3 Stars Of The Week: North American Prospects Edition, Oct 10, 2017
Chris Kreider. Derek Stepan. Carl Hagelin. Ryan McDonagh. Those names and more were and are integral parts to the Rangers recent successes. Most of the talent the Rangers bring aboard comes from either the college ranks or Canadian juniors. Every year, the organization plucks up-and-comers from these ranks in an attempt to replenish the roster for years to come. Let’s take a look at some of these prospects that stood out over the last few days.
3rd Star: Adam Huska, G, University of Connecticut (NCAA)
The 6’4″ Slovakian born goaltender jumpstarted his sophomore season by stopping 38 out of the 39 shots he faced against Maine to tally his first win of the season on Oct 7th. Huska was drafted by the Rangers in the seventh round (184th pick) of the 2015 NHL Entry Draft. During his freshman season, Huska posted a 7-9-4 record with a .287 GAA and a .916 save percentage.
Before UConn, Huska played for the Green Bay Gamblers of the USHL as well as representing Slovakia in the World Junior Championships in the last three years. Huska has gotten his sophomore season started on a positive note, and if he continues to put up solid numbers, look for him to compete for a spot on the big club in the near future.
2nd Star: Timothy Gettinger, LW, Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds (OHL)
Coming in at 6’6″, weighing at 216 pounds, Mr. Gettinger put up multi-point games this week, picking up an assist and the overtime winner on Oct 5th against Windsor, and two assists the next night in London. Gettinger has four goals and six assists in ten games with Sault Ste Marie in 2017-18.
The Rangers selected Gettinger with the 141st pick in the fifth round of the 2016 NHL Entry Draft. Although it seemed like he had first-round potential, Gettinger fell just short. That being said, his big body and youth seem like things the Rangers would want to use in developing Gettinger. It also seems that he has capable hands and is a decent skater. But while looking good so far, it’s a work in progress for the Rangers. Hopefully, we can see Gettinger compete for a spot sometime down the line.
1st Star: Ty Ronning, LW, Vancouver Giants (WHL)
Son of former NHL’er Cliff Ronning, Ty was selected by the Rangers with the 201st pick in the seventh round of the 2016 NHL Entry Draft. Ronning put up one goal and two assists and registered 11 shots in two games so far for Vancouver. Included in that tally was a game-winning goal and a plus/minus of +2 on Oct 6th versus Tri-City.
Small but fast is one way to describe Ty Ronning. The Rangers have a good track record with smaller players succeeding in their system, such as Martin St.Louis and Mats Zuccarello. Ronning compensates for his size with intense play and physicality. He also seems to possess a strong hockey mind, making his teammates around him better. If his stock rises, expect Ty Ronning to make waves within the Rangers organization.
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