| Dylan James | Sioux City Musketeers | USHL | L | LW | 6’0″ | 183 | North Dakota | 2022 | Calgary, AB | 2003 | 2021-2022: B+ |
Ian Moran’s Thoughts: James is a kid who every time I see him play I think he’s gotten better at something. As the puck carrier he’s very good at manipulating the gap into his favor while on line rushes, but the thing I really like is his ability to change his pace away from the puck. By this I mean that while his linemates are carrying the puck through the neutral zone James will take a peek over his shoulders to see where the back pressure or backchecker is coming from. He then adjusts his pace accordingly. When it’s time to fly he takes off. When he sees the backchecker has his head down or is hyper focused on the puck James slows up to find the open ice. After a few years of training at North Dakota I really think this kid is going to play and be an impactful player at that.
AJHL: Brooks vs Okotoks, March 29, 2021: Dylan has smooth, explosive skating abilities and he sees the ice well when skating with the puck. His zone entries are effective and deceptive. He uses look offs and changes up his speed to allow smooth entries and his vision allows him to see things open up and find his linemates. He scored a nice breakaway goal in the first period where he elected to shoot and was able to beat the goalie on a quick snipe. The ’03 is a dual threat with great passing and shooting and he is a threat to score often. Grade: B+
Macs Midget Tournament, March 16, 2019: James is an effective player at both ends of the ice and was great over the tournament being an all situation player for his team. The swift skating winger drove play up ice with is speed and was hard for defenders to contain to the outside. James works hard on the boards and is often the first to loose pucks along the wall. With the puck he likes to attack defenders and take the puck close the net where he can get his quick shot and release off that can fool goalies. He works well in tight but doesn’t have the hands to create or evade pressure along the perimeter; which can limit his offensive play at times. James will play a physical role and isn’t shy to throw his weight in the corners if it means he’ll get the puck back. Should keep working on his skill and hands because he’s a talented player with a high upside. Grade: B+
Photo Credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images