Anthony Amberback Rookie Profile [1/2]

[Oost 11]

 

Name: Anthony Amberback

Position: Defenseman (Left-Handed)

Current Team: Saskatoon Wild

Age: 17

Height: 6’4”

Weight: 235 lbs.

Birthplace: Fort Wayne, Indiana

Preferred Number: 16

Nickname: Anaconda

 

Notes From Scouts

“Amberback is a force out there. A little reckless, but he knows how to throw his weight around and the other team has to know where he is at all times.”

“The big blonde kid has what it takes to make it to the next level. Just has to sharpen up his skills a bit.”

“I wasn’t expecting him to move like that when I saw him walking in the back, you know--big-ass kid and all--but once he hits the ice he glides.”

“Surprisingly good little passer out there. Shots a little wild but he moves the puck well.”

“This kid better learn to fight. The guys at the next level are going to be closer to his size and won’t let him get away with all those bullshit hits.”

“Oh Amberback? Sorry I’m not sure, I was watching Helmsley.”

 

Pros

Checking: The Anaconda got his nickname because he’s long, and he’s strong, and he’s down to get the friction on. He’s not afraid to push his weight around. He gets to his spots, and when he connects the puck is coming out. Forwards alter the way they enter the offensive zone when he is in. You can see moods change on the other team when his shift starts.

 

Defense: He’s a large, physical, defense-first defenseman. He uses his large frame and deceptive quickness to stay in front of forwards and force the action where he wants it to go. He prioritizes getting back and staying in position over getting involved in the offense. He prefers playing offense from the blue line, and tries to not let anything get behind him.

 

Passing: Amberback is a puck mover. He doesn’t like to hang on to the puck for too long, and is still developing control on his shot. With that being said, he’s a great playmaker from the point and led his team in assists this past season.

 

Shot Blocking: He's not afraid to get down and dirty. Amberback is surprisingly effective in 2-on-1 situations due to his size and timing. He gets down into passing lanes and in front of shots to break up breakaways and stifle numbers advantages.

 

Cons

Scoring: Most of his goals are in power-play situations with great screens. The bulk of his scoring off shots comes from rebounds and deflections. He’ll get the assist but not the goal. His shots often don’t count on his stat sheet because they never make it on net. He’s been working with a shooting coach this offseason to try and gain a little better control. He tries to crush the puck every time. He has the ability as shown through his finesse in the passing game, but the mentality has to get better.

 

Discipline: He did lead his team in assists last season, but also in PIMs. He is eager to make his presence felt, and sometimes that means stepping over the line into illegal hits. He has decent speed, but his stopping skills aren’t grade-A yet, so he sometimes can’t pull up in time if an opposing player moves the puck before he gets there. He just takes way too many penalties.

 

Fighting: He’s a big, strong kid, and a good kid off the ice. But on the ice, he’s a bully, and bullies don’t like getting punched in the face. Someone’s going to make him pay for his lack of experience in the fight game, especially with how he plays.

 

Maturity: He comes from an area that isn't a traditional hockey hotbed. This has led to him getting a little reputation for having an ego. Maybe getting into a locker room with players at or above his skill level and size will help foster a better attitude going forward.

 

[nethi99 39]

Nice job!!

[HenrikZoiderberg 469]

Review:

 

On 3/26/2019 at 6:36 PM, Oost said:

Notes From Scouts

 

Love this, fleshes out your rookie so much

 

On 3/26/2019 at 6:36 PM, Oost said:

“Oh Amberback? Sorry I’m not sure, I was watching Helmsley.”

 

 

On 3/26/2019 at 6:36 PM, Oost said:

Checking: The Anaconda got his nickname because he’s long, and he’s strong, and he’s down to get the friction on. He’s not afraid to push his weight around. He gets to his spots, and when he connects the puck is coming out. Forwards alter the way they enter the offensive zone when he is in. You can see moods change on the other team when his shift starts.

 

Jokes aside, having a nickname that was earned from your players' strength is a nice little piece, well done here.

 

Maybe add a summary, but aside from that you really went above and beyond here, great job!