Freddie Hamilton
Image: OHL

Freddie Hamilton

Hometown:

Toronto Ontario

Currently Playing In:

Pro

Birthday:

1992-01-01

Position:

C

Eligible for draft:

2010

Shoots:

Right

Drafted:

2010

Height:

6-1

Acquired:

5th round (129th overall), 2010

Weight:

187 lbs.

Probability of Success
  • C

History

2007-08: First round choice of the Niagara IceDogs at the 2008 OHL Priority Selection.

2008-09: In his OHL rookie season, Hamilton played in 65 games for the IceDogs, scoring 10 goals and adding 18 assists for 28 points.  Also played in 12 playoff games, netting 2 goals and adding 2 assists.

2009-10: In his second season with the IceDogs, Hamilton scored 25 goals and added 30 assists for 55 points in 64 games.  He played in five playoff games for the IceDogs, netting 1 goal and 1 assist for 2 points.  Hamilton played for Team Canada at the 2010 World under-18 Championship.

2010-11: Hamilton was the second-leading scorer for the Niagara IceDogs behind 2011 Islanders' first-round pick Ryan Strome. Hamilton scored 38 goals with 45 assists and was +25 with 20 PMs in 68 games. Niagara had the OHL's third best record and reached the playoff semifinals. In 14 playoff games Hamilton scored 4 goals with 10 assists and was -2 with 4 PMs. Hamilton's younger brother Dougie, a second-year defenseman for Niagara, was selected in the first round of the 2011 NHL Draft by Boston. Freddie Hamilton signed a three-year, entry-level contract with San Jose in May 2011.

2011-12: Hamilton played less games this season but had more points again (35g, 51a) while improving his defensive game with a plus 29 rating in 61 OHL games. The physical centerman can play the shutdown role and plays on both the specialty team units for the Ice Dogs. The quick skating forward represented Canada at the WJC Championship and played a significant role during the tournament against the oppositions' best forwards. Hamilton and his Niagara Ice Dogs had a long playoff run to the OHL Finals where the team lost the series 4-1 against the London Knights. In the three earlier rounds, the two-way centerman was a force at both end of the rink but was shut down by the Knights defenders in the finals. He finished third overall in the OHL playoffs scoring race, putting up seven goals along with 17 assists and a plus two rating in 20 playoff games.

 

Talent Analysis

Hamilton can play the shutdown, checking role against the opposition’s best offensive lines while taking the important face-offs for his team and can have good success offensively in the role. The physical playmaking centerman showed more maturity, character and improved on his offensive skills. He will need to add more muscle mass and strength to play his physical style of game at the professional level for the Sharks. Hamilton projects quite easily as a top-six forward for the Sharks in the NHL.

 

Future

Hamilton will probably start his professional career with the San Jose organization at the AHL level in Worcester next season. He will need to adjust to speed and skill of professional game but the Sharks will not likely rush his development.

 

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