Hockey Prospects, NHL Draft, Hockey Scouting,OHL Draft

Slater Koekkoek had an impressive rookie season while playing on a last place team in Peterborough.  Although the team success wasn't there, this may have actually been a blessing in disguise for the 16 year old defenseman as he was able to get ample ice time and play in every situation.  By logging over 25 minutes a night, Koekkoek was pushed to play defensively against opposing teams top lines, as well as given free range to use his creativity when it comes to his offensive game.  Koekkoek is a smooth skating defenseman that uses his frame and strength to his advantage.  He loves to join the rush and can be counted on to use his hockey IQ in knowing when to jump up or stay back.  His shot is quick and accurate which makes him even more of a threat when he decides to wheel with the puck.
If Koekkoek continues to improve his footwork and outlet passing, he will be that much more of a threat as opposition will begin to think twice about dumping the puck into his corner.  One of the underrated areas of Koekkoek's game is the fact that he has experience not only playing in high pressure games but excelling in these games; a quality that a lot of players in the 2012 draft don't have.  Off the ice, Koekkoek is a laid back individual who is keen to listen which makes him very coachable; something that NHL teams view as extremely important if a prospect wants to make the jump to the next level sooner rather than later.  By maintaining a great work ethic, there's no reason why Koekkoek won't be a high selection in the 2012 draft which is very deep when it comes to defensemen.

Career Highlights

Slater Koekkoek has witnessed the highs and lows during his young career which serves as an important learning lesson for any young prospect.  Beginning with winning the Telus Cup as the National Midget Championship with Notre Dame in 2010, Koekkoek captured the title of MVP in the final game tacking up a goal and an assist.  This capped off a season where the 15 year old collected 43 points (16 Goals and 27 Assists) and 91 penalty minutes in 44 games.  Koekkoek's play led to the Peterborough Petes selecting him 7th overall in the 2010 OHL priority draft.  Early in 2011, Koekkoek was named to Team Ontario to play in the World U-17 Hockey Challenge where he collected 3 points (1 goal and 2 assists) and 8 penalty minutes in 5 games on the way to winning the gold medal in a game where he assisted on the game winning goal.  After the Pete's season came to an end, Koekkoek's season didn't, as he was picked as an underage player for Team Canada at the IIHF U-18 Tournament where he recorded 2 points (1 goal and 1 assist) in 7 games while just finishing out of the medal round.