Here is everything you need to know about NHL draft prospect Colin White.
Age on June 26: 18
Birthplace: Hanover, Mass.
Current team: US National Development Program
Position: Centre
NHL Central Scouting rank (North American): 29th
Shoots: Right
Height: 6-feet
Weight: 183 pounds
Twitter account: @colinwhite37
Marek’s Take: A 200-foot player who coaches love having out on the ice. Is seldom out of position and knows where to be in every zone at all times. The best at faceoffs of anyone in the draft. Skating is a real strength. Steadily progressed all through the year. He won’t dazzle you but there’s no glaring weakness in his game. Comparable: Patrice Bergeron
He’s a winner
It’s been a successful year for White. He scored the overtime winner for the U.S. in April at the world under-18 championship to give his country the gold. Earlier in the year, he helped the U.S. take top honours at the Four Nations tournament.
White was eighth in tournament scoring at the worlds, with six goals and three assists in seven games. At the Four Nations, he was tied with a team-high four goals in four games. His U.S. squad placed second at the under-18 Five Nations in February.
His strong play last year also earned him a spot at the All-American prospects game in September, where he had an assist and three shots on goal. White was able to prove he was good at faceoffs during the prospects game, winning 13 draws — the most of any forward.
He’s faced some challenges this year, too
White missed five games at the start of this year with mononucleosis. After returning healthy, he hurt his wrist, which forced him to miss another seven games. Despite all the injuries, he still scored 23 goals with 31 assists in 54 games. He was drafted in 2014 by the Quebec Remparts of the QMJHL, but is committed to Boston College for next year.
Speaking of collegiate teams, White had eight points (three goals, five assists) in 11 games against college teams this season.
Coaches like him
The Hockey News has called White a “coach’s dream.” White was ranked 27th at the midterm rankings by the NHL before dropping to 29th at season’s end.
White is also taking notes from two of the best defensive centres in the NHL.
“I try to make it key to play defence before offence,” White told The Hockey News. “If you’re in the defensive zone, you’re playing tight and you’re just going to break out easier. I’ve watched a lot of video with coach (Don) Granato on Toews and Bergeron, taking pieces from their games.”
He comes from an athletic family
White’s hockey skills are a product of his athletic parents. His father, Mark, was a linebacker and track and field athlete at Georgia Tech University. Mark’s excellence in both football and on the track led to him being inducted into the school’s Hall of Fame.
His mother, Christine, played tennis at Florida State University.
