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Edit: Drafted 31st Overall by the Florida Panthers
Already in his third year in the USHL, Ian McCoshen has provided a steady, veteran presence on the Waterloo Blackhawks blueline. The Hudson, Wisconsin native has gone from a player generally regarded as a pure shut-down defender and developped an all-around two way game this season. McCoshen missed some time in November/December of this year battling mononucleosis. However when he returned to the lineup, he didn’t miss a beat, and seemed to pick up right where he had left off.
One of the most highly recruited players in the USHL, McCoshen has committed to play hockey next season for Boston College. Should he ultimately change his mind, and decide to go to the OHL instead, his rights are held by the Saginaw Spirit.
Defense
Born Aug 5 1995 — Hudson, WI
Height 6.03 — Weight 207 — Shoots Left
McCoshen is a fast skater, but one who still has some aspects to work on before he can be said to be a very good skater. His top end speed and acceleration are both well above average, and he shows this in both his forwards and backwards skating. He has a good long stride and generates a lot of power. His balance is also very good , and he is difficult to knock off the puck. However, McCoshen could use some work on his pivots and his edgework, as he is not the crispest in changing directions, and could stand to work on these issues to improve his mobility. These flaws however are relatively minor and should be easily correctable with some hard work, and focus on his technique. He has the raw footspeed necessary to make the adjustments and excel.
McCoshen plays and excellent defensive game. He has great gap control, and is very physical with players who try to beat him one on one. He loves to hit and will battle hard in the corners and in front of the net. Not afraid to sacrifice his body, McCoshen is a tough and willing shot blocker. McCoshen is a gritty battler who plays an effective shutdown game. He has good size and an active stick which helps him to cut down on passing lanes. He is also very aggressive, putting a ton of pressure on opposing forwards when they have the puck and forcing them to make mistakes by hurrying them and cutting down the amount of time and space they have to make a play.
McCoshen has really developed his offensive game this season. He has a powerful slapshot, and has really improved at getting it through traffic and on net. His ability to keep it low and on target, generates opportunities for his teammates to create plays through screens, rebounds, and deflections. His stickhandling and skating with the puck have also improved and McCoshen looks more confident handling the puck and leading the rush. This has also translated into his playmaking ability, as he is more poised and confident. This leads to better passing both in the offensive zone and in starting the transition game with a crisp and accurate first pass. McCoshen could learn to walk the line a little better and keep his feet moving in the offensive zone in order to open up more passing and shooting lanes at times, but again this can come with better footwork and skating technique.
McCoshen’s style resembles that of a Francois Beauchemin. However this is a stylistic comparison and not one based on potential. In terms of ceiling, I believe that McCoshen can become an excellent second pairing defenceman and a contributor on special teams in his NHL career, provided that he develops properly. The skill is there, but this is a player who is a little raw, and will need some development time at the minor league level.
Check back tomorrow for our number 38 prospect.
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