Ozzy Wiesblatt // Scouting Report #3
This is a picture of Ozzy Wiesblatt skating down the right side of the ice while playing his brother (Orca Wiesblatt) during a Thanksgiving showdown between the Prince Albert Raiders, and the Calgary Hitmen.
Height: 5’10”
Weight: 183lbs.
D.O.B.: 3/09/02
Stats: 25 goals, 45 assists, 70 points, 64 games played
Team: Prince Albert Raiders, WHL
Position: Right Wing
Blue line to blue line time: 1.70
Most outstanding stat: 33.33 INV% scored 11% of PA’s goals
Letter, (A-F)=consistency, A is most consistent
Number, (1-5)=tier of talent, 1 being highest
Rank:
32nd by EliteProspects.com
40th by Future Considerations
29th by TSN/Craig Button
29th by McKeens Hockey
19th by NHL Central Scouting (NA Skaters)
40th by TSN/Bob McKenzie
30th by Dr. Tee Scouting
Scouting report
What is up guys? And for my 3rd scouting report of the year I have Me. Ozzy Wiesblatt of the Prince Albert Raiders in the WHL, you might know him because of his brothers, he has some that are very good at hockey especially Orca Wiesblatt he plays for the Calgary Hitmen in the WHL. But anyways let’s get right back to Ozzy, and he’s a real hidden gem in this year's draft, even though 70 points may not stand straight out to you at first but you have to take in consideration that Prince Albert played a very defensive game this year, they only had 210 goals, but let in only 160 so this is something that you really need to factor while evaluating a player like Wiesblatt.
Move - 2A
Ozzy Wiesblatt is an unbelievable skater for someone of his size. I oh so wanted to give him a 1A but he’s just not completely perfect. At the same time though Wiesblatt’s skating is something that you will immediately notice once you see Wiesblatt play.
Wiesblatt is one of those undersized players that you love to watch skate around the ice. Wiesblatt has very quick feet which helps him to reach his top speed very fast. 1.70 seconds may not be crazy fast for some people but the fact is, is that Wiesblatt isn’t a player that really should be known for his top speed. Instead should be known for his unbelievably tight turns, and his overall agility, as well as his quick pivots, transitions, and explosiveness which combined makes for a very dynamic pairing. His low center of gravity along with his strong lower body helps him to fight through checks that are thrown by players that are 3,4,5 inches taller than he is. I love how powerful he is with every stride he takes as well. Although his stride, and technique isn’t really what I would call effortless by any means, he makes up for this with his great crossovers and ability to control both his speed, and his timing. When you put an undersized player like Wiesblatt is and you tell him to skate the way that he likes to then you’re really in for a treat. The way that he can beat 1,2, even 3 defenders with his mobility, and agility alone is pretty crazy in my opinion. I don’t see what’s stopping from becoming a top 5 skater up there with Stützle, and Raymond in this year’s draft, and in terms of potential, and if he can maybe refine up that stride a bit then “Jeez!” This kid needs to be in the NHL!
Dangle - 1A
Let me just start off by saying that Wiesblatt has the potential to become the next Connor McDavid in this department of his game! I can’t start to begin how many good things there is to say about this kids stickhandling as a whole!
His hands are everything that you look for in an elite stickhandler. He’s silky smooth, and has soft hands, he adapts extremely well under pressure like Thomas Bordeleau, Dawson Mercer, and Tristen Robins due exceptionally well and I also think Wiesblatt deserves to be up there too. He maintains control of the puck in tight areas, physical encounters along the boards, and is very conservative. He doesn’t make fancy moves when he doesn’t has too, something Bordeleau also does very well...you know in fact besides the skating aspect of Bordeleau’s game he is very similar to Wiesblatt in the shooting, and stickhandling areas of their game. Wiesblatt is just so fun to watch when he has the puck and there’s no one that can say no to that. When Wiesblatt has the puck on his stick at least 75% of the times something happens. He is very consistent as well, not a player to just rely on talent alone. He is another player that can do something out of nothing. If he sees an open area where he can go in dangle he’ll take that option and embarrass a defender or two if he has too. This is one of the main reasons why Weisblatt is so dynamic.
Snipe - 2C
Wiesblatt’s shot can sometimes be defined by how much he uses it, sort of like a Hendrix Lapierre. Granted Wiesblatt plays a very playmaker of a game but he still possesses that little extra give in his shot that everyone really wants to see.
He has a great shot while in movement, and due to his 5’10” size is able to slide past defenders and get open for a shot that is similar to that of Alexander Holtz’s. His shot is very, very accurate. He can slide the puck in, and between areas of the net the people watching didn’t even know where it was! This combined with his elite stickhandling ability makes for a great shot in tight, and close to the net, and usually to finish it off he uses the quick release that he has to finish the play off with a goal. The overall ability that Wiesblatt has between his shot, and his hands is very comparable to Nick Robertson a bit. Even though it may not be completely the same at all it’s kind of the same cloth that they were cut from in terms of those things and how they perceive them. They both use their amazingly quick releases, and accurate shots to finish off plays, and their hands to get them there. Wiesblatt’s shot could use some more power behind it but based off of what it already is it will gradually help to improve really just as a good thing to have by his side. He’s got the same round out of his shot, kind of like Tristen Robins, where they can shoot from anywhere, and any position but there bread and butter is a quick wrister with an accurate finish.
Defensive mindset - 3A
Wiesblatt does all that he can in the defensive zone for a small player height wise like he is. He back checks with momentum, and brings a sort of presence to the defensive game that really is special for a player like him.
Wiesblatt is the same kind of mentality, drive, and leader player in the defensive zone as Tristen Robins no more comparisons drawn. He fights for loose pucks, and supports the defensive zone greatly. He is reliable, and never flees the defensive zone looking for a long breakaway pass before the team has properly moved the puck across the blue line. The one very impressive thing that he brings in the defensive zone is hisplayoff hockey drive, and leadership. He plays like a Ridley Greig playoff type hockey in all three zones, (if that doesn’t count as a comparison). If a teammate is drilled in a corner then he goes and talks to the guy. If there’s a dirty hit on his teammate then there’s a good chance that you’ll see Wiesblatt rise to the occasion rather if it’s fighting the guy, or giving him a shove he’s going to pass up the message, “Eh bud, please don’t do that again cause if you do you’re not going to enjoy what happens next.” The only thing that sometimes holds him back is his size like it does with all small players, but what I really do give him credit for is that he plays with emotion and not just for his personal stats. That’s really why I have him ranked ahead of players like Noel Gunler, and Tyson Foerster.
Overall - 2A
Wiesblatt’s drive to go out onto the ice every shift and show every thing that he possibly can is 2nd to none in my opinion. The unique skill set that he brings to the table with his gritty playoff hockey feel, as well as his playmaking and skating is awesome!
If the Sabres get him in this year's draft even though he’ll probably be gone by then but if he’s still available then this is someone that I will love to watch no matter, and really no matter what team he’s on!
Playmaking wing with a great release
Player Comparison: Jonathan Toews/Travis Konecny
Wiesblatt plays with the same grit, and annoyance to his game as Travis Konecny as well as the same skating ability, as he brings to the table the similar playmaking style, But also shooting ability as Toews. Same goes for his amazing leadership that was definitely a born gift.
Other report: Draft dynasty, https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=4lbiH4D3JnM