[News] With the 80th OA pick, the Flames select LD Mace'o Philips

[Sandman]

Draft Thoughts (American Edition, Vol. 25):

LD Mace'o Phillips (6'5",214lbs)
NTDP: 35gp/ 2g/ 4a/ 6pts, -7, 52 PIM

Mace'o Phillips' game was on full display for the NTDP at the CHL-USA Prospects Challenge, but while he was his usual mean and physical self, the Americans were caved in by the speed and pace of the superior CHL squad. Under those circumstances, it would be unfair to judge him based on this particular two-game series, but he still stood out by making some quality stops. Phillips is a behemoth, and defensive play will always be his calling card, with many scouts saying he has NHL-qualities and potential as a shutdown D in the show. His range alone blocks massive spheres of ice, and he's surprisingly effective against the rush with tight gaps, intelligent positioning and angling, as well as a well-timed stick. Threats are identified quickly, and he smothers his opponents of time and space, picks off passes to the slot, and blocks shots. He suffocates attackers with his enormous reach, and crushes them into the boards- and when he can't initiate contact, he's proactively lifting sticks or pokechecking pucks out of danger. He protects his goalies well, and keeps the front of the net clear by boxing would-be crease-crashers out.

Phillips skates well for a player his size, and though he needs to upgrade his explosiveness and acceleration, as well as his agility and edgework, he has the athleticism to improve significantly in the future. He's already a fairly active player who moves around a lot, but if he can build up his mobility he'll be a beast to go up against. He already wins inside position over the opposition quite regularly, and seems to specialize in keeping attackers at bay with deft reverse hits (as he displayed at the Prospects Challenge). According to those who watch him on more of a regular basis, he is learning to be more controlled in terms of his robust physical game, as well as his mean streak; he is learning to be a punishing hitter without taking himself out of the play, and he is taking less needless penalties. Phillips is surprisingly good at retrievals, and seeks to limit defensive zone time, but while he can make safe and simple first-pass plays, he is inconsistent when under pressure. He flashes top-tier breakout skills from time to time, with the ability to hit streaking forwards in the neutral zone for odd-man chances.

Phillips seems to be aware that he has to keep his puck-play simple, especially when under pressure. He flashes another level of vision and IQ, showing some smarts and sound ideas, but he has trouble executing them as his so-so puck skill lets him down. His plays in the offensive zone consist mainly of shots, but he does have a fairly hard and heavy release that he can get on net with reasonable frequency. There are some brief activations, but usually only to keep pucks alive. Phillips will likely never be a point-producer- and I think he knows who he is, which is a solid shutdown defender. This is not a mistake-free player however, as he can lose his man, and makes errors with the puck, but he's still quite raw and developing and his game is becoming more and more solid. He's not close to reaching his potential, and will require a long runway- which he'll get, starting next season at the University of Minnesota. In Central Scouting's Mid-Term Rankings, Phillips was 49th amongst North American players, and I could easily see a team taking him in the 3rd, or 4th-round of the draft.

[Crazy Bacon Legs]

Ooh I like this guy. He's a gift from God. Big fella with an attitude.

He's just like Matthew Phillips, except completely the opposite. Also, they are not related, which is why their names are not spelled the same.

[Bonded]

Here’s to big=good working out

[Calgary4LIfe]

Originally Posted by Cali Panthers Fan

Sorry, gonna have to get my head around M. Phillips being a huge prospect instead of a tiny prospect. Give me time.

If it helps, just add them up and divide by two, and you get a normal sized human.

[getbak]

Is his nickname Big Rig?

[Canada 02]

from Steve Ellis

76. Mace’o Phillips, LHD (USNTDP)
Phillips is a massive, 6-foot-5, 214-pound defender who uses every bit of his frame to push guys around and poke pucks away. He’s strong and always seems to be looking to land at least one big hit a game. He skates well, too, making him a solid option for teams chasing size and decent mobility. Guys like this can make for solid third-pairing options down the line.

[mdubz]

So much for emphasizing skill

[GranteedEV]

been 12 years since Kanzig and 10 since Riley Bruce. I guess we were due for a new refrigerator. I guess the Chara 2.0 dream lives on

[troutman]

I look forward to him breaking Leon.

[looooob]

Originally Posted by GranteedEV

been 12 years since Kanzig and 10 since Riley Bruce. I guess we were due for a new refrigerator. I guess the Chara 2.0 dream lives on

is Hurtig too tiny or does he count?

[GranteedEV]

Originally Posted by looooob

is Hurtig too tiny or does he count?

6'4" doesn't quite hit on like 6'6" and we know this is the only stat any of us are gonna know on these guys a decade from now

[Tbull8]

Dont hate it, dont love it. I'll trust the scouts vs my limited highlight watching and hockeydb searches

[TheScorpion]

When was the last time the Flames drafted a big, zero-offence D who actually turned into an NHLer?

[bigrangy]

Originally Posted by TheScorpion

When was the last time the Flames drafted a big, zero-offence D who actually turned into an NHLer?

When was the last time anyone did?

[Flamesfan05]

Originally Posted by Tbull8

Dont hate it, dont love it. I'll trust the scouts vs my limited highlight watching and hockeydb searches

The scouts are only about 10% right in the 3rd round

You shouldn’t put all your trust on them….lol

[Flamesfan05]

Originally Posted by TheScorpion

When was the last time the Flames drafted a big, zero-offence D who actually turned into an NHLer?

The have 3 that will let us know pretty soon

[Bongsong]

I like it

[1qqaaz]

Originally Posted by TheScorpion

When was the last time the Flames drafted a big, zero-offence D who actually turned into an NHLer?

Adam Pardy in 2004?

[Lewis_D]

Originally Posted by Flamesfan05

The scouts are only about 10% right in the 3rd round

You shouldn’t put all your trust on them….lol

As opposed to putting our trust in random posters on CP?

[sureLoss]

CHL rights are owned by Portland

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