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Tylar · 05-16-2020, 03:05 PM

Liam Slate Scouting Report

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Date of birth: 01/13/2001
Place of birth:Newport, Wales
Height: 6’1″
Weight: 185 lbs
Shoots: Left
Position: Right Wing/Left Wing
Draft Eligibility: S54 SMJHL / S55 SHL

Liam Slate has been putting up great numbers for an U20 player in the Elite Ice Hockey League over in Great Britain. As a member of the Belfast Giants, Slate put up 11 goals and 16 assists for 27 pts in 39 games in a men’s professional league. The young Welshman started off slow with only 3 points in 10 games but began to pick up the pace after getting used to playing with the bigger, stronger grown men. In his three years with the Giants youth teams, Slate put up a massive 234 points in 180 games over the three seasons. Slate’s talent has been on display in the 2019-2020 season, which has given him attention with the scouts.
Liam Slate has been playing second line minutes with Belfast this season. He has the potential to be a game-changer and leaves people on the edge of their seats when he has the puck on his stick. He has single-handedly made the EIHL must watch hockey with scouts from other European countries coming get viewings of Slate. Above all His compete level is noticeable every shift and rarely will you see Slate coast around the ice. He keeps his feet moving and is always looking for the puck like a dog on a bone.

NHL Comparison: The National Hockey League comparable for Liam Slate would be Jack Eichel as a winger without the strength that Jack Eichel possesses right now. Slate has the skating, power, compete and offensive chops like Jack Eichel. Slate skating ability allows him to drive his line offensively into the offensive zone making him a zone entry monster as well as ability to hold onto the puck. Like Eichel, Slate finds passes that others do not see. One major flaw in the comparison is the strength that Liam does not have the body strength and power that Eichel has, but Slate has the hockey IQ to make up for that and elite hockey IQ that quite frankly Jack Eichel lacks at times. But overall, this is the comparison scouts make for Liam Slate.

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Strengths

Skating Ability -Slate is a winger with a beautiful skating stride, and ability to move his feet like Jeff Skinner of the NHL. While having the edgework Slate has the speed and acceleration to make moves past defenders and his ability to turn defenders is elite. His skating ability is what gave him the chance and ability to play up in the men’s league and as he began realizing he could use his skating to his advantage, it showed in his play. Once Slate grows into his body and puts on muscle, his skating stride will become more powerful.

Stick Handling –As previously mentioned, Slate is a zone entry monster which means he holds onto possession of the puck while going into the offensive zone. His stick handling ability allows him to control the puck on his stick while throwing in some offensive dangles once in awhile. In terms of stick handling ability, the way he controls the puck on his stick is elite.

Hockey Sense – While it is hard to explain what exactly “hockey IQ” is, Liam Slate has it. Liam thinks the game differently, and quickly which makes him elite. He processes the game at faster speeds than others which makes him one step ahead of the competition. He understands situational play, where he is supposed to be as the non-puck carrier and where he is supposed to be on the forecheck. He just understands what he has to do as a hockey player, and it is what makes him so special as a hockey player and prospect.

Weaknesses

Body – One of his biggest weaknesses would have to be his lack of strength and muscle. Standing at 6’1 and 185 pounds, Slate is rather light and slender. He can be pushed off the puck easily and may have trouble in the corners although he does try his best. His physical strength may be a weakness but there is a lot to work with in terms of building up muscle mass and muscle strength. Given the proper fitness routine

Grit – Grit can be seen by some as an important attribute in a hockey player, which some would argue Slate does not posses. On one hand he has a high compete level, battles in corners and to the front of the net. On the other hand, the old school hockey types might see him as a soft player who lacks the grit. Slate is not much of a physical presence on the ice and likely will not be at the top of the hits laid leaderboard. It could also be argued that he does not have that aggressive flair that some people would like to see.

Defensive Awareness– Hockey is more than just scoring goals, there is also the defensive aspect. Liam Slate is not a liability in his own zone, but his defensive awareness could use some work. Going back to the Jack Eichel comparison, at the beginning of his NHL career, it could be argued that Eichel lacked the defensive awareness to be an elite forward. The same could be said for Liam Slate. While defensive awareness is a weakness now, like Eichel, Slate will likely grow into a more dynamic player which will also increase his defensive awareness. Eichel has grown defensively each season in his NHL career and is only getting better. Scouts believe Liam Slate will follow a similar path defensively as Eichel once he matures and grows. One thing that might benefit Slate is that he is on the wing rather than up the middle which if he was a center the lack of defensive awareness may be more of a problem.

The Potential
Liam Slate has a ton of potential to become a star in the SMJHL and eventually the SHL. A lot of his potential rides on the idea that he will build some muscle mass to become a truly elite and game changing player. Slate has the hockey IQ to become an amazing player and will need some guidance to fufill that potential. A good management team along with team environment could benefit the young Welshman. Keeping the young lad focused off the ice as well as continued motivation for the physical fitness aspect, Liam Slate could be a dominate force for years to come. No doubt Slate will be an SHL player, but it is remain to be see what kind of impact he will have whether it is just a depth player or a superstar.