Carolina Hurricanes Prospects: Warren Foegele to Breakout in His Sophomore Year at UNH
By Brett Finger
Between now and the start of the preseason, Cardiac Cane will preview every Carolina Hurricanes prospect as they enter the 2015-2016 season and what we expect from them in the coming year.
Player: Warren Foegele
Position: Left Wing
Date of Birth: April 1, 1996 (19)
Birthplace: Markham, Ontario (Canada)
Height/Weight: 6’2″/191 lbs.
2015-2016 Team: University of New Hampshire (NCAA)
Scouting Report:
"“A smooth-skating offensive winger at the high school level. Able to use his speed and quickness to generate chances. Has soft hands and a strong shot, as well as solid vision and playmaking abilities. He’s the complete offensive threat. Thinks the game and reads the play well. Needs work on his shot release, and getting it off quicker and at different release points to continue success shooting at higher-level, more skilled puckstoppers. This kid makes you believe in him when you see him play as he works hard and is involved all over the ice. Not physical at all, turns away from the big hit and does not like the rough stuff too much.” (FUTURE CONSIDERATIONS)"
Flying under the radar throughout the majority of his hockey playing career, forward Warren Foegele looks for big things in his second year at the University of New Hampshire.
The Carolina Hurricanes drafted the Canadian high school standout in the 3rd round of the 2014 draft, and it was a bit of a surprising pick based on the fact that no one had really heard of him.
Despite coming out of a lesser recognized independent high school league in Canada, those who knew Foegele knew that this kid is a legitimate hockey prospect.
"“He’s a kid everyone is going in to look at now,” one scout told TSN prior to the 2014 draft. “There’s a lot of interest in him right now, so we’ll see how does with a lot of scrutiny. There are always skeptics for players playing at that level but he’s a legit NHL prospect.”"
Foegele was drafted by the Kingston Frontenacs in the 2014 OHL priority draft in the 7th round, but he elected to go the college route and play for the University of New Hampshire.
His freshman season brought plenty of optimism. Foegele put up 11 assists and 16 points in 34 games played as a first year player in the NCAA in a third-line, secondary scoring role.
The young, speedy forward improved as the season went on, as did his team. He put up 10 points in a 9-game stretch dating from January 30 to February 27.
He also had a lot of respect for his teammate, and now Carolina Hurricanes/Charlotte Checkers defenseman Brett Pesce.
"“It was nice to see him again at camp,” Foegele said. “I believe Brett was our best player during the year. He’s a really good teammate and person, and also an exceptional hockey player. He has bright future.”"
With one year of college hockey experience under his belt, Warren Foegele will look to show off his may abilities in a bigger role with UNH this season.
Foegele has exceptional offensive talent, and that has been very apparent since his record breaking days in high school.
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He has great offensive instincts that make him a threat whenever he is on the ice. On top of all-around offensive talent, he puts in the work and effort to get back and be a reliable player in his own end. Foegele also has fantastic top-end speed and a great blend of skill and size. He is a strong hockey player that is continuing to grow and improve in that regard.
The Carolina Hurricanes have an all-around talent on their hands with Warren Foegele, but he is still very raw, and he will see at least 2 more years of college hockey before turning pro, and unless he absolutely stands out between now and then, he will almost certainly see a good bit of AHL time before he breaks into the NHL.
With all that considered, it looks like this young player can be worth the wait, but a lot of waiting is needed. Rushing Foegele would hinder his development, so he may not break into the NHL until he is 22 or 23.
Between now and then, he will need to polish his offensive game and get it to translate to the college ranks. He will also need to learn to play with bigger and older players, because while he may be a big player, he doesn’t always use his body in the best ways. He would be a much better player if he didn’t shy away from bigger players and had better play in the corners and around the net.
Related: Josh Wesley Looks to Pave His Own Hockey Path
At the pro level, Foegele’s game translates to a speedy offensive type, and if he develops physically and can learn to play big, he could even be an effective power forward with a great blend of size, speed, skill, and defensive reliability.
The young forward is ready and excited for the next chapter at UNH.
"“I’m excited for the new year. I’m much stronger and faster than I was coming into UNH.”"
For more Hurricanes prospect profiles, go HERE to see the entire playlist up to this point.