Player's Profile
Picture Courtesy of www.amerks.com
- Name: Michael Funk
- Position: D
- Shoots: Left
- Height: 6-4
- Weight: 199 lbs
- Birthdate: 1986-08-15
- Eligible for Draft: 2004
- Drafted:
- Hometown: Abbotsford, British Columbia
- Acquired: 2nd round (43rd overall), 2004 NHL Entry Draft
- Playing In: Pro
Michael Funk
Prospect Grade: 6.5 C (About Prospect Grades)
Profile Contributed By: HF Staff
History
Needing to add a few bodies to a depleted list of defensive prospects, the Buffalo Sabres looked west to Portland of the WHL, tabbing smooth-skating Michael Funk as their second round pick in the 2004 draft. After spending the previous season playing AAA Bantam for his hometown organization in Abbotsford, British Columbia, Funk arrived on the WHL scene in 2002-03 as a tall, lanky 16-year-old. With a full cast of defenseman returning to the Winterhawks, Funk made enough waves in training camp to earn a spot on the team’s opening night roster. Displaying great instincts and overall hockey sense en route to 16 point campaign, Funk was named Portland’s Rookie of the Year following the season. His play would also earn him a spot at Team Canada’s National Under-18 Development and Selection Camp the following August, where he made the cut and participated in the tourney held in Minsk, Belarus.
Looking to further make a name for himself in a league full of capable defensemen, Funk and his long stick returned to Portland for the 2003-04 season with raised expectations. Being paired with stud NHL prospect Braydon Coburn for much of the season, Funk upped his offensive production and won a place on Team Orr for the CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game held in London, Ontario in January, 2004. Throughout the season, Funk manned the left point on the ‘Hawks power play, and was a key component on the penalty killing unit.
Following his selection by Buffalo, the rearguard embarked on a diligent strength and conditioning program, hoping to increase his playing weight to 220-225 pounds in an effort to overcome the shortcomings associated with the physical aspect of his game.
Talent Analysis
Funk’s game is based on his fine skating ability, as he is commonly classified as a finesse defender. He has a long, fluid stride that gives him above-average speed and mobility, and a knack for ducking opposing checkers. He exhibits an accurate shot from the point, and passes the puck extremely well. He often connects with long, crisp “looks” up ice, and doesn’t mind filling a lane on the offensive rush. A sound positional defender, Funk often uses his reach to poke check and force opponents to make a quick decision with the puck. The knock on Funk is his questionable reaction to pressure, and his lack of physical play. He’s been prone to poor decision making with the puck at times, resulting in costly turnovers. Scouts would also like to see Funk throw his 6’4 frame around in a more physical, crease clearing manner much akin to his NHL idol, Chris Pronger. He doesn’t ignore this side of play altogether, as evidenced by his four scraps in the 2003-04 season.
Future
He'll be with Rochester as he adapts to the speed of the pro game and diligently works in the weight room.
Stats
| Year | Team | League | GP | G | A | Pts | PIM |
| 2003-04 | Portland | WHL | 71 | 3 | 25 | 28 | 86 |
| 2004-05 | Portland | WHL | 71 | 8 | 22 | 30 | 84 |
| 2005-06 | Portland | WHL | 70 | 11 | 36 | 47 | 88 |
Profile Last Updated: April, 27th 2008
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