2023-24 Player Profile: Jesse Heslop
Jesse Heslop ranked as one of the best 16-year-olds in the Western Hockey League last season. Entering his first year of NHL Draft eligibility, the winger could potentially turn a lot of heads playing top-six minutes with the Silvertips.
2022-23 in review
Heslop made quite the first impression in his WHL debut back on Dec. 19, 2021, becoming the first ’06-born Draftee in his class to score a goal. He finished the year tallying 77 points in 31 games with Yale Hockey Academy U15 Prep.
Heslop has hands🔥#ForEverett pic.twitter.com/sIwsiykMtk
— Everett Silvertips (@WHLsilvertips) February 6, 2023
With high expectations and tremendous opportunity, Heslop burst out of the gate in his rookie WHL season, notching two goals and 12 assists in his first 15 games. The Nanaimo, BC native spent most of the season skating on the top line with Austin Roest and Jackson Berezowski. He finished the year ninth amongst rookies in assists (29) and tenth in total scoring (41 points) in 66 appearances, adding three assists in five postseason games to boot.
“I came into camp and there were a lot of great players,” Heslop said of his mindset entering his first full season. “I was just trying to make the team. Once I made it, I got to know the guys really well. I grew a lot over the year.”
Rookie of the Year
Heslop was named the team’s Rookie of the Year in 2022-23. He collected 11 multi-point performances on the year, including five three-point nights. Heslop netted his first multi-goal game on Mar. 12 in a 5-4 shootout win over the Spokane Chiefs.
MIC'D UP: Jesse Heslop!
Count Jesse in the "No Christmas Music Til December" camp 😂#ForEverett x @GreatClips pic.twitter.com/YS0f8OrLQ7
— Everett Silvertips (@WHLsilvertips) November 29, 2022
Only five ’06-born players measured better than Heslop in scoring, four of which were picked in the first round of the 2021 WHL Draft and all of them selected prior to Heslop- the 66th-overall pick in the third round that year. Where Heslop differentiates himself is his ability to generate points at five-on-five. He ranked second amongst all ’06-born players in even-strength points with 35 last year, trailing former first-overall pick Berkly Catton by two points.
Blossoming before our eyes
This will be the first year that Jesse Heslop is eligible for the NHL Draft. He has a proven scoring track record, and could be presented another top-six (and potentially top-line) opportunity. Following a year in which two Silvertips were picked in the NHL Draft, #22 could very well be the next Silvertip to hear his name called.
The key lies in his taking the next step physically. He bulked up 15 pounds heading into his 16-year-old season, with another summer of training now under his belt. His vision is superb, and his playmaking- particularly close to the net- is quite advanced. Should Heslop make further strides rounding out his game improving his skating and strength, the sky is the limit.
What’s new?
- Partial Season Ticket Holders: submit your Game Selection Form by Sep. 1! | CLICK HERE
- Preseason Classic tickets are on sale now! CLICK HERE
- Place your deposit for 2023-24 season tickets! CLICK HERE
- Become a billet and join the Silvertips family! CLICK HERE
