The Next Ones – Dougie Hamilton – NHL 2011 Draft Prospect Profile: The Next Big Blueliner

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Please “Click Here” for “Notes Up Front” and the “Legend” for various topics covered below in my “Live Updated” NHL 2011 Draft Preview article.

Dougie Hamilton

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dougie Hamilton {Aaron Bell/OHL Images: nhl.com}

Born: Toronto, ON

DOB: June 17, 1993
Height: 6’4”
Weight: 193
Position: Defense
Shoots: Right

NHL Draft Eligibility: 2011

One-Timer:

One day folks may be considering the name ‘Dougie Hamilton’ as one of the best names we’ve seen in hockey, but it’s the on ice play of the rugged blueliner that has scouts pushing his name near the top of their lists.

When scouts think of Hamilton, they can’t help but draw comparisons to current Flames D-man, Jay Bouwmeester, for his excellent skating and big minute crunching play. A guy who can play in all situations, for long periods of time, and excel at it? Sign me up.

Hamilton is such a competitor and fitness nut, that Niagara coaches play him over 30 minutes a night, and could play him more should they have to. His excellent conditioning has allowed him to be fresh, even in late moments of a tight game.

Though Swedish defenseman, Adam Larsson, gets all the attention in this upcoming draft, GMs have a backup plan for their defensive cupboards and Hamilton can be more than that.

Top Prospects Game: Scored a goal en route to a 7-1 win for Team Orr, and was named an alternate captain prior to the game.

Statistics: 67 GP – 12 G – 46 A

Scout’s Honor:

“He’s a player who’s coming on … I remember how poised he was in his first season with Niagara last year,” NHL Director of Central Scouting E.J. McGuire told NHL.com. “He possesses a long reach and he’s a player I expect a lot of things from this season.”  (NHL.com)

***

“Hamilton…I love that kid. He’s a two-way beast. He’ll nail you, play physically in the defensive end, he can take the puck and go end-to-end with it. He can quarterback the power play. I think he’s actually better as the triggerman on the power play– he’s got a big shot. He’s approaching Larsson’s level. Larsson’s been there a couple of years, whereas Hamilton’s development curve is heading straight up. So, Hamilton, I’d be shocked if he made it out of the top-eight picks this year.”- Kyle Woodlief, Red Line Report; December 2010

Bio/Interview(s)/Link(s):

• · NHL.Com – Hamilton close to fulfilling dream
• · Hockey’s Future – Dougie Hamilton credits brother for success in hockey and life

International Tournaments

• Played for Team Ontario at the Under 17’s- won a silver medal

ETA = 1 yrs

Risk-Reward Analysis:

Risk = 1.0/5   Reward = 3.5/5

NHL Potential:

Top 4 Two-Way Denseman who can log big minutes and play in all situations; penalty-kill, powerplay, you name it, he’ll do it.

Strengths:

*See “One Timer” section above.

• Big body, with long reach
• Long powerful strides; good skater for a big man
• Right-handed shooter with a hard shot
• Leadership
• Intelligent
• Aggressive Offensively; joins the rush
• Physical Presence
• Strong work ethic and commitment to getting better
• Outstanding conditioning

Flaws/Aspects He Needs To Work On:

• Continue to get stronger
• Continued work on skating to get even better
• Can get lost defensively (was once a forward)- and will need to simplify and continue to learn

Fantasy Hockey Potential: Offensive = 7/10   Defensive = 8/10

NHL Player(s) Comparison:

– At his best:

• Jay Bouwmeester
• Brent Burns

Video(s):

• 2011 NHL Draft Prospects – Dougie Hamilton
• Dougie Hamilton’s Goal at the 2011 CHL Top Prospects Game

Off The Iron (Interesting Notes):

• Parents were both Olympic/World Champion Athletes
• Lists his favorite player as Scott Neidermayer
• Won the 2009-2010 Ivan Tennant Award for the OHL’s Top Academic High School Student

THW’s The Next Ones prospect profile template design architect: Chris Ralph

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