Steady Torque

Zach Torquato
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Country: Canada
Position: Center
League: OHL
Team: Erie Otters
Height: 6'0''
Weight: 195
Shoots: Right
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Scouting Report: Acquired in a mid season trade from Saginaw, Torquato was a terrific “leadership” pickup for the young Otters squad .. assistant captain .. a steady player who looks to now be in charge of the forward lineup .. smart, reliable, and good in all facets of the game .. good faceoff man .. average skating is one of his main flaws .. doesn’t have gamebreaking acceleration, great shiftiness, nor elite top end speed but has good game and hockey speed .. knows how to get his points at this level, but does not project to be an offensive forward .. good puckhandler and chooses low risk plays .. superb on ice awareness ranging from knowing where teammates are to anticipating developing plays .. passes are always on the tape .. becoming a great defensive center as a result of being given much responsibility .. has great confidence as he was the lone forward on many 5-3 penalty kills .. not overly creative with the puck and will not wow you with amazing stick skills .. has a terrible habit of dropping his head to look at the puck in flight .. needs to stay away from putting himself in vulnerable positions on the ice .. Torquato is just an overall solid player who has good potential to skate on a multipurpose third line.

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2006-2007 Regular Season Stats

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65 games 30 goals 39 assists 69 points -23 69 PIM
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WJC U18 - Team Canada

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6 games 0 goals 3 assist 3 points -1 2 PIM
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Draft Day Status/Projection: Torquato is a likeable prospect who has all the abilities you want in a quality, character forward. He's got some offensive talent, but how much is the question with him. He does well with a lot of ice time heaped on his shoulders, and as a result is a good bet to get chosen in the second-third round. DraftBuzz ranks him 35-45 and likes his winning disposition and makeup.

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(photo courtesy of www.ottershockey.com)