– Pasquale Zito –
Mississauga Rebels (GTHL) | Centre | 2019 OHL Draft Eligible
Ottawa, Ontario | 5-foot-11, 170-pounds | June 1st, 2003
Pasquale Zito plays an impressive all-around game, constantly making a difference at both ends of the ice. He makes intelligent plays under pressure and maintains a low center of balance with an efficient stride to become tough to knock off the puck.
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Zito previously played his minor hockey in Ottawa, suiting up for the Ottawa Senators in Minor Bantam and Bantam. It was there that Zito began to make a name for himself in the hockey community, finishing 8th and 20th in points in those two years respectively. So far, Zito has shown a seamless transition into the GTHL and has been a major reason for the Rebels push up the league standings.
Strengths:
- Skating
- Puck Skills
- Hockey Sense
One of the rare, total packages at this age level, Zito can do everything asked of him by his coaches, and then some. He is a fluid skater with a powerful stride, and maintains a low center of gravity to be extremely strong on his feet. As a centre, Zito consistently plays a reliable, 200-foot game by covering for pinching defencemen and being the first forward back.
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Showcasing tremendous hockey sense, Zito reads developing plays and adjusts his positioning to reap potential benefits. He consistently slips into the soft spots in the offensive zone to make himself a valid passing option. He utilizes his vision as a skilled playmaker as well, threading passes through skates and sticks with authority. Zito boasts impressive puck skills as well, driving the net with force and making plays at top speed.
Area of Improvement:
- Shot Strength
A dynamic and elite offensive contributor, as well as a responsible two-way centre, Zito could become even more potent by improving the strength and power behind his shot. With an accurate wrist and snap shot, plus excellent positional instincts, Zito never struggles to find the back of the net. With that said, some extra force behind his shot could make him an elite sniper.
Zito can, and does, drive the Rebels offence. He’s relied upon in all the important situations and is usually the driving force behind the team’s breakouts and forechecks. His ability to gain the zone is impressive as well, another reason to drool over the potential of this star should he be able to able some muscle and electricity behind his release.
Future Potential:
In all, Pasquale Zito is the complete, 200-foot centre that coaches love to have on their bench. He can be trusted under any circumstances and is an offensive catalyst for a somewhat underrated Rebels squad that can compete with the league’s powerhouse teams.
Zito is a very intelligent prospect who clearly understands the game and can skate at top speeds with poise and determination. A dynamic playmaker, it’s hard to take your eyes off of Zito when he takes the ice. He currently projects as a potential top-50 pick for the 2019 OHL Draft.
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