Taylor Doherty - Strength, Skill and Size for the Fronts' Defence. Whether Taylor Doherty is 6' 6" or 6' 7" hardly matters. The fact is that when most people stand next to him, they have to adjust their sight lines to catch his face in full view. Put him in skates and your cranes upwards another 2 to 3 inches.  
The Fronts' #2 draft pick from 2007 arrived in Kingston from his native Cambridge, Ontario to begin his rookie year. His size guaranteed former captain, Justin Wallingford, a teammate who could see 'eye to eye ' with him. Wallingford was 6' 7" and, at 235 pounds, approximately 20 more than Taylor carried into his first OHL year.

Taylor, an amazingly smooth skater with good mobility for his size, adjusted well in a Kingston uniform. Willing to crash, bang and stay at home in his defensive role, he established himself well on the blueline.
In fact, due to injuries, suspensions and illness to other players, he often was called upon to do double duty. The away date in Kitchener was the prime example. A third game in less than three days had the Frontenacs' line-up substantially depleted early and an array of rookies carrying the load to finish the contest. Doherty logged heavy ice time and displayed his talents as well as in any other game throughout the season. Exhaustion, yes, but also great experience!

Since his arrival in the OHL, Taylor has had an incredible run. He made Canada's under 17 team last year which won gold in London, Ontario. Last June he was invited to Calgary for tryouts for Canada's under 18 team.
Deeming it “such an honour to play for Canada”, he was happy to see his former teammates in Calgary but was aware that the prime purpose for his presence was to make the team. He achieved that goal, played in the Hlinka Cup in Slovakia last August, and brought home another gold medal for his country.
Taylor, currently in his sophomore season with the Fronts, was second to Wallingford in scoring by a Kingston defenseman last year. His combined points total (20) included 6 goals and 14 assists.
From a scout's perspective, how high in Taylor currently ranked (for the NHL selection next spring) as he continues his development through this 'draft' year?
As of October 2, 2008 Mark Seidel, chief scout for the North America Central Scouting, had Doherty listed among the top 30 in world rankings.
In fact, the list held the names of two Fronts: Taylor holds the 23rd position; Ethan Werek in listed 27th.
Though Taylor's prime role is to move oncoming forwards towards the boards and make his presence known, block shots and headman the puck , he has occasionally displayed his puck-handling capabilities and burst of speed.
Ad the season flows, don't be surprised to see him use his size more effectively to skate the puck across centre and into the offensive zone.