Many have said that Garth Snow and the New York Islanders took a huge gamble when they traded up in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft to snag Josh Ho Sang, then of the Windsor Spitfires. There is little doubt that Ho Sang has the natural ability to be a top six forward in the NHL. In his three seasons in the OHL, he has play 190 games, scored 63 goals and put up 210 points.

PHOTO CREDIT - NHL.com

Stoney Point - July 13, 2015 - Many have said that Garth Snow and the New York Islanders took a huge gamble when they traded up in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft to snag Josh Ho Sang, then of the Windsor Spitfires. There is little doubt that Ho Sang has the natural ability to be a top six forward in the NHL. In his three seasons in the OHL, he has play 190 games, scored 63 goals and put up 210 points.

What has been questioned about Ho Sang and why Snow is seen to have taken a gamble on him, is his attitude.

In an interview before the 2014 NHL Entry Draft, Ho-Sang stated “If I was a general manager and had the first pick in the draft, I’d pick me at number one. In three years, I’ll be the best player in this draft.” He went on to say, “There are guys ranked ahead of me that are nowhere near me.”

The Windsor Spitfires shipped the talented Thornhill native to the Niagara Ice Dogs early last season, in what many believe was a deal related to Ho Sang’s impact in the locker room.

Personally, I have really enjoyed watching Ho Sang play and look forward to following his NHL career. From all reports out of the Islanders Development Camp, he is playing well and appears to be more calculated in his approach to the media.

After registering three assists in an 8-3 scrimmage loss, Ho Sang stated, “"I definitely have some nerves, because every time I step out on the ice I have a purpose. I really want to try to make this team," said Ho-Sang. "I wouldn't say that it gets easier, but my passion continues to grow for that opportunity to play for New York."

He may not be ready to crack the Islanders line-up in 2015-16 and could end up spending one more season in Niagara. If that happens, look for him to be a dominate force in the OHL this coming season.

The 2014 NHL Entry Draft may be remembered as one of the best for the New York Islanders, or at least the first round. As mentioned above, the Isles traded up to snag Ho Sang - but their top pick was Michael Dal Colle who the selected from the Oshawa Generals with the fifth pick overall.

Dal Colle, in 186 OHL games has scored 96 goals and registered 236 points. After this past season, he can now add the words “Memorial Cup Champion” to his impressive hockey resume.

Recently, Toronto Maple Leafs coach Mike Babcock was quoted as saying, “if you're not a good human being, you won't be on the Toronto Maple Leafs.” A good human is a great description for Dal Colle.

When he was 11, his mother Wendy was diagnosed with breast cancer. After a long battle, in 2009 she won her battle with the deadly disease. Michael's older brother, Jonluca, has autism. Dal Colle has often talked about the importance family plays in his life and how he is inspired by his brother.

At the Islanders Development Camp, Dal Colle said the following: "Family is everything for me in my life," said Dal Colle. "They drive me every day. Obviously I have a brother who's always watched me play. Everything in life, I do for him. My mom, she's been through a lot as well. She's given me everything. I owe it all to friends and family. I have a huge support group and they're the reason where I am today."

A class act!

While the two prospects are both immensely talented, they differ in their personalities. My money is on big things from both Ho Sang and Dal Colle.