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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 (#179 overall), 2008
  • Playing In: Junior

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.  

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

Birch has committed to Cornell University for the 2009-2010 season.  

Stats

Stats Coming Soon...

Profile Last Updated: August, 5th 2008

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