Claimed:Travis Willcox - Rookie Profile [8/8 FINAL]

[twillcox94 21]

 

Name: Travis Willcox

Position: Right Wing

Handedness: Left

Birthplace: Cardiff, Wales

Height: 6'4"

Weight: 249 lbs

Age: 18

Player Comparison: Milan Lucic

 

Season Stats: 

Cardiff Devils: GP: 27 / G: 5 / A: 10 / P: 15 / +/-:+2

Brampton Blades: GP:15 / G:2 / A:9 / P:11 / +/-:+4

 

Prior to the start of the S40 VHLM season, there were rumblings out of Willcox's native country of Wales that their young phenom was going to follow in his father's footsteps and begin his journey to becoming a VHL player. Willcox, who's father backstopped for both the Toronto Legion and New York Americans, had aspirations of taking his talents international in order to prepare himself for the S42 VHL entry draft. Starting the season with his hometown Cardiff Devils of the Elite Ice Hockey League, Willcox's tenure with the team came to an abrupt end when he made himself eligible for the VHLM waiver wire. Brampton Blades general manager Terence Fong was made aware of Willcox's talents through his European based scouting staff and claimed him at first chance. In his 15 game tenure with the Blades, Willcox has shown that with his size and strength, he has the potential to become a premier power-forward in the VHL.

 

 

 

Willcox during his stint with the Cardiff Devils

Strengths

 

Size and Strength:

Standing at 6'4" and weighing in at 249lbs, it is no secret that Willcox posses the size and strength needed to become a dominant power-forward. In the Elite Ice Hockey League, Willcox was able to dominate grown men along the boards, making him one of the most feared players to do battle with in the corners. With his strong board play, Willcox is great at keeping the puck low in the offensive zone, which leads to good scoring chances for his team. During the off-season, Willcox works with NHL strength and conditioning coach Roger Takahashi in order to further his physical attributes, mainly focusing on his lower body strength. 

 

Play In Front of the Net:

Willcox has made a home for himself in front of the opposing team's goaltender. With his size and strength, Willcox is able to out muscle opposition defenceman in front of the net.  He is able to generate plentiful amounts of rebounds leading to scoring chances due to his ability to screen opposing goaltenders. Not noted for being a goal scorer himself, Willcox can in fact put home the odd rebound for his team, making him a dangerous player to have lingering around the net. 

 

Leadership: 

In what is becoming a crucial element in selecting young players in the draft, Willcox has the leadership abilities necessary in order to become a future captain of a VHL team. On the ice he exhibits his leadership abilities by giving his all on every shift, which rubs off on his teammates. When push comes to shove, Willcox is the one to sacrifice all he has in order to get the win. Also, Willcox is not afraid to stand up for his teammates, as he will drop the gloves when the opportunity sees fit. Off the ice, Willcox makes it a habit of spending time with his teammates, creating a stronger bond amongst  the team.

 

Willcox celebrating a win against the Outlaws

Weaknesses

 

Shooting:

Willcox can chip in the odd goal around the net, but his shot is not a strong point in his game. Outside of the crease, Willcox struggles to chip one past the keeper with a wrist or slap shot. His wrist shot generally is low velocity and usually ends up hitting the goalie right in the crest when the shot is on net. His slap shot generally stays low to the ice, but doesn't pick up much speed. His slap shot was registered at 73 MPH during the Blade's super skills contest, leaving much to be desired. As Willcox develops his game with VHL and VHLM coaches, look for an improved shot in the future.

 

Puck Handling:

While Willcox can carry the puck down low in the offensive zone, his puck handling in open ice  leaves much room for improvement. At centre ice, Willcox is good for one or two sloppy turnovers per game, something that puts him in the coach's doghouse every so often. Willcox has to rely on the dump and chase method in order to enter the offensive zone, which doesn't always work when dealing with speedy defenceman or goalies that are highly skilled puck handlers. 

 

 

If the VHL doesn't pan out, modeling is always an option

 

Overall

With another year in the VHLM on the horizon, Willcox has plenty of time to improve his game before making the jump into the VHL. Another year in the minors will provide him the opportunity to improve his offensive ability and puck handling skills. His dominant board play and physical net front presence makes him a viable option as a lottery pick in the S42 VHL entry daft. 

Edited November 9, 2014 by twillcox94

[twillcox94 21]

i have no idea how i got the word NHL in the title, if a mod can edit that out it would be much appreciated. 

Edited November 9, 2014 by twillcox94

[Molholt 2,185]

Content: 5/5 - Good stuff, covered your time in the VHLM already and your strong and weak areas. 

Grammar: 1/1 -

out muscle opposition defenceman -- I think this is opposing, unless this is some strange hockey phrasing. 

Appearance: 1/1 - Looked good to me!

Over 500 Words? 1/1 yup

Overall 8/8

[James 77]

Claimed