Amateur Scouting Report: Drew MacIntyre

The Hamilton Bulldogs hosted the Manitoba Moose and Drew MacIntyre this afternoon on "Pink in the Rink" day, to raise money and awareness for breast cancer. It was an overall successful day, except for the fact that the Bulldogs lost 5-1. Jaroslav Halak did not play well at all. His rebound control was not what I have seen it before, and his body language showed that he did not want to be here. That, I feel, brings your team's moral down right from the start. When they see that their goalie doesn't even care, they will feel a little dejected themselves. Halak's behaviour, and performance, has not been acceptable so far this season, and I hope head coach Don Lever plays Yann Danis these next few games. Today's focus is on Manitoba Moose goaltender, and Vancouver Canucks prospect Drew MacIntyre.

MacIntyre is a tall, lanky butterfly style netminder. He has very sharp reflexes, and his vision through traffic is exceptional. He was able to either grab a hold of pucks or deflect them out of harms way, into the corner, showing me that his rebound control is very solid. He was rarely ever caught out of position, and was bursting with confidence out there. His skating wasn't fantastic, but his strength in his legs more than made up for it. He is able to come across the crease with ease. He loves to come out and challenge, and is always communicating with his defense. I was surprised that I was actually able to hear him all the way up in the stands, and that really helps out the defencemen. The lone goal they got on him was a tip in about 2 feet in front of him, and he had absolutely no chance. He is great down low, and not very many pucks snuck through without him noticing. He had incredible focus and there is not too much I can nitpick about him other than his below-average skating. In my opinion, he deserves a shot at the next level, because I am interested in seeing how he does. He looked in control out on the ice, and he was just as strong at the end of the game as he was at the start. The Moose were actually outshot in the game, so MacIntyre was quite busy throughout the game. I wasn't really sure if I was keen on this guy before the game, but he proved me wrong today. I am now a big fan of his, and I am looking forward to seeing him play at the next level.