Mezei, Pyatt, Rupp Recognized
in OHL Coaches' Poll

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(April 18) Islander first rounders Branislav Mezei, Taylor Pyatt and Mike Rupp received recognition in the OHL's annual "Coaches Poll" that highlights the players who excel in specific areas of the game.

Branislav Mezei finished just one vote shy of being named the Eastern Conference's Best Defensive Defenseman. Sudbury's Alexei Semenov got the nod.

Taylor Pyatt was third in the balloting for Hardest Shot in the Eastern Conference. Jonathan Cheechoo of Belleville and Sudbury's Norm Milley were one-two in the voting.

Mike Rupp tied 2000 draft prospect Rostislav Klesla for third place in the Western Conference in the Best Bodychecker category. London's John Erskine and Plymouth's Libor Ustrnul (who will be profiled in today's Draft Central) were named the top two in that category.

Amongst those players who are draft-eligible this summer, Erie's Brad Boyes (former teammate of Tim Connolly) was named the Western Conference's Smartest Player, Best Playmaker and Best Stickhandler. Brampton's Raffi Torres was voted the Western Conference's Best Shot and Most Dangerous in the Goal Area. He also finished second to Boyes as Best Stickhandler.

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