
Neutral Zone has been watching and evaluating Jack’s game since he was a Bantam Major playing for the York Simcoe Express in October of 2016. And although plans may have changes, we will continue watching him during his draft season while he’s playing in the BCHL for the Penticton Vees.
Jack Bar | Penticton Vees | CISAA | R | D | 6’2″ | 195 | Harvard | 2021 | Newmarket, ON | 2002 | 2020-2021: B |
Visa Issue Holding Up Bar’s Arrival at Harvard: Defenseman Jack Bar, who is a top prospect for the 2021 NHL Draft, will not head to Harvard this fall as originally planned, according to hockey writer Mark Divver. Bar isn’t allowed to enter the United States due to an issue with his student visa, and will instead begin the season with Penticton in the BCHL. Harvard hopes that Bar will be able to begin taking classes at Harvard in January, or at worst, next fall.
The fact that Bar chose the Vees over the OHL, where he was a third-round pick of the Peterborough Petes, is a good sign for Harvard.
“A big defender with offensive instincts and the hockey sense to go along with it,” NZ scouts said. “Then add in that he is a late 02’ defender and you have a very intriguing prospect. Jack is along and rangy with poise in both ends of the rink. His game has some growing to do but with his size and smooth skating he shows high upside. He walked the line under pressure and opened lanes to shoot or pass the puck.”
Playing for St. Andrew’s College last season, Bar had 21 goals and 37 assists in 57 games on the blue line. He’s a prospect eligible for the 2021 NHL Draft
BCHL: Pre-season Penticton vs Vernon, November 2020: Bar is a big defenceman who uses his size and reach well to disrupt opposing teams attacking his zone. Most impressive part of Bar’s game was his ability to step up and disrupt breakout passes, and transition the puck to offense quickly each time. He does a good job of not over complicating his decisions, and makes good passes up to his forwards that allow them to attack on breakouts and transitions. He did a good job in both games using his reach and feet to keep attacking players outside the dots, and take away shooting and passing lanes forcing them to dump the puck, or beat him one on one. For a bigger defenceman Bar has good skill, and is able to be effective in every zone for his team. Grade: B
St. Andew’s College; Nichols School; Ridley College, November 2019: We had viewed Jack as a Minor Midget with the York Simcoe Express where his performance that year earned him a 3d round selection into the OHL. Jack is a good-sized defenseman and a Harvard commit. He has a long stride and good mobility and his numbers indicate he will be a point producer from the back end. However, we also witnessed some flaws in his game we had not seen before that he will need to tidy up in order to continue his development at the next level. With the puck Jack held on to it too long waiting for better options rather than moving it quickly. This resulted in quite a few forced passes resulting in turn overs, and a couple times where his pocket was picked by a checking opponent giving up scoring chances. His performance over the weekend I felt was far below what his talent and upside are. He is young with great upside but will need to tidy his game at the next level. Grade B
Shattuck-St. Mary’s Prep Jamboree, January 2019: A big defender with offensive instincts and the hockey sense to go along with it. Then add in that he is a late 02’ defender and you have a very intriguing prospect. Jack is along and rangy with poise in both ends of the rink. His game has some growing to do but with his size and smooth skating he shows high upside. He walked the line under pressure and opened lanes to shoot or pass the puck. COLLEGE: HARVARD
St. Sebastian’s Holiday Tournament, December 2018: The Harvard Commit and the Peterborough Draft Pick really underwhelmed this weekend with so much hype coming in. He struggled under pressure as he was unable to escape high pressured situations. Struggled in corner battles vs guys smaller than him as he was hesitant to engage in contact. All the puck skills are there but he needs to improve in the finer details of the game. Grade: C
Marlies Holiday Classic, February 2018: Jack has good size, skates with purpose and can accelerate well at the right times. He continues to develop his poise and puck control and is controlling the pace of play when he is on the ice making good decisions with the puck. Defensively, he used good gap control and was able to handle some very strong offensive players.
Battle of the Border, December 2017: Jack has intriguing length, reach and skating ability. He is the type of defender who can get a scout excited to think about what he can become with time and strength. Great feet and mobility bought him time with the puck to make plays. His head was up with the puck and his reads were strong. He showed the ability to defend well with his feet and long reach.
Wendy Dufton, October 2017: Jack is a big blue liner with puck composure and puck handling skill. Jack’s play in London was solid and improved as the tournament progressed. He makes a great first pass can rush the puck and is able to lead the or join it effectively. Jack showed a strong hockey IQ to manage the power play and has a rocket of a shot from the point. If the 2002 is able to tidy up his neutral zone turnovers he will be a dominant D-man to watch in future tournaments.
Major Bantam: York Simcoe at Markham, October 2016: Bigger size body who can play physical. Smart puck mover from the back end. Plays a heads up game defending both the attacker with the puck and those without the puck. His puck support with his defence partner is very good. A player to keep watch on.