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It was the most anticipated series in Johnstown and
the measuring-stick game for the Tomahawks.
Wenatchee versus Johnstown was a physical series
with Wenatchee earning the sweep of Johnstown.
During that series, I scouted forward Max McHugh.
McHugh has played for Wenatchee for the past three
seasons and is enjoying his most productive season in the North American Hockey
League.
The Fargo Force of the United States Hockey League
selected him in the fourth round, but he has been a mainstay with Wenatchee.
He surpassed his point totals from the 2010-2011
season and has scored a career-high 17 goals.
He has not disappointed the Wild front office and
coaching staff.
McHugh is a hard working forward who will go into
the corners and dig for the puck, but will score the huge goals that a first
line forward is expected to do.
This combination of skill and hard work is an asset that
National Hockey League and college scouts are looking for.
McHugh is a solid skater who reads the ice well and
has a high hockey IQ.
His acceleration from the first-step is decent.
From what I have gathered, it seems his line mate
love playing with him because of his excellent playmaking abilities.
He is determined at both ends of the ice.
Wild head coach Bliss Littler used McHugh as a second
line center, which suits McHugh very well.
He seems to be very comfortable with his role on the
talent-laden Wild roster, which is great to know.
McHugh won a majority of his face-offs, scored two
goals on the weekend and extended his goal-scoring streak to four games.
The Edgewood, Washington native saw power play and
penalty-killing time as well.
Overall, I did not view any noticeable deficiencies
in McHugh's game.
His puck control, competitiveness, physical play and
playmaking abilities are areas in which McHugh excels.
On a team where the likes of Jono Davis, Chris Kerr
and Josh Hartley reside, it may be hard for McHugh to stand out.
However, his drive and well-rounded play will
benefit Max McHugh and get him to the next level.
His second line role should carry over into the
collegiate level.
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