– Jack Devine –
Chicago Mission 15U (HPHL) | Centre | 2019 OHL Draft Eligible
Glencoe, Illinois | 5-foot-9, 150-pounds | Oct 1st, 2003
The Chicago Mission 15U were a force throughout the 2018-19 HPHL season, skating to a pristine 19-0-1 record alongside an overwhelming 102 goals for and just 25 against.
For the Mission, their devastating offence came from a large number of sources — namely the likes of Jack Silich, Davis Burnside, Jonah Copre, and Alexander Babich. However, arguably no one played a greater role in Chicago’s torrent play this campaign than centre Jack Devine.
Although somewhat undersized considering his 5-foot-9 frame, Devine is a slick and purposeful skater capable of dishing the puck to a nearby teammate or firing home the puck himself. Endlessly creative and confident in his abilities on the ice, Devine is a potential superstar in the making if he forgoes his current commitment to the University of Denver.
Strengths:
- Playmaking Abilities
- On-Ice Creativity
- Speed and Agility
- Work Ethic
Devine is unquestionably one of the most lethal offensive players eligible for the 2019 OHL Draft. In his 20 HPHL games played in 2018-19, Devine racked up 26 assists and 40 total points for the Mission — an output reflective of his versatile offensive approach on the ice.
Related: 2019 OHL Draft Rankings
On one hand, Devine is an impeccable passer. As creative as they come, Devine can fire passes to his teammates with relative ease and has no trouble setting up high-percentage scoring plays throughout the ice. On the other hand Devine is also a threat to shoot, as his passing abilities afford him with a greater deal of time and space within the offensive zone.
Related: 2019 OHL Prospect Profiles
Amplifying Devine’s offensive productivity and lethality are his tremendous skating abilities and general work ethic on the ice. Crafty in his skating and endlessly agile, Devine can carve through opposing defenders and maneuver in limited space before devising a high quality scoring chance. What’s more is that Devine is consistent in his ability to do so, as the youngster brings an unwavering drive to the rink each and every night.
Areas of Improvement:
- Shot Power
- Personal Strength
Although he scored 14 goals in his 20 HPHL league games this season, Devine would do well to add more pepper to his shot. While accurate, additional power would allow Devine to beat opposing goaltenders clean and transform him into a more well-rounded offensive threat than he has already become.
Related: 2019 HPHL Prospect Profiles
Alongside Devine’s shot power is his personal strength — a facet of his game which will undoubtedly improve with time as he continues to age. However, at just 150-pounds as of the 2018-19 campaign, it goes without saying that Devine would do well to add greater muscle to his frame — doing so would allow the native of Glencoe, Illinois to protect the puck with improved ease.
Future Potential:
Ultimately, Devine is an absolutely devastating offensive player who can pick apart opposing defences in a variety of manners. In fact, it is Devine’s innate offensive skill set which will afford him a great deal of success regardless of where he chooses to play in the years ahead.
As mentioned earlier, Devine is committed to Denver University and stands poised for a long and prosperous NCAA career. However, if Devine decides that the major-junior route will be a path more beneficial to his long-term success, than it would come as no surprise to see the youngster selected well within the first round of the 2019 OHL Priority Selection.
Prospect Pipeline 