From: Hockey Now
By Steve Fitzsimmons
After a modest eight-goal and 23-point rookie season, questions were raised on how much improvement Guelph Storm C Peter Holland would show in his second OHL campaign, after being the Storm’s first round pick in the 2007 draft. Those questions have been answered quite forcefully, as Holland has sizzled, with 10 goals and 21 points in his first 19 games, putting him tied for eighth in league scoring.
The 6-2, 190-pound Caledon, Ont.-native feels the improvement is largely due to work he did on his skating stride in the off-season and having more confidence in himself.
“I came back with a lot more confidence. I’ve been playing with great linemates and I’ve been fortunate enough to get some bounces. I also did a lot of work this summer with Barb Underhill, our power skating coach and really improved my stride and got a little bit faster.
“When you’re faster the game is a lot easier. You have more time for yourself. Ever since minor hockey, I’ve had some pretty decent hands. Getting good passes and incorporating my hands into that, has really got me some better scoring opportunities and shots,” said Holland.
Guelph Storm head coach Jason Brooks feels that Holland is working very hard on improving all aspects of his game.
“His greatest attribute is he is so committed. He wants to be a player. He works at his game. He works hard at getting stronger. He does all the little things. He watches a lot of video of himself of how he can improve his game. I think that is his greatest asset because he’s a good skater, but he wants to be a better skater. He’s a good scorer and he works on his shot. He wants to work on all the little intangibles that make him that much better,” Brooks said.
Ranked as a potential first round pick for the 2009 NHL Draft, Holland is trying to not get caught up in the hype and just focus on helping his team win.
“I’m more just setting team goals, trying to help us get as many wins as we can and move forward from there,” said Holland.
Teammate and Detroit Red Wings first round pick G Tom McCollum sees a definite evolution in Holland’s game and thinks he is a special talent.
“I think that Peter is a fantastic player. He has great speed and he handles the puck well and has a great nose for the net. I think that he has progressed from last year in that this season he looks to make the simple play and has learned to use his line mates to his advantage,” ?said McCollum.
Mark Edwards of hockeyprospect.com has watched Holland extensively and feels he’s really evolving into being one of the better players in the 2009 draft class.
“I thought he was one of the top players in his OHL draft year. Now he is getting the ice time and he is showing why he was a first round pick. He has an NHL frame and a great skill set to go along with his size. He’s very tough to knock off the puck and being in the top 15 picks in the NHL draft is within his reach.”
A Western Conference NHL scout, who follows the OHL extensively, feels that Holland has gotten a step quicker this season and is a player who might surge up the draft board.
“I think a lot of teams like this guy. He works hard, has great reach and is showing some excellent offensive upside, along with a strong awareness of his defensive responsibilities. He’s in a good program and he might go a lot higher in the draft that you might think right now.”