Player's Profile
Picture Courtesy of Gophers Athletics
- Name: Blake Wheeler
- Position: RW
- Shoots: Right
- Height: 6-4
- Weight: 185 lbs
- Birthdate: 1986-08-31
- Eligible for Draft: 2004
- Drafted: 2004
- Hometown: Robbinsdale, Minnesota
- Acquired: Signed as a free agent, July 2008
- Playing In: Pro
Blake Wheeler
Prospect Grade: 8.0 C (About Prospect Grades)
Profile Contributed By: HF Staff
History
2003-04: Led the entire state of Minnesota in scoring with 100 points (45 goals, 55 assists) as a junior in high school. Also led Breck School to a Class A State Championship and was named MVP. Tallied an additional 20 points (10 goals,10 assists) during six-playoff games. He's Breck's all-time single-season records in points (100) and assists (55). Named to the Class A all-tournament team. Was named AP and St. Paul Pioneer Press all-state, Minneapolis Star Tribune all-metro and all-Tri Metro Conference
Drafted in the first round (5th overall) of the 2004 entry draft by the Phoenix Coyotes
2004-05: Played season with the Green Bay Gamblers of the USHL as preparation in order to get ready for a collegiate career at the University of Minnesota. Led the Gamblers in scoring. Named to the USHL All-Rookie Team. Earned USHL Offensive Player of the Week honors. Named the Gamblers' Rookie of the Year
2005-06: Played freshman year for University of Minnesota and finished eighth in team scoring. He also represented Team USA in the WJC tournament in Vancouver.
2006-07: Played sophomore year with the Gophers and finished fifth in scoring and was third in goals.
2007-08: Wheeler’s stats this year does not tell the whole story of why his offensive production is down. Big holes were created on his team due to NHL signings and injuries dating back to last summer. The absence of top-end talent has taken its toll on the Univ. of Minnesota Golden Gophers. Wheeler has stepped up and has led the team in scoring for the majority of the season.
He elected to forgo his final year of college and signed a contract with the Boston Bruins.
Talent Analysis
Over the last couple seasons, Wheeler has added a lot of size, though he’s still filling out, and growing into his frame. Wheeler is a good skater, has deceptive speed, and has great acceleration when needed, but needs to increase his stamina. He can stickhandle at top speed, but needs to develop more moves, especially power driven moves coming out of the corner. He needs to be a bit more creative on the forecheck, using his body and keeping his legs constantly moving. When he shows spurts of confidence driven play, he can be very effective on forecheck, most notably down low. He needs to continue to improve on creating space and or distance while he’s on the puck. He has the ability to play on special teams.
Future
Future Analysis Coming Soon...
Stats
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Profile Last Updated: August, 9th 2009
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