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i PAGE 16THE CANADIAN STATESMAN, MAY 14,2003 www.durhamregion.com Generals get defensive about long-term success OSHAYVA - The short-term future of the Oshawa Generals can be summed up in two words: Nathan Norton. But the long-term future looks pretty good, says George Burnett, the team's coach and general manager, after watching 32 hopefuls go through a spring camp at North Oshawa Arena over the weekend. Horton, the second-year Oshawa forward, is expected to be a top-five pick at next month's NHL draft in Nashville and, as a result, his status for next season is uncertain. If Horton returns, he'll form the foundation of what can be a competitive competitive team. If not, the Generals will be offensively challenged and will be forced to turn to youth to fill the gaping gaping hole left by his absence "We have to prepare for him not to be here," says Burnett. "We have to assume Nathan's going to be gone for awhile. It all depends on who drafts him and where they're at and if he's ready to fit in." With or without Horton, the Generals Generals will definitely be a younger team next season, with up to eight new players expected to crack the lineup. Some of those new faces impressed Burnett over the weekend,- including the club's first-round pick from earlier this month, 6-foot-6 defenceman Justin Wallingford from Hamilton. "I thought he had an outstanding weekend," says Burnett. "He had three goals and he shoots the puck extremely extremely well. Wallingford was just one of several of the team's draftees from both 2002 and 2003 who left an impression on a coach who is likely faced with replacing replacing departing veterans such as Brandon Brandon Nolan, Jamie Johnson, Ahren Nit- tel, Colt King, Mike Sellan, Ladislav Kolda, Mike Gough and Tyler Cook. 2002 draft picks and twin brothers Tyler and Justin Donati were "very strong," according to Burnett. Tyler, a sixth round pick, and Justin, a 15th round selection, are both 5-foot-9, 167-pounds and played with the Burlington Cougars of the Provincial Junior A Hockey League last season. Tyler posted 19-15-34 totals, while Justin went 15-14-29. With Wallingford and 2003 third round pick draft pick Mike Kavanagh, a 6-foot-3, right-winger slated to stick, along with 2002 draft picks Mike McLean and Andrew Gibbons, the roster openings appear to be quickly filling up, regardless of Hor- toii's ultimate status. In addition to the Donatis, another player who could crack the lineup is defenceman Bret Nasby, who won an Ontario Junior C title with the Grimsby Grimsby Peach Kings. Hampered by injury, the 2002 fifth-round pick didn't skate over the weekend, Nasby still knows what he has to do to wear an Oshawa jersey. "I have to put on a little weight," says the 180-pounder. "Maybe get up to 200-pounds and I have to work on my foot speed." While Burnett can't control Horton's Horton's whereabouts this season, he's convinced the Generals, with the likes of Nasby, Wallingford and Kyle Raftis on the blue-line, will be able to control control things in their own end for the next few seasons. Raiders post shutout The novice Raiders posted a lacrosse rarity, a shutout, in Clar- ington Minor Lacrosse Association Association league play. Greg Laschuk backstopped the Raiders to an 8-0 victory over Team Orange, improving his team's record to 4-0 on the season. Chris Marner, Nathan Recalls, Brody Aitchinson and Chris Albertini Albertini scored a pair of goals each for the Raiders, who led 1-0 after the first period and fill fill after the second, second, Cameron Smith, Mark Wert, Albertini, Marner and Aitchinson had assists. Other members members of this year's team are Alex Chung, Andrew I'crguson, Chad ( Hover, Ryan Kelly and Kris Wright. Friday and Saturday only! get fresh with this cool customer /vr , Vs . , I \ v ft* ! 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