Prospect Update: Ottawa Senators Prospects in College

With the Ottawa Senators having plenty of prospects in the NCAA ranks, there are a few rising stars for Sens fans to keep their eyes on

Jacob Bernard-Docker (D)

University of North Dakota (NCAA) 32GP 7G 18A +21

Jacob Bernard-Docker was one of the leaders and most important players on the top team in the nation, showing off his booming shot and proved he could be trusted upon in a shut-down role for the Fighting Hawks. When Bernard-Docker happens to find the back of the net it is usually due to his NHL shot, whether with his pinpoint wrister or with his hard slap-shot his shot is definitely NHL ready.

Bernard-Docker also helped lead Canada to a gold medal at the 2020 World Juniors, while he didn’t overwhelm with his point totals (1 point in 7 games) he played an integral part in Canada winning the gold with shutting down opposing teams top players. A great season all around for Bernard-Docker and it begs the question if he will move on to the pro ranks next year or stay in school.

Todd Burgess (RW)

Rensselaer Polytech Institute (NCAA) 32GP 14G 6A +3

Todd Burgess struggled during an injury-riddled first four years at RPI, never really getting his footing in the college game. He finally broke out this year with an impressive 14 goals, leading the team. There are not very high hopes for Burgess who turns 24 in a few days, it will be interesting to see if the Senators sign him but at this instance, all signs point to him remaining unsigned.

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Angus Crookshank (LW)

University of New Hampshire (NCAA) 34GP 16G 6A -4

Angus Crookshank has had a stellar first two years of college hockey, having 23 points last year and then adding 22 this year but with 6 more goals. He ended up leading New Hampshire this season in goals. He is just 20 years old and is definitely someone the Senators are excited to see progress over his college career.

Crookshank has a smaller frame but at 5’11” that should be too much of a worry, especially if he fills out his frame. He is known for firing a lot of pucks on net and is definitely not afraid to get dirty in front of the net. The clip below shows how Crookshank uses his great speed to get to loose pucks and also can be a threat off the rush. Look for Crookshank to head back to New Hampshire for his junior season.

https://twitter.com/SensProspects/status/1191118768711360515?s=20

Luke Loheit (RW)

University of Minnesota-Duluth (NCAA) 33GP 5G 1A -5

Luke Loheit didn’t have much production in terms of production in his freshman year, but that isn’t usually Loheit’s game. Loheit usually doesn’t light the scoresheet up, he uses his big frame and good skating to be hard on the forecheck and make life tough for defenceman. Despite his lack of scoring Loheit did spend most of the year on the bottom line and had limited ice time.

Next year with more ice time Loheit has the potential to improve in that area, but he will never be a high scoring winger. He looks the part of an NHL prospect and as just a seventh-round pick he is still looking the same as the flyer that Ottawa originally took on him. Look for Loheit to stay with Duluth for his full four years of eligibility.

Jakov Novak (LW)

University of Bentley (NCAA) 35GP 16G 14A +3

Jakov Novak had a surprise breakout season for Bentley and has gone from a relative unknown for the Ottawa Senators to a potential breakout prospect. Novak has a big frame and is regarded as having a wicked snap-shot that separates him from others. He tied for the team lead in points and led all Bentley skaters in goals.

Also chipping in a team-high 84 penalty minutes almost clearing everyone else by 40, he shows he has a little bit of bite to his game. Novak also stands at 200 pounds and has an NHL frame.  At 21 Novak is still relatively young and has room to grow heading into his junior season at Bentley. Novak shows his long reach in the goal below.

https://twitter.com/SensProspects/status/1229149919069470721?s=20

Shane Pinto (C)

University of North Dakota (NCAA) 33GP 16G 12A +19

Shane Pinto was the Ottawa Senators biggest breakout prospect from the 2019-2020 season. As the first pick of the second round, Sens fans along with myself were hesitant but it’s safe to say that pinto has silenced all the critics in his freshman year. About a week ago Pinto was named their conferences rookie of the year (NCHC).

He also tied for the team lead in goals and is the fifth Senators prospect to do that this year. Pinto made his name known during this year’s world juniors, with 7 points in 5 games and being named one of the Americans three best players. There is a story below highlighting the successful season Pinto had in his freshman season, and look for him to only get better in his sophomore campaign.

Jonny Tychonick (D)

University of North Dakota (NCAA) 24GP 4G 7A +20

The forgotten one out of the trio playing at North Dakota, Tychonick had a bounceback year for North Dakota after having a freshman season to forget. Tychonick improved his point total by seven points in four fewer games and jumped to a plus 20 having been in the minus last year. Tychonick still has a lot of room to grow and maybe next year he can become a larger contributor for North Dakota.

He is a smooth skater with great offensive instincts, he just has to work more in his own end and stop with the silly mistakes which as plagued him during his first two seasons. Tychonick could be a four year player at North Dakota which would be the best path for his development.

Christopher Wilkie (RW)

Colorado College (NCAA) 34GP 23G 8A -9

Wilkie was part of a trade from the Florida Panthers for Jack Rodewald. Sort of an unknown around Senators circles, Wilkie had a very impressive senior season for Colorado, leading the team in goals by eleven and was a nominee for the Hobey Baker. Being 24 going into next year, look for Wilkie to sign a minor league contract with Belleville and hopefully find his footing with the Baby Sens.