Brett Ritchie
 

I noticed he had an "A" at the U-18s and tried to find some info about him, but couldn't find much.

All I really know is he's a big kid who's good in the tough areas.

How are his hands?
Is he physical?
Does he have top 6 potential?
Where do you think he'll go in the draft?


Any info is appreciated.

Thanks!

I'm a season ticket holder of the Sting so I've seen enough of B. Ritchie to at least form an opinion.

The most often used term describing him is 'power forward' and I cringe every time I hear that associated with him. I found him far to soft/timid to be associated with that term up until January this past season where he really did take his game to a whole new level. His intensity and being a noticeable player really changed at that point but then he was out of the lineup for a long stretch and only came back late when the season was pretty much over for the Sting. IF he can carry through his second half play, IMO we have a player...if not we have someone who would struggle to make any meaningful longtime NHL career. Skill (hands/skating) are not the issue its intensity - or at least willingness to get involved more often.

As for where he goes in the draft, he seems to be consistantly rated as a second rounder, but I do think he could be seen as a gem and taken higher than the rankings slot him in a draft where I think many teams may go off the board earlier than in previous years. I do know that many scouts have come to Sarnia to see him specifically.

In short I was not a fan early on but his second half play really impressed me to the point I may take him as a flyer late in the first round or play it safe early/mid second.

I think that pretty much sums it up.

Basically, I don't think we really know what type of player Brett Ritchie is going to become.

During that stretch to start the new year, he was an absolute animal. But was that just a hot stretch, or was that just his confidence returning after the slow start?

This Under 18's will be huge for his draft stock IMO. He's been held pointless thus far, but if he's playing well away from the puck, hitting people and providing leadership, that might be enough to bump up his draft ranking (based on those who've seen him enough to know that he has offensive talent, even if he's not showing it at the tournament).

Sounds like Dustin Penner to me.

Thanks for the replies.

I was hoping he was more of a Lucic than a Penner. :(

Much better skater than Penner.

Ritchie certainly continued his strong second half play (PPG since Jan 1) all the way through to the end of the U18s. At 6'3" 210 lbs but with the feet and hands of a skilled player, there's too much there to not see him picked in the first round (bottom 15 somewhere).

I was very impressed with Ritchie at the Under 18's. He was 3rd among Canadian forwards in scoring and led all forwards in shots on goal. I agree with the poster above that I'd be surprised if he didn't go in the 1st round now with his strong second half and tourney play combined with his physical tools and skillset.

First 25 games: 6-4-10 -11
Last 24 games: 15-16-31 +10

Welcome back to the first round Mr Ritchie.

amazing wrist shot is all i have to say..ive personally had him shoot on me and his wrister is unreal

Ryan Clowe ?

Always reminds me of James Neal

THIS!

A 5 goal game today, I figured this guy's thread deserved a bump. He must have had quite a game against the Pete's.

9 goals in the last two games :amazed:

Theo - Strome - Ritchie is tearing the OHL a new one currently.

Strome to Dallas soon? :sarcasm:

if anything it'd be Ritchie to NYI as his two linemates are both drafted by the Isles!

Doubt anything happens, but it's fun to speculate. Not sure what we'd want for Ritchie, especially considering our glut of wing prospects.

haha, yeah I'm just messing around. I think NYI is quite attached to Strome, though. They seem to have a thing with guys from Mississauga going on.

Tavares and Boyes are both from there, and the Isles website has Moulson listed under North York. I think they are looking to build on that.

9 goals in 2 games.. damn.

o-m-g !!!

Yeah, the whole Mississauga connection is interesting. It's all about keeping Johnny happy since he is the franchise. To add to that, I don't think it's a coincidence that Brandon DeFazio (AHL) was signed by the Isles this past year who is from Oakville, ON. Hmm, that town sounds familiar. ;)

Another interesting tidbit is that they all work out together in 'The Dungeon' during the offseason - Tavares, Strome, Moulson, Matt Martin, DeFazio. With Strome's development right on track, I don't see why the Isles would deal their heir apparent for the #2C spot.

Don't know much about this kid Ritchie, is he another Justin DiBenedetto type? Dibo put up some great numbers on Stamkos' wing back in Sarnia.

Where was this goal production in Sarnia?

It can't hurt that Ritchie is skating on a line with Strome who is known as a premier playmaker.