The Sarnia Sting's second round pick in the 2017 OHL Priority Selection is drawing comparisons to a former Sting and current NHLer.
Defenceman Alexandre Hogue's game as an up-tempo, puck moving, powerplay quarterback is similar to that of Anthony DeAngelo who had a very successful OHL career.
The 16-year-old Hogue scored 14 goals and added 33 assists in 45 games with the Cumberland Grads Midget AAA program this past season.
"I'm a smaller defender, I'm pretty stalky," says Hogue. "I move the puck, I make a good first pass, I join the rush, I skate pretty well, I score sometimes and I'm good on the powerplay. The comparison to DeAngelo is a good one to me, that's how I like to play. It's just something special, I'm very happy that people compare me to him (DeAngelo). He's a really good hockey player, I'm a big fan of him because he plays exactly like me. I take the comparision as a complement, and this summer I'm going to try my hardest and try and surprise people in Sarnia."
The 5'8'', 165 lbs blueliner says he can't wait to begin his journey with the Sting. "I'm really excited, it's a great organization and I've heard really good things about it," says Hogue. "I'm pumped to start the ride with the boys. Hopefully everything goes right and I can make my way into the lineup next year."
Hogue admits there are parts of his game he'd like to improve over the summer months.
"I have to improve my skating even more. The OHL is a big, hard, tough league and if you want to play in the league you have to be hard, strong and fast," says Hogue. "My plan is to get bigger and stronger because I'm a smaller guy. In the summer, I'm going to work hard and hopefully make the team."
Hogue will likely have a good opportunity to win a spot on the back end, with the departures of overage defencemen Kevin Spinozzi and Jeff King.
The Sting's rookie camp is being held April 22 and 23 at Progressive Auto Sales Arena.
