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Sandman · 07-01-2021, 01:36 AM

RHD Joey Pierce,6'0"187lbs (Hermantown High,USHS-MN): 17gp/9g/12a/21pts. In 2019-20, he registered 25gp/15g/32a/47pts,34PIM-meaning his p/gp went from 1.88 in 2019-20, down to 1.24 this year. I'm not sure why there's such a big drop in productivity, when his numbers should've taken a huge leap. I think maybe he lost his spot in the D corps when he was injured, and couldn't get it back, as he played less games than most of his teammates. Finished the year with the Minnesota Wilderness of the NAHL (22gp/2g/5a/7pts,29PIM). I watched an interview with his coach, who said that Pierce is one of the finest human beings on the planet-he's a humble, salt-of-the-earth type, who works incredibly hard. From lines.com: "Fluid skating high-shot defenseman with a two-way power game, he consistently displays the ability to neutralize the opposition, funnel them to the sidewalls, taking the puck from them. Is the most physical of all the D prospects from Minnesota. He is very poised and calculated with his hits, not taking himself out of the play for the hit. He plays three zones with frequent, but measured ferocity, rarely penalized in his follow-through. Good in transition, with quick passes to his outlets, and will also direct the offensive-zone set-ups. Has a high-velocity slap-pass, and a good one-timer that needs to be more accurate. Looks like a prospect who can make an NHL roster, as possibly a top-4 candidate as a defenseman, and possibly as a right-winger." Committed to the University of North Dakota.

C James Malatesta,5'9"179lbs (Quebec,QMJHL): 32gp/10g/13a/23pts, after putting up 45pts in 59 games last year, as Quebec went from 14th overall in 2019-20, to 8th this year. Lots of talent that was below him took big strides this year, meaning less TOI in the top-6 for Malatesta, IMO. Malatesta is more of a goal-scorer, and though he lacks some touch as a playmaker, and needs to work on his decision-making with the puck- he is still a well-rounded facilitator of offense in many ways. Malatesta has top-notch, near-elite speed, and is difficult to handle in full flight-he has a strong core and upper body, and a low-center of gravity, making him very hard to knock off the puck. He has an explosive first few steps, and can beat anyone in a footrace-making him a menace on the rush. Controls the play in the offensive zone with his great vision and IQ. He's aggressive on the forecheck, putting pressure on the D and forcing turnovers. Creates chances and space for his teammates with his speed. JM has immense drive and determination, with an uncompromising work-ethic-he has amazing energy and high-motor, and is relentless in puck-pursuit. Fiery and aggressive, his pace and compete are outstanding. Finishes his checks, and likes the physical game-despite his size, he battles in the dirty areas, controls the corners, and wins pucks. No problem taking a hit to make a play. Excellent shot with a quick release that he can get off in full-flight, and he has the ability to change the angle at the last moment to fool goalies. Good hand-eye to score out of mid-air, and goes to the net to make himself available for high-danger opportunities. Skates with the puck close to him, giving him good puck control and protection, and his stickhandling is good enough to give him entry skill in transition. His competitive nature transfers over to his defensive game, where he plays with speed and aggression to close out the backcheck. Wins battles, forces turnovers, fights hard for pucks, and picks off passes. Positions himself well in all three zones. As stated above, he needs work on his decision-making with the puck, but he can still make plays as he keeps his passes fairly simple, and doesn't try to do too much above his skill-set. He needs more deception in his play, which there currently is no room for, given how he's always going 110% every shift-he trades creativity and elusiveness for intensity to force the hand of his opponents. He would do himself a favor by bringing some unpredictability into his game, and by switching up his speed and direction to fool opponents and open up space to make plays. He has a fairly high floor, as he could conceivably play in an NHL bottom-6 as an energy guy who brings speed, physicality, and PK ability-if he doesn't develop in to a scorer. 3rd/4th round.

07-01-2021, 01:36 AM	#1362
Sandman Franchise Player Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Calgary Exp:	RHD Joey Pierce,6'0"187lbs (Hermantown High,USHS-MN): 17gp/9g/12a/21pts. In 2019-20, he registered 25gp/15g/32a/47pts,34PIM-meaning his p/gp went from 1.88 in 2019-20, down to 1.24 this year. I'm not sure why there's such a big drop in productivity, when his numbers should've taken a huge leap. I think maybe he lost his spot in the D corps when he was injured, and couldn't get it back, as he played less games than most of his teammates. Finished the year with the Minnesota Wilderness of the NAHL (22gp/2g/5a/7pts,29PIM). I watched an interview with his coach, who said that Pierce is one of the finest human beings on the planet-he's a humble, salt-of-the-earth type, who works incredibly hard. From lines.com: "Fluid skating high-shot defenseman with a two-way power game, he consistently displays the ability to neutralize the opposition, funnel them to the sidewalls, taking the puck from them. Is the most physical of all the D prospects from Minnesota. He is very poised and calculated with his hits, not taking himself out of the play for the hit. He plays three zones with frequent, but measured ferocity, rarely penalized in his follow-through. Good in transition, with quick passes to his outlets, and will also direct the offensive-zone set-ups. Has a high-velocity slap-pass, and a good one-timer that needs to be more accurate. Looks like a prospect who can make an NHL roster, as possibly a top-4 candidate as a defenseman, and possibly as a right-winger." Committed to the University of North Dakota. C James Malatesta,5'9"179lbs (Quebec,QMJHL): 32gp/10g/13a/23pts, after putting up 45pts in 59 games last year, as Quebec went from 14th overall in 2019-20, to 8th this year. Lots of talent that was below him took big strides this year, meaning less TOI in the top-6 for Malatesta, IMO. Malatesta is more of a goal-scorer, and though he lacks some touch as a playmaker, and needs to work on his decision-making with the puck- he is still a well-rounded facilitator of offense in many ways. Malatesta has top-notch, near-elite speed, and is difficult to handle in full flight-he has a strong core and upper body, and a low-center of gravity, making him very hard to knock off the puck. He has an explosive first few steps, and can beat anyone in a footrace-making him a menace on the rush. Controls the play in the offensive zone with his great vision and IQ. He's aggressive on the forecheck, putting pressure on the D and forcing turnovers. Creates chances and space for his teammates with his speed. JM has immense drive and determination, with an uncompromising work-ethic-he has amazing energy and high-motor, and is relentless in puck-pursuit. Fiery and aggressive, his pace and compete are outstanding. Finishes his checks, and likes the physical game-despite his size, he battles in the dirty areas, controls the corners, and wins pucks. No problem taking a hit to make a play. Excellent shot with a quick release that he can get off in full-flight, and he has the ability to change the angle at the last moment to fool goalies. Good hand-eye to score out of mid-air, and goes to the net to make himself available for high-danger opportunities. Skates with the puck close to him, giving him good puck control and protection, and his stickhandling is good enough to give him entry skill in transition. His competitive nature transfers over to his defensive game, where he plays with speed and aggression to close out the backcheck. Wins battles, forces turnovers, fights hard for pucks, and picks off passes. Positions himself well in all three zones. As stated above, he needs work on his decision-making with the puck, but he can still make plays as he keeps his passes fairly simple, and doesn't try to do too much above his skill-set. He needs more deception in his play, which there currently is no room for, given how he's always going 110% every shift-he trades creativity and elusiveness for intensity to force the hand of his opponents. He would do himself a favor by bringing some unpredictability into his game, and by switching up his speed and direction to fool opponents and open up space to make plays. He has a fairly high floor, as he could conceivably play in an NHL bottom-6 as an energy guy who brings speed, physicality, and PK ability-if he doesn't develop in to a scorer. 3rd/4th round.