Dylan Holloway (5 Star Amateur Rating, NHL Grade — A) Forward
(1) Brain – Dylan has a two way hockey player’s brain and that is what makes him special. Offensively, he knows when the best option is the use of slash support through neutral zone transition while at the same time reads the defender’s speeds and positioning so well that he will delay to provide low support if that is the best option. Although we project him as a winger, Dylan plays a very reliable game as a center. He maintains defensive side positioning when separating the opposition from the puck and creates quick breakouts or transition. While on the wing, Dylan maintains lineups and eliminates opposing defensemen from the cycle. Through the neutral zone Dylan cuts the ice in half and has an incredibly quick stick that he uses to force turnovers. His high hockey IQ allows him to impact the game in many different ways.
(2) Vision & Poise – He has high level poise with the puck and will carry it with his head up while under duress. Dylan does not make “hope plays”. He surveys the entire sheet while keeping the puck primarily on his forehand. This allows him to distribute the puck cleanly to his line mates as they are entering prime scoring areas and rarely does he force a poor decision.
(3) Feet – Dylan has elite speed right now and we feel he will only get faster, quicker and more agile after a few years of high end training at the University of Wisconsin. He is in contention for the quickest first step in this draft class.
(4) Compete & Effort – While playing a max effort game he does not foolishly run around looking to make things happen.
(5) Contact or Physicality – Dylan has the mindset to be a bull and we feel has the frame to carry 200lbs effectively. He shields the puck from defenders at a very high level and has the strength to roll off the wall to attack the net. Although we do not envision Dylan as a classic power forward, he is a punishing body checker when the time arises and can change the tone of the game with a well timed check.
(6) Release – Shoots the puck quickly, accurately and with the purpose of scoring or creating a rebound that his line mates will score on. He has the ability to shoot while he’s moving at top speed and uses the defenders as screens very well.
(7) One Timer Ability – Dylan can fire it as a delaying winger on a line rush or while driving the net on his strong side. He does not need a perfect pass to get it on net. This may sound simple and obvious, but when Dylan shoots the puck the goalie has to make the save. The puck rarely just hits the goalie.
(8) Body Language – Only Note Extremes. Well, Dylan carries himself like a leader.
(9) Special Teams Potential – Dylan has the game awareness and instincts to be a special teams contributor in the National League. His offensive skill set allows him to be a mid-wall or net front option and his willingness to be involved in the grimy aspects combined with his athleticism make him an ideal penalty killer.
(10) Intangibles – Dylan is 2 full seasons away from turning pro and being an impact National Hockey League player, but that will not be an issue to the organization who drafts him. At Wisconsin he is going to receive NHL level coaching and will be competing every day against future NHL players… obviously a huge positive for both the player and his future NHL coaching staff. His adjustment to NCAA hockey may be a little slower than some of his highly touted teammates who have already been drafted, but by Christmas time he will be a top 6 forward who the coaching staff can depend on in all key situations. If Dylan falls out of this year’s top 10 selections he will be a player that we will look back on and wonder what the hell the teams that didn’t select him were thinking.