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I've watched this guy develop for the last four years here in Denver as a top college hcokey player, and he has a very promising pro upside. He's played a gritty, power foward role in NCAA hockey, playing bigger than his 5'11 190 pound size, but I imagine he could be more of a penalty killer/power play guy in pro hockey, as he won't need to be a power forward in pro hockey. He could be a second/third line AHL player now, with the potential to be a first liner with more exposure to the pro game.
He's very strong on his skates, has good stick skills, is good in traffic, can play good two way hockey, terrific attitude and has a very deceptive shot. He played a critical role in leading his team to the last two NCAA titles, so he knows how to win, and he's been very well coached by the Denver staff. He's a quiet leader, down to earth personality, and is from Colorado Springs, playing junior in Dubuque, IA before joining Denver. His defining moments in Denver were a huge goal in the 2004 NCAA semi-final against Minnesota-Duluth, where he was the best player on the ice. He also is a good shotblocker and took a full slapshot in the family jewels during this years NCAAs, but came back to play in the same game under excruciating pain.
The downsides to his game is primarily his tendency to be streaky, rather than as consistent as he could be, but this may be correctable with more pro coaching. He also has a temper - his teammates nicknamed him 'snap'.
A very good signing by St. John's.
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