Neutral Zone’s first evaluation of Jack took place in September of 2016 and has continued through the New England Prep Elite Eight Championship in March of 2020. We have seen him mature from a so called 6’1″ surprise with long reach, into a 6’3″ 215lbs power forward who led Dexter in scoring this past season. While his transformation is still happening, Neutral Zone NHL took a look back at his progress to see if Jack can bloom into an NHL draft pick.
Jack Dempsey (3.75 Star Amateur Rating, NHL Grade — C) Forward
September 21, 2016 – Mass Tier 1 Labor Day Showcase (F, 2001; EC Wizards #16)-Jack was a surprise here and we still have a lot to learn about him. The 2001 has good size at 6’1” and a long reach. He played at Natick HS last year. Jack scored a slick goal where he showed off soft hands and touch around the net. He goes hard to the front and worked. He is interesting.
January 19, 2017 – Catholic Conference/Middlesex League Challenge (F, So. CM; 2001)-Jack has nice size and played a good two way game from the center ice position. The sophomore was good around both goal lines. He helped his D break pucks out and defended well. He also created in the offensive zone below the dots. He Is raw still but was around the puck a lot. He created back pressure and scored a goal. He made a lot of subtle, productive plays with the puck.
July 21, 2017 – Chowder Cup (FW, L, 6’2/185, 5/17/2001) – Tall, lanky forward that spent most of the weekend at left wing. Has the physical tools to control the game. Has a long reach and uses his body to protect the puck well. Will need to improve foot speed and overall pace of play. Will also need to play more physical around the net and in the corners. If he learns to play a heavier game he is going to be tough to handle. Weekend rating B-
June 23, 2018 – ECC Futures (F, L, Storm, Dexter, 2001) – Jack is starting to fill into his frame. He is long and has a smooth stride which lets him get up-and-down the wing. He uses his body well and isn’t afraid to battle along the boards and in front of the net. He has a quick release and can shoot in stride. Will need to work on his first step which will let him gain separation and be more effective through the neutral zone. Grade: B+
March 10, 2020 – Top 35 Uncommitted From the NE Prep Finals (F, L, 6’1″, 175, Dexter School, 05/17/2001) -Jack led a high-flying Dexter team in scoring. 6’3” and 215, he gets where he needs to in order to disrupt opponents with smart angles and an active stick. He will pop opponents and played really well in Dexter’s road to the Final. He can rip a puck and will shoot from anywhere. We liked him on the power play as he was a constant threat off the half-wall. Tough to play against, underrated skills and skating. We like his upside and he could play a role at the DI level.
March 17, 2020 – NCAA: BC Adds Future Forward Boston College added a future forward in 6-foot-3 Dexter forward Jack Dempsey. A Natick, Mass. native, Dempsey finished the prep season with 51 points (16 goals, 35 assists) in 30 games this season, more than tripling his offensive output from last season (16 points in 30 games). Prior to joining Dexter, Dempsey skated for Catholic Memorial and played one year of public high school hockey at Natick High in 2016.
NHL Evaluation:
(1) Brain – Jack is at his best when he keeps it simple. While it has not always been the case, he knows he is not a dancer and once he came to the realization that he is a power forward his game changed dramatically for the better. We feel this shows a maturity that not all big kids realize and is a positive for his hockey IQ.
(2) Vision & Poise – As the New England prep season went on Jack was able to make poise plays with the puck. The poise plays were not dangles through the neutral zone, but rather holding the puck and protecting it while cycling or holding the puck that extra second to bury the rebound.
(3) Feet – Jack has a nice stride with low hips and full leg extension. He will need to continue developing his quick feet, but we feel he has shown consistent improvements in this area over the past 2 years and there is no reason to believe he will not put in the work to continue improving his quickness.
(4) Compete & Effort – As he has grown into his body Jack’s conditioning has improved. As a result, he wins battles and can outwork his opponents.
(5) Contact & Physicality – He is at his best when creating chaos below the tops of the circles and generating opportunities through intimidation.
(6) Release – This is an area where we have seen consistent improvement over the years.
(7) One Timer Ability – Area that needs to continue being worked on. Jack can fire a perfect pass, but we would like to see him expand his shooting area.
(8) Body Language – As a group Neutral Zone scout’s noticed and commented on Jack carrying himself like a leader.
(9) Special Teams Potential – We feel Jack has the make-up to be a reliable net front option, but he will need to continue working on his quickness and first touch to earn power play minutes in professional hockey.
(10) Intangibles – He is athletic and huge. That is a great combination to have as a prospect when you’re an NHL organization. He is also a late bloomer who keeps improving.
Photo Credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images