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Koehn Ziemmer Scouting Report
Koehn Ziemmer, born on December 8th, 2004, in Mayerthorpe, Alberta, is a forward playing in the WHL. The 6’0” and 194 pound right winger has played this season with the Prince George Cougars. As one of their top forwards over the last two seasons, he’s produced quite well. In his first season, in 2021-22, Ziemmer scored 30 goals and 27 assists for 57 points in 68 games as a 16-year-old. This season, he took another step forward, with 41 goals and 48 assists for 89 points in 68 games.
Despite the big step forward, Ziemmer didn’t see himself get pushed into many first round rankings. Instead, he was mostly pegged between 40th and 60th. That includes being placed 31st by Bob McKenzie, 32nd by Craig Button, 39th by Draft Prospects Hockey, 40th by Dobber Prospects, Recruit Scouting, and Elite Prospects, 46th by FCHockey, 50th by FloHockey and Daily Faceoff, 55th by The Hockey News, 58th by Hockey Prospects Radio, 71st by McKeen’s Hockey, and 75th by Smaht Scouting.
Koehn Ziemmer Deep Dive
Right Wing — shoots Right
Born December 8th, 2004 — Mayerthorpe, Alberta
Height 6’0″ — Weight 202 lbs [183 cm/92 kg]
Despite really solid production, which is similar to that of Mathew Barzal’s WHL production in his DY-1 and DY seasons, why isn’t he getting more hype? While McKenzie and Button, who base their rankings on what they’re hearing from teams, are higher than the consensus, why are other sites so low?
Koehn Ziemmer’s Skating
Ziemmer is not a great skater. He isn’t necessarily bad, per se, but at best he’s above average. His stride mechanics need work, which will take some time. But, with NHL-level skating coaches, that will get done. But, because of his stride, his speed is lacking. Both his straight line speed and his ability to change directions to keep up with play.
That being said, bulking up and getting a stronger lower body will help with explosiveness a bit, helping his speed. Additionally, his edges need help, as he loses speed in his turns and tends to take long, winding turns. While refining those things is important, working on his stride mechanics first will round those aspects out. That’s the priority at this time. But again, that should work itself out with coaching.
Offensive Abilities
Ziemmer is an interesting offensive player. He’s crafty and creative, with strong hands and an ability to create space for himself. When he puts himself into space, he loves firing shots at will. He possesses solid power behind his shot, with good accuracy as well. Ziemmer still needs to work on his shot overall, both on power and accuracy, but also consistency. But, he has a solid foundation from which to build on, and it has helped him eclipse 40 goals this past season in the WHL.
As for his playmaking abilities, it’s a bit more complex. While he loves shooting the puck himself, he tends to force passes to teammates when he isn’t shooting. He loves attacking the middle, and throws passes into the slot for his teammates. However, they don’t often connect. Finally, when it comes to his play away from the puck, he displays solid awareness. Ziemmer knows how to find openings in the defence, and gets himself open in good spots for his teammates. That ability to get open, combined with his shot that should only improve, and he can be a dangerous goal-scorer at higher levels.
Koehn Ziemmer’s Transitional Abilities
Ziemmer is a decent transitional player. While he isn’t the most involved overall, he still holds some efficiency in this part of his game. The biggest thing, however, is he is solid at entering the offensive zone, which is the most important thing for forwards. As for exiting the defensive zone, he is not very involved, nor efficient.
For Ziemmer, it is his skating that holds him back the most, arguably, in this area. With the neutral zone seeing the most traffic, he has trouble navigating with his skating, and his hands can only get him through so much. Meanwhile, he also tends to cheat up ice a bit, taking himself out of easy outlet pass opportunities.
Ziemmer’s Defensive Zone Play
Ziemmer is a solid defensive zone player despite not being very involved in exiting the zone. He’s got solid positioning, and a generally good stick to break up passes. Additionally, he can play a physical style, with a good motor. He can play well defending against the cycle, and he can pressure puck carriers well. His short area speed is going to need more work, as he can’t take full advantage of his motor and physicality if he can’t win races.
To build off his motor being strong, he is quite an efficient forechecker. Again, if he can work on his speed and edges, he can be even more effective in this spot. But even today, he is effective in this area. As he matures, gains more experience and plays at higher levels, he’ll only become better. That includes his in-zone abilities.
Koehn Ziemmer’s Potential
Ziemmer is a fun player to watch offensively, and is efficient when defending. His high end motor also helps, as that constant movement will make any of his future coaches happy to have him. While his skating will be the focus over the next few seasons, he needs to refine his playmaking quite a bit to unlock more offensive potential. As of now, based on what is seen today, Ziemmer looks like a future middle-six forward that can take some of the tougher match-ups thanks to his reliability in his own end and physicality.
If his skating and playmaking takes strides, and he continues to improve his already solid shot, he’s a guy who could make a push for a top-six spot in the future. He may never run his own line, but he plays a style that’s well-balanced. That said, he likely can play up and down a lineup and find success. There is a value to be had with that.
NHL Comparison
Based only on style and not a projection of skills, Ziemmer reminds me of a Barclay Goodrow type of player. Strong motor and willingness to engage physically, solid but not outstanding defensive zone abilities, and a largely straight-forward game. Ziemmer does have better tools, in regards to his stickhandling and creativity in the offensive zone. However, Goodrow loves shooting the puck as well, and that’s the big comparison to their respective offensive games.
While Ziemmer is more crafty in the way he attacks the slot, Goodrow still gets to those spots with solid positioning and a willingness to get to the dirty areas for the grimy goals. That’s something Ziemmer has also shown an ability to do. So, while Ziemmer has more flash and jump in his game, the attacking styles are similar; get pucks to the net.
Highlights
Raw stats via Elite Prospects
Main Photo: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
