E-Mac's 2011 NHL Entry Draft Top 120: Kale Kessy #95

By Eldon MacDonald

95. Kale Kessy - “Mr. Kessy” - LW - Canada

Vitals: Size - 6’3”, 185 lb.; Shoots left; Born 4-Dec-92 - Shaunavon, SK
Team: Medicine Hat, WHL
2010-11 Stats: 65-14-10-24-129-(+5) +WHL playoffs 14-3-3-6-37-(+5)

Rankings:
HM - Kirk Luedeke's Top 50 (HM’s are 51 to 58)
95 - E-Mac's 2011 NHL Entry Draft Top 120
108 - Christopher Ralph's Top 210
132 - NHL Central Scouting's Final Rankings (101st North American skater)
Draft result:
111 - Phoenix Coyotes

Let’s cut to the chase - if teams are interested in this guy, it is because they believe he will develop into a poor man’s Milan Lucic - a tough guy who is a difference maker because he has the ability to change the complexion of a game with a fight, a big hit, a hard forecheck or even a goal on occasion. So how does Kessy stack up in the Lucic clone department??? On the plus side, he has the 6’3 frame, he’s a big hitter who finishes his checks, he’s already a feared-fighter, he can bring high energy to the game and wear down the opposition and he can be very assertive on the forecheck. On the just OK side is his puckhandling and shooting abilities. On the “needs to pick it up” side are his skating agility, his hockey sense (as he seems to struggle from time to time) and strength (he needs to fill out his frame to be closer to Lucic like).

In summary, a likely 4th liner who will be taken relatively early (3rd-5th) by a team because they are enamored with that Lucic-like potential. If you think you are man enough for your First Kess, try out the YouTube video below.