Jack Peart’s hockey sense is what makes him standout when compared to his peers as he possesses both awareness and anticipation. He comprehends the difficult situations that occur during a game and transcends them into intelligent plays. Peart is a true student of the game that excels at split-second decision making and shows great composure when pressured. Peart is a meat and potatoes player who gains zones, makes crisp outlet passes, and can rush the puck when needed. Peart plays with a calm demeanor and has a confident presence at the blueline.
Peart’s skating is fluid, and he shows great mobility. Very solid on his skates as he uses his edges well and makes effortless transitions. Peart’s smooth skating allows him to shadow the opposition while maximizing pressure on the puck carrier. With his exceptional backwards skating and agility, he can push play to the outside. Shows on a nightly basis his understanding of the position. Keeps very collected while on the penalty kill, using his stick exceptionally well to interrupt passing routes, and again, keeping play to the perimeter.
Peart’s unselfishness is easy to see as he uses his teammate’s strengths for the good of the team. Peart keeps his head on a swivel and used his extraordinary vision to find passing lanes. Does not grip and rip often, instead he waits, waits,… and than takes a wrist shot on net to be tipped. His patience in this facet of his game gives the offense an opportunity to set up and keeps the defense on their heels.
Peart size is not prototypical for a defenseman, but he quieted his critics by showcasing his talents for the Fargo Force of the USHL. In his time with the Force at the start of the 2020-2021 season Peart established himself an important role by playing top minutes and was relied upon in all situations. His role on the team that Fargo did not want him to return to Grand Rapids for his senior year of high school hockey. This is a testament on what he provides to the team, and as a 17-year-old.
Peart may have a ceiling on his overall offensive game due to his style of play, but he does possess the needed tools to expand this aspect of his game. He plays a similar game to Nick Leddy, but Leddy was more of a gambler while rushing the puck, and to Leddy’s credit, he was awesome at doing so. Peart occasionally backs to far into the defensive zone on odd man rushes, hindering the goaltenders view and ability to make a play.
Peart is a bit undervalued at this time but will no doubt be seeing his stock rise as we approach the draft. He has proved his worth time and time again. Peart is going to be a steady presence at the blueline that can log a ton of minutes and play a hybrid style, which will make him an easy plug and play in any lineup.
KEY ATTRIBUTES: Speed, Mobility, Backwards Skating, Stickhandling Ability, Puck Protection, Work Ethic, Anticipation, Defensive Reliability, Confidence, Consistency, Board and Corner Play, Conditioning, Awareness, Positioning, Leadership.
| DOB | 5//15/2003 |
| Height | 5’11 |
| Weight | 185 |
| Position | Defenseman |
| Team | Grand Rapids HS/ Fargo Force |
| College | St, Cloud State University |