The Owen Sound Attack have three defensemen who are in the mix to hear their names called during the 2020 NHL Draft. Igor Chibrikov, Mark Woolley & Nolan Seed (pictured) play different styles, but each is effective and they all are developing rapidly.
Igor Chibrikov (3.75 Star Amateur Rating, NHL Grade — C+) Defense
A lanky defender with a massive reach, at 6’7, Igor is among the tallest players in the Ontario Hockey League. Chibrikov is showing a consistent level of steady defensive play in each of our viewings so far this season. A defense first defender with good defensive instincts, defensive focus (attention to detail) and strong compete in his zone. Chibrikov was rarely caught out of position in this tight checking defensive game. Each viewing he continues to show improved skating and puck handling ability. Chibrikov is a first unit penalty killer and is effective at clearing the front of his net and winning loose pucks to start the transition up ice. He was also clean and efficient in his zone with the puck and rarely got into trouble on the forecheck. A player we would like to see improve his offensive game – we do not expect to see Igor managing the powerplay this season but he needs to continue to work to get pucks through on target and present himself as a secondary option in the offensive zone more often. Game Grade: C
Mark Woolley (4 Star Amateur Rating, NHL Grade — C) Defense
A late birthday 2001 left shot defender with great size and length and a strong skating stride. Woolley has the potential to be a two way threat, but hasn’t yet translated these skills to produce consistently on the offensive side of the puck. He is a powerful skater and can provide support on the second wave of the attack and can skate the puck forward if needed. Woolley showed spurts of strong offensive play this game with good puck management and vision on the offensive blueline. His low heavy shot gets through and is generally on or near the target. Defensively, Woolley managed his gap well and rarely gave up the zone on the rush. He engages offensive players in all 3 zones and was effective at taking away any space. Woolley hasn’t yet been seen on any of the major scouting watch lists, but he isn’t too far off in our view. Especially if he can continue to develop his poise with the puck and get his heavy shot through to the net. Game Grade: C
Nolan Seed (4 Star Amateur Rating, NHL Grade — C-) Defense
A former 1st round pick in the OHL Draft, Seed has moments of very strong defensive play through the neutral zone and when containing the cycle. He manages the puck well on the breakout and makes quick decisions with the puck. He displays composure and confidence in his ability to make passes in transition or when leading the rush while carrying the puck. He has a heavy shot from the point.
Joshua Samanski (3.75 Star Amateur Rating, NHL Grade — C-) Forward
After coming to North America from German minor hockey and playing for The Brantford 99ers in the OJHL last season, Joshua is still adjusting to the pace and physical nature of the Ontario Hockey League. He has shown that he can make plays offensively, but needs to fill out his 6′ frame to show more consistency in the North American styled game.