Blue liner signs on the dotted line
Second-round pick Leonard makes commitment to the IceDogs
A speedy defenceman who is not afraid to take some hits — and be physical in return — is the second pick signed by the Niagara IceDogs following the 2020 Ontario Hockey League draft.
Alec Leonard, a Toronto native who turns 16 next month, signed a standard player agreement with the team Tuesday after being taken seventh in the second round of the draft with the 27th overall pick. Forward Pano Fimis, who was drafted in the first round with the second pick, committed to the IceDogs last week.
Leonard, a five-foot-10 right-hand shot who likens his playing style to that of Drew Doughty of the Los Angeles Kings, had been high on
Niagara’s radar heading into the draft after scoring five goals and collecting 10 assists in 32 games in triple-A minor midget with the Mississauga Reps.
“Alec is a guy we targeted all year long and was in our draft board top 10 all season,” IceDogs general manager Joey Burke said. “Alec combines the speed and awareness you need to succeed at our level with great defensive prowess and a mean physical side to his game. This is a great commitment for us. It further strengthens our extremely talented young defence core,” Burke added.
“You win from the back end in this league and we truly feel with the addition our young core is the strongest in the league.” Leonard rates his greatest strengths as skill and speed on offence. There’s a gritty side to his game, just as there is to Doughty’s.
“Everyone knows his offensive talent, but I look at the fact that he can also be trusted on defence,” Leonard said of Doughty on the night of the draft, which was held entirely online April 4.
“He’s also a physical, gritty player who lays hits, and that’s a part of my game, as well. I also can take some hits and be physical.”
Leonard isn’t too worried about having to match up with bigger, more-experienced players after making the jump to the OHL. He suggested his playing style will help him adjust because it’s predicated on speed.
“I’m usually able to dodge hits and stay away from the bigger players with my speed,” he said.
Burke also doesn’t think the learning curve confronting Leonard will be overly steep.
“There is no doubt in my mind Alec will transition smoothly to the OHL,” Burke said.
Leonard played alongside Fimis at the 2020 Greater Toronto Hockey League’s Top Prospects Game.