Starting tonight the Toronto Maple Leafs will take part in a three team tournament in Oshawa labelled the “Rookie Tournament.” The Leafs as an organization take part in this tourney on a yearly basis and will do so once again.
The roster and scheduled games over the weekend can be found on the Maple Leafs website. Here are some prospects to watch out for:
David Broll – Forward
The ‘Brolldozer” was a 152nd overall draft selection of the Toronto Maple Leafs this past NHL entry draft and he comes into this tournament weighing a staggering 225 pounds at 6’1. The Mississauga, Ontario native resembles a beast on the ice, crashing and banging his way through. With that comes entertainment and eventually a fan favourite type player. He is projected to be a bottom six forward in the Maple Leafs organization.
Jerry D’amigo – Forward
Jerry was drafted by the Maple Leafs in the sixth round of the 2010 NHL entry draft and quickly moved up the ranks in the organization. He is most remembered for his great performance in the 2010 IIHF World Junior Championships. Last year he took a step back in his eyes due to the fact he was demoted to the OHL shortly after the AHL season got going. He really needs to step up his game from now on if he intends to become an integral part of the Leafs organization for the future.
Mitchell Heard – Forward
Mitchell Heard failed to get the call on draft day from an NHL team which paved his way to a spot on the Leafs roster for their rookie camp many weeks back. He flourished there as most observers listed him as the most outstanding player in camp. His performance earned him a spot in this year’s rookie tournament with the Leafs and a professional tryout contract. The Leafs remain very interested in signing the 6’2 forward but he must make the most out of his opportunities if he intends on the same.
Greg McKegg – Forward
Greg McKegg! A name very popular amongst Maple Leafs faithfuls due to his performance last year in the rookie tournament. Ever since, things have gone pretty well for McKegg registering 92 points with the Erie Otters last season. He will look to continue to drive up the ranks starting tonight although his destination is likely set in stone for this upcoming season.
Brad Ross – Forward
Young Ross, one of the more peskier prospects in the league. The 6’1 forward is one of the more higher profile prospects in the Maple Leafs organization bringing with him skills that make the game much more entertaining to watch. He is the Steve Ott of the Leafs organization.
Stuart Percy – Defenseman
The word I have used many times to describe Stuart Percy’s road to being drafted by the Maple Leafs is “prophecy.” It just seemed like a prophecy from the beginning, the Toronto native playing for his home town team. It couldn’t have been a better fit. This will be the first time Leafs fans get to lay an eye on Percy in action sporting a Maple Leafs jersey.
Mark Owuya – Goalie
Is it ever going to feel awkward watching this guy play in goal for the Leafs after witnessing that rap video? All jokes aside, Mark Owuya is a pretty solid goaltender and was coveted by quite a few teams this past off-season. He chose to sign with the Maple Leafs mostly due to the fact he can work alongside Francois Allaire, the goalie guru.
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