In today’s OHL update, the Erie Otters signed a training camp invitee while the Kitchener Rangers signed an Ottawa Senators third-round pick. Other additions include a forward for the Barrie Colts and an import defenseman headed to the Windsor Spitfires.
’05 (F) Alex Messier (NR) signs with the Erie Otters
Messier was an invitee to the team’s 2022 Training Camp after spending the 2021-22 season with the Pittsburgh Penguins Elite 16U team; he was undrafted in the OHL. Last season he played for the Pittsburgh Penguins Elite 16u team and finished with 26 points (6g, 20a) in 51 games. Messier was born in Ballinafad, Ont.
NZ Scouts: “Messier is a big, strong forward that uses his size and strength to get to the net and disrupt the goaltenders’ eyes. He is aggressive around the net front and looks to drive the puck to the net from anywhere below the dots. Alex tries to use his frame to wrap around and tries to beat that goalie to the far post. He takes smart angles on the forecheck, forcing the defensemen out wide and to tough spots in order to make a play and can close in quickly with his long reach and finish his check.”
’04 (D) Tomas Hamara (★★★★) signs with the Kitchener Rangers
Hamara was selected in the third round of the 2022 NHL Draft by the Ottawa Senators and he’ll head to Kitchener to refine his game and get an introduction to North American hockey. Last season Hamara played for Tappara, appearing in games for the pro team and the U20 team. He also played for Czechia’s U18 and U20 teams. In U20 play he finished with 25 points (6g, 19a) in 32 games and he had two assists in 24 pro games in Liiga.
NZ Scouts: “He’s a solid two-way defenseman who over the past two seasons has played 67 games in the U20 SM-sarja finishing with 43 points. Excellent versus his draft class peers at the U18 World’s. Has played 24 games in the Liiga versus men and dome more than hold his own.”
’06 (F) Lucas Ellinas (★★★★) signs with the Barrie Colts
Ellinas played U16 last season for the North York Rangers. In 18 games he finished with an even 11 goals and 11 assists and he also scored a goal in the only OJHL game he played last sesaon.
Ellinas was selected by Barrie in the second round of the 2022 OHL Priority Selection. NZ had him ranked as the No. 71 overall prospect heading into the draft.
NZ Scouts: “Elinas is a lanky left-shot center who plays a reliable 200-foot game. His defensive zone commitment low helps his team to clean zone exits and offensive attacks. His determined play and ability to protect the puck helped stretch offensive zone possession time for his team. He showed above-average anticipation skills that contributed to his positive defensive and offensive plays.”
’04 (D) Tomas Hebek (NR) signs with the Windsor Spitfires
Windsor signed Hebek, who was its first-round pick in the 2022 CHL Import draft (No. 56 overall). Originally from Czechia, he appeared in 40 games for HC Dynamo’s U20 team last season and totaled four assists. He appeared in 12 games for Czechia’s national U18 team and had one goal and one assist.
Hebek has good size at 6-foot-4 and 187 pounds.
“Tomas is a big mobile defenseman and he defends with a purpose.” said Windsor GM Bill Bowler. “We welcome Tomas and his family to the Spitfires.”
