YOUNG ‘DOGS READY FOR NHL DRAFT
HAMILTON – A handful of Hamilton Bulldogs will be waiting patiently this weekend as the 2015 National Hockey League Draft takes placein Sunrise, Fla.
Five players who will suit up this fall at FirstOntario Centre are listed on the NHL Central Scouting Service final rankings heading into the weekend.
Forward Matt Luff is ranked 96th among North American skaters while defenceman Justin Lemcke is listed at the137th spot. Forwards Trent Fox and Adam Laishram are ranked 139th and 168th.
Goaltender Connor Hicks is ranked 20th among the 30 rated North American netminders.
Luff, the highest-ranked player, is coming off a rookie season where he was nominated for Ontario Hockey League rookie of the year.
As the season went on, he saw action in all situations and put up points (nine goals, 22 assists). NHL Central Scouting’s Al Jensen says Luff has “steadily improved and has showed his effectiveness over the season. You can see the potential in him, teams are seeing that NHL potential, which is drawing a lot of interest.”
Jensen adds Luff showcases “good strength and size on the wing, shows good strength and puck control along the boardsand excellent drive and determination in his play.”
Lemcke was the only player to take part in the NHL Scouting Combine ahead of the draft, which puts prospects through a series of strength and conditioning tests.
According to Jensen, that invite shows the interest out there. “Being invited to the combine means that there’s a lot of teams that are very interested in his NHL potential,” he says.
Lemcke is a expected to be a big pillar defensively for the ‘Dogs this coming season. Jensen adds that Lemcke is a steady, two-way defenceman.
“He is very smart, he anticipates very well and is quick to loose pucks,” he says. “He’s good with and without the puck. Very poised and confident.”
Adam Laishram, meanwhile, is a small, but talented forward. Standing at 5-8, some say his size may be a concern, but Jensen says many will focus on his talent.
“I don’t feel his size hurts his potential,” Jensen says. “There are a lot of smaller skilled players who are very valuable to their teams playing in the NHL.”
Laishram posted 11 goals and 30 points last season and captured the OHL Ryobi Hardest Working Player of the Year award.
Laishram has “excellent work ethic at both ends of the ice and he plays a lot bigger than his size. He competes very hard and plays physical,” says Jensen.
Trent Fox is another one of those who turned some heads last season by scoring 13 goals in his rookie campaign. Jensen calls him “a hard-working, honest player” who “has the potential to make big strides.”
Last but not least, is Connor Hicks. The netminder put up a 3.19 goals against and an .894 save percentage last season in a backup role. Even with his limited playing time, Hicks was noticed. His “style reminds me of the way Steve Mason of Philadelphia plays,” says Jensen. He adds, “He flares out pads quickly, while sealing the ice very well and protecting the fivehole. He is very tough to beat down low. He has quick reactions and was quick to recover for a second chance.”
The 2015 NHL Draft will be held June 26-27 at BB&T Center in Sunrise, Florida.
