[Sandman]

Draft Thoughts (American Edition, Vol. 10):

RW William Belle (6'4",218lbs)
NTDP: 32gp/ 3g/ 5a/ 8pts,-14, 24 PIM.

William Belle is like the NTDP's version of the incredible hulk, he's built more like a linebacker than a hockey player. He's a true alpha-male with supreme athleticism, who broke fitness-testing records when he was just 15 years old at Shattuck-St.Mary's for Bench Press, Hex Bar Deadlift, Safety Bar One-Leg Squat, Pull-Ups, and Vertical Jump. When I watch Belle, I hearken back to the feeling of watching a guy like Dustin Byfuglien skate, who looked too big to be able to make his way around the ice so quickly, and like Byfuglien, he is like an unstoppable freight train when his opponents are in his tracks. Belle might be an example of how the NTDP fails players sometimes, as he could be showing off his true abilities better if he were getting more ice-time and responsibility on a USHL team; instead, he's toiling on the third-line of a weak squad that struggles to score. Right now, he's been cast in more of a defensive role, but he's intimidating and highly disruptive all over the ice- players on the other team are aware when he takes to the ice, as he hits like a Mack truck. He's a huge problem on the forecheck, causing problems for opponents on retrievals, and he dominates along the boards and in the corners- he doesn't lose many 50/50 contests, and he can't be overpowered. He is used plenty on the PK and in defensive situations, and when he isn't bowling over attackers, he breaks up plays and steals pucks using his extra-long wingspan and a smart stick.

Belle flashes some skillful playmaking as well as deft passing skill at times, but he usually keeps it simple and safe. He also possesses a hard and heavy shot that I believe doesn't get used nearly enough. It's a treat to watch him skate as he moves quite well for a big man, which is usually code to denote an average skater, but Belle actually has a good top speed and manages to apply an admirable amount of pressure on puck-carriers. There's plenty of work to be done on his start-up, as well as his acceleration, but his high workrate and athleticism seem to mask his deficiencies in the way he stays active and keeps his feet pumping tirelessly. He always puts in an honest effort, has excellent stamina, and is an intense competitor with a relentless motor. In the other end of the rink, he causes chaos down low and around the net. He smashes his way through checks, and will lean into defenders to cut inside, or to attack the crease. In transition, he looks surprisingly good, and even though he's more of a straight-line player through the neutral zone, he is able to complete a high amount of entries and exits through carry or by pass.

Belle was given the grade of "C" by Central Scouting to denote a potential 4th, or 5th-round pick. Using C Samuel Helenius as comparable, I am guessing he gets taken in the 3rd or 4th-round. Helenius was the same kind of player as Belle in his draft year- a behemoth (6'6",200lbs) who moves well for a big man and plays more of a defensive role, with good penalty-killing ability and physicality- and he was taken by LA in the second-round, #59 of the 2021 Draft. Granted, Helenius plays the more important role at center, but I think they have a similar profile, and both are offensively challenged. Belle is much more athletic however, and I think he has better potential- although he could end up being a highly effective bottom-6 defensive player in the pros. I'm excited to see what he can do in the next few years, and he's committed to the University of Notre Dame for 2025-26.