Photo - Plymouth veteran Danny Vanderwiel led all scorers at Whalers Rookie Orientation with three points over two games.  Photo by Rena Laverty.

PLYMOUTH – The Whites spotted the Blues an early goal before coming back to take the second scrimmage of the Plymouth Whalers annual Rookie Orientation, 6-1, on Sunday at Compuware Arena.

Three players in different stage of their careers led the Whites’ attack and played well over the two-day camp.

Veteran Danny Vanderwiel scored a goal Sunday morning for the Whites and led all scorers in the camp with a goal and two assists.  Like many players approaching their second year in the Ontario Hockey League, Vanderwiel appears stronger and is playing with renewed confidence.

Vanderwiel was asked about the difference between Year 1 and Year 2.

“I learned a lot last year,” Vanderwiel said. “You have more time than you think out there.  You learn patience and how to see the ice better.  My whole game has improved over the last year.”

The Whites also received goals from Daniel Willett (8^th round, 2012), Mitch Jones, free agent Joe Drabin and Zach Bratina (1^st round, 2012) and Alex Peters (2nd round, 2012).

Jones, Bratina and Drabin led all goal scorers in the camp with two each.

Bratina showed a smooth skating stride and was able to work in traffic while scoring his goals.  He patterns himself after a well-known player who plays in another part of Hockeytown.

“I try to play a little like Pavel Datsyuk,” Bratina said.  “I always want to be on both sides of the puck.”

Plymouth fans appreciate that Peters is growing at 6-foot-4 and 188 pounds.  Peters isn’t simply a banger, though.  He patterns himself after Nashville defenseman Ryan Suter.

“I’m a big body, have an active stick and make a good first pass,” Peters said.  “I consider myself a two-way defenseman.  I’m good on the defensive end, but can also take the puck up and contribute some points.”

Peters has a good shot as well and his goal came on a blast from the left point.

NEXT UP: Plymouth right wing Tom Wilson heads the National Hockey League Central Scouting Draft Combine at the end of the week.  Wilson is currently ranked 15^th overall among North American skaters for the 2012 NHL Entry Draft, which will be held June 22-23 in Pittsburgh.