Garrett Haar

History

2008-09: Garrett Haar played for the LA Select U-18 squad as well as attending USA Hockey's Select 16 camp. Haar was selected by the Fargo Force in the 18th round (228th overall) of the USHL Entry Draft.

2009-10: Haar played Tier I U-18 hockey for Kansas-based Russell Stover. Haar scored 2 goals with 34 assists in 40 regular season games as Russell Stover captured the Central championship and advanced to the Tier 1 National Tournament. In five tournament games he had three assists as the team reached the semifinals before falling to the Junior Flyers. He competed for the USA Under-17 Select squad at the Five Nations tournament in Germany. Haar committed to playing college hockey at Northeastern in 2011-12.

2010-11: Haar joined USHL Fargo and played in 51 games and scored 7 goals with 16 assists; finishing with a +9 plus/minus and 40 PMs. Haar scored 1 goal with 2 assists in five playoff games for the Force. Haar de-committed from Northeastern when Coach Greg Cronin left for a position with the Maple Leafs and he will attend Western Michigan in 2011-12. Haar was 119th among North American skaters in the final Central Scouting rankings and was selected by Washington in the 7th round (207th overall) of the 2011 NHL Draft.

2011-12: Haar made a smooth transition from the USHL to college hockey; skating in 36 games for Western Michigan as a freshman and being selected to the CCHA's All-Rookie team. He scored 1 goal with 7 assists and was plus-four with 32 penalty minutes. The Broncos won the CCHA playoff championship to earn an NCAA tournament bid after finishing tied for second place during the regular season. Haar was invited to USA Hockey's U20 Evaluation camp in Lake Placid in August, 2012.

 

Talent Analysis

Haar is a defense-first defenseman who plays a sound positional game and is strong both physically and on his skates. He plays the game with enthusiasm and is constantly involved with the play - both defensively and on the attack. Offensively, he can contribute to the attack with a good first pass and by creating opportunities in transition play. He plays a disciplined, physical game and does not take a lot of penalties despite being constantly involved in the action.

 

Future

Haar is currently playing for Western Michigan University. Long-term, Haar faces long odds as the Washington organization has several outstanding young prospects on defense but his play thus far shows promise.