Nate Wright
Center
Age 18
Mexico City Kings
#14
Height: 5'9"
Weight: 145 lbs
Hometown: Greensboro, North Carolina
Strengths
1. Speed: What Wright lacks in size and power, he makes up for in speed and agility, being able to outmaneuver many of the bigger players and find gaps to skate through to be able to get a breakaway. He acquired this skill in the early days of his career in high school, where he realized that he would have to be fast in order to avoid the hard checks and keep hold of the puck.
2. Faceoffs: Wright was a genuine threat in the faceoff circle in his high school days. His sharp eyes allow him to get ahold of the puck right as it hits the ice and get the play going. This skill has transferred well into the VHLM, having won the majority of faceoffs that he has participated in. He doesn't win every faceoff that he enters, but his odds are usually pretty good.
3. Passing: Wright's passes don't get intercepted very often. The 18-year-old seems to have no issue finding his man on the ice, which allows him to sometimes make startling plays in front of the net if his wingers are in position for them. His coaches have noted his as an ability to make good judgement calls on when he should take the shot and when it would be better to let his teammate go for it.
Weaknesses
1. Strength: Standing at 5'9" 145 lbs, Wright is not the biggest or strongest player in the world. While he is able to make up for that in speed, he is less effective at throwing the body and making defensive moves than other players. He tries to be more offensively focused as a result, letting his wingers and defensemen take care of puck carriers.
2. Shooting: As a playmaker, Wright does not put much emphasis into his shooting game, but is not afraid to go for it if a chance presents itself. Because he prefers to play close to the net, the wrist shot is his go-to for most of his scoring chances. As a result, his slap shot is not quite as fine-tuned, often ending up square in the goaltender's chest or missing the net entirely. His coaches have been working with him on this and hope to see an improvement in the near future.
3. Checking: Wright is very conservative with his checking game, generally avoiding making big hits so as to not risk injury. His poke checking needs work as well, as he is often unable to dislodge the puck from an opponent's grasp while in motion. He would much rather have the defensemen take care of that while he retrieves the puck afterwards.
Summary
Wright is a fast, mobile playmaker who always seems to be able to find his man and can work magic in the faceoff circle. This skill was served him well so far in the VHLM, scoring two goals and an assist in his first few games with the Mexico City Kings. He is not the most confident player in the world in his own abilities, but that may change over the course of his time in the VHL.
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