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Massive Coiler · 07-31-2019, 06:07 PM

SHL S49 Draft Profile:
Delver Fudgeson

Bio:

Name: Delver Fudgeson
Junior Team: Lethbridge Lions (SMJHL)
Position: D
Place of Birth: Canada
Height: 6’3”
Weight: 200lbs
Shoots: R

Scouting Report

Skating and Transition

Delver Fudgeson’s primary role as a defenseman is to facilitate breakouts in the D zone and create his own offensive plays. He skates fairly well, but it could stand to be improved upon. He generally relies on his edgework and quick first step to avoid hits from pressuring forecheckers. While his skating compared to real pros leaves a lot to be desired, it works for the level he is currently playing at in the junior league. His stamina needs improved, but isn’t a concern, as he doesn’t seem to struggle with the huge minutes he is often given.

Offensive Zone

This is the area where Delver is expected to have the largest impact. He scored 8 goals in his rookie season, while adding 18 assists. This shot-first mentality adds an extra scoring option for his team while they are in the offensive zone. His passing could use work in the offensive zone, but it isn’t a liability. Offensive awareness is a primary ability for this prospect. Delver's desire, at least from the start of his career to the present has been one to become a great scoring option from the back end. He would like to be that extra shot to give his offensive unit one more player that the other team has to worry about.

Defensive Zone

While the rookie would have probably been expected to play an offensive role with limited power play time, he was quickly put on the top pair and was required to play a complete game. As a result, Fudgeson made huge improvements to his defensive game as the season went on. Notably, he blocked 62 shots this season which is impressive for a rookie, and one who is more known for his offensive side of the game. It’s expected that his defensive side of the game will improve with experience, but right now it is probably fair to say that it is his best ability.

Delver’s physicality however could be greatly improved. His checking could use work, and while he isn’t afraid to use his body, it isn’t particularly a good ability of his. His strength could also use some work if he is going to play against superior players at the highest level. Currently, his use of his stick and willingness to block shots is making up for his weakness as a physical defenseman.

Year In Review

SMJHL

Delver was taken in the second round of the SMJHL entry draft by the Lethbridge Lions. He was their first pick of the draft, and so far has had the biggest impact. The team struggled to start the season, and new management was brought in to shake things up. The leadership decided to re-tool the team for the future, and as a result of several trades, Delver Fudgeson was now the #1 option on defense. Playing huge minutes at 21.80 per game, he saw more ice time than anyone else on the team. As mentioned before, he blocked 62 shots, and offensively shot 63 of his own. Late in the season he was paired with his good friend and fellow S49 prospect, Cal Clucker, who is a pass-first style defenseman who played very well with Delver. 8 goals were scored by the rookie d-man, which he should be quite happy with. In the playoffs he added 3 more in 12 games. During the playoffs he helped lead his team to their first playoff series win in franchise history. Delver’s morale should be higher than ever as he works hard this offseason to take the next step to becoming one of the SMJHL’s top defensemen.

WJC

Though his team was eliminated, his hockey wasn’t quite done for the year when he was selected to join Team Canada at the WJC. His role is as a bottom pairing d-man with no power play time, which is quite a different look for him. He hasn’t had the best tournament, even though his team has been successful. This is the type of role he will need to adapt to if he expects to succeed at a higher level as a young player. He plays primarily on a pair with Halifax star defender: Haley Knight, who Delver mentioned recently was someone he would love to play with, not having any idea that he would get the opportunity to do so this soon. He was asked which team he would have enjoyed playing with in the playoffs, besides his own:

Quote: “...it looks like the Halifax Raiders would be a team that could use the help of Delver Fudgeson. Adding another scoring d-man capable of playing big minutes alongside their established #1 D, Haley Knight. I would probably fit on their top pair, but they could put me on the second one to balance the lines and help with matchups.”

Conclusions

Delver Fudgeson is an interesting prospect. He has excelled in his top role on the Lions, and plays hard every game. In his more recent showing the World Juniors, he hasn’t been given much of the same opportunity, but the blame can only be placed on himself. On ice play aside, he has several tools that make him seem like he will be a good player with the right development. Good defensive awareness is a must, and as long as he improves bit by bit with his general skills, he should become good enough to warrant some of the attention he has been getting after his surprising rookie year. He has a bit of a road ahead of him to become a truly effective SHL player, but the tools are in place currently. Delver needs to work hard and stay focused to improve his game to the point where his body can keep up with what he wants to do. He isn’t as sure a pick as several other high ability prospects in this draft, but he definitely has the potential to surprise some, as he did with the SMJHL draft.

Pre-Draft Quotes:

“Fudgeson is a good example of the modern defenseman. He plays a 200 foot game and makes quick decisions with the puck. Off the puck he is a good skater and well positioned defensively. He needs to improve his strengths to put himself over the edge and be ready to jump to the SHL level.” - Anonymous Scout, sent from Delver Fudgeson’s phone.

“Delver works hard on and off the ice. His amount of time practicing and studying the game tape is only matched by his work out time dedicated to his core. It’s really impressive to see someone already so good looking put in the work to reach that extra step to become a true super-hunk.” - Tony Flow, former player/personal trainer/agent/model.

(1235 words according to the word count in SHL. x2 for draft week.)

***Ace*** · 07-31-2019, 10:08 PM

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