Along the boards, where he’s most effective with the puck, he drives his leg in front of the defender, followed by his hips to establish body positioning. With the defender secured to his back, he looks to make a play to the middle, either with a pass or by attacking the net. The physical game translates to the defensive end, too. Where many players reach, he takes the extra stride to come across the hips of the puck carrier. If he can’t get the steal, his non-stop pressure guides attacks to the perimeter. -EliteProspects 2022 NHL Draft Guide
Brothers: Kyle James & Justen James
Uncle: Bart Vanstaalduinen
Cousin: Ryan Thomas
DATE | STATUS | FROM | TO | SOURCE |
---|---|---|---|---|
01/23/2019 | ||||
01/23/2019 | Confirmed | Calgary Buffaloes U18 AAA | Univ. of North Dakota |
Drafted 2019, 5 #67 overall by Sioux City Musketeers in the USHL Futures Draft
Drafted 2018, 2 #37 overall by Brandon Wheat Kings in the WHL Bantam Draft
2022 NHL Entry Draft: Ranked #51 by TSN/Craig Button
2022 NHL Entry Draft: Ranked #63 by McKeen's Hockey
2022 NHL Entry Draft: Ranked #61 by TSN/McKenzie
2022 NHL Entry Draft: Ranked #37 by NHL Central Scouting
Other Notes:
2017-2018 Calgary Bisons AMBHL Hardest Worker Award (team award)
2018 - Selected to Alberta U16 - Top 80
2018 - Selected to Alberta U16 - Top 34
2018-2019 AMHL Chrysler Division Champion
2018-2019 Telus Cup Semi Finalist
2018-2019 Calgary Buffaloes AMHL Most Improved Player (team award)
2019-2020 - AJHL Rookie of the Year Finalist
2019-2020 - Okotoks Oilers' Team Rookie of the Year
Invited to NHL Scouting Combine -- 2022
July 2022 - invited to Canada's National Junior Team summer development camp (WJC)
2022-2023 Univ. North Dakota - Freshman award - Tom Hoghaug Award
2023-2024 Distinguished Scholar-Athlete (NCHC)