ISS Hockey April Release: Players of Interest
May 18, 2016 12:19:54 GMT -5
bjernagris (PHI), mattgough60, and 1 more like this
Post by brentdog on May 18, 2016 12:19:54 GMT -5
With the iNHL 2017 draft almost upon us, the big guns likely to go at the top of the pecking order have been long established. Whilst there remains continued debate over who the consensus number 1 should be (and it's still clearly Nolan Patrick in my eyes) we will use this piece to turn our attention to potential sleepers in the upcoming draft. We will hear over 200 names called at the end of June and, without a doubt, within those 200 there will be hidden gems. For the purposes of this article, I am defining a 'hidden gem' as someone ranked outside the top 50 of North American skaters and top 20 of European skaters for this draft, i.e players who project to go somewhere between the third and seventh rounds. We will introduce you to them and why we think they could surprise you.
However, before we do so, a word of warning: trying to predict these things is an inexact science filled with flaws. There’s no perfect system out there. Scouts make informed decisions based on available information. We try to project the future and find comparables for these players. Sometimes it works out, but sometimes it doesn’t. Our goal here is to get more right than wrong.
So without further ado let's dive into our sleepers list:
Nick Suzuki (C) – Owen Sound Attack – OHL
Suzuki is a smart player with a high hockey IQ that has only gotten better as the season has gone on. Exhibits poise, patience and vision in the offensive end that allows him to act as a high-level playmaker, as evidenced by 48 assists in 65 OHL games. Needs to improve away from the puck, although this is mitigated somewhat by a sound faceoff technique.
Todd Burgess (C) – Holy Cross Crusaders - NCAA
A winner of the NAHL Most Valuable Player and Forward of the Year awards prior to committing to college hockey, the Arizona-born Burgess came into the NCAA with a reputation as a deadly sniper in the mold of Jimmy Vesey. Ironically Burgess has been more of a set-up guy throughout this season, but we're willing to bet a lot of those assists have come from rebounds given his ability to ghost into space and a wicked wrist-shot that always seems to make the keeper work.
Dylan Gambrell (C/RW) – Boston College Eagles – NCAA
Gambrell is all about speed and quickness and he uses those assets exceedingly well in creating opportunities and making things happen. Possesses a great first step and can get up to speed very quickly. Good playmaker who moves the puck effectively and can do so without breaking stride.
Jason Robertson (LW) – Clarkson Golden Knights – NCAA
Robertson is a big winger with speed and skill who really excels in driving the net and playing up-tempo. Has carried a niggling injury throughout the season which has hampered his scoring somewhat, but wingers with his size, creativity and overall skill level don't grow on trees, so we expect him to go higher than his points total would suggest.
Scott Conway (C) – Penticton Vees – BCHL
The former bad-boy of NCAA hockey has turned things around after getting drummed out of Penn State, posting big numbers for the Vees over the past two season. Has a happy knack of finding open ice and possesses a heavy shot that consistently puts the puck in the back of the net. Plays with a real edge to his game and isn't afraid to drop the gloves when required.
However, before we do so, a word of warning: trying to predict these things is an inexact science filled with flaws. There’s no perfect system out there. Scouts make informed decisions based on available information. We try to project the future and find comparables for these players. Sometimes it works out, but sometimes it doesn’t. Our goal here is to get more right than wrong.
So without further ado let's dive into our sleepers list:
Nick Suzuki (C) – Owen Sound Attack – OHL
Suzuki is a smart player with a high hockey IQ that has only gotten better as the season has gone on. Exhibits poise, patience and vision in the offensive end that allows him to act as a high-level playmaker, as evidenced by 48 assists in 65 OHL games. Needs to improve away from the puck, although this is mitigated somewhat by a sound faceoff technique.
Todd Burgess (C) – Holy Cross Crusaders - NCAA
A winner of the NAHL Most Valuable Player and Forward of the Year awards prior to committing to college hockey, the Arizona-born Burgess came into the NCAA with a reputation as a deadly sniper in the mold of Jimmy Vesey. Ironically Burgess has been more of a set-up guy throughout this season, but we're willing to bet a lot of those assists have come from rebounds given his ability to ghost into space and a wicked wrist-shot that always seems to make the keeper work.
Dylan Gambrell (C/RW) – Boston College Eagles – NCAA
Gambrell is all about speed and quickness and he uses those assets exceedingly well in creating opportunities and making things happen. Possesses a great first step and can get up to speed very quickly. Good playmaker who moves the puck effectively and can do so without breaking stride.
Jason Robertson (LW) – Clarkson Golden Knights – NCAA
Robertson is a big winger with speed and skill who really excels in driving the net and playing up-tempo. Has carried a niggling injury throughout the season which has hampered his scoring somewhat, but wingers with his size, creativity and overall skill level don't grow on trees, so we expect him to go higher than his points total would suggest.
Scott Conway (C) – Penticton Vees – BCHL
The former bad-boy of NCAA hockey has turned things around after getting drummed out of Penn State, posting big numbers for the Vees over the past two season. Has a happy knack of finding open ice and possesses a heavy shot that consistently puts the puck in the back of the net. Plays with a real edge to his game and isn't afraid to drop the gloves when required.