Player's Profile
Picture Courtesy of www.whl.com
- Name: Alex Plante
- Position: D
- Shoots: Right
- Height: 6-5
- Weight: 220 lbs
- Birthdate: 1989-05-09
- Eligible for Draft: 2007
- Drafted: 2007
- Hometown: Brandon, Manitoba
- Acquired: 1st round (15th overall), 2007
- Playing In: Pro
Alex Plante
Prospect Grade: 6.5 C (About Prospect Grades)
Profile Contributed By: HF Staff
History
2006-07: In his second full season with the Calgary Hitmen (WHL), Plante potted eight goals and 38 points, career-highs for the defenseman; his 81 penalty minutes were another career-high. 13 additional postseason games resulted in five goals and 11 points for the blue-liner, more personal best numbers. He set a franchise record this season, becoming the only player in Hitmen history to have four power play assists in one game.He also played in the CHL Top Prospects game this year.
2007-08: The Hitmen (WHL) D-man tallied a goal and two points in 36 games this season, his lowest appearance total in his time with Calgary. 15 postseason games resulted in four assists.
2008-09: Serving as assistant captain of the squad, the Calgary Hitmen (WHL) defenseman tallied eight goals and a career-high 45 points this season, his fourth season with the club; his 157 penalty minutes were another career-high. He again excelled in the playoffs, netting six goals and 15 points in 18 games. Expect to see him with Springfield (AHL) in 2009-10 for his first year of professional hockey.
2010-11: Plante skated in three March contests for the Oilers, spending most of his second pro season with Edmonton's AHL affiliate Oklahoma City. He had no points and was -2 with 11 PMs; averaging 15 minutes of ice time per game with the Oilers. In 73 games with Oklahoma City he scored 2 goals with 15 assists, had the team's fourth-best plus/minus (+11) and led the Barons with 138 PMs. He played in five of six playoff games for the Barons and was scoreless and an even plus/minus with 12 PMs.
Talent Analysis
No offense to speak of, Plante's calling cards are his size and his willingness to mix it up. Skates well in a straight line but sideways mobility is an issue that smaller, shifty offensive opponents can take advantage of. He has struggled with the speed of the game since turning pro, as well as with staying healthy. At his best, he is a physical presence and a quality defensive defenseman, but he hasn't been at his best often enough in recent years.
Future
Plante is running in place and running out of time, at least in the Oilers organization. He was drafted with the knowledge he'd be a project and thus far he hasn't progressed enough to hold off the defensemen drafted and acquired after him. Likely in his last year to make a statement and impress the Oilers, Plante will be on the AHL roster again in 2011-12, looking to stay healthy and show that he can handle the speed and skill of the pro game.
Stats
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Profile Last Updated: December, 2nd 2011
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