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The fifth overall pick in the 2017 OHL Priority Draft, Philip Tomasino broke out in his second year in the league. He put up 34 goals and 38 assists for 72 points in 67 games for the Niagara IceDogs. His efforts helped the IceDogs to the Central Division title. In 11 playoff games, Tomasino added four goals and three assists for seven points. Unfortunately, it was not enough as the IceDogs fell to the Oshawa Generals in the second round, losing in six games.
Following the playoff loss, Tomasino joined Team Canada at the IIHF Under-18 World Championship. He put up one goal and four assists for five points in six tournament games. The Canadian team finished fourth in the tournament, losing a hard-fought semi-final to the eventual gold medal winners from Sweden. Tomasino also represented his country at last year’s Under-17 World Hockey Challenge where he put up one assist in five games for Team Canada Black.
Philip Tomasino Scouting Report
Centre/Right Wing — shoots Right
Born July 28th, 2001 — Mississauga, Ontario
Height 6’0″ — Weight 181 [183 cm/82 kg]
Skating
Tomasino is a dynamic skater. His acceleration is elite. The ability to quickly change speeds allows him to dart into open space in the offensive zone as well as to beat a defender wide and cut back to the net. He also has very good top-end speed. Tomasino adds excellent agility and edgework to his speed, making him very difficult to defend off the rush. Defenders often have to back up on him and give plenty of space to shoot or pass the puck so that he does not beat them wide. He could continue to add core strength to make him stronger on the puck and better able to fight through checks at the next level.
Offensive Game
Tomasino marries his skating ability with excellent stickhandling. He can make plays while moving at top speed. This gives him the ability to be an excellent playmaker. By quickly changing his speed, making a cut, or even changing the angle on his stick he can create a passing lane to a teammate. He also has very good vision to find those open teammates. Tomasino uses his speed to get in quickly on the forecheck and create offence by forcing turnovers and mistakes from his opponents.
Tomasino has an accurate shot and quick release. His wrist shot has slightly above average power but this could be improved with added upper body strength. He is not afraid to take the puck to the dirty areas of the ice or to drive the net without the puck. In the offensive zone, he shows a non-stop motor and his movement creates space for his linemates. His energy level is infectious and by being involved in nearly every scrum and battle he can drive opponents nuts. This game really works at the junior level but he is going to need to be stronger to play in the pros.
Defensive Game
Tomasino is willing to get involved defensively and shows effort in his own zone. However, he has some issues to work on. Lack of upper body strength can be an issue when supporting the defence down low. He has trouble containing bigger forwards on the cycle. He also has a tendency to fish for the puck a bit too much and get over committed which can lead to him being beaten in one-on-one situations. Tomasino could also stand to improve his positioning and reading of the play. These are all coachable issues and his effort level suggests that he is willing to make efforts to work with good coaches to fix this.
Projection and Comparison
Philip Tomasino projects as a dynamic forward if he can correct some issues. He will need to improve his size and defensive game and as such is a few years away from being NHL ready. If a team can develop him properly, they could have an impact player on their hands. His style is reminiscent of Max Domi of the Montreal Canadiens. This is a style comparison only and not one based on talent level though.
Highlights
The following is a compilation of some of the highlight packages and features of Philip Tomasino that are available on youtube.
Check back tomorrow for the next prospect on our draft board.
Main Photo:
Embed from Getty Images
