Drafted 65th Overall by the New York Islanders.
Adam Pelech opened the year on a high note. The defenceman played for Team Canada at the 2011 Ivan Hlinka tournament. Originally starting the tournament as a depth defenceman, Pelech would finish the tournament on Canada’s shutdown pairing and would return home with a gold medal around his neck. However once he returned to playing hockey for his OHL club, the Erie Otters, it was clear that the winning would not continue. Erie was a rebuilding club this season, and really had a tough year, winning just 10 games on the season. However Pelech performed admirably for the club, and proved to be one of the bright spots in a long Otters season. In fact the Otters were at there worst when Pelech was on the shelf with a wrist injury. He would finish the season again playing for Team Canada, this time at the 2012 IIHF Under 18 World Championship where he would win a bronze medal. Pelech joins teammate Dane Fox as Otters ranked in the second round. Adam Pelech’s brother Matt was a 1st round draft pick of the Calgary Flames in 2005.
Defense
Born Aug 16 1994 — Toronto, ONT
Height 6.03 — Weight 210 — Shoots Left
| 2010-11 | Erie Otters | OHL | 65 | 1 | 12 | 13 | 27 | 14 | 7 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| 2011-12 | Erie Otters | OHL | 44 | 2 | 18 | 20 | 52 | -20 | — | — | — | — | — |
Pelech is primarily a defensive defenceman. He plays a ton of minutes for the Otters, and is primarily used against the other teams top line. One shouldn’t get too caught up in Pelech’s ugly -20 stat line, he’s a good defender, but spent the season playing for a very, very poor team. Pelech has ideal NHL size as he is already 6’3″ 210 lbs. He is a big, strong defenceman, who overpowers players along the boards and infront of his own net. Pelech plays the game rough, and truculent as he loves to battle with opposing forwards. He also has good defensive hockey IQ, and smart positioning, which allow him to defend against passes, and to effectively block shots.
Pelech’s offensive game is limited. He makes a good first pass out of his own zone, but isn’t one to join the rush very often. He has a decent point shot, but lacks the ability to “walk the line” and find openings to get it on net consistently. He is a decent passer, but his puck handling skills are limited.
Pelech has a very awkward skating style that limits his first step quickness and agility. He can be beaten wide off the rush as a result of this. However his top end speed is decent, and his balance and strength on his skates is very good. He will however need a little work on that quickness and agility before he’s ready for the next level.
We believe Pelech has the potential to be a top 4 defenceman in the NHL, primarily in a shutdown type of role. We would compare his maximum potential to be a player similar to Matt Greene of the Los Angeles Kings.
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