Rookie Profile: Jeff Downey [1/2]

[JeffD 648]

- Rookie Profile -

 

Name: Jeff Downey

Height: 6’4

Weight: 220 lbs.

Position: Defense

Shoots: Left

Hometown: Barrie, Ontario, Canada

NHL Comparable: Alex Pietrangelo

 

- Overview -

 

Jeff Downey is a big-bodied, smooth-skating defenseman who plays a competent two-way game and has the ability to throw his body around. Although he did not start playing organized hockey until he was 13 years old in the eight years since then he has grown, both physically and mentally, into what should be a dominant type of defenseman in today’s Victory Hockey League. If he can continue to improve on the offensive side of the puck you could see him enjoy a very long career in the league. He comes from a family with a history of hockey and is the grandson of season one third overall pick of the Helsinki Titans.

 

- Strengths -

 

Physicality

 

Jeff is a very big player and has no problem throwing that around at either end of the ice. Throughout his high school and junior hockey career he hasn’t been afraid to throw big hits or go into the corners to win the puck battles. This can get him into trouble at times as he sometimes goes for the big open ice hit that can lead to him either getting out of position or taking a penalty. Other players will need to be more aware when Jeff is on the ice lest they get caught going the wrong way on the train tracks.

 

Skating

 

Despite his often mentioned size Jeff is an extremely proficient skater. The combination of size and skating ability lends itself to a great two-way style of game not seen often in player of his size. Also as mentioned above although he does sometimes get out of position trying to throw the crushing hits he can often get himself back in position in time to recover.

 

Defense

 

The defensive side of the game is something Downey has always strived to improve and it has always been a key focus for him. His combination of skating, body positioning and stick skills will often leave offensive players frustrated if they try to get the puck around or through him. With proper VHL coaching this will no doubt continue to improve and you could see a true future shutdown defenseman develop.

 

- Weaknesses -

 

Injury History

 

It is no secret that Jeff suffered a devastating knee injury in his third year with the Barrie Colts that left him sidelined for a full year of hockey. While doctors have said that the torn MCL and dislocated kneecap should pose no future issues for him there is always a chance of an injury coming back up in the future.

 

Discipline

 

Discipline has always been a problem for Downey. From beating up kids on the playground in grade school to leading his OHL squad in fights in his second year it is something that has always and likely will continue to be an issue going forward. If Jeff wants to become a true number one defenseman in the league he is going to need to find a way to keep himself out of the penalty box. No team can afford to have their best defender spending crucial time off the ice.

 

Reliability

 

Although it was 66 seasons ago there is still questions whether someone who sports the Downey last name can be reliable in the Victory Hockey League. His grandfather was selected third overall in the inaugural draft and quickly flamed out. Not only that but his great uncle Ryan Downey was selected 10^th overall in that same draft and is also viewed as a big bust. Can a general manager really trust a high draft pick to be spent on someone with such a shady family history even if it was all those years ago?

 

 

 

[Greg_Di 1,022]

Review - Great work, this is definitely a good rookie profile. I would just maybe add a small little conclusion on the end but other then that it's really well done. NHL comparable was a nice touch