Nathan Powers Scouting Report

[JB123 722]

Nathan Powers, #44, Yukon Rush

VHLM Drafted: 57th overall, S77, by the Rush 

Position: Defense

Born: Mississauga, Ontario, Canada

Age: 17 

 

Overview

Nathan Powers is the classic all-around defenseman. He prides himself on being involved at both ends of the ice. That said, defense comes first for Powers. Once he stops the opposition's attack, he utilizes his stellar skating ability and puck handling skills to rush the puck up ice. There, he uses his offensive game to generate chances for his team. Powers has demonstrated his selfless mindset by being a pass-first player. He would rather assist on his teammates' goals than score himself. However, it seems like Powers has been working extra hard on his shot as of late, to become a more complete player. 

 

 

Pros

• Physical Play - Powers has great checking ability, which helps him deny opponents shots and limits their time with the puck, forcing them to make quick decisions which often lead to turnovers. This season he hit 202 times, good for 12th league-wide. 
• Skating - Powers is a natural when it comes to skating. He regularly skates the puck away from trouble and out of his defensive end. His skating allows him to move quickly, evade defenders, and avoid turnovers. 
• Puck Handling - Powers is a solid with the puck on his stick. This, combined with his skating, is key in making plays for his team. 
• Passing - Powers is a very good passer, as he had 53 assists in 72 games this season. This makes him an ideal powerplay quarterback, along with his ability to get shots through to the net, with a chance for a tip in front. 
• Scoring - Although he only had 9 goals to his name in Season 77, Powers began working extra hard in shooting drills and practiced more. We should expect to see a jump in his goal number next season. 
• Defense - Powers is a stalwart in the defensive zone. He blocked 112 shots this season, tied for seventh in the league. He does a pretty good job shutting down other teams' best players night after night. This is likely the cause of his minus rating. 
• Team Player - Even though the individual stats are there, Powers would rather have team success than personal. He has a good attitude in the locker room and is excited for what lies ahead for Yukon. 
• Hard Worker - Powers has been hitting 12 capped TPE for a month now. He wants to grow as a player. 

 

Cons

• Discipline - Because of his often aggressive play, Powers takes too many penalties. He spent a total of 112 minutes in the sin bin this season, 12th highest in the VHLM. This is likely to improve though, since he has been focusing on his discipline more and more. 
• 5-on-5 scoring - 6 of his 9 goals came on the power play. While this shows his quarterbacking prowess, it also shows his lack of even strength production. 
• Not enough shots - Powers only took 99 shots this season. This needs to change and will lead to more goals. The good news is this will change, based on his improved scoring and willingness to learn. 
• Faceoffs - Low rating, but he's a defenseman, eh?

 

 

Powers will only get better as time goes on, and will be happy to play for whichever team selects him in the upcoming draft. He is looking forward to whatever lies ahead, and for a fresh start with the Rush next season. #FeeltheRush