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Player's Profile

  • Name: Braden Birch
  • Position: D
  • Shoots:
  • Height: 6-3
  • Weight: 185 lbs
  • Birthdate: 1989-09-25
  • Eligible for Draft: 2007
  • Drafted:
  • Hometown: Hamilton, Ontario
  • Acquired: 6th round (179th overall), 2008
  • Playing In: NCAA

Braden Birch

Prospect Grade: 6.0 C  (About Prospect Grades)

Profile Contributed By: HF Staff

History

2007-08: Birch spent the second half of the season with the Oakville Blades of the OPJHL after coming over in a trade from the Nanaimo Clippers (BCHL). He suffered a high ankle sprain midway through the season but still managed to put up respectable numbers with Oakville, registering five points in 13 games. Birch helped lead the team to a conference and league championship. The Blades also won the Dudley Hewitt Cup and participated in the 2008 Royal Bank Cup, which includes the top Tier II Junior “A” teams from the Canadian Junior Hockey League. Despite falling short in the Royal Bank Cup, the Blades had a historic year.

2008-09: Birch skated in 35 games with the Oakville Blades in the OJHL, scoring 7 goals, 18 assists for 25 points.

2009-10: In his freshman season at Cornell, Birch scored 2 assists in 32 games. He skated a regular shift at even strength and on the penalty kill.

2010-11: The defenseman appeared in 30 games for Cornell, upping his contributions to 2 goals and 8 points as a sophomore. He sustained a plus-1 rating over the course of the season, including a plus-5 rating in ECAC play.

Talent Analysis

Birch is a towering defenseman who draws comparisons to Jay Bouwmeester with his skating style. He possesses a fluid stride, owns a quick shot and is capable of handling the puck, making him a potential weapon on the power play. Additionally, Birch is the type who will stick up for his teammates, which is why he is deemed to hold leadership qualities by coaches and players alike. However, Birch will need to get stronger and further develop his game if he is going to be successful at the next level.  

Future

Junior at Cornell University for the 2011-12 season.

Stats

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Profile Last Updated: August, 15th 2011

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