Luke Witkowski
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Birthday:
1990-04-14 |
Position:
D |
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Eligible for draft:
2008 |
Shoots:
Right |
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Drafted:
2008 |
Height:
6-2 |
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Acquired:
6th round (160th overall), 2008 |
Weight:
200 lbs. |
Prospect Talent Score
Probability of Success
- C
History
2007-08: Luke Witkowski spent the season with the Ohio Jr. Blue Jackets in the USHL. He appeared in 58 games and scored 3 goals with 10 assists and was -10 with 139 PIM. Witkowski signed a letter of intent to play college hockey at Western Michigan University in 2009-10.
2008-09: Witkowski spent his second USHL season with the Fargo Force after Ohio left the league. As a captain for Coach Dean Blais' team, he scored 6 goals with 16 assists and was +30 with 118 PIM in 55 games. In 10 playoff games, Witkowski scored 2 goals, both on the power play, with 1 assist and was +1 with 29 PIM as Fargo defeated Lincoln in the first round before falling to Indiana.
2009-10: Witkowski played 32 games as a freshman for Western Michigan. He scored 2 goals, both power play goals, with 4 assists and 67 PIM and was -13 on a Broncos team that won just eight games all season and finished last in the CCHA.
2010-11: Witkowski skated in all 42 games for Western Michigan as a sophomore as the Broncos were one of the big turnaround stories in college hockey. He finished plus-13 with 56 penalty minutes and scored 1 goal with 8 assists. After finishing fourth in the CCHA, the Broncos reached the CCHA championship game and took WCHA power Denver to two overtimes in an NCAA regional game.
2011-12: Witkowski provided a key defensive presence and physical play while chipping in offensively for Western Michigan as a junior. He led the Broncos with 66 penalty minutes and was plus-eight while scoring 2 goals with 11 assists in 40 games. Under former NHL coach Andy Murray the Broncos won 21 games (the most since 1995-96) and defeated Michigan in the CCHA Championship game to earn their second straight NCAA tournament berth.
Talent Analysis
Witkowski is a big player who leads by example with hard work and physical play. He can handle a lot of ice time and relishes combative play - was one of the heavyweights in the USHL during his junior days. Witkowski is a play-maker on the power play and makes smart, quick passes. As is common with young defensive defenseman, his mobility and agility are areas that need more development.
Future
Long-range, Witkowski projects as a lower pair, stay-at-home defenseman who will drop the gloves and come to the aid of his teammates. His instincts on the power play also give him value in that area.
