| Ethan Straky | NTDP U18 | USHL | R | D | 5’11” | 174 | Notre Dame | 2021 | Birmingham, MI | 2003 | 2020-2021: C+ |
Neutral Zone NHL’s Ian Moran’s comments, June 2021: Ethan is a fleet footed no nonsense type of defender. He makes quick decisions and is an outlet machine in transition. He is very good at maintaining continuous net side positioning in the defensive zone and can jump into the play as the second wave of attack in an instant. I don’t think he’s ever going to be a number one running your power play, but his feet and willingness to do the little things on a consistent basis are something that professional coaches are going to love. I think he’ll spend his four years at Notre Dame and come out as a leader who earns a professional contract and career. And believe me when I say that is a compliment.
2021 USHL: Biosteel All American Game, April 2021: Straky maintained tight gaps when defending the rush, pinching plays off at the defensive blueline and forcing turnovers in the neutral zone. Team White was unpredictable in the offensive zone allowing Straky to really showcase his quick feet and agility while Team Blue was playing man on man in defensive zone coverage. His stick on puck defending was excellent and his acceleration through contact allowed him to pin larger forwards to the wall very easily. In offensive transition he worked well with his partner to provide a quick safe outlet and when receiving a pass there was little wasted movement or stickhandling. Straky showed good awareness by moving the puck quickly and other than getting surprised by a Team White forward who fell below the net he did not make any grey area turnovers. Offensively he was poised under duress and was willing to take a hit t make a play. Although he did not get on the score sheet he was very effective at adding depth to the line rush as the fourth attacker.
NAHL: USNTDP U18 vs Johnstown Tomahawk, January 2021: Straky was solid defensively in this game. Nothing particularly flashy, but he was noticeable on a few instances. Early in third, he played a 1 on 1 to perfection. As the puck was moved around him with speed, he maintained position and kept himself between the player and the puck, allowing it to harmlessly slide onto goaltender, rather than overplaying puck or man. Defensive positioning, outlet passes, and stick in lanes; he was reliable and doing the little things that add up. Grade: B
U16: USA Hockey Nationals, May 2019: Straky is a highly mobile, smooth skating, powerful edged two-way defenseman. He has smooth hands, can carry the puck out of jams and makes crisp, accurate passes in stride. He’s both skilled and sturdy and can make plays up ice or stand his grown and play honest defense. He wasn’t overly dynamic here, but he was solid defensively, he challenged opponents at the blue line and he managed his gaps very well through the neutral zone which limited teams zone entries and transitions. A more versatile prospect than he gets credit for who showed a lot of his defensive prowess at this tournament after being selected to the NTDP team a few weeks prior. Impressive showing for an ’03 on the biggest stage. College: Notre Dame
NTDP Evaluation Camp Report, March 2019: Straky is a smooth, balanced, low center skater who is strong on his skates and tough to beat 1v1. He has soft hands and puck control to skate pucks out of his end and evade forecheck pressure and he’s a skilled puck mover. He’s gotten stronger this past season and play with more edge in his own end particularly around the net front and in the corners. He made several stretch passes from his zone that spurned odd man rushes and he was very aggressive on the penalty kill going after puck carriers. Straky is a 3-zone prospect; he’s tough in his end, he can skate it or pass it through the neutral zone and he commands the offensive blue line walking out to get shots to the net or feeding passes to his forwards and D partner. Showed a complete game here and is one of the more underrated defenders in the camp. College: Notre Dame
U15/U16: Battle of the Border, December 2018: Straky demonstrated great edge work and mobility and is quick at transitioning when presented with open ice. He has a quick shot from the point he uses to get pucks to the net before opposing forwards attempt to get in the lanes. Straky has a high hockey IQ demonstrated when he pulled up and used the opposing D as a screen off the rush or in puck battles by maintaining perfect positioning. College: Notre Dame
HPHL 16U Showcase, December 2018: Straky plays with a lot of poise, intelligence, and has a nice maturity and polish to his game. Very patient with the puck, sees the ice very well, good decisions. Very good puck skills and offensive instincts and makes a lot of real smart, subtle plays with the puck. Excellent defenseman in all three zones. Grade: A-
U15/U16: HPHL Illinois Showcase,, November 2018: His two way game was very impressive as he performed well in all situations of the game. Whether his team needed puck moving or strong defending, he was able to provide it. His put himself in the proper position consistently to be able to break plays up with his stick or body. He took care of the puck well and was very efficient in his reads while breaking the puck out. His team benefited from his reliability throughout the weekend. COLLEGE: NOTRE DAME
U16: USHL Fall Classic, October 2018: Ethan read situations on the ice very well as he showed a strong feel for the game. He knew when to stay at home and defend or contribute to the offense. His smooth feet and the ability to retrieve pucks under pressure and get them out of his end. His efficient skating allowed him to play a lot of minutes with reliability. USNTDP Top 40 Candidate. College: Notre Dame
U16: HPHL/Beast Showcase U16, October 2018: Straky is balanced and strong right-shot defender. Has all the tools. Strong skater with a powerful stride. Gets up to speed with no wasted movements. Maintains speed through a good glide. Little bit undersized but it does not limit his game. Great feet and can pivot quickly to keep pace with forwards. Slick and can make defenders miss when he takes ice. Sees the ice well and finds passing lanes quickly. High upside. Grade: A College: Notre Dame
MAHA Festival 2003s, July 2018: Ethan is a smart player who reads the ice very well and makes the most out of opportunities. He is solid in the defensive zone by taking the body and being a good defensive position. He makes great passes and will join the play to create scoring opportunities.
U14 Nationals, April 2018: Straky is versatile and extremely mature for his age. The Notre Dame commit was steady, smart and strong. Had consistently good touches on pucks and made very few mistakes. He has good speed and excellent lateral mobility. Can squeeze off the rush with ease and quickly start transition. Showed athletic ability as he moved well to receive passes, can spin with possession and pick pucks off the wall with ease. Was tough to play against as his game is calculated and physical. He did not take chances and played smart hockey at the lines. Let the puck do the work and showed a quick, heavy shot. Went back well for pucks and showed a slippery element to avoid the forecheck. Takes contact and either slid off or skated through with his eyes up ice. Used the glass at appropriate times as well. Has a really versatile game and played in all situations. Well rounded. College: Notre Dame
U14: Michigan State Finals, April 2018: Ethan is a big, smart defenseman who makes smart plays all over the ice. He has a hard, accurate shot from the point and the ability to make nice passes. College: Notre Dame
2003 Michigan Bantam Fest, July 2017: Ethan is a smart defenseman who makes productive plays all over the ice. He has a hard, accurate shot from the point and he scored a nice goal from that position. Ethan had a great week of camp and he looks to have a great hockey career. We like his upside.
Photo Credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images