Player's Profile
Picture Courtesy of Holly Gunning
- Name: Joe Finley
- Position: D
- Shoots: Left
- Height: 6-7
- Weight: 247 lbs
- Birthdate: 1987-06-29
- Eligible for Draft: 2005
- Drafted:
- Hometown: Edina, Minnesota
- Acquired: 1st round (27th overall), 2005 by WAS
- Playing In: Pro
Joe Finley
Prospect Grade: 6.5 D (About Prospect Grades)
Profile Contributed By: HF Staff
History
2004-05: With the USHL Sioux Falls Stampede, had with 13 points (3 goals, 10 assists) in 55 appearances. Two of his three goals came on the power play. Finley also led the Stampede in penalty minutes with 181. He was a member of Team World in the 2005 USHL Prospects/All-Star game in February. Before the USHL he played two years for Edina High School.
2005-06: As a freshman with the University of North Dakota Fighting Sioux he quickly established himself as one of the team’s most reliable defenders. Finley appeared in 43 games for UND, registering just three assists. He did, however, finish the season at +18 defensively and racked up 96 penalty minutes along the way. In the month of December, Finley fractured his arm during a game and even played a few more shifts before finally coming out of the contest. He missed only two games after the injury.
2006-07: With one goal and six assists in 38 games as a sophomore, his job is to control the game defensively. His incredible size and aggressiveness have given him the ability to take control of a game from a defensive standpoint.
2007-08: Finley played in all 43 games as North Dakota reached the NCAA Frozen Four for the third consecutive season. He ranked second among Sioux defensemen with four goals and fourth with 15 points. His 79 PIM ranked second on the team. Successful both on and off the ice, he was named to the WCHA All-Academic team.
2008-09: Missed half the year as a senior with a concussion.
2009-10: Turned pro. The Capitals experimented turning him into a winger through NHL and AHL camp, but he moved back to defense for the regular season.
Talent Analysis
In addition to his enormous frame, Finley has tremendous focus and work ethic. He has steadily improved his overall game (in particular his puck handling and skating) since being drafted. Finley is a surprisingly good skater for a 6’7 player. He is very agile, and has a heavy, accurate shot.
Future
Finley will likely develop in the minors for a season or two.
Stats
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Profile Last Updated: February, 28th 2010
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