The Edmonton Oilers’ first-round pick from the 2020 NHL Entry Draft gets off to a hot start in the NCAA. The University of Michigan begins their NCAA season with a big win over Arizona State and a recent Calgary Flames draft pick scores his first career hat trick.
Holloway Scores in First Two Games
The NCAA is back and some of hockey’s top prospects are finally back on the ice. Oilers prospect Dylan Holloway is back for his sophomore season with the University of Wisconsin and has gotten off to a hot start. Drafted 14th overall in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft, Holloway amassed eight goals and nine assists for 17 points in 35 games played during his rookie season. Wisconsin opens their 2020-21 season on Friday with back-to-back wins against Notre Dame. His first goal was on the power play in a 2-0 victory over Notre Dame and his second was a superb end-to-end rush in which he skated out from behind the net and picked the top corner.
THW’s Eugene Helfrick had this to say about Holloway’s perceived fit into the Oiler’s plans.
Holloway is a perfect player to slot into Edmonton’s prospect pool. While he has the size, hockey IQ, and skating ability of a top-six forward, he will need some time to develop the scoring aspects of his game. If they are willing to take the time to let him develop, however, Edmonton could have a real stud power forward on their hands.
It might be a couple of seasons before Oilers fans can watch Holloway in an NHL uniform. The Calgary, Alberta-native would have to forego his NCAA eligibility and sign a professional contract if he wants to make the step to the NHL. He’ll finish this season with Wisconsin and likely assess his options at the end of it. There’s no question that when he does make the switch, he gives the Oiler’s a different type of player that complements the dynamic skill they already have.
Prospects Shine in Michigan’s Debut
The return of NCAA hockey means that the University of Michigan’s star-studded lineup can finally hit the ice. The Wolverines boast an impressive list of current NHL prospects and 2021 draft-eligible talent. Their list of NHL affiliated prospects includes; Boston Bruins’ 2019 first-round pick Johnny Beecher, Vegas Golden Knights’ 2020 first-round pick Brendan Brisson, San Jose Sharks’ 2020 second-round pick Thomas Bordeleau, Philadelphia Flyers’ 2019 first-round pick Cam York, and Vancouver Canucks’ 2020 fifth-round pick Jacob Truscott. The roster also features three top prospects for the 2021 NHL Entry Draft in Kent Johnson, Matty Beniers and Owen Power.
It was an impressive night all around for the names listed above. Michigan came away with an 8-1 victory over Arizona State. York finished with one goal and one assist, as well as six shots on goal. Beecher scored his first of the season, while Brisson picked up one assist. Bordeleau also added an assist to round out the NHL affiliated prospects. Meanwhile, Power, Beniers and Johnson were all making their NCAA debuts and were probably the most impressive performances of the night. Beniers scored two goals, Johnson registered a remarkable four assists and Power scored his first NCCA goal and added two assists.
This is just the beginning of what should be an exciting season for the Wolverines. Their season continues on Sunday with another matchup against Arizona State. After that they have back-to-back matchups with Cole Caufield, Holloway and the Wisconsin Badgers. It’s safe to say that all eyes will be on Michigan for the 2020-21 NCAA season.
Poirier Scores First Career Hat Trick
Flames prospect Jérémie Poirier is getting it done to begin the 2020-21 Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) season. Drafted 72nd overall by the Flames in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft, he amassed 20 goals and 33 assists for 53 points in 64 games played during the 2019-20 season. The defenseman has always be lauded for his offensive ability, so it’s no surprise he’s making headlines for that side of his game. On Saturday night, Poirier recorded his first career QMJHL hat trick in a 4-3 shootout victory over the Halifax Mooseheads. He’s now up to five goals and nine assists for 14 points in 14 games played.
THW’s Chris Faria had this to say about Poirier’s fit with the Flames after he was drafted.
In Poirier, the Flames get a guy who will need some time to develop in the QMJHL but he will a solid player in a few years. He is a great puck mover and can set up teammates with ease. Flames fans should be excited to see him in the red and yellow in the near future.
Poirier’s offensive ability was never in question, but the reason he fell to the third round is due to concerns over his commitment to the defensive side of the game. He’ll have to show some significant improvement there over the next couple seasons if he wants to step right into the NHL. Either way, Flames fans should be excited that Poirier is still producing at such a high level.