Player's Profile
Picture Courtesy of http://lssulakers.cstv.com
- Name: Nathan Perkovich
- Position: RW
- Shoots: Right
- Height: 6-5
- Weight: 200 lbs
- Birthdate: 1985-10-15
- Eligible for Draft: 2004
- Drafted:
- Hometown: Canton, Michigan
- Acquired: 8th round (250th overall), 2004 by NJ
- Playing In: NCAA
Nathan Perkovich
Prospect Grade: 6.0 C (About Prospect Grades)
Profile Contributed By: HF Staff
History
2004-05: Perkovich returned to the USHL this fall, this time with the Chicago Steel. He again only managed eight points, but was able to better his goal total from one to six. His 55 PIM’s showed a willingness to get his nose dirty and play more physically.
2005-06: In year three in the USHL, Perkovich had a breakout season, obliterating his offensive numbers from the previous season. He lead the Chicago Steel in scoring with 52 points, including 28 goals (13 of which came on the PP). He also racked up 121 PIM's.
2006-07: Perkovich got off to a very hot start to his collegiate career, putting together a six-game goal-scoring streak at the beginning of the season. He led the Lakers in rookie scoring with 22 points (15 goals, seven assists) in 42 games. His 15 goals also co-led LSSU. Of Perkovich’s 15 goals, nine came on the power play, which also led the team. His stellar freshman campaign earned him a CCHA All-Rookie Team honorable mention as well as being named co-recipient of the Lakers’ Outstanding Freshman Award. He was twice named CCHA Rookie of the Week this season.
2007-08: It was a struggle for Lake Superior State, and one area where the Lakers struggled the most was putting the puck in the net. However, scoring goals was not a problem for Perkovich, as he easily led the club with 17 goals in 36 games and finished third in club scoring with 25 points. The sophomore winger carried his team's offense all season long, accounting for almost a quarter of the Lakers overall offensive output.
2008-09: At the end of his junior season at Lake Superior State, Perkovich and the Devils decided that he did not need another season of college hockey, and was signed to a pro contract. He wrapped up his career at LSSU, scoring 12 goals and 12 assists in 35 games. In his three years at the school, he scored an impressive 44 goals. He was able to get into a few games for Trenton during the ECHL playoffs, where he scored four points in six games.
Talent Analysis
At 6’5, it’s not hard to spot Perkovich on the ice. For a man his size, he skates extremely well with powerful, yet smooth strides. He’s instinctive and makes smart plays in the offensive zone. He takes full advantage of his enormous size and reach but adding some size and strength to his large frame will make him tougher to play against.
He is very creative with the puck and moves remarkably well with it. He competes hard and when necessary, is not afraid to throw the body around. Perkovich really excels around the net area, whether it’s driving hard to the net or simply being the big body in front for screens and deflections. One area that he’ll need to continue to improve is on the defensive side of his game.
Future
While the rough edges in his game are nearly ironed out, Perkovich still needs to work on improving his defensive zone play, and most importantly, fill out his frame, things he will get a chance to do at the professional level this year. By his own admission, he has trouble keeping his weight up, but is still an effective player none the less. If he can pack on about 10-15 more pounds, he could become even more dangerous a sniper, and evolve into a top-notch power forward. While it's likely his goal to play for Lowell this year, he might be best served seeing some time in the ECHL before a promotion to the AHL.
Stats
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Profile Last Updated: February, 21st 2010
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