*(Not affiliated with the Boston Bruins or the New England Hockey Journal)

Monday, April 25, 2011

Jordan Ruby: A Guy You Should Know

One goaltender who has been completely overlooked on Bruins 2011 Draft Watch is Wellington (OJHL) standout Jordan Ruby.

This 6-1, 190-pound late-bloomer is a February 1991 birthdate who put up outstanding numbers this season in 35 games, posting a .932 save percentage, 2.21 GAA and 3 white washes for the Dukes (where he teammates include Brian Bunnett, a previous B2011DW "Guy You Should Know) and a 26-5 record.

Ruby was excellent at last fall's World Jr. A Challenge, leading Team Canada East to a silver medal (though he did blow a lead in the gold medal game, allowing USA to steal the victory) and earning OJHL Top Goalie honors. Ruby was also a runner-up for OJHL MVP this season, and was also the 2011 Dudley Hewitt Cup MVP in the Central Canada Jr. A Championship with a 4-1 record, 1.67 GAA and .931 save percentage.

The book on Ruby is that he's one of these diamonds-in-the-rough who has all of the major attributes NHL teams look for in goaltenders: good height, long limbs, athleticism and quickness. Has extremely fast pads and excellent recovery skills. Pretty good at directing rebounds into corners and away from the slot. Sees the play developing and anticipates well. Shakes off bad goals and plays well in the clutch. Consistent; doesn't get into slumps because he has a short memory and works hard at his craft. Not much of a puckhandler and will need to work on making the basic and simple plays when the puck is driven into the zone around the end boards. Aside from that skill, which has become less and less important for goalies with the advent of the trapezoid, this is quite a strong prospect.

The Wellington website had this to say about Ruby from his coach, Marty Abrams: "Jordan has established himself as one of the elite goaltenders across the country playing in the CJAHL. He gives us a chance to win every night and as a Coach, that's all I can ask for. He is also one of the hardest working members of the Dukes."

Central moved Ruby up 12 spots from 26 at mid-term to 14. He has the look of a solid option in the fifth to seventh rounds, but might get passed on and have to go the free agency route. This is his final year of eligibility for the NHL Entry Draft.

The Tavistock, Ontario native is headed for the Rochester Institute of Technology (R.I.T.) in the fall. A year ago, the Tigers were the NCAA's Cinderella team, knocking off Denver University and UNH to reach the Frozen Four before turning into pumpkins against University of Wisconsin.

We found this YouTube video of Ruby and the Dukes (white jerseys) against the Kingston Voyageurs.

No comments:

Post a Comment