Hockey Prospects, NHL Draft, Hockey Scouting,OHL Draft

Binnington played in 22 games for the Owen Sound Attack as a rookie in 2009/2010. The Richmond Hill Ontario native posted a 6-10 record on a non playoff team with a 4.38 goals against average.  Jordan had a couple of rough outings which inflated his numbers a bit . The rookie tender had a rude welcome to the league as the Barrie Colts fired 49 shots his way en route to a 9 goal outburst.

This season was a different story after taking over for injured started Scot Stajcer. Binnington led the charge in the regular season and came to the rescue in the playoffs. Jordan did nothing to hurt his draft stock in 2010/2011.

Binnington was selected 40th overall by the Attack as their second pick in the 2nd round of the 2009 OHL draft. Jordan was the 3rd goalie selected behind Tyson Teichmann (Belleville 1st round) and Matt Mahalak (Plymouth 2nd round) Binnington was chosen out of the Vaughan Kings organization.

The Interview:

HP: How did you go about choosing to play hockey, and goalie specifically?

JB: When I was younger, playing hockey as my favorite sport. I just tried goalie and liked it so I pursued it.

HP: Did you feel pressure this season at Owen Sound after being a high pick in the OHL Draft?

JB: Well, I try not to worry about that stuff but there is always pressure with everything. I try to block it out as much as I can; but my teammates and family have helped me out a lot in terms of staying calm.

HP: Overall how did the season go for you at Owen Sound?

JB: It was all right. There were definitely some games where I got “lit up” for lack of a better word. It was obviously tough, but it went pretty well. As the season went on I matured a lot. Without those couple of tough games, my season would've looked a lot better on paper.

HP: So what style goalie do you see yourself as?

JB: I would say probably a hybrid goalie. I play up and down. I'm pretty flexible so I can make the desperation saves.

HP: What was the most difficult thing to adjust to in the OHL as a goalie?

JB: For sure the speed of the game. Everything develops a lot faster so you have to improve your reaction time; even as a goalie.
HP: What do you think improved most about your game this season?

JB: I would say without a doubt my mental toughness. I think I have grown a lot in that area as both a goalie and a person

HP: In terms of mental toughness, say you let up a soft goal; how do you about bouncing back from that?

JB: Well, in minor hockey I had a problem because I got too angry after stuff like that. I've started not to worry about it though. I try just to get past it and not think about it. That has worked out well for me.

HP: You play to make the next save instead of worrying about the most recent one ?

JB: Yeah, that's what works.

HP: So, what do you consider as some of your strengths on the ice?

JB: I consider my strengths to include my technique, my flexibility, learning how to read the play better and my position in the crease. I would say I'm also good at playing the puck.

HP: What about some things you want to improve on?

JB: Some things I still want to improve on are my flexibility and my strength. That is one thing I'm working on a lot this summer. You can also never go wrong by working on mental focus.

HP: How do you go about working on “mental focus”?

JB: Well preparation for the games is definitely one. You just want to always be ready to go in that sense.

HP: What are you doing this offseason to work on that?
JB: Yeah, I have a personal trainer who I've been working with since the end of the season. I've been gaining a lot of weight, which is good. I'm definitely getting bigger, stronger and faster.
HP: What is the best piece of advice you have received from a coach?

JB: My goalie coach is always giving me good insight and keeping me motivated. Picking one specific thing is tough. But, the best thing he reminds me of is to keep battling; to do whatever you can to make the save.

HP: What are you goals for the upcoming season?

JB: Obviously to play as well as I can. I have also been setting some goals for myself in terms of lower numbers. I just want to have a strong season.

HP: Have you had any nerves about the 2011 Draft?

JB: No, I'm trying not to worry about it. I'm going to do what I can, work hard and just try not to worry about.

HP: Who has been the toughest offensive player you've had to go against?

JB: That's another tough one. Thinking about the guys that have scored against me. Windsor is a tough team to play against for sure. Also, Nazem Kadri has given me some trouble along with Peter Holland on Guelph.

HP: Do you have any NHL or CHL goalies you like to model your gaem after?

JB: Yeah, Marc-Andre Fleury is a big one. I've watched him for a couple years now ever since he reached the NHL. I love his technique and how he reads the plays. I like to watch that; and another NHL games just to study the goalies and what they do. I watch him the most though.

Jurco's stock was helped out by a strong showing at the Memorial Cup. After an average season the winger with soft hands showed off his skills on route to a Memorial Cup championship.

Matt Dumba was selected 4th Overall by the Red Deer Rebels in the 2009 WHL Bantam Draft. He landed close to home coming from the Calgary Bronks AAA program. Dumba joined Edge prep school, before getting a taste of what the WHL has to offer with 8 games, two being playoff match-up’s as a 15 year old. In 2010-2011 Dumba got full time ice with the Red Deer Rebels, and faired very well. Mathew also excelled at the World U17 Hockey Challenge, where he finished the tournament as the leading scorer, playing for team Pacific. Dumba put up more goals than assists this past season, not a very common feat by a defenceman. Dumba possesses great skating ability, the technique needs a little adjustment, but the overall package is very solid. He gets a quick jump, and is able to generate a good top speed, particularly when skating down the wings. He really looks like a forward when driving down the wing with the puck on his stick, and has a quick and accurate release on his wrist shot.

Dumba also has a solid point shot, which he is able to release fairly quickly. He moves the puck with respectable ability, and appears to choose the right times to take his shot. One of the biggest standout features about Mathew Dumba’s play is his physicality. He is a very punishing defenceman, who despite being listed at only 165lbs. Has thrown some huge hits on some bigger opponents. He is equally effective throwing hits in open ice and along the boards. However he will occasionally leave his feet, and regularly put himself out of defensive positioning in order to connect with some of these hits. To go along with his physical play, he has shown complete willingness to drop the gloves whenever necessary, and has shown very well against guys bigger and stronger than him. Dumba is already built solid, going into next season he will hopefully add to his frame, and get even stronger. Also his defensive play will need to improve, he jumps out of position either for a high risk play, or to deliver a hit too many times. Dumba will need to try and control this a little in favour of remaining a steady presence in his own zone while continuing to improve his offensive contributions. Expect to see Dumba’s role with the team increase greatly, and to be a leader and key contributor from the blueline. Mathew is a potential top 10 pick in this year’s NHL Entry Draft, and is a player we see a great deal of upside in.

Our December NHL newsletter is now available on the scouting portion of our website. This month we update our rankings and profile prospects from the WHL and the OHL. See who is rising and who is falling as our scouts get more views under their belts with each passing week. Our cover prospects is the Belleville Bulls, Malcolm Subban, a rising prospect the past two months.