3-v-3: Players to watch when the 67’s host the Oshawa Generals

67’s

Sam Studnicka (#23)
One of Ottawa’s over-agers, Studnicka scored three goals in the 67’s 5-1 win over the Bulldogs last Friday. As one of the bigger players on Ottawa’s roster, if Sam continues to go to net, look for him to cash in on a lot of pretty feeds from the 67’s smaller skilled forwards. His brother, Jack, will suit up for Oshawa tonight for their first OHL meeting. That may give Sam a little extra incentive, as he shows the younger Studnicka what this league is all about. 

Drake Rymsha (#91)
Ottawa acquired Rymsha from the London Knights for a 2nd round pick on Wednesday. The second-year centre scored 12 points (5G, 7A) as a rookie with the Knights. He was a teammate of fellow 67’s forward Travis Barron with the Toronto Junior Canadians Triple-A minor midget elites in 2013-14. Look for 67’s head coach/GM Jeff Brown to insert Rymsha into the lineup tonight.

Evan de Haan (#22)
The Ottawa-native had a career year last season. In only 41 games, de Haan scored four goals and added 15 assists. He’s off to a great start in 2015/16, already notching his first goal against Hamilton last Friday. Like his older brother, Calvin, who now plays with the NHL’s NY Islanders, Evan is a slick, offensive defenceman. Under the guidance of former NHL all-star defenceman Jeff Brown for a full season, de Haan should once again improve on his career highs. 

Generals

Jeremy Brodeur (#56)
That surname is unmistakeable. Son of arguably the best goaltender in hockey history, Jeremy Brodeur has a lot to live up to. Sharing the crease with Ken Appleby last season, Brodeur started only 19 games, but was impressive in those few starts. He posted a 13-4-2 record, with a 2.40 GAA, and three shutouts. He’s started all six games for the Gens and has continued where he left off last season, sporting a 1.83 GAA, three wins, and a .933 SV%. If the Generals hope to win, Brodeur will have to continue to be at his best.

Michael Dal Colle (#71)
One of the New York Islanders final training camp cuts, Dal Colle may not have expected to be back in Oshawa this season. The talented left winger tallied 93 points last season with the Generals and seems ready to take the next step. He should be one of the OHL’s elite players this season, look for him to be all over the ice tonight at TD Place.

Matt Mistele (#20)
After losing three of their top five scorers from last season, Oshawa will be relying heavily upon forward Matt Mistele. He was acquired from the Plymouth Whalers midway through last season, and between both teams Matt racked up 64 points in 60 games. This year, Mistele is off to a torrid pace. Through the first six games, he’s notched two goals and added six assists, placing him tied for fourth in OHL scoring. He’ll be a big part of Oshawa’s offence this season and should have a major impact on tonight’s game.