A Senators 5th round pick in 2018, Angus Crookshank has impressed so far at The University of New Hampshire
At the time of the draft in 2018 many Ottawa Senators fans were focused on his awesome last name, now fans are paying attention because of what’s happening on the ice.
Now going into his junior season at New Hampshire, Angus Crookshank has enjoyed two solid seasons in the college ranks and will look to inch himself closer to pro hockey. The BCHL graduate was a product of a league that is one of the main pathways for prospects looking to take the college route rather than junior.
In many circles Crookshank is regarded as Ottawa’s most underrated prospect, since the distinction has lost its value, the prospect out of New Hampshire may not be as well known to the casual fans, so he is more of unheralded prospect. Never getting the headlines, but all die-hard Senators fans know how exciting of a prospect Crookshank is.
2019-2020 Recap
Crookshank enjoyed a great freshman season when he compiled 10 goals and 23 points in 36 games, while his sophomore season was similar in terms of point production, he improved drastically in one department. Goal scoring.
The Senators prospect added 16 goals this season alongside 6 assists in another successful season. Crookshank actually tied with fellow Senators prospects Shane Pinto and Jakov Novak for 23rd in all of the NCAA in goals, an impressive mark. All while playing on one of the worst teams in the Big East, The New Hampshire Wildcats finished with a record of 9-12-3. Crookshank paced all Wildacts skaters in goals, while placing fourth in points. The Senators prospect also put up a ton of shots on goal, ranking 8th in the entire NCAA.
In one of his best games of the season, Crookshank willed New Hampshire to a 3-2 win in overtime versus Michigan, scoring two goals including the OT winner.
It seems like Crookshank has his fair share of fans at New Hampshire too, as he took home the “Frank “The Fan” Halbert Fan Favourite Award”, he will look to be a fan favourite in Ottawa as well.
What does the future hold for Crookshank?
Being a fifth-round pick, expectations weren’t too high for Crookshank after the 2018 draft, now with two solid seasons in college under his belt, many are hoping he can be a future Senator.
With the New Hampshire Wildcat returning to school next season, he has the ability to turn pro after his junior season which is a likely option, but could also play his full four seasons in college and turn pro after his senior season. Both options make sense for the former Langley Riverman, all dependent how the upcoming season (if there is one) plays out.
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At 5’11” and 181 pounds, Crookshank is a hair on the smaller side but that shouldn’t restrict his ability at the NHL level in the least. Speed and competitiveness are the two things that come to mind whenever you watch the fiery forward play, he’s constantly attacking puck carriers with his tenacious play.
An underrated part of Crookshank’s game is his quick release, on multiple occasions this season he would skate near the top of the circle and unleash a blistering shot for pretty goal. In the two clips below, the 20-year old finds a lane and rifles the shot pas the goalie:
The goal scoring prowess of Crookshank, could carry over in a smaller sample to the NHL game, as he can score in all three-phases: with his shot, on the rush and in the dirty areas. These key aspects lead me to believe he could be an occasional 20 goal-scorer.
With his great speed, competitiveness and middling offensive ceiling, lead me to believe Crookshank could be an ideal bottom six forward, who if he reaches his potential could be a key part of an electric future third-line in Ottawa.