Matches The lack of creativity was there to see. Part of that is unquestionably acceleration, but it exhibited either or both too little effort and suspicious in-zone awareness. He plays considerably bigger than his 6'0 frame would imply and can bend the momentum of any match with a significant hit (because he's done recently against Peterborough and Ottawa). As mentioned, he will show some skill occasionally, however, he has difficulty finishing plays off. He plays the man very well and uses his size, strength and lateral freedom to his benefit very nicely. He wants to improve his strength for you, but what 16 year-old doesn't. Courchaine has great size and goes well for a big man at 6'3". He has a little difficulty in close though and has certainly been inconsistent this year. He also 's got a great shot, that he gets off immediately, according to his team top (tied with DeSousa) 23 targets. For a third straight game, a UMD player got ejected.
He still needs work on his first-step quickness but he's a very good defenceman at this level and has certain NHL potential in my view. Only then, in conjunction with his pace and work ethic, will be able to discover a measure of success at the following level. At the moment, a couple items are preventing him from becoming more involved offensively. In addition, he needs to improve his skating that's only adequate at right now. It was obvious that he has each of the tools, amazing size, excellent skating ability, complete offensive tools plus a willingness to perform the body. His soccer is fine for a player his size, but he lacks explosiveness. He is a fantastic stick handler and despite his size, does a pretty great job protecting the puck with his entire body as he goes on to the internet.
