Login

WinGretzky · 06-01-2017, 01:36 AM

Code:
717 words, ready for grading

<div align="center">SMJHL Prospect Profiles - Bar Downski

The Inside scoop with on current SMJHL Prospect Bar Downski.

[Image: OtFWtYi.jpg]

</div>

Downski, the Canadian Two Way Forward is one of the top prospects in this years draft class. The youngster brings a tough two way game and the capability to score clutch goals. Although he is rough around the edges, scouts are claiming that he will grow to be a multi-purpose forward for any team lucky enough get him with their draft pick this year. Lets get into the details around Downski's game.

Full Name: Bar Downski
Number: 86
Position: Right Wing
Shoots: Right
Height: 6'1"
Weight: 190
Strengths: Scoring, Defense, Skating
Weakness: Checking

Younger Life
Bar started playing hockey at 7 years old and was the first person to start playing hockey in his family. His father (Patrick) and older brother (Jacob) are big time baseball fans, but as soon as Bar caught a glimpse of hockey from playing in the back yard with his best friend, he knew that hockey was the sport for him. Needless to say Bar has had the support of his Father and Brother all along the way, but he has taken a different path from the family norm. Either way, something is clearly in the genes or the water in the Downski household as both Jacob and Bar are making a run for a professional sports career. Jacob is an excellent catcher and hopes to one day make it to the big leagues.. but who cares cause its baseball **BADUM TSSS*. Anyways, back to the topic at hand, Downski has shown promise towards a professional career at a young age. Its been a long time coming and a hard journey. It appears he will have a taste soon enough.

Style of Play:

Speed Kills
Downski likes to take control of the game and take advantage of opponents mistakes with his speed and skating skill. Although he is not the fastest skater just yet, you can tell in his form that through proper professional training, this guy has the potential to really bring the heat. His skating ability also helps his two way game as well. He is not often found out of position, and if he is caught in a bad spot, his skating ability usually is enough to compensate. This has been working for him in his current league however the SMJHL is a faster paced game so it will be interesting to see how his skating ability holds up in professional competition.

Poppin Bottles
Probably his second standout trait would be his scoring touch. What else is there to say, Bar Downski loves to put the puck in the net and seems to have a personal vendetta against goalie's water bottles. The thing that is most talked about regarding his scoring ability is his quick release shot. There is room for improvement as far as shot strength, and his overall hands in general, but the kid clearly has some natural talent in the scoring department.

The Power of the Mustache
[Image: ahq4ruX.jpg]

We cant neglect to mention Downski's defensive mind for the game as well. When he was a youngster playing house league at age 8, Downski started off playing as a defender. Due to his skating abilities, at age 11 the coaches decided to try him out on offense. There has been no turning back from this point on, but his defensive mindset will always be with him throughout his career, and we don't think it's a bad thing.

The Down side :(
The most popular criticism on his game is his physical play. If you are looking for an enforcer or a power forward, you will most likely not see much of that style of play from Downski. He is defensively reliable, but he is not one to fight or throw a big hit.

In preparation for the upcoming SMJHL draft, Downski has a workout and training regiment that will help him continue to build out his weaker areas in his game such as strength, puck handling and passing. His abilities in these areas arent poor, but there is much more room for improvement over his other strengths.

The Package Deal
At the end of the day, Downski's skating ability, defensive mind, and scoring touch will allow any team to be able to be use him in 5 on 5, Power Play, and especially Penalty Kill situations. Downski set a High School record for the most short handed points in one season (12 SHP in 20 games) due to his heavy use in this situation. It will be interesting to see where Downski ends up after the draft, but we sure are looking forward to following his career as he tries to make it to the SHL.