Re: Cjhl
I'm a long time reader of this board, and first time poster. I believe I can offer some insight into this discussion as I watch both these leagues regularly,and have seen most of the players the OP is asking about.
First and foremost, the level of play in the two leagues is very similar. The CJHL is a smaller league, with more parity (although, generally, only Brockville, Cornwall, and Pembroke are contenders for the league title). The OJHL is the largest league in Canada, and simply put, the bottom teams are terrible. There are, however, significantly more high end teams and players. In my opinion, the overall level of play for these two leagues is slightly higher than the NAHL, but obviously below the USHL.
As far as I'm concerned, the Spinks are without a doubt the best forwards in Colgate's upcoming class. Not only have they put up ridiculous numbers in the CJ, but they were also top line players at the World Jr. A Challenge (playing against the best Jr. A players in the world, including the USHL). Lough is a stud defenceman as well (I believe he won dman of the WJAC). In my opinion, he was possibly the best defenceman in Canadian Jr. A hockey this year.
I don't think Darcy Murphy is as good as his stats indicate. He is definitely a threat when he has the puck in the offensive zone, but he doesn't do anything else great. I don't really see his offensive translating to the college game, where everyone is bigger, faster and bigger. But, with that being said, there is no doubt he has the skill and talent to play D1 hockey.
Early in 07-08 two USHL teams went to Quebec and each played two games against QMJHL teams. They didn't do badly, and the QMJHL teams had already started their season while it was preseason for the USHL. Equal? -- No, but not that far off.
What you're forgetting is that the Quebec's team best players were all away at NHL camps and the roster was filled with young prospects or Jr. A players. I think when the Waterloo Blackhawks play the Sudbury Wolves this year in Russia, it will be a much better indicator of play between the two leagues.