Player's Profile
- Name: Kevin Westgarth
- Position: C
- Shoots: Right
- Height: 6-4
- Weight: 235 lbs
- Birthdate: 1984-02-07
- Eligible for Draft: 2002
- Drafted:
- Hometown: Amherstburg, Ontario
- Acquired: Signed as free agent, 2007
- Playing In: Pro
Kevin Westgarth
Prospect Grade: 5.0 B (About Prospect Grades)
Profile Contributed By: HF Staff
History
2006-07: Kevin Westgarth capped his four years at Princeton by posting the best offensive numbers of his collegiate career. He posted 24 points (8 goals, 15 assists) in 33 games. His 16 assists ranked third on the team, while his five power play goals was tied for second. Westgarth’s most memorable game came back on Feb. 23 when he exploded for five points (two goals, three assists) to lead the Tigers to a convincing 7-1 win over Clarkson. The performance also earned Westgarth his lone ECACHL Player of the Week honor. The Amherstburg, ONT native garnered considerable NHL interest, most notably from the Philadelphia Flyers, prior to signing with Los Angeles in the spring.
2007-08: Westgarth was brought into Manchester to provide a physical presence and he did just that. His 191 penalty minutes, most coming by way of the fighting major, was second on the team only to Paul Crosty (203) whom he teamed up with as twin enforcers for the Monarchs. Even if only an enforcer, Westgarth did contribute a respectable 12 points to the scoresheet, demonstrating some offensive potential that could justify keeping him on the ice for more minutes than an enforcer would typically enjoy.
2008-09: Led the Monarchs in penalty minutes with 165 and contributed 10 points of offense to at least keep the opposing defense honest both in terms of policing the rink and not relaxing on covering him in the offensive zone. Matched up with Richard Clune as a potent 1-2 punch of enforcers. Received his first taste of the NHL late in the season with a nine game call-up as General Manager Lombardi began to increase the toughness of the NHL roster.
Talent Analysis
Westgarth is an imposing and punishing forward who thrives on the physical side of the game. While he has been known to rack up the penalty minutes, Westgarth showed great discipline in his all-around play during the 2006-07 season at Princeton. His tremendous size and strength makes him a difficult player to contain and to simply play against. He definitely plays with an edge and is a fierce competitor. Westgarth moves remarkably well for a big man combining strength with some smoothness in his strides, but could use some work in his acceleration. He possesses a hard, heavy shot and has little trouble getting his shots on net. An area where Westgarth has proven to be quite effective has been in his play around the net, particularly in providing screens and getting tip-ins and rebounds. He has also demonstrated that he can be the perennial thorn in the opposing goaltender’s side as well. Westgarth is very strong along the boards and in the corners. In addition to being more disciplined, Westgarth has vastly improved his ability to protect the puck as well.
Future
Signed to an entry level contract by Los Angeles at the conclusion of his college career, Westgarth is a physical fourth line forward that will provide toughness to Manchester and possibly to Los Angeles soon. He will compete with Richard Clune as the primary enforcer prospect and might receive a call-up to Los Angeles in situations where the Kings are looking for toughness against a particular team.
Stats
Profile Last Updated: July, 21st 2010
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