Player's Profile
Picture Courtesy of the NHL
- Name: Patrick Kaleta
- Position: RW
- Shoots: Right
- Height: 5-11
- Weight: 195 lbs
- Birthdate: 1986-06-08
- Eligible for Draft: 2004
- Drafted:
- Hometown: Buffalo, New York
- Acquired: 6th round (176th overall), 2004 NHL Draft
- Playing In: Pro
Patrick Kaleta
Prospect Grade: 5.5 B (About Prospect Grades)
Profile Contributed By: HF Staff
History
Raised 20 minutes south of Buffalo in Angola, New York, Patrick Kaleta was born a Sabres fan, and is now himself a potential future Sabre. Continuing the trend of acquiring hard-nosed, two-way players via the draft, Buffalo selected the Peterborough Petes grinding winger with their sixth round pick (176th overall) in the 2004 Draft. At 6’0, 200 pounds, early comparisons are being made to former Sabres agitators Vaclav Varada, Matthew Barnaby, and his idol and reason for wearing jersey number 27, Michael Peca.
Kaleta honed his skills as a scoring forward for St. Francis High School of the Western New York Varsity Ice Hockey Federation before entertaining the challenging rigors of Canadian junior hockey. The Petes, intrigued with his play at a prospects tournament in Toronto in 2001-2002, selected Kaleta in that year’s priority draft. He morphed into a fearless checker during his first season of OHL play, earning accolades from scouts and opposing coaches for his gritty, rambunctious style of play. Scoring 16 points in 67 games, Kaleta was the Petes nominee for the Emms Family Award, given to the top first-year player in the OHL.
In his second season in Peterborough, “Kruch Kaleta” perpetuated his physical leadership while adding some offensive flare in the season’s second half. He scored 10 of his 14 goals in a ten game stretch in January and February, on way to finishing the season with 28 points. Early in the season, the natural leader tried to do too much for his team, and in turn got away from what had made him successful the previous year. Returning to form as a solid forechecking presence relieved some of the pressure he had placed upon himself, and allowed him to excel as the hard working energy player everyone sees him as being. Noted by Coach Rick Allain as the Petes’ emotional leader, Kaleta was rated the second best body checker, and second hardest worker in the 2003-2004 Eastern Conference Coach’s Poll. Also an excellent student, he was the Petes 2003-2004 nominee for the Bobby Smith Trophy, awarded to the player who best combines high standards of play with academic excellence. Central Scouting rated the mucker as the 161st ranked North American skater entering the 2004 Draft.
Kaleta signed a three-year entry-level deal with the Sabres on 6/1/06.
Talent Analysis
Kaleta, a self-described “crash and banger”, is widely considered one of the most feared hitters in the OHL. His best work is done along the boards, in the corners, and as a leader on and off the ice. Kaleta is at his best when he plays within himself by settling into his intense, physical mode of play. Not considered an enforcer type by any means, he will drop the gloves on occasion to charge up his teammates when necessary. Plain and simple, Kaleta is a hard hitting checker whose game is marked by 60 minutes of solid effort. For the time being, his raw offensive skills aren’t of NHL caliber, and should benefit from two more seasons of development in the “O”.
Future
Future Analysis Coming Soon...
Stats
| Year | Team | League | GP | G | A | Pts | PIM |
| 2003-04 | Peterborough | OHL | 67 | 14 | 14 | 28 | 126 |
| 2004-05 | Peterborough | OHL | 62 | 24 | 28 | 52 | 146 |
| 2005-06 | Peterborough | OHL | 68 | 16 | 35 | 51 | 121 |
Profile Last Updated: April, 26th 2008
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