And They're Off

London Knights rookie Mitch Marner

First round draft choice Mitch Marner took about two periods to look comfortable in the Ontario Hockey League.
Marner scored two third period goals to help the London Knights to a 5-1 win over the Sarnia Sting in the pre-season opener for 2013-14.
Watching Marner score the two goals, you could check off a list of attributes the Knights listed when they selected him last May.
"He competes", said the scouting report.
On his first goal, Marner went hard to the net and wouldn't be denied as he lifted a rebound over Brodie  Barrick in the Sarnia goal.  Despite his slight frame Marner showed no hesitation sticking his nose into areas where punishment is dished out.  Marner seems to have grown at least an inch since draft day.
"He keeps his feet moving," said the scouting report.
Also on his first goal Marner did indeed keep his feet moving.  That gives him a 'slippery' quality for opposing defenseman.
"He has high-end skill and great hands", said the scouting report.
On his second goal, Marner picked off a pass in the slot on his backhand.  He quickly brought it to his forehand and got a shot on goal.  He got his own rebound and scored.
Marner will get a lot more pre-season ice time when the Knights drafted players leave for pro camps.

Michael McCarron is big. More than that, McCarron loves to be in front of the net.  Even more than that, McCarron has the skill to be able to do something with the puck when he gets it in front of the net.  He scored a goal vs. the Sting that required using his size and hands.  The same skill set that made Tom Wilson such a handful for the Knights in the playoffs last year, appears evident in McCarron.  The first round pick of the Montreal Canadiens played mostly on a line with Matt and Ryan Rupert.

Michael McCarron will be a headache for OHL goaltenders this season.