Whalers' roster stocked with potent blend of young talent

  As Mike Vellucci's 10th season with the Plymouth Whalers approaches faster than a Garrett Meurs slap shot, how does the highly-respected mentor think he's improved the most as a head coach?

  "I have a lot more patience than I did my first year," said Vellucci, whose young and talented contingent kick-starts the 2010-11 season tonight in Windsor. "Patience wasn't one of my best attributes when I started. Now, I understand it takes time for players to develop and learn. I think having kids myself has helped me become a more patient person, a more patient coach."

  Vellucci's patience may be tested at times during the first two weeks of the Whalers' season as he waits to see which of the 12 players who are currently away at NHL training camps will return to help his team's cause.

  Among the early-season absentees are starting goal-keeper Scott Wedgewood, a New Jersey Devils draft pick who will be back, and Tyler Seguin, a first-round Boston Bruin selection who probably won't.

  "I haven't talked to anyone with Boston's organization, but I think he's staying there," said Vellucci, on Seguin's status.  "I'm not expecting him back. I'm happy for him."

  In addition to Wedgewood and Seguin, the following Whalers will miss at least the first few games while battling for spots on NHL rosters: Josh Brittain (Anaheim), Tyler Brown (Pittsburgh), Robbie Czarnik (Los Angeles), Jamie Devane (Toronto), Matt Hackett (Minnesota), AJ Jenks (Florida), Michael Jordan (Carolina), James Livingston (Edmonton) and Phil McRae (St. Louis).

  There are many facets about Vellucci's 10th Whalers contingent that make him feel good.

  "I'm really excited about our goal-tending and defense," he said. "And one of the biggest things about this team is our youth. A lot of these guys are going to be together for the next two to three years, which gives me time to teach them and mold them into a championship team."

  Among the several young players that Vellucci expects to make a sudden impact on the Whalers' fortunes is defenseman Max Iafrate, a recent OHL first-round draft pick whose dad, Al, enjoyed a long and successful career in the NHL.

  "Max's skill level is outstanding," said Vellucci. "He's identical to his dad at the same age, only he shoots right-handed. I'm also excited about our second-round pick, Tom Wilson, a big (6-4, 195), strong power forward."

  Among the players who are expected to fill the scoring void left by Seguin's departure to the next level are Garrett Meurs, who was brilliant at times last season; recent acquisition Alex Aleardi, a native of Farmington Hills; Rickard Rakell, a slick-skating Swede; and Stefan Noesen, who emerged late last season.

  The Whalers' defense will be anchored by veteran Beau Schmitz, a stay-at-home blue-liner whose gritty skills will make Wedgewood and Mahalak's life less stressful; and Austin Levi, a Carolina Hurricanes draftee who can defend and light up the scoreboard with his potent slap shots.

  Vellucci is especially confident in the two guys that will patrol the goal crease.

  "Wedgewood had a very good season last year," Vellucci said. "And Matt Mahalak has the talent to be a first round NHL draft pick. I'm excited about both these guys."

  Vellucci said both goalies will get opportunities to shine unless one clearly emerges as the No. 1 guy.

  The Whaler are one of several teams who could seize an OHL Western Conference championship, Vellucci forecasted.

  "It's very wide open," he said. "Guelph would probably have to be listed as the early pick. Kitchener will be good, but they could lose their top two scorers to the NHL."

  After opening against Windsor tonight at 7:05 p.m, the Whalers visit London on Friday night before returning home Saturday for their home opener against Barrie.

  Tonight's game will be broadcast on 88.1FM and www.plymouthwhalers.com beginning at 6:50 p.m.

  Friday's game from London will be broadcast on www.plymouthwhalers.com only.

  Saturday's home opener will be broadcast on 88.1FM and on www.plymouthwhalers.com.

  Pete Krupsky will handle the play-by-play duties for the Whalers broadcasts. Sean Baligian will serve as the color commentator for most broadcasts.

  Ed Wright can be reached at (734) 453-1980 or info@plymouthcantonsports.com.