[Sandman]

Draft Thoughts (Hidden Gems, Vol. 11):

RW Aidan Lane (6'2",192lbs)
Brampton (OHL): 13gp/ 7g/ 6a/ 13pts, +10, 2 PIM
St.Andrews College "C" (PHC): 14gp/ 7g/ 14a/ 21pts, 28 PIM
St.Andrews College (U18 AAA): 55gp/ 34g/ 52a/ 86pts, 52 PIM

Winger Aidan Lane (ranked # 114 NA Skaters) is no longer a big secret, and has been breaking necks with how quickly he's been turning heads with Brampton. He was only playing part-time in the OHL while he spent the majority of his season in Prep Hockey (second in scoring in the league), with an eye of playing for Harvard next year; he only joined the Steelheads at the beginning of March- when his time at St.Andrews came to a close, taking advantage of the new rules that allow CHL players to commit to University teams. Lane looks comfortable in the OHL as a two-way power-forward with high motor and skill, and though he was known primarily as a pass-first playmaker in the Prep league, his stats with Brampton paint him as more of a goal-scorer- this could be due to the fact that he's having to get used to having less time and space to make decisions. Still, he reads the play well and reacts quickly, making sound decisions that put teammates in advantageous positions, with crisp, accurate feeds. He is showing glimpses of his playmaking vision, always skating with his head up to scan his surroundings, and displays a good awareness of space in finding open lanes- he can pass cross-ice, and finds teammates in the slot.

Lane is inside-driven, and finds space in the slot to fill at just the right time. He owns good hands in-tight, and occupies space at the net-front to tip shots with his high-end hand-eye coordination and keen sense of timing. He creates offense off the rush, and will crash the crease for chances. Shooting is another strength of his, displaying a blistering catch-and-release wrister, as well as a bomb of a one-timer- both of which he can use to score from distance. Off the puck, his positioning is well-developed to support the play in all three zones, extend offensive-zone time on the cycle, and stay playable in high-danger. Though he is still learning to keep his feet moving in the OHL, he is a solid skater with a quick short-burst and a peppy first-step, but he could use another gear on his top-end. He employs fluid mechanics on a long stride, and he's fairly agile with some lateral mobilty; he makes quick cuts, and pivots away from checks rather smoothly. Lane exerts tight puck-protection using his long wingspan while shielding the puck from checkers with his body, keeps his feet moving through contact, and can make plays while being pinned to the boards. He controls the puck well, and displays deft handling in small-areas.

Lane plays a physical game, but economical in the way that he usually only initiates bodychecks when there's a distinct purpose to it. He uses his frame to win inside position, skates through hands, wins battles in greasy areas, pushes opponents off the puck, shoves attackers away in races, and will throw hits to dislodge pucks and win possession. Like a true power-forward he will drop a shoulder and leverage his size and strength to bulldoze his way to the middle, and he overpowers defenders in net-front battles. On the forecheck, he engages his adversaries with speed and physicality to force mistakes. On the backcheck, he does much of the same to put pressure on opponents to force turnovers and uncontrolled plays, while making smart decisions with loose pucks off of retrievals. In the defensive zone, he exhibits sound positioning and awareness, and plays aggressive in launching himself at puck-carriers. In transition, he skates mostly north-south routes and makes simple plays to avoid turnovers, but will use delays and cutbacks when needed to maintain position. It may not be fair to call him a "hidden gem" anymore, as I would imagine the scouting world has taken notice. He needs to work on his skating and stength, and will have plenty of time to develop at Harvard, starting next season. Look for him in the second, or third round.