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Burch breaks through the Montreal Impact defense for a preseason goal

MICHAEL BURCH SCOUTING REPORT </div>

HockeyTown Scouting takes a look at one of the Detroit Falcons recent draft selections, a great prospect on the right wing that could become a great player. Michael Burch, drafted in the 3rd round by the Falcons, has gotten off to a good start with the goal in the Impact game during the preseason, but can get better offensively. The playmaker, however, has been getting used to the SMJHL speed of the game and can become a great player in the future. Here's the winger's current build:

<div align="center">TPE = 202
CK = Checking: 50
FG = Fighting: 25
DI = Discipline: 67
SK = Skating: 80
ST = Strength: 67
EN = Endurance: 75
DU = Durability: 50
PH = Puck Handling: 75
FO = Face Offs: 50
PA = Passing: 80
SC = Scoring: 70
DF = Defense: 70
PS = Penalty Shot: 50</div>

Already a decent build, with a clear playmaking focus on passing and possessing the puck. For the future, Burch seems like a winger that can control an offense and be the guy the fast break goes through. Many teams need a playmaker in the best sense, someone who is a forward that can skate into the zone and notch assists with the occasional goal, and Burch fills the mold as a classic pass-first forward, despite his only point being a goal in the preseason thus far. Let's see where the remaining 148 points could go:

<div align="center">TPE = 350
CK = Checking: 50
FG = Fighting: 25
DI = Discipline: 70 (+3 TPE)
SK = Skating: 90 (+50 TPE)
ST = Strength: 70 (+3 TPE)
EN = Endurance: 80 (+10 TPE)
DU = Durability: 50
PH = Puck Handling: 83 (+27 TPE)
FO = Face Offs: 50
PA = Passing: 85 (+25 TPE)
SC = Scoring: 75 (+10 TPE)
DF = Defense: 80 (+20 TPE)
PS = Penalty Shot: 50</div>

This looks like a fantastic player of the future, and certainly a top-notch prospect for the SHL Draft. A playmaker with 85 Passing, 83 Puck Handling, and 90 Skating will skate into the zone, keeping possession of the puck, and pass to the snipers on the rush, exactly what you want out of your offensive quarterback. Defensively minded with 80 Defense, Burch could potentially develop into a 2-Way player, not in the sense that he'll be a hard-hitting winger, but that he can stop opposing offensive breaks and turn them into points. Burch could also go off the proposed development and keep Passing and Scoring aththeir same areas and use the 35 TPE to build Defense to 85 and Puck Handling to 84, creating a more defensive forward that still passes. None of this includes banked TPE possibilities for the SHL, as a player like Burch may be sent down another season to build TPE so the SHL team he gets drafted to can mold him. This type of potential for creative build is not to be overlooked.

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Burch scores his 2nd goal in the Prospect Showcase against the Stingrays</div>

During the preseason, coaches at Joe Louis Arena and the practice facility across the street have noticed that Burch is getting better with stick handling, keeping control of the puck, and has started having more of a voice amongst the rookies in the locker room. Burch looks like a great prospect, one that can capitalize on his strengths while still having raw natural ability, and seems very coachable, taking advice from coaches and the GMs here in Detroit. The right wing player has also taken time to get to know the Detroit hockey media, releasing draft analysis from a player perspective to local SMJHL beat writers and doing more advertising gigs for the Falcons. Burch's name recognition across the league is only increasing, and the name will be on the minds of draft scouts come the end of S24. HockeyTown expects Burch to be mentioned among the top of his class due to his future involvement in team activities, recruiting adventures, and other activity around Detroit and the SMJHL.

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Burch celebrates with teammates after a preseason victory</div>

Some of his development has to be attributed to playing with send down players on the top powerplay line, something that might be just a preseason tryout, but could be considered a potential permanent position. Powerplay snipers abound, but powerplay playmakers are a needle in a haystack, and with Burch's ability to skate the puck and pass in the offensive zone, Burch seems to be the fit for many SHL powerplays for the future.

<div align="center">SHL Player Comparison: Etienne Modano, </div>

Burch is already reminding people of the Los Angeles winger Etienne Modano, mainly because both players excel at the same areas of play: skating ability, offensive IQ, and puck possession. Modano was drafted by the Panthers in the S21 Draft 11th Overall and has made an impact for the Panthers ever since. If Burch can follow Modano's footsteps and match his sophomore season 50 points with the Kelowna Knights en route to a 4-Star Cup, the Falcons will be looking at a fantastic season from their rookie class. Modano did have a 14 point rookie season, and still was seen as a great prospect. We here in HockeyTown believe that Burch can become greater than Modano and become great.

<div align="center">SHL Draft Projection: 5th - 8th Overall</div>

In one of the largest draft classes the SHL will have experienced since just 5 seasons ago, the 12 major league teams will have a tough time deciding which players to take where, with a lot of gems and busts occurring in the late late late rounds and the 1st round. Expect Burch to be either a properly drafted mid-round 1st round talent or see him as one of the steals of the draft if not taken early. Burch will be a hot commodity for teams without a true passer, so early favorites for Burch's home in the SHL include the Toronto North Stars , the Calgary Dragons , and the Texas Renegades . Each team could use a playmaking right winger, and Burch could be that guy. All 3 teams also have a chance to be in that 5th - 8th overall range in the upcoming draft, so expect Burch in one of those 3 uniforms come next season.

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Can't wait to see Burch develop into the Falcon he is

And awesome write-up

Awesome write up
Lets go Falcons!!