarterback, has a flirt for walking the line and finding open passing lanes. Gradually adding muscle to a fairly lean frame and learning to use his skating to sustain a positional edge defending one on one. Lacks intensity in puck battles, can be too accommodating when opposition forwards drive the net. Must develop more of a physical presence down low. Must define his positional reads and develop a bigger push back around his crease. Gained valuable experience last year on a rebuilding Frontenacs squad, must now take that next step and prove he can lead a talented squad through the rigors of a championship drive.

Sam Bennett, C, Kingston Frontenacs (2014)

A multipurpose pivot who plays a competitive, two way game. A winning pedigree after winning championships internationally at both the World U18 Championship, the summer Ivan Hlinka tournament and throughout his minor hockey career with the Toronto Marlboros. In the midst of a break out sophomore season with the Kingston Frontenacs. Analytic two way pivot with clever play making skills. Displays a competitive edge, hates to lose and never stops working. Cerebral in possession, plays with impressive poise and intelligence, deft one touch passer, identifies options and makes a quick decision. Excels at holding the puck and finding open seams in coverage. Strong, disciplined checker, finishes hits and forechecks with enthusiasm. Displays a knack for coming up with loose pucks, guided by strong anticipation and positioning. Makes smart mature plays in the defensive end, tracks back deep and supports his defenders. A good but not elite skater, lacks strong separation speed or an explosive second gear. Still fairly undersized, must continue to add strength and mass to a somewhat underdeveloped frame. Improving his upper body strength should add more zip to an average shot. Projects as a top end, two way pivot who leads by example. Will lead the Frontenacs offensively this year, attempting to take the Frontenacs deep into the playoffs and perhaps earn a Memorial Cup berth.

Spencer Watson, RW, Kingston Frontenacs (2014)

A London Ontario native who displays excellent finishing ability. Was a stand out for Team Canada at the 2013 Ivan Hlinka Tournament, finishing with 10 points in 5 games and helping lead his country to a gold medal. Small, determined sniper with a competitive nature. Drives aggressively to the net and works diligently to find scoring areas. Shoot first mentality, always driving to unleash a quick, accurate wristshot that he can unload in full flight, thanks to soft hands. Shot also packs impressive torque and strength for a player of his size. An agile skater with good top speed, stride is comfortable and efficient, however lacks that elite second level of mobility. Wants to make a difference when the game is on the line. Displays skill and elusiveness in possession, yet needs to mature as a puck mover, learn to make patient and more impressive reads. Too frantic and rushed at times, tends to take the first option. Also requires improvement in his positioning and skating routes away from the puck. Must maximize strength potential in order to fulfill his promising potential, adding depth and mass to a somewhat slender frame. Projects as a top 6 forward at the next level, one who has the ability to be finisher when paired with a true puck distributor. Will team with linemate Sam Bennett to lead the Kingston Frontenacs offensively this year as they attempt to grow on last year’s success and gain entry into the 2014 memorial cup.

Josh Ho Sang, RW, Windsor Spitfires (2014)

A high skilled forward who plays all three forward positions with the Spitfires. Represented Ontario internationally at the 2013 World U17 Challenge. A skater with natural speed and fluidity. Acceleration is top notch, specifically on crossovers, which creates outside separation. Cuts fluidly east to west, makes tight spins and sharp lateral cuts, exploiting strong balance and edge control. Strong passer and puck handler, gets a real zip on crisp passes. Tricky and elusive one on one, especially in open ice. Thrives to make dazzling end to end solo rush, exploring sublime puck skills and a dynamic change of pace. A dangerous and creative player on certain nights, yet prone to over handling the puck in search of a perfect play, drawing unnecessary physical abuse and failing to integrate linemates. At his best when driving aggressively into land and striving to show off a powerful shooting arsenal. Will need to continue to increase his involvement in the defensive zone, has made improvements, however his enthusiasm and commitment can wane dramatically. Will need to increase his mass and body strength. Has made gains in the past 6 months, however will need to mature his game, playing more of a team focused style in order to capitalize on his long term potential. Has become a key player in Windsor with the graduation and maturation of other veterans, seeing significant ice time while becoming one of the most dangerous offensive players on the roster.

Travis Konecny’s day at the OHL draft

Sean Lafortune — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 16:20:51 +0000

The Ottawa 67’s may have found Sean Monahan’s successor in the supremely-talented Travis Konecny.

The 67’s went with the smooth-skating, offensive workhorse from the Elgin-Middlesex Chiefs with the first-overall pick. Konecny, a cousin of 2013 NHL draft eligible Bo Horvat, carries a toolbox brimming with the tools to succeed and become a premier player in the OHL in the near future.

The Erie Otters are surrounding exceptional player Connor McDavid with another gem in Dylan Strome. The younger brother of New York Islanders prospect Ryan, Dylan was chosen with the second pick in the draft and should create quite the dynamic duo with McDavid in the not-too-distant future.

The first defenceman was taken with the third pick, but it wasn’t Sean Day. The Peterborough Petes instead opted for Matthew Spencer, whose impact won’t always be reflected in the box score.

Day’s slide ended with the next pick, No. 4 to the Mississauga Steelheads. The fourth player to be granted “exceptional player” status to play in the league at 15 and third in three years, Day will carve up the ice in the Toronto suburb for at least three seasons before being eligible for the NHL draft in 2016.

The Kingston Frontenacs rounded out the top five with Konecny’s teammate, left winger Lawson Crouse. The big and powerful winger will be a handful to contain once he realizes his immense potential.

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Travis Konecny (C, 2015), Elgin-Middlesex Chiefs - 5'9" – 161 pounds - March 11, 1997

Drafted first-overall by the Ottawa 67’s

Konecny shone as a standout on Team Hall at the Allstate All-Canadians camp .. dynamic skater with natural speed and fluidity .. generates significant initial thrusts with his first steps and start up .. the slick pivot possesses soft, articulate hands with excellent playmaking vision .. makes the biggest impact when he pushes the pace of play and competes aggressively at both ends of the ice .. composed in possession and excels in making crafty plays in motion, aided by fine in-close puck skills and cleaver lateral mobility .. makes split-second decisions and can execute his game-plan smoothly in top gear .. can play with a physical edge and be a physical force .. delivers impactful open-ice hits and can terrorize opposing defencemen on the fore-check .. excels in traffic; comfortable with body contact and protecting the puck as he finds open space .. shows intuitiveness at sensing danger, knowing when to hold onto the puck for that extra second and when to distribute .. possesses a dynamic snapshot with an unpredictable release point that keeps goaltenders guessing .. consistency can waver, as he can get frustrated when given extra attention by the opposition .. his role next year may be tied to the future of Sean Monahan in the nation's capital, but the expectations are that Konecny will come into the league as a top two centre, while working on adding some strength to his frame and continuing his development .. has the ability to be one of the top players in the league in two years.

Dylan Strome (C, 2015), Toronto Marlboros - 6'2" - 165 pounds - March 7, 1997

Drafted second-overall by the Erie Otters

Quickly became known as the most dangerous playmaker in his age group .. puck skills and vision are his best assets .. a gifted passer, displays an ability to carve defences with no-look passes ranging from five to 20 feet in little-to-no space .. exhibits great imagination with the puck in the offensive zone, driving the net or finding teammates in open ice .. soft, quick hands make him one of the more dangerous players around the net .. well-sized for a player of his age and continuing to grow into his body .. still needs to work on adding bulk to his large, 6’2 frame .. not an elegant skater, as he is somewhat stiff and heavy footed .. increasing the length and fluidity of his stride will make him a stronger, more mobile player .. projects as a number one centre at the next level .. will probably slot into a top-six role initially with the Otters .. much like McDavid last year, look for the Otters to play him with finishers such as Dane Fox or Stephen Harper, where he can truly utilize his puck skills .. a power-play tandem of McDavid and Strome may become one of the most dangerous in the league in the coming seasons.

Matthew Spencer (D, 2015), Oakville Rangers - 6'2" – 185 pounds - March 24, 1997

Drafted third-overall by the Peterborough Petes

A responsible, well-rounded workhorse .. plays in all situations and thrives in each .. extremely-effective at closing down space in both the neutral and offensive zones .. gap control is top notch, aided by his deceptive quick feet and strong stick-work .. extremely tough to beat one-on-one, specifically when backing up and defending the rush .. sustains tight gaps and takes away space from opposing puck-rushers .. proficient at getting his stick into passing lanes and deflecting shots on net .. underrated in the offensive zone .. displays an ability to join the attack while making accurate lead passes .. composed under pressure and dissolves fore-checking pressure by making quick, decisive decisions with the puck .. packs a sizzling slap-shot with a hard, heavy one-timer .. has the ability to fake a shot, walk the line and alter a shooting lane .. could be more adventurous as a puck-mover, as he tends to be a bit conservative offensively .. will need to continue to bulk up and add muscle to his already large frame .. won't be judged on the score-sheet, but more so on his adjustment to the league this year .. should play more of a depth role defensively, seeing some time on the penalty kill and perhaps on the second power-play .. as he matures, expect him to be a leader who can positively contribute at both ends of the ice.

Sean Day (D, 2016), Detroit Compuware U16 - 6'2” - 200 pounds - January 9, 1998

Drafted fourth-overall by the Mississauga Steelheads

Assertive and confident beyond his years .. takes charge of situations and always strives to be a difference-maker .. an innovative, highly-skilled workhorse with great hands and elite mobility .. blessed with an explosive skating stride and backed by excellent footwork .. edges slash into the ice, generating a quick start-up bust and terrific turning speed .. paralyses opponents with dynamic lateral shifts and clever toe-drag moves .. plays the game with remarkable tempo in possession, moving effortlessly with the puck and displaying outstanding one-on-one elusiveness .. hands are fast and skilled .. boasts tricky in-close puck-possession abilities, backed by tremendous focus .. makes sharp, accurate passes and also packs a quick, hard shot .. can play tough, although that really isn’t his forte .. will skate himself into trouble at times, and run out of room .. needs to learn to improvise on the fly while better utilizing his teammates .. must also continue to make gains in his structure and consistency .. will be put in every position to succeed and learn from mistakes by playing top-four minutes following potential graduations of Stuart Percy, Dylan DeMelo and Alex Cord .. has the ability and talent to be one of the best offensive-minded defenders that we have seen in the OHL in some time.

Lawson Crouse (LW, 2015), Elgin-Middlesex Chiefs - 6'3" - 189 pounds - June 23, 1997

Drafted fifth-overall by the Kingston Frontenacs

A skilled and competent puck-handler thanks to strong hands and an ample wingspan .. deceptively quick off the mark, leaps in crossovers and initial steps before setting into a wide, lunging skating stride .. may lack elite mobility, however, but is a strong skater with surprisingly effective agility and lateral mobility .. hard to contain as he enters the offensive zone, using his large frame to protect the puck as he drives to the net .. possesses an elite-level snapshot with an unpredictable release point .. increasing his playmaking tempo and intensity .. misses some vision, but distributes effectively when operating on the sideboards .. at his best when powering through the offensive zone, gaining positioning on opposing defenders through his determination levels .. thrives when working without the puck, getting into open-ice and allowing a teammate to find him driving the net .. forces defenders to back off as he hits top speed, using his combination of agility and power to intimidate .. gets caught flat-footed watching defensive sequences, must stay active and strive to stay involved .. has the frame to be a powerful force, but needs to physically mature while adding strength and mass to his core .. should be an offensive leader for the Frontenacs while developing his defensive zone awareness and physical maturity .. high potential forward has the tools to be an impact forward at the OHL level .. will be initially placed in a depth role of the Frontenacs, learning about the game and adjusting to the speed, but don't be surprised if he’s in the team's top six by the second half of the year .. should mesh well with ’96-born centre Sam Bennett.