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WHL: Joshua Ravensbergen

Joshua Ravensbergen (G, R, 6’5″, 190, Prince George Cougars, 11/27/2006)

Joshua Ravensbergen is an imposing 6’5″ goaltender with strong technical foundations and the ability to make game-changing saves. His combination of size, calmness under pressure, and ability to control the crease make him a standout prospect for the 2025 NHL Draft. However, areas such as rebound control, consistency on grade “A” scoring chances, and mental sharpness in high-pressure situations need more consistency for him to maximize his NHL potential.

Strengths

Size and Net Presence:
Ravensbergen’s 6’5″ frame fills the net and makes him naturally intimidating to shooters.
He utilizes his size effectively by maintaining a solid stance and staying square to the shooter, forcing opponents to aim for smaller targets.

Lateral Movement and Body Control:
Despite his large frame, Ravensbergen moves fluidly side to side, showing excellent crease coverage during cross-ice plays and breakaways.
His body control is a standout feature, allowing him to maintain his form while making quick adjustments, minimizing unnecessary movements.

Low Slot Saves and Scramble Ability:
He excels in net situations around the crease, gaining possession of loose pucks and keeping rebounds under control.
His ability to track the puck in traffic and react quickly to scrambles has bailed out his team on numerous occasions.

Performance in High-Stakes Moments:
Ravensbergen consistently rises to the occasion early in games when his team struggles defensively, shutting down quality scoring opportunities and giving his team a chance to compete.
He saves 85% of grade “A” scoring chances and 82% of breakaways.

Areas for Improvement

Rebound Control:
While effective in tight scrambles, Ravensbergen has a tendency to give up uncontrolled rebounds, particularly on low shots from poor angles. These have resulted in 9 goals from net-front uncontrolled rebounds, emphasizing the need for better puck absorption and rebound redirection.

Consistency on Clean Shots Inside the House:
Ravensbergen has been beaten cleanly on 4 shots from inside the low slot.
Continued development in his tracking and positioning against high-danger shots will be crucial.

Mental Sharpness in Sustained Pressure:
Though strong early in games, Ravensbergen occasionally shows lapses during extended defensive zone time, leading to goals on consecutive chances. Improving his mental endurance and focus through high-pressure sequences will elevate his consistency.

Puck Handling:
Ravensbergen is not yet a confident puck handler. Developing his ability to move and play the puck effectively will help him manage the transition better.

Post-to-Post Coverage:
While he covers a lot of net, Ravensbergen sometimes struggles with quick wrap-around attempts. Increased lateral explosiveness will help on plays from below the goal line and more purposeful royal road passes ay higher levels.

Key Development Goals
Consistent Rebound Control: Work with goaltending coaches to focus on absorbing pucks and steering rebounds to safe areas.
Enhance Pre-Shot Reads: Improve tracking and anticipation to consistently handle clean shots from while he is moving laterally.
Improve Puck Handling: Develop confidence and decision-making when playing the puck to assist defensemen and initiate breakouts.
Increase Post-to-Post Coverage Efficiency: Strengthen lower-body reactions and refine post-to-post explosiveness to take away time and space.
Build Mental Endurance: Work on focus and consistency during sustained pressure to minimize lapses in concentration.

Projection
Ravensbergen projects as a potential starting goaltender at the NHL level, leveraging his size, calm demeanor, and technical soundness. With focused development in rebound control, puck handling, and consistency against high-danger shots, he has the tools to excel as a reliable, game-stealing presence.

Draft Outlook
We currently have Ravensbergen projected as a late-first round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, Ravensbergen’s upside will intrigue teams looking for a future No. 1 goaltender. His size and technical foundation make him a high-potential prospect who NHL development coaches will love to work with.

Player Comparison
Ben Bishop – A towering goaltender with exceptional poise and crease presence, reliant on size and technical efficiency to dominate.

Final Assessment
Joshua Ravensbergen has all the physical and technical tools needed to succeed as a goaltender at the highest level. With improvements in key areas such as rebound control, puck handling, and mental sharpness, he has the potential to evolve into a reliable, game-changing starter in the NHL.

Photo Credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images

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