Jack Schlifke (3.75 Star Amateur Rating, NHL Grade — C) Forward
Jack’s game is relatively new to us. The first time we saw him was at the Minnesota High School Elite League IIT Showcase in November where our scouts noted that Jack is “A big power forward who showed a soft touch on the puck around the net. His reach was enormous and he caught a couple defenders off guard on the rush. He was able to take them wide and reach to the middle of the ice to create a scoring chance. Skating and top speed will need to improve, but he has upside.” We then saw him at the St. Sebastian’s Christmas Tournament and he impressed us again. He is very strong and has the physical abilities to dominate the opposition at the prep level. When his feet are moving he is very effective on the forecheck. He uses his long reach to contain opposing defensemen, forcing turnovers all over the ice and is a punishing body checker. He is starting to understand that intimidation is part of the game and is beginning to use it to his advantage during net front battles and after whistle scrums. We like the fact that he is showing the willingness to push the opposition around and think he is at his best when he is playing an in your face style. He is almost immovable in front of the net and for such a big man Jack has quick soft hands and anticipates rebounds very well. We’ve noted many times that big kids take longer and as the season continues National League scouts will be watching to see if he is able to keep his hips low and maintain a consistent stride. If we were running an NHL scouting department we would travel to Northwood to learn more about Jack and his habits. How committed is he in the weight room? Does he just go through the motions or is he an animal who realizes that he has intangibles that can not be taught? There is a lot to like about Jack. We would love to be part of an NHL development team and work with him because he has the makings to be a true power forward at the highest levels.
**Originally Posted in December 2019**