Rookie Profile: Flash Lightning [1/2]

[harvey 10]

 

Name: Flash Lightning

Age: 20

Height: 6'1

Weight: 195lbs

Birthplace: Chicago, Illinois

Jersey #: 17

 

Former Teams: Chicago Steel (USHL) - 1 season, University of Maine (NCAA) - 3 seasons

 

17 - Chicago Steel (USHL) - 43GP - 21G - 10A - 31PTS

18 - Univ. of Maine (NCAA) - 28GP - 7G - 3A - 10PTS

19 - Univ. of Maine (NCAA) - 34GP - 15G - 9A - 24PTS

20 - Univ. of Maine (NCAA) - 36GP - 31G - 16A - 47PTS

 

Flash Lightning, the son of former Calgary Wrangler and Riga Reign legend Ace Lightning, has hit a crossroad in his career. Passed over 3 separate times in the NHL Entry Draft, he has decided to enter the VHLM draft in hopes of extending his hockey life. A natural goal scorer, Lightning has enjoyed offensive success at every level, but it has never been good enough to get him to that next level. After a great year as a junior at Maine, he has decided to forego his final year at the university, instead deciding to go pro. He did have a few offers to play in the American Hockey League and ECHL, but ultimately chose the VHLM. But what happens if he goes undrafted again...?

 

Scouting Report:

 

PLUS

 

+Scoring: There is no question that Flash has a hell of a shot, and he has scored at a high clip in every league he has played in. He has got a deceptive shot that has been compared to a Vladimir Tarasenko or Brock Boeser. He's got a unique curve on his stick that makes it easy to toe drag and keep it close to his body, deceptively fooling the goaltender. He is a player that the coach puts out in the last 2 minutes of a game, down by 1 goal, because he has a high shooting percentage and knows how to score goals.

 

+Speed: With a name like Flash, he's gotta have some wheels. His foot speed has been something he had been told to work on when he was passed over in his first draft year. His shooting is nice, but he needs to be able to get around the defender in order to use the shot. He's a speedy son of a gun, who can beat a defender inside or outside. He's an effortless skater, who's not the biggest or strongest guy, but damn is he fast.

 

+Puck Handling: You have to be a good puck handler to be a good hockey player, and Lightning can stickhandle himself into or out of any situation. He's not the best deker on the team but he can hold his own. He has a fun little move where he puts the puck between his legs. It's really cool.

 

MINUS

 

-Defense: Naturally, Flash is not exactly Bobby Orr out there, and will need to improve his two-way game if he wants to have any success in his future hockey career. Although scoring goals are nice and all, defense wins championships and if Flash wants to play big, important minutes, he needs to be better.

 

-Discipline: As a goal scorer, Flash tends to be a bit of a diva and can take undisciplined penalties, which also stems from his subpar defensive game. He reaches in and hooks when he really shouldn't, so that is something he will need to improve.

 

-Leadership: Flash is a young guy, and at this point in his career he is not much of a leader but tries to lead by example. This will come in time. He may be the best leader you will ever draft.