Josh Ho-Sang THW Close-Up:
Date of birth: 1/22/1996
Place of birth: Thornhill, ON, CAN
Ht: 5’11” Wt: 165 lbs
Shoots: Right
Position: C/RW
NHL Draft Eligibility: 2014
Twitter: @66jhosang
THW The Next Ones Rankings (January 2014): 18
Other Rankings:
THW War Room Rankings (April): 13
Craig Button: 20
CS Final Rankings for North American skaters: 22
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Wasn’t sure how I felt about Josh Ho-Sang until I saw him play in the CHL Top Prospects game. He was being touted since last season as one of the most skilled forwards coming in to 2014 and he’s been showing why all season long. His size is average, but his puck handling and vision is anything but.
Very elusive with the puck on his stick, Ho-Sang moves are quick and can take on the best defenders with ease. He thrives on going to the dirty areas of the rink and coming out with the puck to set up his teammates. Feathering passes forehand or backhand has made Ho-Sang a gifted player.
What’s nice is that he can play center or wing so he’s proficient at faceoffs and his defensive awareness well-rounded. Agile and quick on his skates, Ho-Sang also has a great wrist shot that he uses at his disposal. He is one of the craftiest prospects this year and will be a 1st round pick.
Where Will He End Up In June:
He has top 10 skill, but I would venture a guess that Ho-Sang ends up in the 15-25 range.
Scout’s Honor:
“Ho-Sang has been a known commodity in scouting circles since a memorable season as an underaged player with the Toronto Marlboros Minor Midget team in 2010-11. The undersized forward is an absolute wizard with the puck and his powerful strides are often enough to beat any defender when he really wants to. Consistency is the major red flag that jumps out with Ho-Sang’s game, however, and is something that really mitigates his upside as a first round pick. The 5-foot-11 forward can be the best player on the ice when he wants to be, but he often takes shifts (or games) off and really leaves a lot to be desired. If he can find some consistency this season there is no doubt that his skill-set alone is up there with anyone in this draft.“
“The Jamacian-Canadian is an all-compass skater with gliding edges who has an advanced skill-set and great jump. Get defenders on their heel as he darts to the open spaces, to the puck carrier, and to shoot the puck. Still a lightweight in need of functional strength, he nonetheless is a threat most times the puck is on his stick. Shoots the puck extremely well. Has soft hands and handles the puck at top speed, and seems to get the jump on defenders and weave his way laterally around them with relative ease. Has an excellent release and an offensive mentality. Will need to get stronger to handle bigger players defending against him. When he has the space he is a dynamic possession player. Tends to depend more on his own abilities and tend to be a one-man show, refusing to pass the puck to open the ice. Sees himself as the best option on most attacks and the opposition has begun to know that. An exciting highly skilled player and finisher who is exciting to watch.“
Bill Placzek – Draftsite.com
Statistics:
Bio/Interview(s)/Links:
Getting to know Josh Ho-Sang from Buzzing the Net
Preview of Ho-Sang on Hockey’s Future
Profile on Last Word on Sports
International Tournaments:
Ho-Sang joined the U17 Ontario team at the World Hockey Championships. In the tournament he had three goals and two assists in five games.
ETA:
2-3 years
Risk/Reward Analysis:
Risk: 1/5 Reward: 4/5
NHL Potential:
Top-six winger who will be a perfect balance of goal scorer/playmaker
Strengths:
Speed and agility
Balance
Puck control and deking
Crashes the net and plays well along the boards
Flaws/Aspects He Needs To Work On:
As with many players his size, he could use some extra muscle
His consistency is worrisome to scouts, so it’d be beneficial to work on that
Fantasy Hockey Potential:
Offensive: 7.5/10 Defensive: 4/10
NHL Player Comparison:
– NHL comparison: Taylor Hall
Video(s):
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THW’s The Next Ones prospect profile template design architect: Chris Ralph
Follow Shawn on Twitter: @ShawnTHW
In speaking to a junior who was over 6 ft and 200lbs I asked him what was the biggest issues he faced when turning pro. He told me there were a few things. Size of the players, speed and experience of the players. Quote ” huge difference playing with men as opposed to teenagers and when they hit you, it hurts.”.
I cannot count how many future stars I have seen who faded when playing pro.
This lad has talent and time will tell if he can withstand the pace and hitting.