WILLIAM ZELLERS

2025-04-23

Scout: Tony

Skating:

Will's skating is very good, he uses speed and his edges to get by opponents

Passing/Handling:

Will is skilled at passing and puck handling, especially in tight areas

Shooting:

Will has a very nice snap shot, as well as being able to hit the net

IQ (Vision, Anticipation, Panic/Poise):

Will has great vision and anticipation, able to pass the puck to a teammate or through a man to himself. Will seems poised and under control with his peers

Forechecking:

I saw will doing some forechecking, and created turnovers

Defense:

Wills defense is mostly positional not necessarily in your face. Will does show some BASH as well.

Best Asset:

Will's 2 best assets are skating and Hockey IQ.

Biggest Concern:

My biggest concern is that Zellers will be come pigeon holed into a 3rd line role because he is so versatile.

Top Tier/Role Potential:

Top Tier is 1.

Justification for Top Tier Assessment:

If Will is able to continue his trajectory and increase his skating ability and shooting I like his chances as top 6 forward and playing on PP.

50th Percentile Tier/Role:

Tier 3

Justification for 50th Percentile Tier Assessment:

If Will does not continue his BASH and he could fall to bottom 6 and limited special team player

Stylistic Comparable:

Alex Debrincat

Scouts Final Thoughts and Additional Stats/Info:

I am hopeful Will can make a splash, he is coming to the Bruins at a time when they need an influx of younger skilled players.

Games Scouted:

2 USHL games

2025-01-29

Scout: Tony

Skating:

Will seems to be a good skater, he uses his quickness to get around opponents .

Passing/Handling:

Will handles the puck very well and is also deft at passing the puck (even to himself)

Shooting:

Will has a variety of shots, snap, wrist slap. He is able to get them off by himself or off a pass from a teammate.

IQ (Vision, Anticipation, Panic/Poise):

Will has good Vision and anticipation (IQ) he seems to be able to either pass a puck through a defenseman and get the pass on the other side

Forechecking:

Will exhibited a will to forecheck, and was able to turn plays around and keep in the o zone

Defense:

Will defense is mostly forechecking and keeping the puck away from other team not a lot standard type defense.

Best Asset:

Wills' best asset is skating quickness and anticipation. His ability to get around defense is very good.

Biggest Concern:

Wills' smaller stature and not being the most fluid skater could limit his playing time

Top Tier/Role Potential:

Will could be a Tier 2 player, 1st or 2nd line and some power play time.

Justification for Top Tier Assessment:

Wills' unique set of a willingness to forecheck, get around defensemen and having a really good variety of shots.

50th Percentile Tier/Role:

Tier 3, Bottom 6 defensive role no power play time.

Justification for 50th Percentile Tier Assessment:

If his quickness not fast enough and can't get around NHL defensemen. Not a lot of BASH

Stylistic Comparable:

I would say a less feisty Brad Marchand.

Scouts Final Thoughts and Additional Stats/Info:

I think Will has a good chance at making a name for himself in the NHL with unique set of skills and work ethic.

Games Scouted:

1 USHL game, 1 World Junior Challenge game