Suzuki, 17, also came up big in big spots. He led Owen Sound with five shorthanded goals, and had 14 power-play goals, six game-winning goals and two overtime goals. He scored the first goal of the game eight times and won 50.9 percent of his faceoffs (394-of-774).
"That's something that can transfer to the next level because Nick is not afraid of big situations," McGill said. "He's very mature beyond his years and nothing really rattles him. He plays that same consistent style each night and tries to be highly competitive."
Suzuki was rated the second-smartest player in a poll of OHL Western Conference coaches, behind Arizona Coyotes prospect Dylan Strome of Erie and ahead of New Jersey Devils prospect Blake Speers of Sault Ste. Marie.
"You have to be consistent every night and can't really go through ups and downs," he said. "You have to keep getting better every year; that's how I think most NHL players make it."
McGill said Suzuki continually is looking to improve all areas of his game, something only dedicated teenagers with hopes of one day starring in the NHL care to do.
"He works every day on his one-timer," McGill said. "That's a piece of his arsenal he wants to improve. He's got an excellent quick-release wrist shot, and he continues to work on that. He doesn't shy away from traffic and can play a physical game. He's very good at protecting pucks. He's good driving down the wall and getting inside on defenders to the point where it's very uncomfortable for the defender."
He also was an alternate captain for Owen Sound.
"He's a leader by example and that's kind of how we like things around here," McGill said. "We don't want real vocal people in the room. We like guys to be consistent in practice and be leaders on the ice."