Player's Profile
Picture Courtesy of www.amerks.com
- Name: Mike Card
- Position: D
- Shoots: Right
- Height: 6-1
- Weight: 195 lbs
- Birthdate: 1986-02-18
- Eligible for Draft: 2004
- Drafted:
- Hometown: Kitchener, Ontario
- Acquired: 8th round (241st overall), 2004 NHL Draft
- Playing In: Pro
Mike Card
Prospect Grade: 6.0 D (About Prospect Grades)
Profile Contributed By: HF Staff
History
Drafted in the 4th round, 73rd overall, by the Kelowna Rockets in the 2001 WHL Bantam Draft, Mike Card decided to spend a year playing for the BCHL's Penticton Panthers as a 16-year-old. At 17, Card was playing for the Kelowna Rockets and having an incredible rookie season which caught many scouts attention. In 2003, Card was being called one of the best 2004 draft eligible prospects. In 2003-04, Card had a terrible season that saw him take several steps backwards in his development, and scouts quickly soured on him. He did rebound a bit during his time at the Memorial Cup, where he managed to move the puck well by using better vision and judgment on the ice.
Card signed a three-year entry-level deal with Buffalo on 6/1/06.
Talent Analysis
A talented two-way defenseman, Mike Card is proficient at both ends of the rink. Very skilled with the puck, Card possesses a very good first pass out of the zone, and a good shot when he uses it. Mike is a very good skater, with an effortless stride, quick acceleration, and good top speed. He won’t hesitate to join the rush without risking too much defensively. When pressured on the puck, however, Card does not make very good decisions. He seems to get confused by a cycle game, and at times ends up covering the wrong man or going to the wrong spot on the ice leading to a goal against. Physically he does not get pushed around, but certainly does not intimidate anyone either. One bad game seemed to snowball for Card in the 2003-04 season, as it seemed once his confidence took a little knick, he fell apart and began playing absolutely terrible hockey. Overall, Mike Card is a very talented offensive defenseman who needs to mature both physically and mentally.
Future
If Card can improve his mental game, there is no reason why he can't be at least a top six defenseman at the NHL level.
Stats
| Year | Team | League | GP | G | A | Pts | PIM |
| 2003-04 | Kelowna | WHL | 72 | 6 | 12 | 18 | 47 |
| 2004-05 | Kelowna | WHL | 72 | 10 | 35 | 45 | 85 |
| 2005-06 | Kelowna | WHL | 64 | 12 | 43 | 55 | 103 |
Profile Last Updated: April, 26th 2008
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