– Paul Ludwinski –
Toronto Marlboros (GTHL) | Center | 2020 OHL Draft Eligible
Pickering, Ontario | 5’10”, 155-pounds | April 23, 2004
Paul Ludwinski is the captain of the GTHL’s perennial contender, the Toronto Marlboros, and will be one of the most sought-after prospects at the 2020 OHL Draft. A leader by example, Ludwinski is the type of player that coaches dream of; a true five-tool center. There aren’t many holes to Ludwinski’s game, as he can create offence in numerous ways and has proven to be trustworthy in key situations at either end of the ice.
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An impact player with a motor that doesn’t quit, Ludwinski is constantly hounding his opponents, using his smarts and physical edge to force turnovers that lead to scoring opportunities. He can reach top speeds in just a matter of seconds, and showcases impressive handles on the fly. All in all, Ludwinski is the type of player that you can rely on to change the course of the game.
Strengths:
- Top Speed and Acceleration
- Physicality
- Sense and Pace of Play
It’s impossible to miss Ludwinski when he’s on the ice. Playing each shift like it’s his last, Ludwinski never gives up on a play, utilizing one of his many attributes to turn heads. A true hound on the puck, he relentlessly chases down opponents with ferocity, often finishing with a booming body check, all the while not taking himself out of position.
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With the puck on his stick, Ludwinski flashes that same acceleration to blow past defenders on the outside. What’s most impressive is his ability to slow down the pace of play before instantly kicking it into high gear in order to catch the opposition flat footed. He also utilizes his long reach to keep the puck away from traffic, using his body as a shield.
Ludwinski is a student of the game, studying what works and what doesn’t, and adapting his decision-making mid-game. With a powerful wrist shot and great playmaking talent, Ludwinski is a dual-threat in the offensive zone. He also excels at reading developing plays and positioning himself in the right place at the right time in order to take advantage of opportunities.
Area of Improvement:
- Finishing Ability
If there’s one aspect of Ludwinski’s game that has the potential to put him over the top, it would be his ability to finish. Despite his immense influence on the game, creating scoring chances nearly every shift, Ludwinski may not light up the scoreboard at the rates one would expect.
There’s no denying that Ludwinski gets the puck to where it needs to be, but the accuracy of his shot can sometimes deny what would otherwise be a highlight-reel goal. If he is able to start finishing off breakaways and picking corners on the rush, Ludwinski can undoubtedly land atop the GTHL scoring race.
Future Projection:
Altogether, Paul Ludwinski displays all the natural abilities along with the work ethic to be a force of havoc at the OHL level and further. A dynamic skater who consistently plays the game at an incredible pace, Ludwinski can create offence out of nothing and always draws the attention of his competition.
With a tremendous understanding of the game and a willingness to do whatever it takes to help his team, Ludwinski is sure to be a sought-after prospect ahead of the 2020 OHL Draft, currently looking like a lock for the first round.
Prospect Pipeline 