Hadrian Melborn Scouting Report

[Bear 8]

Hadrian Melborn

Height: 6’0

Weight: 180 lbs.

Handedness: Right
Birth Place: Chicago, IL, U.S.A.
Jersey Number: 17

Quick feet, quick stick, laser passes, and hockey IQ. That's what you get with Hadrian Melborn. Growing up on a frozen lake, he learned to skate as he learned to walk. Starting with peewee hockey, he was never as big as the other players, but he made up for that with speed and intelligence. His dream has been set to play in the VHL ever since he took to the ice in his first championship game as a kid. From that day forward, his development and training has been fully devoted to making his way into a pro player.

 

STRENGTHS:

Skating & Control – Defensive zone breakouts are a breeze to this kid. He can navigate through lines without much effort. He’s a penalty killer, being able to clear the puck from the zone. Icing races are a guarantee with him in the back end.

Passing – Can thread a needle from 100 feet away. He's known for hitting streaking players in stride through the neutral zone from the defensive dot. His team lead the league in breakaway chances year after year. Uses his speed to evade opposing players 

High IQ - Always makes the smart play. If he makes a mistake, he never compounds it and make the situation worse. He'll pull back and try again instead of forcing the play. Meborn led the league in defended two on ones and had the highest Corsi For%, if you’re into advanced stats. 
 

WEAKNESSES:

Scoring – Won't put up huge goal totals, and is a pass first kind of player. Almost to a fault by not taking the open shot in attempts to get a better angle. This leads to unfortunate turn overs that could have been scoring opportunities. If he’s able to work on his shot, he’d be deadly in the offensive zone. 

Physicality – Not the biggest guy on the ice and may get bullied around his own net. He'll have a tough time trying to stick up for himself. Opposing Power Forwards tend to do make him pay during board battles in the corners behind the next due to his lack of size. He will need to make up for this with fancy stickwork and smart positioning. If he wants to really make it in the big leagues, he’s gotta hit the gym, in a big way.

Leadership – More on the reserved side, but is working to lose this with age. He's a die for his captain type of player, but needs to speak up and use his hockey IQ to his team’s advantage. Having the ability to be an anchor for a defense, he should be able to lead a team to a championship. He’s got to get out of his own way first.

FINAL WORD:
A raw talented, speedy, smart defensemen. Won’t be the tough guy type, but will drive the play forward offensively while not betting the house and leaving goalies out to dry. Always seeming to be in the right place at that right time and making the best play available. He’s the future of the VHL and any opposing team should worry when he’s on the ice. You sleep on this guy and he’s going to make you pay for it. With a good coach and some strong leadership, he could help a playoff bubble team, make a deep playoff run, or even take home a championship