Sunday, January 26, 2014

Draft stuff: Reinhart hatty; Dal Colle keeps pace

Regardless of how NHL Central Scouting built their midterm rankings, we knew that Kootenay ICE centerman Sam Reinhart was going to elevate his game following his World Junior experience.

With two forwards rated before him, No. 1 Sam Bennett (groin injury, returning Sunday) and No. 2 Leon Draisaitl (six-game goalless streak), waiting to improve their draft stock, Reinhart has gone about his business at a high level. The 18-year old talent notched his second hat trick of the year Saturday to spark a 6-2 win over Moose Jaw, giving him eight goals and 10 points in four games since returning from the international stage.


People want to say that Reinhart's skating needs to improve, but the first and third goals showed a nice two-step gallop to advance him into finishing position.

Ranked as the No. 4 North American skater on Central's midterm list, Reinhart has 24 goals and 60 points in 37 games this season for the ICE, who currently hold the eighth and final playoff position in the WHL's Eastern Conference. 

In the OHL, Michael Dal Colle (#5 NA CSS) continued to pile up the points Friday, posting two goals and an assist as Oshawa smoked Peterborough 6-1. The effort pushed Dal Colle's season haul to 31 goals and 70 points after 47 games. Check out the first of his two goals where Dal Colle used his stick to gain one-on-one space and seal the deal: