Prospect Weekly: Shots Fired

Cale Makar got on the board with his first NCAA goal in the opening game of a weekend series against Merrimack. Makar uses his quick release to pounce on a turnover off of a strong forecheck and is going to convert a lot of those great chances when he gets them. While Makar has had steady but not quite head turning production with five points in eight games, he has been driving the offense with the volume of shots he has been taking. Makar sits at just over three shots a game with 26 in eight games, which is good enough for fifth among NCAA defensemen and first for freshmen. He routinely leads his team in shots and shot attempts. UMass has an improved record of 4-4 and should continue to see their offensive capabilities grow with Makar at the helm.

Conor Timmins finally scored his first goal on the season as well and then celebrated with a five point night the following contest. He is now tied for second in OHL scoring among defensemen with 15 points in 13 games. His 46 shots on goal is 7th among defensemen as well. Timmins has a real interesting aggressive style which can be awkward at times. In the five points video, all of it is on display including some right place at the right time assists but some fantastic passes, especially on the second goal. He continues to play a lot of minutes and is around the puck a lot, it’s expected to continue around a point per game pace or better as the season continues on. It should be noted he was indeed paired with Swede Rasmus Sandin who recently joined the team and is draft eligible this year.

Not to be outdone by his OHL counterpart, Travis Barron has quietly been adding points to his name as well. While 12 points in 15 games probably isn’t going to make headlines, the increase in production is a positive and especially nice to see a four point weekend. This is from a player who adds a lot more to his team than with only production. He’s the captain and emotional leader plus Barron sets the tone physically as he plays one of the heaviest games in the OHL. He’s a hard but clean hitter and will drop the gloves when needed. He has the hands and puck skill to make things happen, which is seen in the clip below, and it is nice to him get rewarded on the scoresheet and currently sits 4th in team scoring.

Looking at the CHL rankings, Sault Ste. Marie loves that 6th spot. They currently have a 10-3-2 record and are second in their division.

Breaking Injury Update:

Word on the street is that Nick Henry is nearing his return to the ice for the Regina Pats. In fact, that return could come as soon as Friday, November 3rd assuming he receives the final ok from doctors. He has been practicing regularly and says he feels ready. It will be very exciting to see Henry back in action as its a big year for him and the Pats as they host the Memorial Cup in the spring.

For Your Viewing Pleasure:

Notre Dame travels to Ohio State in a 5pm MT match on Friday, November 3rd, which can be seen on the Big 10 Network.

The CIBC Canada Russia series kicks off with Team WHL (Ty Lewis) vs. Russia on Monday, November 6th in Moose Jaw, SK and on Tuesday, November 7th in Swift Current, SK the following night. Both games can be seen at 6pm MT on Sportsnet and TVA Sports. Also, each game will tape delay broadcast on NHL Network the following morning at 8am MT for the American fans. Keep an eye out for a full preview next week.

For Your Listening Pleasure:

If audio is more your style or just want to hear a bit more in depth of an update on the pro and amatuer prospects, we’ve launched a new podcast series called Prospect Monthly and will hope to bring these to you around the first of each month.