The Timmins Majors baffle me to no end

I just got back from the Majors game, a game they lost 6-2 to the North Bay Trappers. The score was tied 2-2 after one period and North Bay held a 3-2 lead after two stanzas. The Majors fell apart early in the third period and the game was essentially over.

First, let me focus on the Trappers and how very impressed I was by them. The team is coached by former OHLer and North Bay native Robin Boucher. I like to think I know a well-coached team when I see one, and NB is a well-coached squad. Unlike the Majors, their defence moves the puck well; they have a good power play; they play with discipline; and their goaltending appears to be solid.

A few of their OHL draft eligible players stand out to me:

Ryan Leckie - a 6-foot-2 defenceman who is among the league leaders in scoring among defencemen. I would imagine that scouts are looking at him because of his size and stats. He scored a goal tonight from the top of the crease, which tells me he isn’t afraid to jump into the play down low. He skates fairly well, but he isn’t overly physical. I get the sense, however, that he’s a fairly intelligent player.

Mitchell Davis - a centre who goes about 5-foot-11. I was watching him closely because he’s averaging about a goal a game as a 15 year old. Davis is an awkward skater to say the least. His stride is choppy and he’s first few steps are pretty slow. I did like his hockey sense, though. He always seemed to be around the net, trying to put himself in scoring position.

Tanner Davis - he played goal tonight and played well, even though he let in softie in the first period - a long shot off the stick of Ryan Ouellet. I liked his composure - that was the last goal he allowed. He seems technically sound and recovers well after making a save. He’s about 5-foot-11, so he fills the net well.

I was impressed by another player, Darnell Koosees - and not just because he’s native. He scored a goal and added two assists. He’s 15 and well down on the Trappers’ depth chart, but he played with confidence, taking the puck to the net when he got the chance. I always like to see role players play well.

OK, back to the Majors. I was disappointed when NB star Nick Huard took out Byron Katapaytuk with a knee-on-knee hit that went unpenalized. No one stood up to challenge Huard as Byron was on the ice writhing in pain. I notice the Majors targeting Huard in the third period, but that was probably because he was still getting under their skin.

The Majors host the New Liskeard Cubs tomorrow and will try to end a four-game homestand with a win. They’re 0-3 so far. If I go, I may actually root for New Liskeard. The Cubs are well behind the Majors in the standings - I always enjoy cheering for an underdog.