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2014 NHL Draft Profile #32: Jack Glover

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Jack Glover spent the last two seasons with the US National Team Development program, winning a bronze medal at the 2013 U17 Hockey Challenge, and topping it off with a gold at the IIHF U18 World Championships this spring. He scored four points in the seven game tournament, leading the US squad in scoring from the blueline.  During the USHL schedule and the USNTDP’s various exhibition games, Glover put up only three goals, but did have 38 points in 83 games, showing the offensive potential that he does have. The Golden Valley, Minnesota native is scheduled to attend the University of Minnesota and become a Golden Gopher next year.

Jack Glover

Defense — shoots Right
Born May 17 1996 — Golden Valley, MN
Height 6.03 — Weight 190 [191 cm/86 kg]

Jack Glover is a solid two-way defence prospect. His skating is good, especially in terms of straight line speed, and acceleration where he is well above average both forwards and backwords.  His edgework, pivots, cuts and agility don’t reach the same level though, as they can use some work to be more fluid.  They are still above average.  He is strong on his skates and has good balance helping him in board battles and to be strong on the puck in general.

Jack Glover has a very high hockey IQ.  He is always making the smart play with the puck on his stick.  It is easy to see that he has offensive potential, as he is a very good passer, able to make a good outlet pass, and uses great vision and creativity to really quarterback the play from the blueline on the powerplay.  Glover has a good wrist shot and good release, and uses it to make sure he gets his shot on net and create rebound and tip-in opportunities for teammates.  He doesn’t have a huge slapshot though and that is the reason he doesn’t seem to produce the huge goal totals.  One area he can stand to improve is picking his spots when he pinches in from the blue line.  He does it too often and can sometimes make a bad pinch that doesn’t really help offensively, but does hurt him as he is out of position defensively.  Good coaching the experience to identify the best opportunities can really improve this area of his game.

Glover has good size and plays the defensive game with a somewhat physical edge.  He is willing to really battle hard in the corners and in front of his own net.  He has very good gap control, and can change directions quickly to lay a big hit.  However, he seems to make these big hits few and far between, preferring to stay and play strong positionally instead of looking to get out of position.  Glover is extremely smart as he reads the play well anticipating passes and causing turnovers.   He is good at cutting down passing and shooting lanes with his good size, and an active stick.  Glover is certainly not afraid to block shots or take a hit to make a play, as he’s willing to do whatever is necessary to help his team win.  Glover could stand to bulk up going forward and add more muscle.  He certainly has the frame to put on some muscle.

Jack Glover’s style is reminiscent of Paul Martin of the Pittsburgh Penguins.  Again this is a style comparison, but not necessarily a talent one.  In terms of potential he can be a solid top-4 defenceman capable of playing big minutes and being used in all situations, if he is able to reach his ceiling.

Here are some highlights of Jack Glover in action.

Check back tomorrow for my number 33 ranked prospect.

 

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