Art Vandelay Prospect Scouting Report

[Gustav 6,469]

 

It's June, it's the offseason (at least for some of us), and it's finally the time when Gustav has time. And being that as it is, it's time to take a look at the VHLM career of Art Vandelay and what VHL GMs have to look forward to with their future netminder.

 

 

VHLM Career

 

S82 (OTT): 4-0-0 | 0.875 SV% | 2.94 GAA | 0 SO

S83 (MIA): 48-17-7 | 0.924 SV% | 1.88 GAA | 11 SO

Total: 52-17-7 | 0.922 SV% | 1.94 GAA | 11 SO

 

Anyone paying attention to VHLM-related discourse this season knows (or should know) all about Vandelay's performance since he entered the league last season. Initially impressing in Ottawa, he rose to prominence in Miami, ranking first in both wins and shutouts and second in SV% in the minors this season. These are stats that show huge promise for the VHLE (or the VHL!) next season, and a team that needs someone in net would do quite well to go for him in the draft. Starting every game for Miami, he's proven that he can maintain a heavy workload and keep up a solid performance for as long as any team needs it.

 

 

Strengths

 

Hand Speed: Anyone familiar with Vandelay's background in juggling should be familiar with this attribute as his gateway into hockey. His glove hand is the fastest part of his body (and he's done more than just juggling with it!) and that side of the net is virtually impassable on a good day.

 

Rebound Control: Though it's a logical conclusion that good use of the glove would lead to fewer rebounds, his experience in controlling the puck is deepened by his experience in controlling a baseball as a catcher. Stopping the ball from going in crazy directions is imperative to good defensive baseball, and hockey goes the same way.

 

 

Weaknesses

 

Size: Vandelay is what's known today as a "short king" at only 5'6". Though he's managed to use it quite well, there will always be moments where that isn't enough. It's not clear how much of a downside this presents to VHL GMs, and only time will tell if he's able to overcome it at the big level.

 

Style Control: Some pre-draft psychologists have expressed concern about Vandelay's past--working all over the place, he's been unable to keep full control over his own life at times. In turn, he's been known to approach different shots in different ways. It's a tactic that can go either way--though it's unpredictable to shooters, it might be hard to keep in line for the goaler.