For Jeff de Wit, he gets to enjoy playing in the city he grew up in. He has gone to school in Red Deer as well as played hockey throughout his career for the very well known Red Deer Minor Hockey Association.
Jeff joined the Rebels through the 2013 Bantam Draft (1st round, 14th overall). He played his Bantam years with the Red Deer Rebels Black, accumulating 53 points (24G, 29A) in 59 games over his two seasons.
Since joining the Rebels, Jeff has grown into a player that will take his bumps in the corners and grind it out as a 3rd or 4th liner on a deep Red Deer team that is poised to walk in the front door as MasterCard Memorial Cup hosts.
Last season as a 16 year old rookie, de Wit put up 3 goals and 10 assists in 65 contests, despite playing many games on the 4th line and used sporadically at that. It was noted last year that Jeff had an interesting stride that many fans remarked came from a previous injury. He put most of his energy from his stride into his hips. This made for an awkward movement on the ice and limited his range.
This year Jeff seems to have corrected the "issue" with is stride and looks as quick as ever. He has grown to be 6'3" 185 lbs and doesn't look out of place in that body. He could stand to gain a few pounds to continue his role as a 4th line energy/checking line guy. With his continued development de Wit has already added a goal and an assist while working with the 4th line guys, Austin Pratt/Reese Johnson and Lane Pederson.
NHL Central Scouting has de Wit listed as a B prospect for the up coming NHL Entry draft, meaning he is likely to be drafted in the 2nd or 3rd round. He is a perfect fit for a team looking for someone who is willing to dig in the hard areas as well as having some grit and skill to put the puck in the net when chances arise from his line's hard work.
Thank you to eliteprospects.com for the data relating to Jeff's Midget and Bantam seasons as well as whl.ca for the information regarding his Red Deer Rebel career.
No comments:
Post a Comment