An eager prospect hit the SMJHL recruiting yesterday like a whirlwind 

Defenceman Sean Gatez has loudly made a name for himself in Denver while attending DU. Its not often a large defensman makes waves in Colorado. Gatez was a pretty runty kid in high school who wasn't known for physical play until his senior year when he shot up well above 6'.  Just watching this kid skate hard into a position at the point and get a shot off is a thing of beauty. This is a hometown kid who the town has embraced as their son.

Due to his late-life growth spurt he is still learning to utilize his size effectively.  Standing at 6'-4" and weighing a hefty 220 he isn't the fastest person on the ice, but his stamina is high enough to keep him grinding on the ice for longer shifts. While he has a knack for getting into offensive positions and has solid shot accuracy, DU saw his large frame and understandably started utilizing him more in a blue line position. Gatez is more comfortable on his offhand because it lets him position up for the one timer he is known for. Throughout his time at DU, Gatez became a favorite of the coaching staff with his hard work and willingness to learn his position on the team, often staying late after practice to run drills with a few of the more veteraned defensemen. Throughout school, the coaches worked with him on learning better defending techniqes and how to properly utilize his size. Getting his hips into attacking forwards, and aggresively going after the puck. It is always hard to tell how young hockey players will turn out, but this promising young player who was still learning a position could end up being a great offensive Dman for whichever team he finds himself landing on. His work ethic and willingness to learn are the big selling points for this young man... along with his stature. We are confident he can make the transition effectively.  

EDIT: Word Count  658 x2 = 1316

   

Jeff Goldblum || Maine Timber || D || S73 ||

___________________TRANSACTIONS__________________

S72 SMJHL Draft 14OA Maine Timber

Former Player

Sean Gatez || Calgary Dragons || D || S57 ||
Height: 6'-4"

Weight: 220LBS

_________________ACCOLADES_________________

Timber Alexander Roach Award (Timber MVP) S59

Timber Dominic Montgomery Award(Best Defenseman) S59

Timber Captain S58 S59

Timber Alternate Captain S57
Timber Dash-Sondergard Award (Best Rookie S57

S56 WJC Silver Medal

S65 Challenge Cup

S69 Bojo Biscuit Award

___________________TRANSACTIONS__________________
S56 SMJHL Draft 18OA Maine Timber

S57 SHL Draft 3OA LA Panthers

S66 Trade to Manhattan

S70 Trade to Hammilton

S70 Trade to Edmonton

S70 Trade to Calgary

/ Player Profile / Player Update Page /

Finally a prospect from my own backyard.

Teal'c of Chulak || Defense || S74 || Maine Timber || 396 TPE ||

Daniil Nikiforov || Winger || S55 || Baltimore Platoon || 2K Club || 

Timo Haas || Goalie || S31 || Los Angeles Panthers HOF ||