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***HabsFanFromOntario*** · 09-08-2013, 01:06 PM

<div align="center"> Saku Perhonen Scouts Current and Future SHLers (SPSCFS)

Many questions arise when an offensive defenseman registers to join the SMJHL. The question of whether that defenseman will translate and be able to maintain the defensive rigors of a skilled league like the SHL are definitely at the forefront. Those questions, amongst others, epitomize the SHL's scouting opinion on newly registered defenseman Yechiel Ben-Tzion.

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Yechiel does not like having his picture taken all that much

First Name: Yechiel
Last Name: Ben-Tzion
Player Type: OFD
Position: D
Secondary Position: LW
Born: 4/1/1999 (age 14)
Shoots: R
Jersey Number: 4
Height (ft.): 6'6"
Weight (lbs.): 197
Birthplace: Tel Aviv

Born out of the second most populous city in Israel, Ben-Tzion is a 14 year old prodigy defenseman. Coming in at a monstrous 6'6'' and 197 pounds, Ben-Tzion has a lot of room to grow if he wants to be able to shut down defenders at the next level. A defenseman who can also play left wing, he looks to be quite versatile in his switch from defense to forward if necessary. Yechiel, is also the brother-in-law of Yehudah Ben-Lev and has never played a game of hockey in his life.

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Yechiel suffers from an eye injury during his baseball career

Pros:
Ben-Tzion is a fantastic skater, something which is a necessity to be a good player of any variety, especially an offensive defenseman, at the next level. Along with this, he possesses an above-average puckhandling skill, a very decent shot and slightly beyond mediocre defensive ability. His bread and butter however is easily his passing ability. Yechiel sauces passes to his teammates like it's nobody's business and quite often gives stretch breakout passes leading to 2-on-1's and breakaways.

Cons:
As you can imagine, Ben-Tzion has a slew of problems with his game. Primarily, he needs to focus on getting a new set of lungs. This guy is dead after the first period! Also, the amount he hits is a huge issue as he's a guy who will avoid physical contact at all costs. Another issue is he needs to bulk up, seriously hit the gym or buy steroids or something! Lastly, he better hope he is never called upon to take a penalty shot because he simply has no creativity on these plays.

SHL Comparable: OJ Simpson

Conclusion: Yechiel Ben-Tzion is deserving of his nickname, the Jewish Jump for the way he jumps prior to accelerating to top speed on an end-to-end rush. The Hebrew defenseman might struggle a bit in the SMJHL but hopefully, if he puts the time and dedication into becoming a better two-way player and bulks up a bit, will be an all-star in the SHL. </div>