Jack Ring (3.5 Star Amateur Rating, NHL Grade — Free Agent) Forward
Neutral Zone NHL’s Ian Moran’s comments: Jack is always around the puck working his tail off and making a positive impact. He plays with a very high compete level that makes him annoying to play against and his effort is not something that a coaching staff will have to worry about. He looks strong along the walls, but is still understanding how to use his size and leverage to dominate in open ice. On special teams he’s an effective PK guy playing in straight lines and using an active stick to shut down both passing and shooting lanes. He’ll block shots and seems to enjoy eating pucks. There have been a few times where Jack ends up on the point for the PP, and although he looked comfortable up top, I didn’t think it suited his skill set. I feel that his size and compete make him a natural net front presence on an effective power play. His willingness to grind and dig can make him a real asset. To me he looks like the type of player that makes his linemates more accountable and can be counted on during key defensive situations late in one goal games. Jack is a big kid who looks like he’s still growing into himself and therefore sometimes his agility and footwork can look awkward, but he seems to find a way to make a positive impact on each game. He’s on my long term watch list because of his size and work ethic. My feeling is that if he goes to University of New Hampshire and dedicates himself to getting more powerful and explosive he will look like a dramatically different player when he’s 23 years old. A 6’3″ grimy work horse can find a home in professional hockey and to tell you the truth, I love his compete.
NCDC Showcase, March 2020: Jack played very well on the power play but had trouble finding a ton of space 5v5 when we watched. His compete was very high and his skating keeps getting better. He stopped and started on pucks. He is still not a burner but a player that gets more of his long strides than he used to. His stick and reach are excellent and his hands were quick. That combination is his best asset. He sees the ice well and has a high hockey IQ. He makes plays that allow for the next play to happen. He made some slick passes and on one scoring chance, he held, waited and sauced a pretty pass to his teammate. Played the point on the power play as it ran through him. He will be better as a net front guy at the next level. He seemed to be a marked man but his skill shone through. He has a lot of upside.
