With
the 72nd pick in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft the New York Rangers selected center Steven
Fogarty. The 6-foot-2 195-pound Fogarty, 18, had 23 goals and 17 assists in 24
games for Edina and was ranked 90th among North American skaters by the NHL
Central Scouting Bureau. He is scheduled
to play for the Chicago Steel of the United States Hockey League, then
move on to Notre Dame in a year.
As most high school players,
Fogarty is raw, but there appears to be the basis of skill there and the
development will show if he can make it or not.
Once again the Rangers took another rink rat who is willing to work hard
every day to get better.
Scouts Take:
10. Steven Fogarty, C Edina H.S. (Minnesota)- Underrated and skilled centerman with size makes his B2011DW debut on this post and has some real interesting long-term potential. The proverbial rink rat who eats, sleeps, breathes hockey- Fogarty finished his HS career at Edina and then jumped to the Chicago Steel of the USHL, where he's been drinking from the fire hose of late. You have to credit the kid for risking his draft stock a little, which was pretty high given how well he played as a senior, by going to the USHL where his lack of strength and defensive awareness is being exposed a bit on a weak team and against older, stronger players. Still, there is a lot to like about this playmaking pivot who has a long stride and gets up the ice quickly. He has soft hands and superb vision for finding teammates in open ice. His work ethic is laudable- he wants to play and loves to compete; goes above and beyond to make himself better and put himself into situations that will put him in position to improve. He's raw and needs significant work, but will spend the entire 2011-12 season in the USHL. At 6-1, 195, he's got the physical tools to be a solid NHL prospect and watch for him to go relatively high (3rd-4th rounds) in the draft.
Plays a physical brand of hockey, grinding it out on the boards and getting dirty in front of the net. Bullies his way around the ice, excelling at playing a power game. Has the ability to finish in tight and pick up his fair share of garbage goals. Has pretty good hands for a big guy and can stick handle with the best of them. passing could use a bit more touch but this is not a glaring weakness. Does not have elite speed but is a mule on his skates.Fogarty is a balanced two-way player that is willing to play blue-color hockey. Should get more attention as the draft nears.
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