Hobey resides here - Kevin Porter
September 6th, 2008 by thewordbirdAmong many prospects that the Coyotes have to choose to crack the lineup this year, current reigning Hobey Baker Award winner Kevin Porter could very well have the brightest career. In my 2008-09 Chiller Instinct “NHL Prospects Guide” I have outlined 30 prospects that stand a good chance at making their respective NHL clubs. Of those, many situations can and will arise to bump them back a year or the like. But Kevin Porter is a stand-up, character guy that seems like your best friend when you see an interview….
(21) (LW) Kevin Porter – Phoenix Coyotes (22 years old, 5’11”, 195 lbs)
Kevin Porter was a leader both on and off the ice for the Michigan Wolverines. His illustrious college career was punctuated by winning the Hobey Baker Award, the most prized individual award in College hockey. Porter scored 33 goals this season (183 points in 162 games), led the Wolverines to the Frozen Four for the first time in five years, and received scores of letters in praise of his collegiate career. One of such letters was from Wayne Gretzky. “Kevin came back with supposedly an empty cupboard,” Michigan’s Red Berenson said. “He came back on a mission. I’ve never seen a player take the whole team in his grasp, put them on his back and make it happen. He’s been a tremendous leader.” The Northville, Michigan product was also a key member of Team USA’s U20 and U18 programs. Porter won a Silver Medal in 2003-04.
Line-mate and fellow Coyotes’ draft pick Chad Kolarik is keeping pace, joining Kevin with the San Antonio Rampage (AHL) for the playoffs last spring. Porter tallied four assists in the club’s seven games. Versatility is the key for Porter as he is joining a large group of top-notch young players in Phoenix. None of which may be as NHL-ready, display tangible leadership qualities, and be as grounded as the remarkable Porter. The left-winger has every chance to make a lasting impression on the Coyotes by bringing his game to the desert this fall, with the intention of making the squad and sticking.
Robin Keith Thompson
6 September 2008
