Post by NWTHabsFan on Jul 1, 2024 2:11:36 GMT -5
My take: My favourite reference to him is “smart violence”. He is a decent skater with a good first pass, and is best known for his big hitting physical presence. He moved from Sudbury to Brantford (Deputy Sheriff teammate) at the deadline. I watched some Deputy games late in the season so I guess I watched Owen, but don’t remember much as I was not focus on him…oops 😆. For the record, that is 4 of top 5 picks I have at least watched.
The reports:
The Habs made their first selection from the CHL, selecting Protz, a hard-hitting blueliner. He split the season between Sudbury and Brantford.
Bio
Defenceman
Shoots: Left
DOB: Feb. 7, 2006 – Ottawa, ON
Height: 6’1
Weight: 213 lbs
Scouting Reports
Elite Prospects: A midseason trade from the Sudbury Wolves to the Brantford Bulldogs turned Owen Protz from a depth defenceman to a No. 1. By season’s end, he easily proved that he had what it takes to not float, but excel in such a big role. When Protz steps on the ice, he holds a monopoly on violence – smart violence. He steadily angles attackers to the outside, lining them for a bone-crushing hit. He eliminates the attacker’s options on the cycle, then slams them to the ice. And he even throws some oldschool hip checks.
McKeens: Currently, he is one of those “jack of all trades” types. He’s a good skater, but not a great one. He’s competent with the puck and can initiate the breakout, but he’s not a dynamic puckhandler or someone we envision running a powerplay. He shows good instincts at both ends, but as a first year OHL player, his decision making still needs further refinement.
Recrutes: In 38 games with Sudbury, Protz averaged 13:46 per game, playing 52 seconds on the pk. In 35 games after he was traded to Brantford, he averaged 23:13 in ice time, including 3:48 shorthanded. A burly defender who is effective when he uses his brawn, his draft stock rose significantly after the trade.
Upside Hockey: Protz contributes well to the transition with his passing game, executing breakouts successfully, although he has a propensity to pass into battles. In his own end, Protz is a solid defensive player with sparkling advanced stats that paint him to be a shut-down specialist. He exerts tight gap control to close quickly on attackers, forcing them to the outside and putting them in his crosshairs for a big hit. In killing the cycle, or breaking up rushes, he uses a blend of quality positioning, violence, and well-timed stick work. He separates opponents from the puck, always staying on the right side of possession, and is very details-oriented.
Brock Otten: First, his aggressiveness defensively is great. He takes the battle to you and rarely sits back. He has a penchant for the big hit and he is strong as an ox down low. At 6’2, 200lbs, he’s already got pro size. Second, his four way mobility is solid. He can play that aggressive game because he can close quick, but also recover when required. He is tough to beat one on one. Thirdly, Protz flashes some puck moving skill, especially as a transition leader. He can clear the defensive end with his feet and lead the counter attack. However, the application of all of these skills is inconsistent. His overall defensive effectiveness can be a bit erratic. His reads and coverage do need tightening. The same could be said for his reads with the puck and ability to handle the pressure of a forecheck. Realistically, Protz probably best projects as a third pairing, stay at home type.
Statistics
Rankings
McKeens: 164
Central Scouting: 100 (NA Skaters)
DraftPro: 84
Recrutes: 128
The reports:
The Habs made their first selection from the CHL, selecting Protz, a hard-hitting blueliner. He split the season between Sudbury and Brantford.
Bio
Defenceman
Shoots: Left
DOB: Feb. 7, 2006 – Ottawa, ON
Height: 6’1
Weight: 213 lbs
Scouting Reports
Elite Prospects: A midseason trade from the Sudbury Wolves to the Brantford Bulldogs turned Owen Protz from a depth defenceman to a No. 1. By season’s end, he easily proved that he had what it takes to not float, but excel in such a big role. When Protz steps on the ice, he holds a monopoly on violence – smart violence. He steadily angles attackers to the outside, lining them for a bone-crushing hit. He eliminates the attacker’s options on the cycle, then slams them to the ice. And he even throws some oldschool hip checks.
McKeens: Currently, he is one of those “jack of all trades” types. He’s a good skater, but not a great one. He’s competent with the puck and can initiate the breakout, but he’s not a dynamic puckhandler or someone we envision running a powerplay. He shows good instincts at both ends, but as a first year OHL player, his decision making still needs further refinement.
Recrutes: In 38 games with Sudbury, Protz averaged 13:46 per game, playing 52 seconds on the pk. In 35 games after he was traded to Brantford, he averaged 23:13 in ice time, including 3:48 shorthanded. A burly defender who is effective when he uses his brawn, his draft stock rose significantly after the trade.
Upside Hockey: Protz contributes well to the transition with his passing game, executing breakouts successfully, although he has a propensity to pass into battles. In his own end, Protz is a solid defensive player with sparkling advanced stats that paint him to be a shut-down specialist. He exerts tight gap control to close quickly on attackers, forcing them to the outside and putting them in his crosshairs for a big hit. In killing the cycle, or breaking up rushes, he uses a blend of quality positioning, violence, and well-timed stick work. He separates opponents from the puck, always staying on the right side of possession, and is very details-oriented.
Brock Otten: First, his aggressiveness defensively is great. He takes the battle to you and rarely sits back. He has a penchant for the big hit and he is strong as an ox down low. At 6’2, 200lbs, he’s already got pro size. Second, his four way mobility is solid. He can play that aggressive game because he can close quick, but also recover when required. He is tough to beat one on one. Thirdly, Protz flashes some puck moving skill, especially as a transition leader. He can clear the defensive end with his feet and lead the counter attack. However, the application of all of these skills is inconsistent. His overall defensive effectiveness can be a bit erratic. His reads and coverage do need tightening. The same could be said for his reads with the puck and ability to handle the pressure of a forecheck. Realistically, Protz probably best projects as a third pairing, stay at home type.
Statistics
Rankings
McKeens: 164
Central Scouting: 100 (NA Skaters)
DraftPro: 84
Recrutes: 128
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