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Alex Peters comes from a hockey family. His oldest brother Justin Peters is a goaltender with the Carolina Hurricanes. The middle brother Anthony was also an OHL goalie, as well as playing Canadian University Hockey in the CIS. Alex Peters is not a goaltender like his brothers, but he’s the closest thing you can get without strapping on pads, a staunch defensive defender. Playing for the Plymouth Whalers in the OHL Peters put up just 3 goals and 9 points in 50 games this season, but he isn’t there for his offensive prowess, instead it is the game Peters brings in his own end that will get him drafted in the 2014 NHL Draft.
Alex Peters
Defense — shoots Left
Born Jul 2 1996 — Blyth, ONT
Height 6.04 — Weight 205 [193 cm/93 kg]
Alex Peters is a very good skater for his size (6’4″). His first step and his acceleration in both directions are very good, however an awkward stride can take away some of top his speed when going forwards for long distances. This makes him susceptible to quick forecheckers when the puck is dumped in his corner. However he doesn’t have the same issue going backwards and has very good agility and edgework, which he combines with a long active stick to be very difficult to beat one-on-one. Solid balance on his skates makes him very good in board battles. That said, there is room to pack on more muscle to his frame which will make him even better.
Peters is a staunch defender who blocks a ton of shots, and is extremely good at reading the play, anticipating, and being in the right position. Peters doesn’t seem to throw big checks that often, but he does use his size effectively to clear the crease and to win battles on the boards. He can play the body to smother the cycle game but, it is more about controlling his opponent and taking him out of the play than it is to physically punish.
Offensively, Peters has a big slapshot, but he does have some issues with getting it through on net. If challenged, he doesn’t have the poise and patience to make a play in the offensive zone, instead taking the safe outlet if one is available or dumping safely into the corners. He does make hard, crisp passes out of his own zone, and can get the rush started, but is not likely to join it, preferring to play a stay at home style.
Alex Peters game is reminiscent of a mix between Bryan Allen and Nick Hjalmarsson. This is a style comparison and not a talent one. If he develops he could become a top 4 shut down defensive defenceman with plenty of penalty killing minutes in the NHL.
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