Calum Ritchie

Solid OHL centre with a frame that can add to his 177 lb. weight with strong face-off skills, size and a strong toolbox. I am of the opinion that he is a huge talent, who at this juncture, is slowed by the team surrounding him, which in my opinion, has led to a non-consistent level of effort. I think if he, say, was a USA development member (He's Canadien) , he would be afforded the opportunity to play an all-around exciting game, as opposed to one where teammates miscues hamper the flow of things clinking on all cylinders. His skill level and physicality are improving and he is an excellent play-maker. Finishes his checks. Takes the puck to scoring areas. Has a very hard shot, and a terrific release. Very elusive in traffic and can slide in and out of seams, around opposing sticks and away from checks. Excellent skill handler whose stick seems faster when he is bearing down on the opposing goalie. Finds the smart routes from the outside to the middle of the attack zone and has a lethal shot. I think this unfinished project has major upside. Skinny and needs plenty more muscle and girth, consistent offensive threat with excellent puck control and craftiness of a power player. He doesn't play low  in the defensive end, and he is a centre. I think the chinks can be hammered in his armor. He is crafty in the wall scrums, displays East-West agility and excellent acceleration. Led all players in the Hlinka-Gretzky tourney will 4 goals and 10 points in the five games. He is yet another OHL centre in this strong centre class who's a well balance shooter and set-up man.

                                                                     --Bill Płaczek--