Claimed:Rookie Showcase: Xavier Kirkland [Final 6/6]

[Jala 922]

 

 

Xavier Kirland - D

 

In this edition of Rookie Showcase we'll be previewing Xavier Kirland. While his physique is somewhat concerning at first glance, as he stands at 6'1" and 230 lbs., he is a strong skater and smart puck handler. No VHL GM will pass this guy up for his build though, as all they have to do is look at the success the oddly shaped Oskars Harumpfs has had in the league.

 

Kirkland was born in Lewiston, Maine and played youth hockey there until the age of 14. He was granted Exceptional Player Status by the CHL and his family moved to London, Ontario so he could join the London Knights of the OHL. Kirkland was a phenom and his play reflected that in his time in the OHL. He decided against playing as an over-ager for the Knights and instead chose to make the next step to the VHL.

 

Xavier Kirkland is surprisingly quick on his feet and very agile for a player of his size. An offensive minded defender who will always look for the open pass over the open hit. Kirkland will join MC Hammer in the quest to terrorize goalies in the VHL as another offensive dynamo being injected into the league.

 

What to Look Forward To!

 

Expect Kirkland to put on a show in the offensive zone every shift he plays. A magician with the puck who has been seen performing highlight reel dangles and threading perfect passes through a crowd of bodies. His touch on the pass is spectacular and his vision is impeccable. The biggest weapon in his arsenal is his shot, and the range he has with it. A quick snapper coming down the wing is not unusual for him, and his cannon from the point on the man advantage is enough to strike fear into even the most grizzled veteran. If Kirkland trains and practices hard it won't be long before we see his scoring reaching the triple digits on the score sheet.

 

What Not to Expect!

 

Don't expect Kirkland to stop an opponent from streaking into his zone with his body, nor will he be running anyone down along the boards. In his first few seasons in the VHL he will be a defensive liability, but will make up for his shortcomings in his own zone with pressure in his opponent's. A lot of scouts and a few coaches have called him soft, and he is more likely to sit out with an injury then try and play through it.  Expect the normal growing pains that come with a young defender breaking into the league.

 

 

Career Prediction

 

Xavier Kirland's one-dimensional style of play will be a bane in his hunt for a Sterling Labatte Trophy. However, that won't stop him from becoming an elite level offensive threat who could threaten the scoring leader boards for a long time. As long as he focuses on his defense in the future, Kirkland should have a long and prosperous career.

Edited May 5, 2015 by jaladolar

[Baozi 1,658]

Kirklandddddddddd

[Kendrick 4,741]

Captain Kirk!

[DollarAndADream 3,356]

Content: 3/3 - Another great feature on another great up and comer. Good work.

Grammar: 2/2 - Didn't notice anything here.

 

Appearance: 1/1 - Solid work with the layout and pictures.

 

Overall: 6/6

Edited May 7, 2015 by DollarAndADream

[CoachReilly 688]

Claimed