Robin Gow Rookie Profile

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ROBIN GOW ROOKIE PROFILE

 

          On the eve of the S35 playoffs, VHL general managers and scouts are beginning to put together their draft boards for the S36 VHL Entry Draft. Each year, there are a couple of prospects that scouts label as “can’t miss.” This year, that list includes Robin Gow, a 6’2”, 205 pound center out of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The son of ex-VHL defenseman Jim Gow was on the radar of VHL teams as a potential first round pick ever since he declared for the S35 VHLM Dispersal Draft. However, his strong play this year with the Ottawa Lynx has bumped him up the draft board. At this point in time, many scouts consider Robin to be a top fifth pick in the draft. While it may be a stretch to see him picked first or second overall, it would not be a surprise to see selected between the third and fifth pick.

 

 

          Before joining the VHL, Robin Gow played in the United States Hockey League, or the U.S.’s version of junior hockey. Identified at a young age as a talented player, Robin was selected to join the U.S. National Team Development Program, or NTDP for short. Gow was a star for both the U-17 and U-18 team, regularly leading the team in points and playing a strong two-way game. It was apparent to everyone that Robin would be able to choose what developmental path he wanted to take. While the NHL was very appealing to the youngster, Gow felt a commitment to follow in his father’s footsteps and join the Victory Hockey League. After declaring for the S35 VHLM Dispersal Draft half-way through the thirty-fourth season of the VHL’s existence, Robin was picked up on waivers by the Minot Gladiators, a team in the North American Conference who was a contender for the Founder’s Cup. After struggling initially and putting up only four points in eighteen games, the young center began to find his groove during the playoffs. Although the Gladiators lost in the North American Conference Finals to the eventual Founder’s Cup champion Yukon Rush, Robin found more individual success, posting eight points in ten games. This playoff success was a large reason for Gow eventually going fourth overall in the S35 VHLM Dispersal Draft to the Ottawa Lynx.

 

 

          Robin’s strong play has gotten him noticed by scouts. The assistant captain for the Lynx finished the regular season leading the team in assists with ninety-seven and finishing second in the league for points scored with one-hundred and forty-five, only behind line mate Jeevan Samuelsson, who has been tearing up the VHLM for years. With the first line off to a slow start, Robin Gow and his line mates Jeevan Samuelsson and Chop Cho carried the Lynx for the first quarter of the season. Towards the end of the season, the coach decided it was time to change things around, and Robin was bumped up to the first line to play with captain Brennan McQueen and his buddy Jeevan. As the top team in VHLM heading into the playoffs, Robin Gow looks to help lead the Lynx to this year’s Founder’s Cup.

 

Strengths:

 

Playmaking – Robin Gow possess elite playmaking ability. His vision and creativity with the puck will alone put him in the upper echelon of VHL talent. Although he possesses a decent shot, Robin is classified as a pass-first player.

 

Face Offs – Although this skill didn’t translate over to the VHLM until half-way through the season, Robin has historically excelled in the dot. Using his combination of strength and speed, the crafty center often had no trouble winning face offs in previous levels. Although the level of competition will definitely be higher in the VHL, Robin will more than likely maintain a higher than average face off win percentage.

 

Defense – This center has always prided himself on his defensive play. With the current construction of the Ottawa Lynx, Robin hasn’t been asked to do too much defensively and has focused on offensive production instead. However, like his face off ability, Gow was known for his two-way play in the lower leagues.

 

Weaknesses:

 

Turnovers – Like all playmakers, Robin has to judge how risky he wants to play. Always looking for the big play, Gow has had his fair share of turnovers at inopportune times. While you can get away with these types of mistakes against inferior competition,  Robin has learned quickly that sometimes the safe play is the best play.

 

Checking – For someone with a solid frame and good height, Robin Gow doesn’t use his body as much as he should. Tying into his issues with turnovers, sometimes Gow looks to make the fancy play instead of taking the hit to make the play. While this issue should sort itself out once Robin becomes fully physically matured, it is currently a problem that Robin’s coaches have to live with.

 

Floor: Sean Couturier

Ceiling: Eric Lindros

[eaglesfan036 4,583]

Content: 5/5 - Well-done rookie profile on a player who dominated the VHLM last year. You made it clear making Robin a two way forward was a big priority (although he does have some good offensive abilities as well), which is important because defense needs to be played by all five positions in hockey. Also, if Sean Couturier is a very good floor to have, and if you continue to maximize your tpe output, maybe Robin Gow can become the Eric Lindros of the VHLM.

 

Grammar: 1/1 - Perfect. Couldn't find anything.

 

Appearance: 1/1 - Dropcaps.

 

Over 500 Words?: 1/1 - Yes.

 

Overall: 8/8

Edited December 13, 2013 by eaglesfan036

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Above grade is final. It's been 2.5 weeks.