Ryan Hitchcock THW Close-Up:
Date of birth: 3/30/1996
Place of birth: Manhasset, New York
Ht: 5’9″ Wt: 172 lbs
Shoots: Left
Position: LW
NHL Draft Eligibility: 2014
Twitter: @ryanhitch21
THW The Next Ones Rankings (January 2014): not ranked
Other Rankings:
THW War Room Rankings (April): not ranked
Future Considerations: not ranked
Craig Button: not ranked
CS Final Rankings for North American skaters: 131
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Ryan Hitchcock is a small player, but you wouldn’t know it by the way he plays the game. The kid is all effort every shift. He even has a nice chippy aspect of his game that gets into the heads of other players. Hitchcock is a shifty winger that has a knack of finding his teammates in the offensive zone. He has great vision and finished the year with the NTDP with 37 assists.
He chips in offensively around the ice and has very soft hands and dangling abilities. The New York-native also has the speed to get back into the play and stop opposing players in their tracks. Without a big frame, Hitchcock has learned to be a great positional winger. If he were just a few inches taller he’d be discussed as a possible 1st or 2nd round pick, but I’m certain he will get drafted in late June regardless. Hitchcock will be attending Yale University in the fall and has plenty of time to grow his game to fit the NHL’s style.
Where Will He End Up In June:
I think Hitchcock gets selected in the 4th or 5th round of the draft.
Scout’s Honor:
“Hitchcock is a hardworking, strong skating, mature two-way forward. While he does not have elite offensive skills he does handle the puck well and makes a strong pass. He also has impressive hockey sense and instincts that allow him to be a difference maker. (November 2013)“
Aaron Vickers – Future Considerations
“At 5-9, 171, Hitchcock is one of Team USA’s smaller forwards, but size is hardly a concern. With 35 assists this season, Hitchcock was one of the better distributors on the team, ranking third on the squad in that category. He has a bit of an edge in his game, too, which allows him to get to the tougher areas of the ice and still be a factor. He’s another guy that has to really support scoring depth.“
Chris Peters – United States of Hockey
Statistics:
International Tournaments:
Ryan Hitchcock played twice for Team USA. He won a bronze medal (U17) and a gold medal (U18).
Bio/Interview(s)/Links:
Interview with Hockey’s Future after winning gold
ETA:
3-4 years
Risk/Reward Analysis:
Risk: 2/5 Reward: 3/5
NHL Potential:
2nd or 3rd line two-way left winger who can be a playmaker on the powerplay
Strengths:
Plays with an edge
Speed
Drives the net
Vision
Passing
Two-way play
Offensive instincts
Flaws/Aspects He Needs To Work On:
Could use a few extra pounds to be successful in the NHL
Fantasy Hockey Potential:
Offensive: 6/10 Defensive: 5/10
NHL Player Comparison:
– NHL comparison: Vladimir Sobotka
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THW’s The Next Ones prospect profile template design architect: Chris Ralph
