Scouting Report: Billy Herrington, 17-year-old Right Winger

Height: 6’ 1”
Weight: 240 lbs

Herrington brings a decent bit of skills to the table for a team looking for a certain type of player. He’s shifty in the offensive zone, able to make open space for himself, or leaving teammates open for a pass. He can handle the puck well, and has a tremendous sense for the ice and how to create a play. He also has one of the best shots in the draft class, able to hit his targets from just about anywhere. He positions himself well in the defensive zone well, and can read a play as it happens. He’s fast and agile, able to use his speed and athletic frame to make up for his large size, making him stable and strong, using his strength and hands to handle any opponent in a way he chooses. As delicate as tea and as harsh as a nail-tipped bat.

But Herrington has foibles, as any young player does. He struggles to effectively screen the goaltender, even though he doesn’t lack courage. His ability to make defensive plays is fine, but he doesn’t use his bulk to make hits some people might want him to. He struggles to use that body for blocking shots as well, and try as he might, he can’t fill in on faceoffs. There’s a lot of time for him to fill out those gaps in the year before he enters the SHL Draft, and a lot of people have some high hopes for this youngster.

Eddie Morozov signing off for now. Stay tuned for more info and more reports from my trips abroad scouting the next SHL stars!

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