Profile of 2010 U of M Commit Derek DeBlois

• Name: Derek DeBlois
• Position: Center
• Height & Weight: 5’11” 175 lbs.
• Birthdate: February 19, 1991
• Hometown: Warwick, RI

INTERVIEW

QUOTES

When he started playing hockey: “I started skating when I was four. My dad played college hockey and really loves the game. I really started liking it when I played in mites. But the house league was my first organized league.”

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Patterns his game after: “I would like to say someone like Joe Thornton. He loves playing behind the net and makes great passes. I think I see the ice well.”

What he needs to work on: “Without a doubt, its quickness, first couple steps, along with strength. Got to get stronger and stronger.”

On choosing U of M: “They treat you like a pro, and it’s a good school. It wasn’t a very hard decision.’’

ANALYSIS

Tim Williams, The Blog That Yost Built: “Deblois who should be a mid-round pick (he’s a "B" rated prospect, which means 3-5 round projection)”

Gary Eggleston, New England scout for NHL Central Scouting: “Derek is a very good skater with very good acceleration and top-end speed. He plays a high-tempo game and works hard game in and game out. He plays with a lot of drive and grit and plays with an edge. He’s a tenacious forechecker who works hard in the corners and wins the battles. He’s a very good passer and playmaker who makes smart plays. He also protects the puck very well. To me, Derek plays the style of game and has the accompanying mental makeup to be successful not only in his college career, but he has the drive and determination to be able to play beyond college, as well.”

Bob Crocker, Los Angeles Kings scout: “Derek DeBlois did not score as was expected this season, but he also is going to Michigan and will play in a first-class national hockey program. Like all young kids he must get physically stronger. He is a very good skater, carries the puck with much jump and deception. Works the boards, corners, goes hard to the net, has real nice hands, puck carrying, puck handling and passing skills, creative offensively, distributes the puck very well. Has to be a little bit more consistent game to game. Bottom line, he is a prospect that should get drafted in the upcoming NHL draft.’’

STATS

To view more profiles of Future Wolverines, visit Recruiting Central

Links for this profile: The Hockey News McKeen’s Hockey The Blog That Yost Built ProJo

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