Player's Profile
Picture Courtesy of www.amerks.com
- Name: Michael Funk
- Position: D
- Shoots: Left
- Height: 6-4
- Weight: 199 lbs
- Birthdate: 1986-08-15
- Eligible for Draft: 2004
- Drafted:
- Hometown: Abbotsford, British Columbia
- Acquired: 2nd round (#43 overall), 2004
- Playing In: Pro
Michael Funk
Prospect Grade: 6.5 C (About Prospect Grades)
Profile Contributed By: HF Staff
History
Needing to add a few bodies to a depleted list of defensive prospects, the Buffalo Sabres looked west to Portland of the WHL, tabbing smooth-skating Michael Funk as their second round pick in the 2004 draft. After spending the previous season playing AAA Bantam for his hometown organization in Abbotsford, British Columbia, Funk arrived on the WHL scene in 2002-03 as a tall, lanky 16-year-old. With a full cast of defenseman returning to the Winter Hawks, Funk made enough waves in training camp to earn a spot on the team’s opening night roster. Displaying great instincts and overall hockey sense en route to 16 point campaign, Funk was named Portland’s Rookie of the Year following the season. His play would also earn him a spot at Team Canada’s National Under-18 Development and Selection Camp the following August, where he made the cut and participated in the tourney held in Minsk, Belarus.
Looking to further make a name for himself in a league full of capable defensemen, Funk and his long stick returned to Portland for the 2003-04 season with raised expectations. Being paired with stud NHL prospect Braydon Coburn for much of the season, Funk upped his offensive production and won a place on Team Orr for the CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game held in London, Ontario in January, 2004. Throughout the season, Funk manned the left point on the ‘Hawks power play, and was a key component on the penalty killing unit.
Following his selection by Buffalo, the rearguard embarked on a diligent strength and conditioning program, hoping to increase his playing weight to 220-225 pounds in an effort to overcome the shortcomings associated with the physical aspect of his game.
Talent Analysis
Funk is considered a finesse defender, and his game is based on his solid skating ability. He has a long, fluid stride that gives him above average speed, along with a knack for ducking opposing checkers. He exhibits an accurate shot from the point, and passes the puck extremely well. A sound positional defender, he often uses his reach to poke check and pressure opponents. Funk has been criticized for shrinking from the spotlight and failing to better utilize his excellent size.
Future
He has been called up the past two seasons, but is not yet ready to be a regular in the NHL. He will continue to play in the AHL.
Stats
| Year | Team | League | GP | G | A | Pts | PIM |
| 2003-04 | Portland | WHL | 71 | 3 | 25 | 28 | 86 |
| 2004-05 | Portland | WHL | 71 | 8 | 22 | 30 | 84 |
| 2005-06 | Portland | WHL | 70 | 11 | 36 | 47 | 88 |
Profile Last Updated: September, 13th 2008
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