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: CHL
Alex Plante
Prospect Grade: 7.0 D (About Prospect Grades)
Profile Contributed By: HF Staff
History
2006-07: Another of the strong draft prospects on defense, Plante began the season slightly below the radar in Calgary. He became a steady and consistent contributor for the Hitmen and made his presence felt with a strong second half. He benefited from Alzner's absence during Hockey Canada exhibitions and the WJC, using the opportunity to earn additional ice time down the stretch. Plante scored eight goals and 30 assists in 58 regular season games.
2007-08: Disastrous season thanks to multiple injuries beginning with a training camp Charlie horse in his tailbone area that turned into back spasms and sciatic nerve discomfort. Plante missed about 3 months of WHL time then shortly after he returned to play he suffered a concussion that knocked him out of the line up again for another stretch. Barely played in the playoffs for Calgary.
Talent Analysis
With a large body, the native of Brandon, Manitoba is a dependable defensive blueliner and was successful during his draft year in imposing himself physically on attacking forwards.
Moves the puck very well and has a rocket for a shot, a combination that allows him to be either the QB or the trigger on the power play.
Skates well in a straight line but sideways mobility is an issue that smaller, shifty offensive opponents can take advantage of. Still growing, could end up being in the 6'6, 240 lbs range.
Future
The extensive injuries Plante fought through in 2007-08 robbed him of precious development time so he began his off-season training extremely early in the summer to try and make up for it.
He'll be back in the WHL again but one wonders if his diminished role with the Hitmen last year might lead to a trade. Most important for Plante in 2008-09 is to stay healthy and show critics why the Oilers made him a mid-first round pick.
Long term projection is a big and strong second pairing 2-way defenceman. Defensively capable with a power play shot; a poor man's Sheldon Souray.
Stats
SEASON
TEAM
GP
G
A
PTS
+/-
PIM
2004-05
Calgary Hitmen (WHL)
8
0
0
0
-3
6
2005
Calgary Hitmen (WHL)
11
0
0
0
+4
17
2005-06
Calgary Hitmen (WHL)
54
1
3
4
-2
72
2006
Calgary Hitmen (WHL)
13
0
0
0
-2
6
2006-07
Calgary Hitmen (WHL)
58
8
30
38
+18
81
2007
Calgary Hitmen (WHL)
13
5
6
11
0
14
Profile Last Updated: February, 28th 2009
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