Carolina Hurricanes: The Evolution of Steven Lorentz
By Alex Ohari
His Backstory
Lorentz, who was born and raised up in Waterloo, a suburb just 45 minutes outside of downtown Toronto, played his minor hockey locally for Waterloo Wolves AAA, and despite a 47-point season to lead his team that season, Lorentz wasn’t sure he’d be drafted into major junior.
"“I wasn’t a very big kid, only 5-foot-9 at the time. The Peterborough [Petes were] the only team that called me that whole season, and it was back in January so I figured they’d forgotten [about me]. I was ecstatic when I saw my name appear on the screen and was determined to play in the OHL.” -Lorentz."
Luckily for Lorentz, his time came. He was picked in the 12th round (226th overall) in the 2012 OHL draft by Peterborough. His odds were extremely long at best, but all Lorentz wanted was an opportunity. He knew he could make the most of it. Though, that opportunity didn’t come easily for the kid.
Fast forward 2 years past his selection into the OHL. May 2014 – Lorentz was an 18-year old who’d scored just 18 points into the OHL at that point – and was, understandably, not on anyone’s radar for the 2014 NHL draft. He was passed over, but that wasn’t enough to kill his dream. Lorentz used it as motivation:
"“I think a lot of kids end up not being super successful because everything comes easy for them early on, but when things get tough and you have to work for them they fall off the map. I had a passion for this the whole way through and I loved every moment. I think being a 12th round pick was the best thing that ever happened to me.” Lorentz said."
After being overlooked in the 2014 NHL draft, Lorentz returned for another season with the Petes and went on to double his career output (with 37 points in 59 games) and becoming a top-6 forward for that team in the process. Despite the progression, Lorentz was once again doubted by scouts – he was not ranked amongst the top 210 North American skaters by Central Scouting.
Despite that, GM at the time, Ron Francis, saw something he liked in Lorentz and made him the 187th pick of the 2015 draft. Lorentz had grown into a 6’4″, 205lb forward with good speed, though lacked dynamic offensive instincts. Even Lorentz viewed himself as a project, of sorts:
"“It’s a process. There’s no rush to jump into a spot right away. I just want to take my time and develop into a good player that Carolina likes one day and hopefully I’ll find a spot on the roster.”"
He went on to wrap up his final season in the OHL in exciting fashion. Lorentz, who wore an “A” for the Petes, scored 29 goals and 61 points – and added 9 goals in 12 playoff games. That was enough to sell the Canes brass on giving Lorentz a much-deserved NHL entry-level contract. Ron Francis expressed optimism in his guy:
"“Steven took a big step forward this season with Peterborough, and has earned an opportunity to continue his development with our organization.” – Ron Francis in 2017."
Though Francis is no longer around to track his once hand-picked prospect, the Hurricanes could soon reap the benefits of Lorentz’ career progression.