Keoni Texeira –LD- Portand Winterhawks –WHL
6’0 FT, 203 LBS
Draft eligibility - 2015
Shoots: Left
One of the first things that jumped out for me about Texeira was his compact reverse stride .. skates in a fluid reverse motion, with solid edges and changes in speed, creating a solid gap control and spacing while defending .. agility and balance aid ability to cover players in a tight and efficient manner .. strong positioning aids in quality defensive reads .. plays opposition tight, with a knack for a prime shot blocker that doesn’t over commit when looking to break up a play .. reduces attacking players options, doesn’t allow easy plays to happen in his space… Battles and hits hard, plays with moderate physicality and a rough style .. uses his body positioning to shield and protect the puck once he’s gained position .. creates time and space to make a play when looking to clear the zone .. can rush breakout attempts and outlet passes despite having time, however .. passes can lack accuracy and off the tape, slowing down a breakout .. lower body strength and positioning are a definite asset to puck protection .. time and space can be optimized for effectiveness .. taking an extra split second to look up and create a crisp, clean tape to tape pass would greatly improve Texeira’s ability to effectively breakout, especially with such a dynamic forward group in Portland to push the puck up the ice too .. Texeira possesses a hard low shot from the point, requiring minimal wind up and with a hard pop .. won't score a lot of goals but drives possession from the back end and sends play toward the oppositions net allowing forwards to go to work .. works the line well and reads offensive plays solid enough to keep zone time alive .. fails to wow with his offensive game, but a solid frame and above average skating ability should entice scouts to take a chance in later rounds.
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