An under the radar prospect that is deserving of more recognition is defenseman Brody Finnegan. The late 2005 DOB was a junior at Orono High School last season and will lace it up the Sioux Falls Power U18’s this winter.
Finnegan was a key contributor for Orono, helping them to a section title and a trip to the Minnesota State High School Hockey Tournament. Orono was one of the stingiest teams in all of Minnesota High School Hockey last season, allowing 73 goals in 31 games, an average of just 2.35 goals against a game. A big reason for this success was the play of Finnegan.
Brody showed continued progression, looking more comfortable and effective as the season progressed. His 1v1 tracking and quickness while playing the puck were the two biggest upgrades that he demonstrated over the course of the year.
Finnegan was difficult to play against, giving his opponents very little space to work with. He possesses great gap control, while keeping an active stick in passing lanes. Brody doesn’t bite on trickery and demonstrated great awareness during viewings. In the corners he uses a strong lower body to drive through the opposition and does a good job collecting the puck from these scrums and getting it out of the zone. Brody flashed shutdown capabilities and towards the end of the year he showed that his game has some offensive flare to it.
While his 10 points in 31 games doesn’t jump off the stat sheet, Finnegan often traded the scoring glory for responsible and smart defensive play. Brody possesses the skill to deliver more scoring and did so in crucial game situations down the stretch for Orono. Finnegan scored 4 goals and added three assists in the last 8 games played, including a goal to open the scoring in the Section 2A game against Delano.
Finnegan’s next chapter in his hockey journey will take him to Sioux Falls, where he will continue his progression and ready himself for the next level.