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Sometimes playing on a junior hockey contender can be tough on a young player, as finding ice-time can be a struggle. However, playing on a last-place club can also be a problem, as while the ice-time is readily available, the fact there is a lack of talent around a prospect can be an issue. Over his two years in the OHL, Kyle Capobianco of the Sudbury Wolves has experienced both ends of that spectrum. As a 16-year-old rookie he got limited ice-time in 2013-14 putting up just ten assists on the season. In 2014-15 he got huge ice-time and played in all situations for the rebuilding Wolves, putting up 10 goals and 40 points in 68 games. However, he also experienced that lack of support as he finished -49 on the year. Capobianco did get the chance to play on a much better team when he represented Canada at the 2015 IIHF Under 18 World Championships, picking up a goal and an assist in seven games and winning a bronze medal. It wasn’t his first experience with International Hockey, as Capobianco was also a member of Team Ontario at the January 2014 World Under 17 Hockey Challenge.
Kyle Capobianco
Defense — shoots Left
Born Aug 13 1997 — Mississauga, ONT
Height 6.01 — Weight 178 [185 cm/81 kg]
Kyle Capobianco’s game is defined by his outstanding skating ability. He is so smooth its like he glides out there on the ice, often looking like he is floating just above the surface. Capobianco shows excellent speed and acceleration both forwards and backwards, great pivots, excellent lateral agility, and fantastic edgework. The great skating gives him outstanding mobility allows Capobianco to lead or join the rush offensively and and still be able to recover back to his position. He covers a ton of ice, and it is very difficult to beat Capobianco one-on-one because he is so good on his feet. His footwork can give Capobianco an edge on retrieving loose pucks, and moving them out of the zone quickly. He could stand to add some lower body strength to improve his balance
Kyle Capobianco was the second leading scorer on the Wolves, a team that was a full 29 goals behind the next lowest scoring team in the OHL. It is clear that he has very high-end offensive ability, and his point total may have been even higher if the forwards had the skill level to finish many of the opportunities he generated. Capobianco adds very good stickhandling to his skating skill allowing him to move the puck out of danger, and to lead the rush. He also has the instincts to know when to join as a trailer. Capobianco has an excellent wrist shot, with a good release. His slapshot is good, but not an absolute rocket either. He does have the ability to be a powerplay quarterback, being calm and poised with the puck at the blueline, using his agility to walk the line and open up passing and shooting lanes, and by making smart passes through small openings.
Defensively Capobianco has some work to do going forward. While his skating makes him hard to beat in one-on-one situations, he can have some trouble when the puck is pinned in his end. He needs to improve both lower and upper body strength in order to handle stronger forwards in the cycle game, to clear the front of the net, and to win battles along the boards. He could also stand to be better in his positioning , as he currently relies on his skating ability to get him out of trouble. This can be an issue at the next level where proper positioning and his skating ability will be key. Defenders can not get away with just their quickness, he will need to be properly positioned as well.
While there are some refinements needed in Kyle Capobianco’s game, he still has high end potential as a top four puck mover on the blue line. Capobianco’s size is decent, and the offensive skill set is certainly there. Refinements in his defensive game can happen with some good coaching and development. His game is reminiscent of Kris Letang of the Pittsburgh Penguins. However this is a style comparison only and does not look at Capobianco’s talent level.
Below are some videos of Capobianco in action.
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