David Tavau Scouting Report

[Ahma 1,431]

Pros & Cons

 

Strongest aspects of Tavau’s game are defense and playmaking. Other strong aspects of his game are puck handling, skating and experience.

Weakest aspects of Tavau’s game are checking and strength. Tavau’s ability to shoot the puck is not a strong aspect either. Despite what Tavau’s physical attributes (he weighs about 95kg) might suggest, Tavau is not that strong. Using his size and strength as an advantage over opposing teams, has never been a strong suite for him. Most scouts watching Tavau play noticed this immediately. Tavau himself is aware of it. Underlying problem is that Tavau doesn’t play a physical game, never has. That’s where his hitting weakness comes from too.

 

One positive in Tavau has is his experience. He has already played for a long time before joining VHL/VHLM. He knows his own pros and cons and will improve them. Although some things can only be learned through experience.

Tavau’s shot is not that good, one reason being he simply prefers passing. When Tavau shoots the puck, it to create a rebound or a deflection. His slapshot lacks power though. Playing Tavau at the point for slapshots and one-timers during powerplay might not be the best idea. Using his passing skills would be more effective.

Tavau is a calm defender, who relies on superior awareness, positioning and stick checking. Tavau is not afraid to block shots. That is what makes him a great defensive player. This showed during the season, he blocked a total 119 shots.

 

Tavau is also great at defensive zone breakouts, his vision is remarkable. That combined with his good skating, strong first strides and excellent puck handling skills is what makes him a tremendous at breakouts.

 

VHLM review

 

Playing for the Saskatoon Wild, Tavau started the S77 season with 19 points (2+17) in 12 games, leading the defensemen in points and top of the leaderboard in assists. And all that with a plus minus of +12. Talk about a super-hot start!

 

After the incredible start, Tavau continued in the same form. Throughout the season, he continued to dish out assist after assist. In the end Tavau got 83 assists, second most assists in the league, only one assist behind top place. In total, Tavau scored 88 points, landing him the second most points out of all defensemen. During the last 15 or so games, Tavau’s offensive contribution slowed down considerably, he fell out of the first place among points leading defensemen. A remarkable season nonetheless. Tavau’s contribution to Saskatoon’s success in the offensive and defensive end of the game can’t be denied.

 

Saskatoon Wild’s playoff run ended earlier than expected. A first round exit against the Las Vegas Aces and only in 5 games. Tavau, like other Wild defensemen, struggled. Tavau’s offensive contribution was 2 assists. It is clear that the Aces found a way to shut down the strong defensive core of Saskatoon.

 

The coach has a few chosen words for Tavau.

Edited May 14, 2021 by Ahma