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Getting minutes on a stacked team can be difficult for draft eligible prospects. That has certainly been an issue for Ivan Lodnia of the Erie Otters. He started the season getting a regular shift and playing with a number of the talented Otters forwards. However as Dylan Strome returned to Erie, and trades were made for veteran OHLers like Warren Foegel, and Anthony Cirelli, Lodnia was pushed down into the bottom six. The lack of ice time has certainly effected his numbers. He scored 24 goals and 57 points in 66 games in the regular season, but had just two goals and no assists in 22 playoff games. Given the way he produced when he did get the minutes, he’s a prime candidate to really break out offensively next year.
Lodnia played for Team USA in the Ivan Hlinka tournament, putting up three goals and four points in four games, and helping the Americans to a silver medal. He also shined at both the All American Top Prospects game and the CHL Top Prospects game.
Ivan Lodnia Scouting Report: 2017 NHL Draft #52
Right Wing/Center — shoots Right
Born August 31st, 1999 — Los Angeles, California
Height 5’10” — Weight 181 lbs [178 cm / 82 kg]
Skating
Ivan Lodnia is not the fastest skater on the ice, but his agility and edge work still make him one of the most elusive. He may not have great top end speed, but he does have a good first step and acceleration. He makes tight turns and can change directions on a dime. Lodnia also has good lower body strength. His balance is very good. Lodnia has the power to fight through checks and is strong on the puck. He can battle in front of the net or in the corners.
Offensive Game
Lodnia has a non-stop motor. He fights for loose pucks in the corners, and continually drives the net looking for tips, rebounds or just to create havoc. Lodnia also has the quick hands to pounce when an opportunity presents itself, as well as the soft hands to beat a defender one-on-one and create that opportunity. From further out, Lodnia has a heavy and accurate shot, but could use some work on his release. He could also stand to use his one-timer more often.
Lodnia has good vision and passing skills. He is creative with the puck, putting it through seams that other players would not try; as well as using his lateral agility and skating skill to open up new passing lanes. He is also a good stickhandler. Lodnia has the poise to slow the game down and wait for opportunities. He protects the puck well down low and is strong in the cycle game.
Defensive Game
Lodnia’s defensive game has improved as the season has gone on. He has been put in a third line checking role, and learned to play a responsible game. Lodnia shows the same tenacity in his own zone that he shows in the offensive zones. He battles on the boards for loose pucks. Lodnia is also good at containing his man on the cycle and on transitioning quickly from defense to offence.
Projection and Comparison
Ivan Lodnia played some centre early in the season, but moved to the wing after Strome and Cirelli were added to the Otters line-up. Next year, expect to see him back in the middle of the ice. In terms of future projections, he will have to work on defensive adjustments in the middle of the ice, and his face-offs if he is going to be a full-time centre. His defensive game has improved as the season went on. He been good on the wing, so the potential defensive ability to play centre is there. He also has good vision. In terms of a comparison, his style is reminiscent of Tomas Tatar of the Detroit Red Wings.
Highlights
The following is a compilation of highlights, assembled from Youtube.
Check back tomorrow for the next prospect available on our draft board.
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