| Lawson Sherk | Halton Hurricanes U15 | OMHA-SCTA | L | F | 6’1″ | 181 | Hamilton Bulldogs | Georgetown, ON | 2003 | 2020-2021: C |
Neutral Zone’s Paul O’Hagan, July 2021: Sherk was one of the most improved players in his Minor Midget season prior to entering the Ontario Hockey League draft. Sherk continued to show steady improvement in his first season in the OHL. Sherk had an opportunity to play good minutes in his first season and showed steady improvement as the season went on. We continue to see improvements in his footspeed. Sherk is a solid left shot center who played a dependable game in his first OHL season. His intelligence and attention to detail in his own end allowed him the opportunity to play in key situations on a young Hamilton Bulldogs team. In games viewed in March of 2020, prior to the Covid-19 lockdown, Sherk showed a steady 200 foot game 5 on 5 and good hockey instincts in his end to support his defenders down low. Offensively, Sherk got to the net well and was tough to knock off the puck with his low center of gravity and solid base. The majority of Sherk’s points came in the second half of the season as he worked his way into a more prominent role in the Bulldogs line up. As the season progressed he was also rewarded with powerplay time on Hamilton’s second unit. Sherk had the opportunity to play good minutes per game in his rookie season and has already become a trusted member of the Hamilton Bulldogs team. He proved he can play against the other team’s top line with his hockey IQ and attention to detail defensively. Sherk is a player we see evolving into a responsible top 6 forward at the OHL level. He needs to continue to develop his offensive creativity and improve his ability to beat defenders with pace. Grade: C
2018 Minor Midget International Silver Stick, December 2018: Sherk showed off a consistent effort on the backcheck all weekend and provided solid defensive support in his own end. He has a quick first step and long powerful stride. He has an OHL level shot and he is able to create offense on almost every shift; he is extremely skilled. Had notable balance and strength on the puck; he is hard to knock off and uses his edges well to cut inside and out. He did a good job driving the rush consistently for the Hurricanes.
Wendy Dufton Memorial Tournament, November 2018: Sherk has high end 1 on 1 skill. Sherk distributes the puck well and is creative with the puck. A big physical center with a nose for the net he drives the net hard with stick on the ice looking for a pass or to make a play. Sherk showed a high compete level all tournament; really worked hard in all three zones. We were impressed with his commitment to playing the right way. He is an extremely skilled player who consistently is creating chances in the offensive zone. He uses his speed, size and skill to dominate at times.
Toronto Titans Minor Midget Tournament, September 2018: Sherk is a dynamic center with great size and bundles of skill. He has soft hands with the puck and can make high end passes. He has the skill to beat defenders 1 on 1 and has a next level snap shot that he can easily get off in traffic. Sherk has good overall speed and a quick, powerful first step. He can turn and go on a dime. He is dangerous off the rush not only because of his size, speed and skill, but because he does a terrific job changing the pace and creating time and space for himself to either make a pass or drive the net. On the power play, he is hard to handle and directs the offense. He is a threat to score on most shifts. As a passer, he makes passes to teammates in spaces you did not think possible. He is a shooter first but is more than capable of being a play maker. The only issue with his weekend was his compete level, discipline and defensive positioning away from the puck. He has all the tools to be a high end player but he needs to focus on shoring up those areas of his game.
Photo Credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images