Player Profile: Sean Day (Detroit Compuware)

Sean Day
Detroit Compuware
Defence
Year of Birth: 1998

Sean Day appears to have distinguished himself from a very talented age group of US based talent. While often standing out in games against players a year older, it remains difficult to gauge the breadth of his advanced development.

How far ahead of the curve is Sean Day? What is his potential? The problem in answering questions like these is attached, in my opinion, to the lack of challenge presented to Day thus far.

In terms of size, Day fits in at the minor midget level and can play physical within shifts as the need arises, opting to effectively neutralize his assignment by pinning them against the boards. Defensively, Day is positionally sound and remarkably efficient using the appropriate technique for the situation. Perhaps the most immediate eye-catching aspect of Day’s play is his skating which can be considered elite for age groups higher than the one he currently plays at. Day is a fluid multi-directional skater and makes it look truly effortless. The practical upshot of this comes into consideration when it connects with his very high hockey sense – resulting in Day having to merely glide or coast into position while others around him race to do the same with the contrast being stark. Not surprisingly, Day plays a poised game, even to the point of giving the impression that he is playing with a younger age group.

Day executes crisp tape to tape passes but can comfortably rush the puck from one end of the ice to the other just as well, often times controlling the pace of the play around him. Day sees the ice well and also sees plays before they develop, akin to those who have mastered their level of competition. Strong stick handling skills allow for deft puck movement in tight quarters and especially in front of the opposing net. Also dangerous on the power play, minimal stick movement allows Day to shoot from the point while reducing tracking time for goaltenders.

The lack of trying competition for Day limits the scout’s ability to compare him accurately to his peers. The question to be asked, however, is how high do we have to look to find Sean Day’s ceiling?

Based on performance, Sean Day should have very little difficulty receiving OHL exceptional player status should he apply.

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