Over the weekend, the Harvard University Crimson took on two Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) rivals in Rensselaer (RPI) and Union. Taking in two games gave an opportunity to speak with and scout two Nashville Predators prospects in Jimmy Vesey and Tyler Moy. The Bright-Landry Hockey Center is a beautiful facility with an old-school feel. The ceiling still has the wood ceiling, and the concourse surround the seats, meaning there isn’t a bad seat in the house.
Jimmy Vesey (2012, Round 3, #66 overall) missed the Saturday night game against Union with a lower body injury, but was strong in the Friday night match-up vs RPI (2-1 loss). While the game resulted in a 2-1 loss, Vesey was easily the best player on the ice between the two teams.
Scouting notes on Jimmy Vesey:
Quick wrist shot
He has a release that easily caught the opposing goalie off guard
Goes to the net/Crashes the net/Physical
Multiple times, Vesey would go right to the net. He utilizes his size to force his way among defenders.
Attacks the player with puck possession
Vesey won’t sit back and let an opposing player take time with the puck. He will attack the player and force him to make a move.
Completely dominating with the puck
The puck just has a knack for staying on his stack. Can go coast-to-coast if necessary. Weaves and plows through defenders.
Willing to shoot the puck
10 shots through two periods in the game versus RPI. Vesey will shoot the puck every chance he gets. Whether it’s a perimeter shot, from the half board or in the crease, he will put the puck on net.
Forcing play
With his team down, Vesey tried to put the team on his shoulders and carry them. While this is a good effort, there were times that he tried to force a play to happen. In a couple instances, he made some passes without a clear passing lane. This will improve as he gains more experience against tougher competition.
Mixes it up
Not afraid to be physical and stand up for his goalie if necessary. A few whacks & shoves here and there lets the opposing team know he won’t be pushed around.
Scouting notes on Tyler Moy:
Tyler Moy (2015, Round 6, #175 overall) played in both games, but impressed much more in the second game of the weekend where he registered an assist in the 4-1 win against Union.
Good footwork/Keeps feet moving
Head coach Ted Donato spoke of Moy’s roller hockey background showing in his footwork and ability to accept passes and utilize his skates better than others. This can be seen in the multiple ways he plays the puck off his foot in many different situations. Moy doesn’t play stand-by hockey. He keeps his feet moving to always be involved in the play.
Goes to the dirty areas/Works in front of the net/Screens goalie
Moy battles in the corner for the puck and is willing to screen the goalie. His work ethic really shows in his ability to cover for defenders and his speed in back-checking.
Special teams/Shot blocking
Smart player on the power play, where he plays on the point. Picked up a great secondary assist with a pass from the point to the circle, generating a goal. Moy also made smart plays to keep the puck in the zone by quickly cheating in to poke the puck away from a penalty killer. While on the penalty kill, he’s willing to sacrifice his body to block a shot. When time for a line change on the penalty kill, he hustles to the bench to allow for a quick change. He doesn’t lag.
Hockey sense/Awareness
He is aware of the game situation and is a responsible center. He provides himself as an outlet pass option to his defenders. There are times when he could have made a better outlet pass, which resulted in an icing. In the game against Union, he took a hooking penalty. While it was in the defensive zone, he needs to be aware of what he’s doing with his stick. He’s a key player on the penalty kill, so he’s not a player that should be taking penalties.
Size
With his role, he can continue to bulk up. At 6’1″, 195lbs., Moy should continue to get stronger and bigger. Especially as a potential third line center and special teams player, having greater size will only help him in the future.
Faceoffs
Just above 50% in faceoffs in both games. Many of the faceoffs Moy takes were in the defensive zone, and he has a quick stick to work on getting the puck directly to his teammate when taking them.
Moy follows two other NHL draft picks as the third-line center. Above him are Alexander Kerfoot (New Jersey Devils) and Sean Malone (Buffalo Sabres). For following those two in regards to ice-time, Moy makes the most of his opportunities that he’s given. Having a role on special teams will only help continue his development.
Harvard vs Union post game with Jimmy Vesey & Tyler Moy:
Photo credits: Allyson Hall
