October Notebook: Aleong

Every season, scouts from Future Considerations spend countless hours gathering information on the next wave of NHL talent coming down the pipe. Future Considerations’ Ontario-based scout Joseph Aleong is no different.

Here is Aleong’s notebook from October.

Thomas Harley, D, Mississauga Steelheads (OHL), 6-3, 183, DOB 8-19-2001
Harley is fairly raw, as he’s still growing into his large frame and learning to play in all situations. A smart defender on the back end, with good instincts and awareness of when to jump into the rush. Harley has long, smooth strides with good agility and balance on his edges, but his foot speed could be improved to increase his top-end speed. Very confident with the puck and makes a nice first pass out of the defensive zone. Struggles at times to make a quick play under heavy pressure in his own zone, trying to do too much and turning the puck over. Shows advanced defensive awareness, with good gap control and strong use of his stick to keep the puck to the outside of the zone. Good potential as an all-situations, smooth skating defender with two-way ability and size.

Keean Washkurak, C, Mississauga Steelheads (OHL), 5-10, 185, DOB 8-16-2001
Washkurak is an aggressive smaller forward who uses his speed well on the forecheck. Fights hard for position in the dirty areas of the ice, earning goals on loose pucks and rebounds in the slot. Very active stick on the forecheck and keeps his feet moving to finish his check and force turnovers/hurried decisions. Short, quick strides and good speed in tight spaces. Takes too long to get rid of the puck under pressure, particularly in the slot area of the offensive zone. Aggressive for his size, taking hits to make a play and coming back to set the tone or retaliate to send a message.

Mitchell Brewer, D, Oshawa Generals (OHL), 5-11, 198, DOB 03-20-2001
Brewer shows more confidence with the puck and initiative to move the puck out of his own end rather than opt for a dump-out in his second OHL season. Solid skater who shows good power in his strides but has heavy feet and can get beat around the outside by smaller, faster forwards. Smooth lateral movements and good awareness to find open space with the puck under pressure. Good first pass out of the zone and solid skill handling the puck. Good shot from the point, although his release is somewhat slow. Defensive reads are strong and maintains good gap control defending off the rush. Has good instincts on defense and shows willingness to block shots on the penalty kill and at even strength.