Player's Profile
Picture Courtesy of Holly Gunning/HF
- Name: Luke Witkowski
- Position: D
- Shoots: Right
- Height: 6-2
- Weight: 200 lbs
- Birthdate: 1990-04-14
- Eligible for Draft: 2008
- Drafted:
- Hometown: Holland, Michigan
- Acquired: 6th round (160th overall), 2008
- Playing In: NCAA
Luke Witkowski
Prospect Grade: 6.0 D (About Prospect Grades)
Profile Contributed By: HF Staff
History
2007-08: 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 junior as the Broncos were one of the big turnaround stories in college hockey. He finished +13 with 56 PMs and scored 1 goal with 8 assists as the Broncos, after finishing fourth in the CCHA regular season, reached the conference championship and took WCHA-power Denver to two overtimes in an NCAA regional game.
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
Witkowski returns to Western Michigan for his sophomore season and will have a new coach as Jeff Blashill takes over. Blashill is known for getting players to fulfill their optimum potential so this should benefit Witkowski. 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.
Stats
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Profile Last Updated: November, 15th 2011
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