Joshua Groll (4.25 Star Amateur Rating, NHL Grade — B-) Forward
Neutral Zone NHL’s Ian Moran’s comments: Joshua is an August 2001 who played a four game stint with the US U18 Team last year, but that really does not tell you a whole lot about his upside. The University of Michigan commit has always been able to score and this year has been no different. He has a knack for losing defenders while his line mates are cycling and sliding into the quiet areas undetected. On the line rush he can fire bullets with his feet moving while also having the ability to always have his stick prepared to rip one timers on both his strong or weak side. We feel Joshua has a natural nose for the net and will continue to score consistently at Michigan and beyond.
February NHL Draft Rankings: Josh ranked #113 with a ‘B-‘ Neutral Zone NHL Grade.
World Junior A Challenge, December 2019: Groll played a two-way grinding style for the Americans, working hard in his own end and a cycling game in the offensive zone. He killed penalties, took some penalties, and drew some penalties. He laid the body on the forecheck, won pucks and started the grind to wear down the opposition. He finished the tournament with 2G and 1A, with one of the goals coming on a quick one-timed shot directly after a draw win against the Russians in the prelim round. The Michigan Committed forward will skate there next Fall. Grade: B
Neutral Zone NHL’s Ian Moran’s comments, October 2019:(1) Brain – Offensively he thinks the game like a goal scorer and (like we said) has the natural ability to lose defenders while in the offensive zone. He does not take chances, but instead reads where his line mates are receiving their pressure from and quickly slides into the open lane or high quality scoring area. Before receiving the pass Joshua seems to understand what the goalie is trying to do and he prepares himself to have the highest quality scoring chance by having his feet and hands ready early. (2) Vision & Poise – We feel he knows he is a shooter and goal scoring threat and plays that way. He works give and goes well and understands that when he has the puck on his stick it is there to score goals. (3) Feet – Joshua has very quick feet and high end top speed. His lateral mobility and quickness are a real asset in the scoring areas. (4) Compete & Effort – He plays a full 200′ game and competes in the defensive zone as hard as he does to score goals. (5) Contact or Physicality – He is not a physical threat, but fights for his ice and will out battle opponents for a scoring chance. (6) Release – Joshua is always ready to fire a puck. He has a quick release and uses screens well. He does not need to settle bobbling pucks before shooting. (7) One Timer Ability – Can consistently fire passes from any angle and be a threat to score. Again, he does not need the perfect pass to be a scoring threat. (8) Body Language – Plays with an attitude and confidence that we like. (9) Special Teams Potential – Although Joshua has quick feet and excellent lateral movement we do not see him as an NHL penalty killer. His ability score, find quiet areas and high offensive IQ make him a solid power play option in professional hockey. (10) Intangibles – Goal scorers will always find a home and this Cali kid knows he can score and plays with the kind of confidence an organization will want their draft picks to have.
USA Hockey Select 17 National Development Camp Rankings, July 2018: Groll comes to camp after a breakout year in the Tier 1 Elite League for national powerhouse Anaheim Jr. Ducks U16 where he led his team in goals and points with 52 in 33 games. He has great hockey sense and vision, he competes in all three zones and gets shots off quickly and accurately. Most players with his compete level run around and he’s tactful and purposeful; he understands spacing and goes to the right areas both with and without the puck. Offensively he was quiet here with no points in 5 games but he showed his skill on the rush where he could take defenders wide and find the pass or cut in and get shots off. He has more poise and control than he gets credit for and he’s faster than he looks. A versatile player who will look to play for Omaha Lancers next season where he could be a three-zone energy/role player or he can find himself top-six minutes as a smart, skilled goal scorer. College: Michigan
Tier 1 U16 Super Showcase, January 2018: Josh was the most dangerous shooter here as he had goaltenders not wanting to see him with time and space. A great release and deadly accuracy made him a threat to score from multiple spots. Had the puck on his stick a ton and either set his linemates up or ripped pucks at the target. He is not afraid to pay the price and get to traffic areas to get things done. College: Michigan
T1EHL Detroit Showcase U16, January 2018: Joshua is a high, energy player with a high IQ. He constantly has his head up with the puck while moving his feet. He has quick hands and the ability to make the right choice with the puck. College: Michigan
T1EHL U16 New Hampshire Showcase, November 2017: Josh is a dynamic left-shot centerman. He was one of the most cerebral players on the ice during the weekend. A smaller forward, he has quick feet and above average speed. His stride is very strong and his core is thick. Can skate through sticks and possess despite contact. He can change direction quickly and has a good first step which allows him to gain separation from defenders and attack loose pucks. What separates Josh at this level is his ability to process the game. He makes touch plays all over the ice that lead to odd-man rushes. He is able to slow the game down and pick apart a defense through the neutral zone. He also has a high motor and doesn’t pass up a chance to hit anyone with the puck. Has a lightning quick release for a shot and doesn’t hesitate to shoot from anywhere. His approach is meticulous and his game while not flashy, is focused and productive. College: Michigan
Tier 1 Elite League Showcase U16 (Columbus, OH), October 2017: One of the best forwards of the weekend for the 16’s, Joshua is a game-changer every time he is on the ice. He has a relentless work ethic, always skating hard and attacking the puck. Plays a very physical game and loves to hit but walks the line and stays out of the box. He is very strong and has a solid frame. Groll is a very powerful skater with a nice stride, good feet. He shields the puck well and is very difficult defend. Possess a high-end wrist shot, great release and velocity. Skates very hard on the backcheck and likes to pick pockets and take the puck the other in transition. Strong game along the boards and in the tough areas. Very much a leader on the ice.