Selected 97th overall by the Anaheim Ducks.
Kevin Roy, the 13 year old youtube sensation is all grown up, and once again making headlines in the hockey world for his elite skill level. The native of Lac Beauport Quebec was eligible for the NHL draft 1 year ago, but was playing in the US High School system and as such didn’t really attract attention due to the lower level of competition and the fact he is undersized. However this season he played for the USHL’s Lincoln Stars and made people stand up and take notice of the immense talent he packs in his small frame. Roy became the first 50 goal scorer in the history of the USHL (in its current form as a top tier junior league). He also became the first 100 point scorer in USHL History. Perhaps even more amazingly Roy finished 49 points ahead of the second leading scorer on his team. He was a one man offensive dynamo for the Stars. For his efforts Roy took home USHL Player of the Year award. He is our third ranked draft re-entry behind Tanner Pearson, and Tomas Hyka.
Born May 20 1993 — Lac Beauport, PQ
Height 5.09 — Weight 170 — Shoots Left
| 2011-12 | Lincoln Stars | USHL | 59 | 54 | 50 | 104 | 50 | 44 | 8 | 7 | 3 | 10 | 4 |
Roy has incredible offensive ability. He is blessed with top notch hockey IQ and great instincts. He has the ability to slow the game down when the puck is on his stick, and draw defenders towards him, which then opens up his teammates for a pass and goal scoring opportunity. He has tremendous vision and passing abilities and can thread needles to put the puck right on the tape. Roy also has very slick hands and often leaves defenders and goalies shaking their heads as he gets them leaning one way, but Roy goes the other. His ability to “dangle” is extremely high, and he protects the puck very well. His shot has an excellent release and is deadly accurate, however it could use a little more velocity. Some increased upper body strength would help with this, and would help him in board battles.
Roy’s skating isn’t at the ideal level you’d like for an undersized prospect. Don’t get us wrong, he’s not a bad skater by any means, in fact we believe he is above average. However he doesn’t possess the blazing speed that many of the smaller, skilled NHL players seem to have. He does have good balance and agility, and uses his edges well. To succeed at the next level against bigger stronger players Roy must use his advantages in hockey sense, instincts, and pure skill rather than being a speed demon out there.
Defensively Roy quite simply lacks the size and strength to deal with bigger and stronger opponents. He works hard but does not win enough board battles or contain his man to the outside well. This is where putting on some extra muscle and core strength will really help Roy.
Roy is another boom or bust prospect. He may lack size but he doesn’t lack the skill level. His biggest issue will be playing at his size without the blazing speed that many of the other small forwards in the NHL have. Roy’s playing style and maximum potential remind us of a cross between Mike Ribeiro of the Dallas Stars and David Desharnais of the Montreal Canadiens. With Ribeiro’s ability to slow the game down, his slick hands, and his dangles, combined with Desharnais smooth and cerebral playmaking ability.
For this article, I’ll leave you with the famous youtube video of Kevin Roy when he was just a 13 year old boy.
As always you can leave your comments below and follow me on twitter @lastwordBKerr
… and thats the Last Word.
