Proud playoff run and offseason happenings have Oshawa fans looking forward to 2012 season

By Daniel A. Marley

            The Oshawa Generals have one goal for the 2012 season: translating a renewed team dynamic into Ontario Hockey League and Memorial Cup Championships.

In 2011, the Generals made the playoffs after missing the cut for the last two seasons, posting a 39-19-10 record for 88 points and reaching the second round of the playoffs.  

Last season also made history for one Christian Thomas, as he joined his father Steven “Stumpy” Thomas as the first father-son duo in OHL history to score 50-plus goals during their semi-pro tenures. 

            During the offseason, Thomas signed an entry-level deal with the New York Rangers, who drafted him in the second round of the 2010 National Hockey League Draft.  If Thomas does not make the cut with the Rangers during training camp, he will return to the Oshawa roster.  He also took part in the World Junior Championships camps with Team Canada, where his skills will continue to develop.

            The outcomes of the 2011 NHL Entry and OHL Priority Selection Drafts went in favor of the Generals, as they saw five current roster players drafted into the NHL and young talent replacing missing slots for the team’s future plans.

            On June 24, forwards Nicklas Jensen (No.29, Vancouver), Boone Jenner (No. 37, Columbus), Lucas Lessio (No. 56, Phoenix), Andy Andreoff (No. 80, Los Angeles), and defenseman Colin Suellentrop (No. 116, Philadelphia) were drafted into the NHL.  However, because of their rate of development and team needs, they will remain on the Generals roster for 2012.

            These skaters, along with Thomas, make up the new team dynamic that has brought the Generals out of the cellar.

             Second-year Danish forward Jensen has become well acclimated with North American hockey.  His improvements in speed, puck control, and shooting accuracy were shown in his 58-point performance last season.

            Jenner had a very productive year in 2011.  His playmaking mentality on the ice helped him earn career highs in goals (25) and assists (41).

            Lessio had a productive rookie year with the Generals, registering 27 goals and 27 assists with a plus/minus rating of eight. He ended the year on a poor note, receiving a two-game suspension for game misconduct against the Niagara IceDogs in the playoffs.  After his suspension, Lessio will spend the season working on his speed and perfecting his forecheck and power strides up and down the ice.

            Andreoff had a great 2011 campaign, registering 75 points and leading the team in penalty minutes with 109.  He will see more ice time, especially on the special teams units.

            Defenseman Suellentrop is a stay-at-home defenseman with great on-ice mobility.  His plus-21 rating and 70 penalty minutes show that opponents will find it difficult to score when he is on the ice.

            Open roster spots will lead to heavy competition amongst the prospects that were selected in the 2011 OHL Priority Selection Draft.  General Manager and Head Coach Chris DePiero’s intentions in this draft were to build a new core for the long term and enhance their defensive and goaltending depths.

            The 2011 Oshawa draft class included forwards Cole Cassels and Bradley Latour and goaltender Ken Appleby, who signed deals shortly after the draft.

            DePiero was relieved when he saw Cassels available by the time the Generals made their selection in the first round.  Son of former NHL forward Andrew Cassels, Cole is highly revered by DePiero for his “very skilled offensive game.”  In 48 games with the Ohio Blue Jackets Under-16 club, Cassels scored 22 goals and made 44 assists.  He also participated in the 2011 OHL Showcase Tournament, registering three points in four games.

            Latour’s too is revered by the Generals organization for his “hard work and dedication, as he pushes to improve his development.”  In 42 games with the Barrie Junior Colts, Latour registered 24 goals and 20 assists with 36 penalty minutes.  He too participated in the Showcase Tournament, recording four points in four games.

            Appleby will be competing with goaltender Peter DiSalvo for the starting role this upcoming season.  His size will be in his favor, however, has room for development and time in his favor to perfect his game.  With the North Bay Midget Trappers AAA, Appleby recorded a 2.19 goals against average in 21 games.

            The Oshawa Generals start their 2011/12 campaign against their division rival Kingston Frontenacs on September 23 and at home on the 25^th against the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds.