Ben Blood
|
Birthday:
1989-03-15 |
Position:
D |
|
Eligible for draft:
2007 |
Shoots:
Left |
|
Drafted:
2007 |
Height:
6-3 |
|
Acquired:
4th round (120th overall), 2007 |
Weight:
212 lbs. |
Prospect Talent Score
Probability of Success
- D
History
2005-06: In his first season at Shattuck St. Mary’s, Ben Blood recorded 25 points in 73 games, along with 32 penalty minutes.
2006-07: Blood spent the season with Shattuck-St. Mary’s, where he tallied 11 goals and 36 points in 63 games. He managed to rack up 144 penalty minutes in his senior season with the team, but still led the club to a National Championship. Blood was the Ottawa Senators last selection in the 2007 draft, 120th overall, in the 4th round.
2007-08: This season marked Blood’s first in the USHL, which he split between the Des Moines Buccaneers and the Indiana Ice. In 11 games as a Buccaneer, he tallied seven helpers, adding another 16 points (10g+6a) in 46 games with the Ice. He accumulated 100 penalty minutes between the two clubs this season.
2008-09: Blood joined up with the University of North Dakota this season, registering one helper in 31 games.
2009-10: In 43 games with North Dakota, Blood would find the back of the net 5 times and add 9 assists; eventually winning the NCAA (WCHA) Championship. He was also selected to the NCAA (WCHA) All Academic Team.
2010-11: Blood skated in all 44 games for the University of North Dakota as a junior. Blood provided solid, stay-at-home defense on a team that featured several high-profile offensive prospects and won the WCHA regular season and playoff championships. Blood finished with a +32 plus/minus and scored 2 goals with 10 assists. While still one of the more physical players for the Fighting Sioux, his 48 PMs were exactly half as many minutes as he had the previous season.
Talent Analysis
Blood has an intriguing combination of skill and size. He is fluid and sturdy on his skates, especially considering his size. Blood’s lateral movement and quickness is somewhat lacking, but this should improve with time. Blood plays well in all three zones and is excellent on special teams. His soft hands, poise with the puck, vision, and heavy, accurate slap shot make him an excellent power play quarterback. He also possesses a quick release and precise wrist shot. Blood has excellent hand eye coordination and has the ability to unleash a wicked one-timer when setup.
In the defensive zone, Blood is a formidable presence and shuts down players by angling them to the boards. He is terrific positioning, especially in one-on-one situations and uses his size to effectively clear out traffic in front of the crease. He could play a more physically, but Blood’s game is focused on being disciplined and not hurting his team with an errant play or missed body check.
Blood is also a good communicator both on and off the ice. He possesses good leadership qualities and could be a future team leader.
Future
Blood has completed his college career and has begun his pro career in 2012-13 with Elmira of the ECHL.
