In addition to having a very hockey name, Ben Blood also possesses a strong hockey acumen. A strong defensive prospect, this Senators prospect is currently playing in the USHL for the Des Moines Buccaneers. Drafted 120th overall in 2007, Blood will play the current season in Des Moines before moving on the University of North Dakota.
Strong on his skates and sound positionally, Blood is a calm presence on the blue line. As such, he is used extensively on specialty teams. Offensively, Blood has a cannon of a shot that he is able to unload quickly. He distributes the puck well and can be used as a shooter. In his own zone, Blood is able to clear the front of the net effectively and uses his strong positional play to angle off opponents. Though Blood could use his 6'3, 215 lb frame a little more, but this is a minor flaw in his game.
Scouts also note that while Blood lacks a little quickness and lateral movement, he more than makes up for it with his overall game. In watching him last weekend, I did not notice any deficiencies in the speed department. The game was very up tempo and he was right in the thick of it at all times. In addition to his hockey skill, Blood is said to be an excellent communicator and projects to be a future captain.
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For Illegal Curve, I'm Kyle Kosior
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