CREDIT: ONTARIO HOCKEY LEAGUE
Kingston Frontenacs expect big things from 2014 NHL Draft eligible trio of (left), Sam Bennett, Roland McKeown and Spencer Watson.

Last week, we looked at the class of the West; the London Knights' biggest rivals heading into the 2013/14 season. This week it's time to take a look at the Eastern conference. What makes it a little easier for London and other Western Conference teams is the fact that East meetsWest just twice a season — once at home and once away.

Here's looking at teams that could make noise in the Eastern Conference.

Kingston Frontenacs
Where do we begin with the Kingston Frontenacs?

The Fronts were an OHL anonymity for a number of seasons, having not made the playoffs or out of round one for over a decade. This season, they're heavy favourites to capture top seed in the East.

What changed? Max Domi.

The Frontenacs drafted Domi back in 2011 with their first round pick, despite the young Domi not wanting to play in Kingston. The end result — the Frontenacs got a mega package deal from the Knights and that's what's reaping the rewards this season.

The core of this team is young, all 1996-born players, and eligible to be drafted into the NHL in 2014. Sam Bennett and London native Spencer Watson spearhead the Frontenacs offense — Bennett the team's 2012 compensatory pick, for failing to sign Domi and Watson, their second round selection. Added to that are defensemen Dylan DiPerna and Roland McKeown, all poised for massive seasons, while only aged 17 or younger.

That isn't where Kingston stops, though. They acquired Corey Pawley from London to add more offensive potential. But their biggest off-season coup was acquiring Plymouth's Matt Mahalak in net. The overager brings a wealth of OHL experience to the crease, to steady the ship.

Barrie Colts
The Barrie Colts might not be the same team that faced London in the 2012 OHL finals. They are, however, still as dangerous.

Mark Schiefele is no longer around as he's now graduated to the Winnipeg Jets. Additionally Anthony Camara, goalie Mathias Niederberger and captain Ryan O'Connor have all moved on. The Colts do have overagers Mitchell Theoret and Zach Hall this season. Hall was top scorer last season, and there's much expected from him.

But there's even more expected from former Knight Andreas Athanasiou. At 19 years of age, he's likely entering his final OHL season, and the Red Wings prospect can and should feature at the top of the Colts scoring chart.

On the blueline, Barrie boasts Aaron Ekblad, the second player to be granted exceptional status in the OHL. Ekblad brings with him a calm demeanor to the Colts, and with his offensive and defensive talents, it's hard to get anything by him.

Their biggest concern will be in net. Barrie lost overager Mathias Niederberger after last season, and his backup, 17 year old Alex Fotinos will have to carry the load this season.Whether or not he'll be able to, is left to be seen.

With the Memorial Cup being hosted by the OHL, an additional OHL team will get a berth next May. Perhaps this time it'll be lucky for Barrie, after coming ever so close last season.

Sudbury Wolves
There's something about the Wolves that draws people to them this season. Perhaps it's the fact that they're pretty much the same team as last year. In a generally weaker Eastern Conference, the Wolves are primed to stake their claim for top spot.

They return their top three point getters from last season — Matthew Campagna, Nick Baptiste and Nathan Pancel. That's 172 points from last season, and there's expectation for more this season; particularly from Baptiste.

The Wolves were busy in the off season, adding Connor Crisp from the Erie Otters, perhaps hinting that they have Memorial Cup aspirations. On defence, Jimmy McDonnell was another acquisition in the Crisp trade and he, along with former Knights' fan favourite Kevin Raine will stabilize a young, eager defence corps.

Veteran netminder Franky Palazzese, who was acquired from Kitchener last season, will return in net as the third and final overager, rounding out what looks like a solid roster of players. Perhaps with a couple of trades in season, the Wolves, like the Barrie Colts, are poised to make a run for the Cup.

Other teams to keep an eye out for:

North Bay Battalion: This will be a season to remember for the city of North Bay. The erstwhile Brampton Battalion packed up and moved north in the off season, bringing junior hockey back to North Bay for the first time since 2002.

Bolstered by the return of their captain Barclay Goodrow, the Troops are joined by 2014 projected first rounder Blake Clarke, as well as Nick Paul and Mike Amadio on offence.

Goaltending could be a shortfall, as Matej Machovsky went back to the Czech Republic. That left Jake Smith to take over as the starter in only his second OHL season and it's to be seen how he fares with the added workload. They do have former Sudbury netminder Brendan O'Neill for cover.

North Bay rejoices, though; they've got the OHL back.

Oshawa Generals: Lost several key players to the pro ranks, including Dorchester native Boone Jenner. However, the Generals were boosted by the return of Scott Laughton from the Philadelphia Flyers.

Daniel Altshuller returns in goal bringing his experience along. Their defensive corps is led by Josh Brown, Chris Carlisle and Colin Sullentrop — not as dominating as many other OHL franchises, but still steady enough to make life difficult for other OHL teams.