| Zack Stringer | Yale Hockey Academy | CSSHL U16 | L | F | 6’1″ | 165 | Lethbridge Hurricanes | 2018 | Lethbridge, AB | 2003 | 2020-2021: B+ |
WHL: Lethbridge Hurricanes at Edmonton Oil Kings, February 26 & 27, 2021: Zack saw first line minutes in both games, and despite being only 17 years of age, he played like a seasoned vet. Zack has a unique, yet effective stride when he is skating, and gets from point A to point B very quickly. Every shift, regardless of time of game or score, Zack exhibited enthusiasm and exuberance, providing energy to an otherwise unimpressive Hurricanes squad. Zack was always first on the forecheck and was fearless getting into dirty areas in an attempt to break the puck free from his opponent. Stringer’s low stride leads to a low center of gravity and when initiating contact, he packs a powerful punch. Another one of Stringer’s strengths is his puck carrying and vision, there were multiple times he was leading the rush out of his defensive zone and he saw his teammates cross ice and was able to zip a tape-to- tape pass perfectly. Zack was able to do this as his head is consistently up while his feet are moving at top speed and his confidence in making split second decisions allows him to be one step ahead of the defensive players. On the defensive side, Zack is a little too puck-centric, as there was a few situations where he put himself in a vulnerable position reaching for the puck and took a hard hit as a result. Compared to his peers, Zack plays at a level above and beyond the norm and does not look out of place with older and more experienced linemates and opponents. He will be a force in this league now and in coming years. Grade: B+
Macs Midget Tournament, March 2019: The big power forward used his size and skill to make plays or cause chaos along the boards. Stringer was using his physical game more than he has in previous seasons, as he should because of his strength and ability to separate players off the puck with his thick frame. Stinger looks a bit wobbly on his skates and isn’t the quickest skater on the ice, but the skating has improved as he’s getting more strength in his legs. Down low he’s got great puck protection and passing play to compliment it, holding off defenders and taking the puck right to the net. He can also pull up and wait until he sees a teammate get open in the slot and finding a seam to get the pass through. Stringer finds a lot of his best chances when he can find the quiet ice so that he can open up to take his powerful shot on net. Stringer doesn’t have the best hands in tight and doesn’t create offense by himself, usually needing a creative center to get him the puck, but there is a lot of talent and versatility to his game. Grade: B+
Canada Winter Games, March 2019: Never stopped moving in the offensive zone, sliding in a out of passing lanes and was tough to defend. First to loose pucks frequently and created chaos below the goal line and at the net. Was effective spinning off defenders and being active with out the puck to create plays. Had a good set of hands with a quick snapshot. Made tape to tape passes in all three zones and displayed a nice combination of grit and skill. Grade: B
Telus Cup, May 2018: Zack is a very young player with plenty of potential. He has good size already with goal scoring power. He is able to get open using his smarts and he usually capitalizes on scoring chances. He scored a couple of goals on a breakaway and scored a nice goal on a deke to tie the game and force it into overtime. He had a great week scoring 7 goals as he was the go to guy to score. In time he will get stronger and be a better player.
Mac’s AAA Midget Holiday Tournament, January 2018: A smart player who on defense takes away passing and shooting lanes, collapsing well and reading plays well. On offense he likes to play in front of the net and finish any scoring chances in tight. His skating is lacking a bit. He doesn’t have an explosive stride, or strength. Grade: B
Photo Credit: Lethbridge Hurricanes Facebook