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Last season, Colin White played a top line role for the US NTDP U17 team at centre and was leading the squad in points before a late season call-up to the Under 18 team where he played in a checking line wing spot. He was incredible at last year’s U17 World Hockey Challenge with 10 goals and 18 points in just six games. He returned to the U18 team this year and has been the second line centre behind 2016 draft eligible Auston Matthews. White is still providing offence, with 45 points in 47 games this season, and adding 4 points in 4 games at the IIHF U18 World Championships. He has also taken on the role of checking the opposing team’s top line. White, a Massachusetts Native, is committed to play at Boston College next season. Should he change his mind and go the CHL route his draft rights are owned by the Rimouski Oceanic.
Colin White
Center — shoots Right
Born Jan 30 1997 — Hanover, MA
Height 6.00 — Weight 183 [183 cm/83 kg]
Colin White plays a great puck protection and cycle game, always keeping his feet moving and working down low. He uses his body to shield the puck from defenders, and good stick handling to extend plays or to get by defenders. He has the soft hands necessary to finish in close to the net White wins the vast majority of his puck battles showing outstanding balance and lower-body strength for this age. He can establish position around the crease and create havoc when he is there. White is equally adept as a passer or as a shooter. He has a an accurate shot and a quick release that causes issues for goalies. He could stand to shoot a little harder though, and adding upper body strength in the coming years, will really help him get a little more on his shot. He also has good vision and passing skills, as well as the hockey IQ to spot the right play with the puck.
Colin White is a strong skater despite a choppy stride. He already has decent top-end speed and good acceleration and there is room to improve in both areas if he can work on his stride with a good skating coach. White also has good agility, and the edgework and lateral movement to get around defenders. With his puck handling skills and shot, he can be dangerous off the rush as well as working down low. He also has a very strong stride. White generates the power to fight through checks and continue to go to the net. His lower-body strength is there, but as he adds more upper-body mass, he will become even more dangerous working the puck down low. Overall the skating is already pretty good, and one can see the potential for it to be even better.
White has shown the ability to play in his own end as well. He is a key penalty killer for the US team, and matches up against others top lines. He shows very good positioning and brings his ability to battle along the boards and contain the opposition in the cycle to help his defence down low. He maintains good gap control. Strong anticipation and a good stick lead to White causing turnovers and starting the transition game. He is also outstanding in the face-off circle, as one of the best in the USHL at taking draws.
In terms of potential, Colin White’s ceiling is to be a second line centre who can chip in points while also being an invaluable two-way guy who matches up against the other team’s top line and kills penalties. He will need some time to develop, and a year or two in the college game wouldn’t be a bad thing, especially under the strong coaching of Jerry York at B.C. White’s game is reminiscent of Patrice Bergeron, but this is a style comparison and not one based on talent.
Below are some videos of Colin White in action.
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