Tony Cameranesi (Photo: Nick Laham/Getty Images)
This week, the Leafs Prospect Update turns its focus to three 2011 draft picks enjoying success south of the border in Tyler Biggs, Dennis Robertson, and Tony Cameranesi.
Tyler Biggs – Miami Redhawks (NCAA)
Tyler Biggs, the Toronto Maple Leafs’ first pick of the 2011 NHL Draft, registered one point in each of this weekend’s Miami wins over the University of Alabama-Huntsville Chargers. On Friday, Biggs opened the scoring as the Redhawks cruised to a 3-1 victory before picking up an assist in Saturday’s 4-1 victory. That brings Biggs’ season totals to 7 goals, 6 assists for 13 points in 28 games.
While that might not seem like much of a feat in comparison to the over-a-point-per-game pace of elite CHL players, consider that NCAA freshman aren’t noted for their lofty point totals. For a rough comparison, consider that fellow Leafs prospect Matt Frattin managed only 4 goals and 11 assists in his NCAA rookie year before going on to cap off his college career with 60 points in only 44 games just last season.
Dennis Robertson – Brown Bears (NCAA)
While he’s certainly not known as an offensive defenceman, Dennis Robertson is currently enjoying an uncharacteristic three game point streak. The 6’1, 210lb blueliner has 1 goal and 3 assists in his past three contests, bringing his season total up to 2 goals, 10 assists in 25 games.
Unfortunately, Robertson won’t be able to fully enjoy his recent offensive success for long. With the Bears mired in a six game losing streak, Robertson will look to help his team return to the win column next week against another Leafs prospect in Max Everson, and his Harvard Crimson.
Tony Cameranesi – Waterloo Black Hawks (USHL)
Picked up by the Leafs in the 5th round of the 2011 NHL Entry Draft, Tony Cameranesi was coveted for his high end speed and his advanced playmaking abilities. Making the jump from the Minnesota high school league to the USHL in the offseason, Cameranesi has continued to point-piling ways. The 5’10, 175lb pivot has 1 goal, 4 assists in his past 5 games. Even better, Cameranesi currently sits 2nd in team scoring with 30 points in 36 games.
Watch for Cameranesi to join Tyler Biggs and Dennis Robertson in the NCAA next season when he’ll suit up for the UMD Bulldogs.
