John Albert

History

2004-05: John Albert had a tremendous season playing for the Cleveland Barons Midget Major. He posted 94 points (34 goals, 60 assists) in 67 games.

2005-06: Albert enjoyed a very strong season for the US NTDP U-17 team. In 55 games, Albert scored 16 goals with 30 assists and 21 PIM. He was a big part of Team USA's silver medal winning effort at the 2006 World U-17 Hockey Challenge with a goal and 8 assists in 7 games.

2006-07: Returned to Ann Arbor to play for the NTDP U-18 squad. In 47 games, Albert notched 33 points (10 goals, 23 assists) and only 12 PIM. He scored four power play goals. Much of his offense came in 22 games against NCAA opposition, where Albert scored five goals and 10 assists. In seven games with Team USA at the WJC U-18 tournament, he scored 1 goal with 2 assists.

2007-08: Albert stood out as a freshman on an Ohio State team enduring one of its tougher seasons in recent memory. While his offense numbers appeared average at first glance – 4 goals, 17 assists in 41 games – those numbers are skewed by the fact that the Buckeyes as a team had trouble scoring. The true picture of his worth was indicated in the fact that he received a lot of ice time and played in all situations. He was particularly effective in winning faceoffs and on the penalty kill. On a team that was out-scored by a wide margin, Albert's plus/minus ranking of -4 was actually not bad.

2008-09: The Buckeyes were one of the biggest turnaround stories in the country and Albert was a big part of that – finishing as the team's second leading scorer with 11 goals, 28 assists and a +12 plus/minus ranking. After winning just 12 games in 2007-08, Ohio State won 23 games and reached the NCAA tournament.

2009-10: In what would be long-time Buckeye coach John Markell's final season behind the bench, the team struggled coming out of the game. Once again playing with new linemates, Albert's offensive numbers dipped a bit as well – he had 6 goals and 24 assists in 39 games. However, Ohio State did come on the end and gave eventual NCAA runner-up Miami all it could handle in the CCHA quarterfinals before falling 2-1 in a decisive third game.

2010-11: Signing off on his college career, Albert wore the “C” for the Ohio State Buckeyes and was key player in all situations. Called in for key faceoffs and leading the first penalty kill unit, Albert showed leadership and versatility at all times. Signed to an AHL contract by the St. John’s IceCaps, Albert will need to display the hard-working characteristics that made him so effective for the Buckeyes in order to move up the depth chart for the Jets.

2011-12: Albert skated in 64 games for Winnipeg AHL affiliate St. John's in his first pro season. A solid two-way forward for the IceCaps, Albert's plus-10 plus/minus was the third best mark amongst St. John's skaters. Offensively he scored 9 goals with 18 assists and had 28 penalty minutes in 64 games. The IceDogs finished first in the Atlantic Division and reached the Eastern Conference finals. Albert played in all 15 playoff games and was plus-one with 3 goals, 2 assists and 8 penalty minutes. He was re-signed to an AHL contract by St. John's in July, 2012.

 

Talent Analysis

Playmaking center, with sufficient quickness. Albert is an all-around strong center with great hands and passing ability. He prefers to set up his teammates and also plays a responsible game in his own end. His skating speed is what separates him from many of the top players in college hockey and should give him a shot at playing at the next level. Sometimes is criticized for not shooting the puck often enough as he possesses a very good shot.

 

Future

Albert is on an AHL contract with the St. John's IceCaps, and appears to be a fringe prospect at this point.