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HenryDeLaMare · 05-09-2018, 05:07 AM

(First Media Bonus)

As the memory of the 40th season of the SMJHL grows more distant and the draft inches closer, the SHL fanbase is hungry for the prospects of the future. While there have been many prospects that would be a great fit for many teams, there is one young man I want to highlight today who I believe hasn’t gotten the attention he deserves. That man is Justin Siddals.

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Seemingly out of nowhere, Justin Siddals, a Prince George native, has quickly come to the forefront of prospects in the SMJHL. Siddals has gained recognition for his defensive prowess in the lower leagues and is now looking forward towards joining a tougher and more skilled league. Self-Identifying as a two-way centerman, Siddals is known to hold his own in both ends of the ice whether it be scoring or stealing the puck.

It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that Siddals is a big guy, as his 6’3”/205lbs frame can bowl over the opposing team if the situation calls for it. His size and strength give him the ability to open up lanes for him and his teammates to make effective passes and score. With being a bigger guy on the ice, other advantages include his great face-off ability, his exceptional skating speed, and his surprisingly gifted hands when it comes to scoring.

Siddals’ agent, Henry de la Mare, was very confident in his clients’ ability to perform at a high level. When asking de la Mare for more details, he was quick to spout off his perception of Justin, stating:

“There is so much to like about Justin Siddals. He's a hard-nosed worker that seemingly always makes those around him step-up to another level. The broad-shouldered center is defensively sound and has great awareness for wherever the puck is on the ice; however, when the chance arises to put it in the net himself, you damn well know he will capitalize on the opportunity. He sees the ice very well and knows his position like the back of his hand. His defensive game is refined and he actively pursues puck control. His transitioning into his offense is sound and silky-smooth. The one major concern that scouts generally pick up on - even though I disagree - is his puck handling ability. If he was to overcome that stigma as he is trying to during his training, he will truly be an elite forward. All-in-all, Siddals is a well-rounded two-way centerman that skates well defends well and can be the catalyst when the team needs success.”

The comment of his lacking puck handling ability has merit, as it’s the one red flag that scouts generally notice when watching him play. While it’s true that his skill when handling the puck is slow to develop, it’s unfair to say that he’s bad at it for the level he’s in. If he can develop his game into a more crafty defense-driven one, one that will showcase his passing ability, perhaps his puck-handling ability is a moot topic.

Now that I’ve touched on Siddals' strengths and weaknesses, the outlying question remains: Where does he land? I think there are a few teams that would make great use of Siddals’ talents.

PRINCE GEORGE FIREBIRDS:

After the Firebirds’ historical low that is the 40th SMJHL Regular Season, it’s without any surprise to say that Justin Siddals’ would provide a lot of missing things for the team. Siddal’s strength and stature alongside his scoring ability would allow the Firebirds to have more chances of beating the other team's keeper. The scoring (or lack thereof) is a crucial hole that needs to be filled before the Firebirds enter their next season, as they only scored an abysmal 99 goals during the 40th season. Justin’s playmaking ability along with his defensive, wide body could be just big enough to fill up that hole.

While Prince George initially placed 2nd in the draft lottery, the pick belongs to the Vancouver Whalers. If the Firebirds want to pick up their hometown boy, they will have to hope that they can pick him up with one of their other picks in the draft.

VANCOUVER WHALERS:

Naturally, if the consensus worst team in the SMJHL needed any high-end prospects, it’s not much of a stretch to say that the Whalers are in the same boat. While the team just barely missed the playoffs, it’s not to say that they have some major weaknesses that could be filled by Siddals toolset.

While they generally maintained a near 1-1 GF/GA ratio, it is obviously not good enough to make the playoffs. With Siddals’ reputation for being a defensively sound prospect that can bury the puck when he needs to, it’s without question that he could help shift that statistic more to the side that favors the Whalers. Outside of the scoresheet, it is quite apparent that the lack of grit could be what caused Vancouver’s disappointing end to the season as they were second last in registered hits amongst all teams in the SMJHL. With all these weaknesses that Vancouver has that Siddals’ is conveniently shaping his game around, it would not be surprising to see the Whalers use one of their many picks this draft to pick up the centerman.

MONTREAL MILITIA:

The Montreal Militia is the only team that made the playoffs in my list of suggested spots for Justin Siddals. Their record was good enough to inch them into the playoffs, so one would usually believe that the militia would be content with their team. Unfortunately for Montreal, their goal difference says otherwise. The difference shows that there is a problem that could cause some really big problems down the road. The team allowed 155 goals against, more than the 142 goals that the Militia scored. When you do the math, it leads to a -13 goal difference. The only negative goal difference amongst teams that made the playoffs.

The problematic goal difference doesn’t necessarily mean that the defensive core is bad, but rather that there is a lack of goal scoring ability in the Quebec team. The number of goals against was low enough to place them in the middle of the pack, at 155 goals against. The real issue is the offensive side of the Militia, as their 142 goals for ties them for third worst along with the Detroit Falcons. (The Firebirds being last). The root of this issue is simple. Montreal needs offense, and Justin Siddals’ offensive prowess alongside his defensive capabilities would allow Montreal to score more, and get scored against less. The Montreal Militia have 8 picks in the upcoming 41st SMJHL Entry Draft, and it would not surprise me one bit if one of them was used to pick up the promising forward.

Overall, the capabilities that Justin Siddals’ has would benefit all the teams participating in the draft. The amount of holes the young BC boy would fill leads me to believe that Justin could very well be a highly sought after pick in this upcoming draft.

(1171 Words)

FlappyGiraffe · 05-09-2018, 02:26 PM

Awesome article, good luck in the draft!

Keygan · 05-09-2018, 02:32 PM

Love the article.

JSS · 09-27-2018, 10:16 PM

bb come back :(

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