2016 NHL Draft Prospect Profile: Sam Steel
Leading up to the 2016 NHL Draft at the First Niagara Center in Buffalo, New York, on June 24th and 25th, WHL.ca will highlight WHL players looking to hear their names called on draft day. The fourth featured WHL player is Regina Pats’ forward Sam Steel.
Sam Steel – Regina Pats
Forward
Hometown: Sherwood Park, AB
D.O.B: February 3rd, 1998
Ht: 5’11”
Wt: 175 lbs
Shoots: Left
NHL C.S.S. Final Ranking: 30th amongst North American skaters
Steel recently completed his second season in the Western Hockey League with the Regina Pats. The native of Sherwood Park, AB recorded 70 points (23g-47a) while playing in all 72 games this season.
“He’s pretty strong in every area,” said Regina Pats Head Coach and General Manager John Paddock when evaluating Steel’s skill set. “He’s strong with the puck and extremely smart as far as on ice vision. He’s a really good positional player offensively and defensively.”
Paddock mentioned that NHL scouts see many positive aspects to his game.
“His work ethic, skill set and his determination are good. Scouts tell me he’s a very good all-around player. He reminds me of former Montreal Canadiens captain Saku Koivu.”
Paddock also commented that Steel needs to be greedier on the ice in order to really elevate his game to the next level.
“I think he’s got to get greedier and want to score more goals. When he’s in position to score goals, he needs to look for the shot and not always the second option.
Selected by the Pats second overall in the first round of the 2013 WHL Bantam Draft, Steel earned a gold medal with Team Canada at the 2015 Ivan Hlinka Memorial tournament and also earned a roster spot with Team Cherry at the 2016 CHL Top Prospects Game in Vancouver.
WHL Statistics
Regular Season | Team | GP | G | A | PTS | +/- | PIM |
2015-16 | Regina Pats | 72 | 23 | 47 | 70 | -8 | 24 |
2014-15 | Regina Pats | 61 | 17 | 37 | 54 | 10 | 16 |
2013-14 | Regina Pats | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Q & A with Sam Steel
You won a gold medal with Team Canada at the Ivan Hlinka Memorial tournament in August. How did that experience help you heading into the 2015-16 WHL season?
It was an unbelievable experience and to get to play with that many players at that calibre, it was amazing. I think it raised my level of play coming into the season and it was good timing for it.
Being ranked amongst North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting, what do you do to stay focused on the task at hand?
You do see it but you try not to pay too much attention to it. First and for most, my focus is on the Regina Pats and if you play the game right, all that other stuff will fall into place.
Who was your favourite NHL team growing up?
I grew up around Edmonton so my favourite team is the Edmonton Oilers.
Which current NHL player do you feel you have a similar skill set and are trying to emulate?
I’ve been told I play similar to Ryan Nugent-Hopkins but I try not to completely emulate my game after somebody else. I try to watch all the best players in the world and take one or two elements from each of those guys to add to my game. It’s helpful for sure.
Who was your favourite WHL team growing up?
Being from Edmonton, I went to a lot of Oil Kings games as a kid, but didn’t particularly have a favourite team.
What is your favourite moment in your hockey career up to this point?
Getting the U-18 gold was by far my favourite moment so far. Like I said before, it was an unbelievable experience and it was an honour to suit up for Canada.
How have you adapted to playing in the WHL?
It’s a different life style and certainly a lot busier. It’s not an easy league to adapt to at the beginning as the quality of play is great. I’ve enjoyed my time so far in the WHL.
What do you need to accomplish in order to have success at the next level?
My shot and getting stronger are two areas I need to work on. Guys are much stronger at each level so I’m always looking to improve.
What is your favourite activity or hobby away from hockey?
I like to play basketball but other than that, not too much.