As the Bruins' top-prospect, Dougie Hamilton bears a burden of immense pressure. The 19-year-old defenseman is expected to make an immediate impact at the NHL level, in his rookie year.
Even with the season in doubt due to lockout, Hamilton is on the preseason short list for Calder Trophy consideration as rookie of the year and he should be ready for the challenge.
Topping out at 6'5" and weighing in at more than 200 pounds, Hamilton is a supreme physical specimen.
Hockey's Future describes him as an "immense, mobile defenseman who excels in all three zones. Dougie Hamilton’s athleticism shows in his skating, where he has the speed to recover and catch players if he gets beat on a pinch, the mobility to turn and retrieve dump-ins before opposing forecheckers, and the shiftiness to carry the puck and beat defenders one-on-one."
In 2011-12, Hamilton dominated Ontario Hockey League competition playing for the Niagara Ice Dogs. His solid defense led to a +37 rating, ranking fourth in the OHL. At the other end of the rink, Hamilton led all defensemen with 72 points. Hamilton's point total is all the more impre ...
Read Full Article at Bleacher Report - NHL
Article written by Chris Blanchard
Boston Bruins 2012-13: Are Expectations Too High for Dougie Hamilton?
October 9th, 2012 by Chris Blanchard Leave a reply »
Advertisement