Player's Profile
Picture Courtesy of www.futurepro.com
- Name: Jeff Zatkoff
- Position: G
- Catches: Left
- Height: 6-2
- Weight: 170 lbs
- Birthdate: 1987-06-09
- Eligible for Draft: 2005
- Drafted:
- Hometown: Chesterfield, Michigan
- Acquired: 3rd round (#74 overall), 2006
- Playing In: Pro
Jeff Zatkoff
Prospect Grade: 6.5 C (About Prospect Grades)
Profile Contributed By: HF Staff
History
Zatkoff was part of the nation’s top goaltending tandem from Miami (OH) his rookie year. He helped lead the RedHawks to their first CCHA regular season championship title since 1992. The Chesterfield, MI native posted a 14-5-1 record that included three shutouts in 20 appearances this season. Most recently, Zatkoff was named Miami’s Rookie of the Year.
2006-07: The platoon in net of Zatkoff and Charlie Effinger ended in 2006 when Zatkoff secured the full-time starting job for Miami (OH). Zatkoff appeared 26 games, posting a 14-8-3 record, 2.26 goals-against average and a save percentage of .919. Zatkoff also was named to Team USA for the U20 World Juniors Championship, but his play was less than stellar with a 3.46 goals-against average and a .833 save percentage. His play at the WJC did not deter him as he returned to Miami (OH) and promptly regained his starting position in net and led his team back to the NCAA hockey tournament.
2007-08: The primary cog in the Miami University engine this season was Jeff Zatkoff and his stellar play in net. Ranked as the top collegiate team for most of the season, Miami relied heavily on Zatkoff and he responded with a career high in starts and career bests in goals-against average and save percentage. Zatkoff left college early and signed an entry level contract with Los Angeles during the offseason.
2008-09: Spending the majority of his season with Ontario of the ECHL, Zatkoff enjoyed an impressive first season of professional hockey with a .915 save percentage. Zatkoff spent some time in the AHL and more than held his own in three brief starts.
Talent Analysis
Zatkoff is a goaltender with size that is extremely poised, confident and mature. What sets Zatkoff apart from many other big goaltenders is his tremendous athleticism. He possesses great reflexes and is good in his lateral movements. Zatkoff is also a fierce competitor and does an excellent job of staying square to shooters. While Zatkoff does a good job of steering pucks away from the crease, his puck handling, particularly in controlling rebounds is an area that should improve with continued growth and development.
Future
Zatkoff has solid if unspectacular skills and will be a great addition to the depth in goaltending that the Kings are beginning to gather in the minor leagues. The competition between he, Jonathan Quick and Bernier might push each other to excel as they battle for playing time in the farm system. Zatkoff appears to have fallen behind Quick and Bernier in the race to start for Los Angeles.
Stats
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Profile Last Updated: September, 6th 2009
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