Ronan Lavelle Scouting Report

[Arce 755]

Ronan Lavelle

Age: 19

Height: 5'11

Weight: 190

Position: LW

Nationality: 

 

Ronan Lavelle was born just outside of Dublin, Ireland. Lavelle played for the Irish Ice Hockey League, before moving overseas to play juniors hockey in the CHL. The Irish forward would join the Winsor Spitfires, where he became the team's leading goal scorer. Following his journey in the CHL, Lavelle was guided to the VHL by agent Zach Arce. Lavelle got multiple offers from VHLM teams, and ultimately decided to join the Mexico City Kings. This was largely enhanced by the first line minutes he was offered, and a chance to show off just how productive he could be. Being an S82 draft prospect, it is crucial Lavelle is able to impress VHL team scouts to get on the radar. Although Mexico City has shared it's fair share of struggles, Lavelle has made the most of his opportunity so far. Lavelle has 28 points in 26 games including 15 goals. Meanwhile Lavelle has been productive, he has been on the ice for plenty of goals as well which has put his +/- in the negative category. A stat he will look to improve on.

 

Pros:

 

Shot: Ronan Lavelle has been known from a young age to have a wicked wrist shot. It just comes off his stick like melted butter, and always seems to find the twine. When Lavelle touches the puck in the offensive zone, you can always count on him to put a shot on net. You won't hear  fans yelling "SHOOT!" while Lavelle's power play unit is on the ice. He has had a few defenseman daring enough to stand in front of them limp off the ice with stingers until their next shift.

Skating: What has helped Lavelle's scoring production other than his shot has to be his skating. Lavelle's zone entrances are dangerous and puts himself in prime scoring position with how he carves the ice. Lavelle has a knack for frustrating defensemen and backchecking forwards, as he will skate up and down, and around the zone until he sees a shooting lane or open teammate. This has also helped Lavelle get back to break up plays the other way, as he is able to get back into the other zone quickly. The only downside to this, is shorter shifts due to quicker fatigue. This is why Lavelle has been working with some of the best conditioning coaches in North America.

Defense: Despite Lavelle's game being about scoring, Lavelle is actually a very defensively responsible forward. His negative +/- in Mexico City is not from a lack of Lavelle's defense, but more so a lack of defensive personnel on the current squad. Lavelle uses his quick skating to quickly backcheck and help his defensemen shut down plays. Although Lavelle isn't big on checking, he uses his instincts to stick lift, and is not afraid to block shots with his body. This has earned him a lot of respect from his teammates on every squad he has played for. Lavelle is always in the ice tub after games due to the bruising he receives from sacrificing his body.

 

Cons:

 

Checking: One of the flaws to Lavelle's game is he is not a big hitter. Hockey is a very physical sport, but Lavelle prefers to let his speed and skating do the work. He is willing to take a check, but he won't really give one. His biggest criticism in the CHL was Lavelle would not throw his body around, or muscle his opponent off the puck. No one expects Lavelle to be a Matt Martin, but his coaches would like to see more physicality out there from the young forward.

Passing: As noted, Ronan Lavelle is a shoot first, scoring forward. Many of his assists come from rebounds from shots or easy tap ins from Lavelle creating space. Lavelle has expressed he wants to become a more complete player in the offensive zone, and to do this he has to improve his passing. Creating chemistry in the VHL. it is important to be able to dish the puck off to other line mates who are also capable of scoring. Lavelle will have to work on putting as much sauce on his passes that he does on his wrist shots. Having pucks getting cut off, or intercepted can be a recipe for an odd man rush the other way.

Discipline: As an Irishman, Lavelle's temper can get the best of him. This leads to penalties such as slashing or lazy tripping penalties from frustration. Teams try to take away Lavelle's ability to create space, and that can lead to him taking a bad penalty as the frustration builds up. The transition to the VHLE or VHL, discipline will need to be better as the skill level will lead to better defenses. Lavelle can't be in the box, where his  team needs him out on the ice producing.

 

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Edited December 7, 2021 by Arce