In the summer before the 2010 NHL Scouting Combine in Toronto, Plymouth Whalers center Tyler Seguin opted to give the aerobic-max VO2 bike test a shot "just for fun" with his agency.

Those familiar with the test, which measures the endurance capability of a player's heart, lungs and muscles, knows it happens to be the most grueling of all the endurance tests conducted by York University for the benefit of the 30 NHL teams.

"I ended up throwing up after the VO2 (during the practice run)," Seguin said. "It's very difficult. You try to stay positive. I talked to guys who did it the year before my draft year and talked to guys who did it for practice. They said the bike tests are pretty hard. You have casual stuff, like bench press, push-ups, sit-ups, which you've done before. But the bikes are quite tough."

Seguin survived the Combine phase of the bike test and would ultimately be chosen second overall by the Boston Bruins at the 2010 Entry Draft at Staples Center in Los Angeles.

Last year, six players lasted more than 14 minutes on the VO2, led by Slovakian defenseman Martin Marcincin, (14:15), who was drafted by the Oilers in the second round (No. 46 overall). Halifax Mooseheads goaltender Mathieu Corbeil-Theriault, taken by Columbus in the fourth round (No. 102 overall), went 14:03.

Four players went exactly 14 minutes -- South Shore forward Charlie Coyle (San Jose, first round, No. 28 overall), AIK defenseman Patrik Nemeth (Dallas, second round, No. 41 overall), Moose Jaw Warriors defenseman Dylan McIlrath (New York Rangers, first round, No. 10 overall) and Medicine Hat Tigers right wing Emerson Etem (Anaheim Ducks, first round, No. 29 overall).

NHL Central Scouting's No. 1-rated North American skater, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins of Red Deer, is looking forward to the bike tests. Nugent-Hopkins is actually one of eight prospects ready to hit the fitness testing portion of the Combine first on Friday. Included in that group are Tyler Biggs, Mark McNeill, Logan Shaw, Rocco Grimaldi, Nicholas Shore, Scott Mayfield and Jamieson Oleksiak.

"I've heard about the bike tests (Wingate anaerobic measure and aerobic-max VO2) and I know they'll be pretty tough, but I think my cardio is pretty good so I should be OK on the VO2," Nugent-Hopkins told NHL.com. "But the Wingate is pretty tough. I'm trying to prepare myself for that, but I guess you never can prepare yourself enough for it."

It isn't too uncommon to see a few players cradling a trash can following the Wingate test, an obvious indication that their body has had enough.

"I've heard stories (regarding the bike tests) that haven't been too positive," said No. 31-ranked North American skater Seth Ambroz of the USHL's Omaha Lancers. "But it'll be fun to see what happens. I'm not too worried about it. I'm just going to go there and give them all I've got."

Follow Mike Morreale on Twitter at: @mike_morreale

Defenseman Patrick Koudys of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute might have been the last North American skater invited to the NHL Scouting Combine in Toronto this week, but don't expect him to settle for anything less than his finest effort.

"I'm excited to be here," Koudys told NHL.com. "It wasn't guaranteed that I'd come here so for the tests, hopefully I'll perform well. The interviews are also a big part of this. I'm just hoping to be myself and hopefully a team will like me for me and that's all I could ask for right now."

As a freshman, Koudys had a goal and a pair of assists in 31 games with RPI in 2010-11 -- all his points came in 19 ECAC contests. In addition participating in the Scouting Combine, Koudys was also a participant in the NHL Research, Development and Orientation Camp last summer.

Koudys, a civil engineering major, has every intention of continuing his career at RPI in the fall despite the fact he was drafted 124th overall by the Oshawa Generals in the 2009 OHL draft. He chose to follow the same path as his father's cousin, Randy Koudys, and attend RPI.

"Personally, it was good year, we had a great team, great coaching staff, and we made it to the NCAA tournament, which is a big thing," he said. "I learned a lot, the coaching staff was great to me. They taught me a lot and the guys were great. I'm looking forward to going back and winning a national championship next year."

Before going to RPI, he spent a season with the Burlington Cougars and transformed into one of the team's best players, scoring 5 goals and 33 points. He was also the Cougars' most reliable defenseman, evidenced by the fact he was named the club's Most Promising Player, Top Defenseman and Rookie of the Year. Koudys, who is sometimes compared to Boston blueliner Dennis Seidenberg, was also named the Ontario Hockey Association Top Prospect, that season.

Koudys isn't concerned with the fact he dropped five slots to No. 76 on NHL Central Scouting's final list of North American skaters.

"With a college kid like that, you have to like his potential as much as anything because he's a first year college guy and he's in the lineup regularly but doesn't always get in on every shift," Central Scouting's Gary Eggleston told NHL.com. "He's going to be a strong player in college next year as he gets a little more time to develop. He has really good upside, a really strong skater, good defensively. He was a little bit restrained offensively but I think he can still go with the puck and contribute to the offense. He's a pretty physical kid, strong in the corners and capable of moving to the puck quickly. He played with a lot of poise for a freshman."

His father, Jim, was drafted in the 12th round (No. 252 overall) by the New York Islanders in 1982 and played hockey for the OHL's Sudbury Wolves for three seasons (1981-84).

"I know I'm the last North American to be invited to this, so there's still lots of room for me to grow," he said. "I learned a lot at RPI this year and, hopefully , I'll go back and learn a lot more. I think teams will see that in the next couple of years when I'm able to step up and be a more of a big-name person."

Follow Mike Morreale on Twitter at: @mike_morreale

It began with unexpected anticipation. It ended up being a memory that would last a lifetime.

An estimated 10,000 fans of the Saint John Sea Dogs flooded King's Square, the Market Square boardwalk and lined King and Charlotte streets in downtown Saint John Tuesday afternoon to pay tribute to their boys for bringing home the President's Cup and the Memorial Cup.

Local reports had police blocking off parts of 10 streets for the parade that, according to Sgt. Rick Caswell of the Saint John Police Force, was the largest gathering of people on the city streets since 2001 when a parade was held for the Calder Cup-winning Saint John Flames.

Sea Dogs Steven Anthony, Mike Thomas enjoy Parade

"It was unbelievable," forward Ryan Tesink told NHL.com. "We felt like Gods. We had about six vehicles, including a fire truck, and three or four of us each were on one. We're not the biggest city and in the middle of the day on a Tuesday … I was impressed. I grew up (in Saint John) my whole life."

Tesink, the fourth-line forward who struck for 35 points in 59 regular-season games for the Sea Dogs, was also the focus of one of the more noticeable signs amidst the sea of blue and white colors.

"One sign out there read, "Tesink for Mayor", said the 5-foot-11, 157 pound Tesink. "I thought that was funny and the boys loved that one. I was so proud to be a St. Johner during that parade. I couldn't believe the support. We had about 500 fans come to the final (in Mississauga) and everyone flew or some drove and spent a lot of money to watch us win that (Memorial Cup). That means the world to me."

Three men dressed in blue spandex suits, perhaps descendants of the green men milling around at Vancouver Canucks hockey games, ran along the parade route prior to the players making their presence.

"It was incredible," defenseman Nathan Beaulieu said. "It was good to get back to all of the fans for all their support all year and it was nice to just bring the Cup home. I was on the top of a fire truck looking over the whole city, so that was pretty cool. You see people and then see more people and you just feel like the parade went on forever. It's a moment I'll never forget."

"I didn't really know what to expect because sometimes some of those things can be a little bit boring," Zack Phillips said. "But that was anything but boring. It was a beautiful day and we're all in shorts and T-shirts and sunglasses, on top of fire trucks, honking horns and sitting on convertibles or in the backs of SUV's just having an unbelievable time. The support they showed was amazing … we were taking videos of the crowd and ourselves. It was fantastic."

Jonathan Huberdeau, who was named the tournament's MVP after collecting 3 goals and 6 points in 4 games, was overwhelmed.

The 18-year-old from St-Jerome, Quebec, ranked No. 3 by NHL Central Scouting among North American skaters, had a goal and one assist in the 3-1 Championship Final victory over the Mississauga St. Michael's Majors on May 29.

"It was nice to see all the fans in Saint John," Huberdeau said. " It was nice to share the Cup. The people were waving at you and congratulating you and that they care about you. Our fans deserved that and to share it with them was nice."

Six players, including Huberdeau, Beaulieu, Phillips, Tesink, Tomas Jurco and Scott Oke, arrived in Toronto for the NHL Scouting Combine on Wednesday. Each had several interviews scheduled Wednesday and Thursday.

Phillips (upper body injury) said he wouldn't be participating in the bench press portion of the fitness testing on Friday, but admitted there's a good chance he and his teammates will be taking part in the bike tests. Unlike most other players participating at the Combine, the Sea Dogs and Majors went the distance this season -- finishing up on the last possible day (May 29) before the start of the Combine (on May 30).

Follow Mike Morreale on Twitter at: @mike_morreale

In addition to thinking about what the NHL Scouting Combine has in store for him this week, Youngstown Phantoms defenseman Scott Mayfield has also been pondering issues much closer to home these days.

The St. Louis native, rated No. 24 on NHL Central Scouting's final list of North American skaters, resides just three hours East of Joplin, Mo., where the tragic EF-5 tornado resulted in the death of at least 125 persons, over 750 injuries, and major damage to countless homes and businesses.

"I didn't have any family or friends affected by the tornado but it was just horrible … I was watching all day on television," Mayfield told NHL.com. "The strange thing is, a lot of tornadoes have come through Missouri this year. A guy right down the street from us had shingles ripped off his roof that are still in my yard from a tornado that hit weeks ago, but the one that hit Joplin was a lot more serious."

Mayfield has been hard at work over the last month preparing his body for the rigors of the Combine, which is slated May 30 through June 4 in Toronto. He arrived in Toronto on Tuesday evening, all smiles, in obvious anticipation of the big week ahead.

The trip to the Combine is not Mayfield's first trip to an NHL event held in Toronto. At the start of the season, he took part in the NHL's Research, Development and Orientation Camp.

"The VO2 max (bike test) is probably the most important one so that's something I've been training for," he said. "It's kind of different training when you know the exercise you're training for. It's fun at the same time doing the different exercises. We're at the bike a lot during the season, but we never do a Wingate or VO2 max, so I'm having fun doing it with my trainer."

Mayfield explained his training regimen in his monthly blog for NHL.com. Read it here!

"While you want to make sure you're ready the best you can be, I'm not looking at not trying to get stronger while doing 100 pushups for the sake of the Combine," Mayfield said. "I'm actually still trying to get stronger and put on weight so I think I'm ready and excited for it."

Mayfield dressed in 52 games and tallied 7 goals and 16 points in his second season with the Phantoms. He connected for 3 goals and 8 points on the power-play. A skilled, intelligent defender with good size (6-3 1/2, 197 pounds), Mayfield was named MVP for Team USA at the 2010 World Jr. A Challenge after the team claimed its third straight gold medal in November.

He'll likely attend the University of Denver next fall, where he hopes to earn a role along the blueline. He admitted he might look to major or concentrate on hotel and restaurant management.

"I found that school pretty interesting and pretty cool," Mayfield said. "It's something I could use as a backup to professional hockey."

In addition to Mayfield, Denver's coaching staff might also be high on another incoming recruit on defense in Joey Laleggia of the Penticton Vees in the British Columbia Hockey League. Laleggia, who had 20 goals and 82 points in 58 games this season, has racked up 147 points in 114 career games in three seasons with the Vees.

"I know (Denver), of course, is waiting to see how everything turns out," Mayfield said. "I know there's another recruit who's highly offensive in Joey Laleggia. I don't think they're looking at me too hard as an offensive-type defender … just kind of an all-around game like I've been the last two years. I'm not all a stay-at-home type of player, I play offensive as well. But I play defense too."

Follow Mike Morreale on Twitter at: @mike_morreale

After having just completed his fourth of 12 team interviews in his initial day at the NHL Scouting Combine, Rocco Grimaldi had a satisfied look on his face.

Despite being listed as the smallest player invited to the Combine at 5-foot-6, 163 pounds, Grimaldi has certainly earned the reputation as a big-game performer. Why else would all 30 NHL teams request an interview with the leading scorer for the U.S. National Team Development Program in 2010-11.

"It's great to always be the underdog and have people doubt you," Grimaldi told NHL.com. "But I think I could also be a role model for kids my size, not even in hockey, but in general. I could be a really good example for them on how I go about my business, not caring about what people say, and how I live my life. I'm always thinking about the next generation under me and trying to help them out as well."

Grimaldi was asked if those scouts from the Tampa Bay Lightning referred to Martin St. Louis at some point during their discussion.

"They said one of their best players is St. Louis, he's the leader of that group and we don't care about size," Grimaldi said. "Our best player is the smallest guy on the ice and we love small guys and that was a cool thing to hear. That motivates me because playing in the NHL has always been my dream. So whatever it takes to achieve it ..."

Grimaldi is certainly on that path after striking for a team-leading 34 goals, 62 points, 13 power-play goals, and five game-winners in 50 games for the USNTDP this season.

"He's definitely a character kid and great guy," USNTDP goalie John Gibson said. "He's small, but probably has the biggest heart on the team."

"He was a dynamic guy, an outstanding skater, quick and around the puck all the time," Central Scouting's Chris Edwards told NHL.com. "He wasn't scared to get involved in battles and go to the net."

Grimaldi played a big part of the gold medal-winning Team USA in the 2010 Under-18 World Championship in Belarus, tying for the team lead with 10 points in seven games. He'd connect for 2 goals, 8 points and a plus-5 rating in another gold-medal winning effort at the 2011 U-18 World Championship in Germany.

"The game has changed since the lockout; it's more of a high-end skilled game and smaller guys are making names for themselves in the League with St. Louis and Nathan Gerbe," Grimaldi said. "That's great to see those guys having an impact. It's really good for me, being a small guy, and seeing how others are able to make an impact right away.

Grimaldi, committed to the University of North Dakota, atones for his small frame with exceptional speed and shiftiness.

Follow Mike Morreale on Twitter at: @mike_morreale

Before players of the Memorial Cup champion Saint John Sea Dogs begin thinking of NHL Scouting Combine this week in Toronto, there's one other matter they'll have to consider -- a parade.

The city will welcome the Sea Dogs back following their 3-1 victory over Mississauga in the Memorial Cup final with a homecoming parade on Tuesday at noon to celebrate the remarkable 2010-11 season. The Sea Dogs won their first Rivalry Cup over the Moncton Wildcats and the Jean Rougeau Trophy as regular season champions in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League with a league-record 58 wins. They then capped it off with the team's first ever President's Cup as playoff champs, and a historic victory at the Memorial Cup.

If that isn't deserving of a celebration, what is?

The parade will start at King Square and travel down King Street to a rally at the Market Square boardwalk (rain location, Market Square Atrium) at approximately 12:20 p.m. Saint John fans are being encouraged to come out in blue and white Sea Dogs colors in support of their team, which could see as many as nine players selected in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft in June.

The Sea Dogs became the first team from Atlantic Canada to win the Memorial Cup since its inception in 1919. The roster includes six players born in New Brunswick, three in Nova Scotia and one in Prince Edward Island -- coach Gerard Gallant and GM Mike Kelly are also from PEI.

Saint John also becomes the first team from the QMJHL to win a Memorial Cup not hosted by one of the league's teams since 1996 -- when the Granby Predateurs scored a 4-0 victory over the OHL's Peterborough Petes.

Saint John forward Jonathan Huberdeau, who had 3 goals and 6 points in four games, was named the tournament's most valuable player and defenseman Nathan Beaulieu was placed on the tournament all-star team. Here are the Memorial Cup award winners, announced by the CHL on Sunday.

Stafford Smythe Memorial Trophy (Most Valuable Player) – Jonathan Huberdeau, Saint John Sea Dogs

Jonathan Huberdeau of the Saint John Sea Dogs finished tied for second in tournament scoring with six points in four games including three goals and three assists.  The 18-year-old from St-Jerome, Quebec, scored a goal and an assist in the 3-1 Championship Final victory over the Mississauga St. Michael’s Majors.  Eligible for the 2011 NHL Entry Draft, Huberdeau is the third ranked skater by NHL Central Scouting and is the first Quebec-born player to win the Stafford Smythe Memorial Trophy since Danny Groulx of the Victoriaville Tigres in 2002.

Ed Chynoweth Trophy (Top Scorer) – Andrew Shaw, Owen Sound Attack

Andrew Shaw of the Owen Sound Attack led the 2011 MasterCard Memorial Cup in scoring with seven points in four games scoring two goals and five assists.  A 19-year-old from Belleville, ON, Shaw recorded a point in all four games and produced three multi-point games completing his third OHL season.
 
George Parsons Trophy (Most Sportsmanlike Player) – Marc Cantin, Mississauga St. Michael’s Majors

Marc Cantin of the Mississauga St. Michael’s Majors had two assists in five games and was the only defenceman on the Majors that did not record any penalty minutes.  A 21-year-old from Omemee, ON, the Boston Bruins prospect concludes a five-year OHL career with three appearances in the MasterCard Memorial Cup including a Championship title last season with the Windsor Spitfires.

Hap Emms Memorial Trophy (Outstanding Goaltender) – Jordan Binnington, Owen Sound Attack

Jordan Binnington of the Owen Sound Attack had three starts in the 2011 MasterCard Memorial Cup posting a 1-2 record with a tournament-best goals-against-average of 1.42 and save percentage of .951.  The 17-year-old from Richmond Hill, ON, posted the only shutout of the tournament with 29 saves as part of a 5-0 win over the Kootenay Ice.  He is eligible for the 2011 NHL Entry Draft and is the third ranked North American goaltender by NHL Central Scouting.  

Huberdeau and Shaw were also recognized on the tournament All-Star team at forward along with Devante Smith-Pelly of the Mississauga St. Michael's Majors. Smith-Pelly, a prospect of the Anaheim Ducks, had 3 goals and 6 points in five games. A pair of 2011 NHL Entry Draft prospects were named to the tournament All-Star team on defense -- No. 5 Beaulieu (3 points in 4 games) and No. 53 Stuart Percy (4 assists in 5 games) of Mississauga. Binnington was named to the All-Star team in goal.  

2011 MasterCard Memorial Cup Awards:

Stafford Smythe Memorial Trophy (Most Valuable Player) – Jonathan Huberdeau, Saint John Sea Dogs

Ed Chynoweth Trophy (Top Scorer) – Andrew Shaw, Owen Sound Attack

George Parsons Trophy (Most Sportsmanlike Player) – Marc Cantin, Mississauga St. Michael's Majors

Hap Emms Memorial Trophy (Outstanding Goaltender) – Jordan Binnington, Owen Sound Attack

2011 MasterCard Memorial Cup All-Stars:

Goaltender – Jordan Binnington, Owen Sound Attack
Defence – Stuart Percy, Mississauga St. Michael's Majors
Defence – Nathan Beaulieu, Saint John Sea Dogs
Forward – Andrew Shaw, Owen Sound Attack
Forward – Devante Smith-Pelly, Mississauga St. Michael's Majors
Forward – Jonathan Huberdeau, Saint John Sea Dogs

Follow Mike Morreale on Twitter at: @mike_morreale

Third Period

1:21: The Majors pulled their goalie but Saint John's defense held fort in recording a 3-1 victory to capture its first Memorial Cup championship. As a member of the Brandon Wheat Kings a year ago, the Windsor Spitfires scorched Jacod DeSerres, the 21-year-old goalie, in a 9-1 thumping in the Memorial Cup final. When the Wheat Kings went with younger netminders this season, DeSerres cleared WHL waivers, leaving him free to sign with the Sea Dogs. Deserres stopped 34 pucks en route to the biggest win of his career.

The Sea Dogs’ roster has six players born in New Brunswick, three in Nova Scotia and one in Prince Edward Island. With the triumph, Saint John becomes the first team from the QMJHL to win a Memorial Cup not hosted by one of the league's teams since 1996 -- when the Granby Predateurs scored a 4-0 victory over the OHL's Peterborough Petes. If that weren't enough, Saint John also happened to be the youngest team in this year's Memorial Cup tournament.

3:43: There it is. The QMJHL MVP Jonathan Huberdeau with a great move off an even better feed from linemate Zack Phillips to give the Sea Dogs a 3-1 advantage. It is Huberdeau's third goal of the Memorial Cup tournament in 4 games. Phillips made the play happen when he skated hard down right wing before threading a pass to Huberdeau storming down the slot. Phillips' pass just went underneath a diving Mississauga defenseman Michael D'Orazio before hitting Huberdeau's tape. The No. 3-rated North American prospect then finished it off with a nifty deke in front of J.P. Anderson that sent the goalie on his chest and out of position. Phillips is rated No. 15 on NHL Central Scouting's list of North American skaters.

4:51: Sea Dogs goalie Jacob DeSerres appears so poised out there. Mississauga creating plenty of opportunities around his crease, but DeSerres refuses to budge.

8:29: So Mississauga is now 0-for-5 on the power-play while Saint John remains clinging to a 2-1 lead here in the Memorial Cup final. The Sea Dogs hold a 4-3 edge in shots in the third and the Majors hold a 27-21 lead for the game. Neal Diamond's 'Sweet Caroline' playing in the backround.

13:49: Both teams are currently waiting to cash in on a mistake - is it a matter of time? Tomas "the magician" Jurco just had a splendid opportunity off a wrist shot from between the circles that Mississauga goalie J.P. Anderson scooped up to force a defensive-zone draw. The Sea Dogs have opened up the third period in relatively strong fashion, outshooting the Majors, 3-0.

Second Period

:01: In a period dominated by Mississauga, the home team outshot Saint John, 15-6, and now holds a 24-17 edge for the game. Majors captain Casey Cizikas almost pulled his team even with one tick on the clock when he collected a feed from the left-wing corner and tried a stuffer at the left post on goalie Jacob DeSerres. DeSerres, who has played extremely well throughout, has turned back 23 shots for the game. The power-play for both teams has struggled. Each team is 0-for-4 with the man advantage.

5:19: Mississauga has cut into the Saint John lead off a splendid 3-on-2 rush. New York Islanders prospect Casey Cizikas (92nd overall in 2009) began the play by skating up the middle of the ice before feeding Justin Shugg in the right circle. Shugg placed a perfectly timed lead-pass to Riley Brace low in the left circle. Brace, who missed on an opportunity very late in the first period, then ripped a shot past Jacob DeSerres, who had no chance on the play. 

8:46: Mississauga was just presented its second power-play opportunity of the period when Michael Kirkpatrick was sent to the box for slashing. Saint John successful denies the Majors to maintain a two-goal lead.

17:00: The host team was given an early power-play to open the second after Saint John's Kevin Gagne was whistled for tripping just 55 seconds into the frame. While Mississauga did have some decent looks, Sea Dogs goalie Jacob DeSerres was up to the challenge each time. Mississauga has outshot Saint John, 4-1, in the second and DeSerres has been equal to the task. The Saint John defense, led by standout draft eligible Nathan Beaulieu, has also played well in front of their keeper.

First Period

15.6: Mississauga's Riley Brace thought he had poked one underneath the pads of Saint John goalie Jacob DeSerres, but the referee whistled the play dead before the puck apparently crossed the line. Brace raised his arms in celebration but there was a whistle just prior to the disk squeaking through the pads. The first period ends with Saint John holding a precarious 2-0 lead while outshooting Mississauga, 11-9.

6:43: Zack Phillips, the third of four possible first-round selections playing for Saint John this season, struck for his 10th goal of the playoffs just as a roughing penalty to Mississauga's Joe Cramarossa expired. Phillips was aided by the quick passing of top draft-eligible Sea Dog Jonathan Huberdeau and Michael Kirkpatrick. The Sea Dogs took advantage of a turnover in the Mississauga end by forward Chris DeSousa. Mississauga has already been called for three minor penalties in the opening period -- wouldn't you love to be a fly on the wall listening to St. Michael's coach Dave Cameron between periods in the locker room?

17:36: It didn't matter that Sea Dogs forward Ryan Tesink was whistled for roughing in the opening five minutes of the game. Simon Despres, a draft pick of the Pittsburgh Penguins (30th overall) in 2009, ripped a shot from the left circle that beat St. Michael's goalie J.P. Anderson over his blocker to the long side. On Despres' short-handed goal, the 2011 World Junior Championship silver medalist used Mississauga defender Stuart Percy as a screen.

20:00: Prior to the game, a tremendous salute to many service men and women here at the Hershey Centre. Additionally, a fantastic video tribute to the late EJ McGuire, who died of cancer on April 7. McGuire, the longtime executive director of NHL Central Scouting, will certainly be missed this week with the NHL Scouting Combine being held in Toronto. McGuire's wife, Terry, and his two daughters, Erin and Jacqueline, were given a very nice applause as they made their way to center ice on the red carper during pre-game festivities.

The line combinations have been submitted by the coaching staffs of Saint John and Mississauga here at the Hershey Centre for the anticipated Memorial Cup finale.

Saint John Sea Dogs

Alexandre Beauregard-Stephen MacAulay-Mike Thomas
Jonathan Huberdeau-Zack Phillips-Stanislav Galiev
Tomas Jurco-Michael Kirkpatrick-Ryan Tesink
Scott Oke-Danick Gauthier-Steven Anthony

Simon Despres-Aidan Kelly
Nathan Beaulieu-Kevin Gagne
Eric Gelinas-Gabriel Bourret

Goalie - Jacob DeSerres

Mississauga St. Michael's Majors

Justin Shugg-Casey Cizikas-Devante Smith-Pelly
Chris DeSousa-Rob Flick-Riley Brace
Joseph Cramarossa-Jordan Mayer-Maxim Kitsyn
Jamie Wise-Corey Bureau-Mika Partanen

Stuart Percy-Brett Flemming
Marc Cantin-Dylan DeMeio
David Corrente-Michael D'Orazio

Goalie - J.P. Anderson

As the preparation stages begin for the NHL Scouting Combine in Toronto, here's a look at some of the intriguing stories you may want to check out prior to NHL.com's wall-to-wall coverage of the six-day event at the Westin Bristol Place and the Toronto Congress Center.

* Just because Red Deer Rebels center Ryan Nugent-Hopkins was No. 1 on NHL Central Scouting's final ranking of the top North American skaters, it doesn't necessarily mean he'll have the highest average power output of any other player on the board upon completion of the anaerobic fitness exam. The proof will be in the pudding, as the old adage goes, when Nugent-Hopkins is among the top 102 draft-eligible players from North American and Europe to undergo rigorous testing and medical examinations at the NHL Scouting Combine from May 30 to June 4 in Toronto. Mike Morreale has the story.

* Red Deer Rebels center Ryan Nugent-Hopkins is the top North American for the 2011 Entry Draft as determined by NHL Central Scouting. The Canadian Hockey League agreed with that decision Saturday, naming him as junior hockey's top draft prospect. Nugent-Hopkins, who led the Western Hockey league with 75 assists and tied for third with 106 points, beat out Kitchener Rangers left wing Gabriel Landeskog and Drummondville Voltigeurs center Sean Couturier. Bill Hoppe has all the details.

* Northeastern University defenseman Jamieson Oleksiak, the tallest draft-eligible player on the board for the 2011 Entry Draft at 6-foot-7, 244-pounds, was making the most of his time in the Boston area prior to heading out to the NHL Scouting Combine in Toronto. Oleksiak informed NHL.com that in addition to taking extra classes, he's hard at work preparing for the rigorous fitness testing he'll undergo at the Toronto Congress Center beginning June 3. Mike Morreale tells us how.

* The Scouting Combine gives NHL clubs a chance to evaluate those future stars of the League less than a month before the 2011 Entry Draft. The top 102 players as rated by NHL Central Scouting in April, including North American and European skaters and goaltenders, have been invited to participate in various team interviews and medical and physical tests. Unlike previous seasons, the Combine fitness testing will be held at the Toronto Congress Center on June 3-4. To help prepare for this year's Combine, NHL.com's Mike Morreale highlighted the top players at each position last week looking to make an impression. Make sure you're up to speed. Left wings | Right wings | Defensemen | Centers | Goalies

* Get the most recent NHL.com mock draft results right here.

* All season long, top prospects Ryan Nugent-Hopkins of Red Deer (WHL), Scott Mayfield of Youngstown (USHL) and Seth Ambroz of Omaha (USHL) have maintained monthly blogs on NHL.com. Each player provided a little insight into their preparation for the Scouting Combine this month. You can check them out here: Nugent-Hopkins | Mayfield | Ambroz