Category: USHS Profiles

OHL Prospect Profile: David Goyette

David Goyette of the South Kent Selects Hockey Academy is one of the most potent forwards eligible for the 2020 OHL Draft. Defined by his blazing speed and decisive hands, Goyette is a consistent threat who will draw plenty of attention ahead of the upcoming Priority Selection.

– David Goyette –

Selects Hockey Academy (USHS-Prep) | LW/C | 2020 OHL Draft Eligible

Saint-Jerome, Quebec | 5-foot-10, 155lbs | Mar. 27th, 2004

David Goyette’s past three seasons of hockey have been incredibly varied but equally successful — a major reason why he has come to be considered as one of the top prospects eligible for the 2020 OHL Draft. After shredding the Minor Bantam circuit in 2017-18 alongside Cedrick Guindon as a member of the Eastern Ontario Wild, Goyette went on to dismantle his opposition at the Bantam level the following season — posting a whopping 43 goals and 91 points in just 30 games played.

This overwhelming rate of offensive production on behalf of Goyette saw him promoted to the Hawkesbury Hawks’ Midget team to conclude the 2018-19 campaign. Despite standing nearly two years younger than his competition, Goyette collected nine points in his 10 games played with the club — an output which solidified his status as an elite young player. Now, in his season of play preceding the 2020 OHL Draft, Goyette has chosen to head south of the border to compete for the Selects Hockey Academy — a team which competes within the United States High School Preparatory League.

Strengths:

  • Skating Speed and Agility
  • On-Ice Vision and Intelligence
  • Shot Release and Accuracy
  • Offensive Versatility

Goyette is a lethal offensive threat capable of devising deadly scoring opportunities each and every time he takes to the ice. The main driving force behind Goyette’s ability to do so is his skating, as the youngster can reach top speed in a short few strides and features the unique capability to change direction while maintaining his pace on the ice. These abilities allow Goyette to create a wealth of time and space for himself on the ice, as Goyette stands as an unpredictable threat given his willingness to drive the puck wide or slow the pace of the game to his liking.

It is this ability to slow down the pace of play which allows Goyette to survey the ice and operate within it with relative ease. Given his ability to both shoot and pass the puck, defenders are never quite sure of how to defend Goyette — a reality which allows the youngster to pick apart opposing defences with startling regularity and potency. However, Goyette doesn’t need to slow down the pace of play in order to generate scoring opportunities, as he is more than capable of executing high-percentage plays at a high rate of speed.

In addition to his dynamic skating skills and ability to control the pace of play, Goyette boasts a tremendous shot which can beat opposing netminders cleanly owing to its deceptive release and impressive accuracy. Whether he be staring down a tough angle or a crowd in front of the net, Goyette has the ability to fire pucks through tight shooting lanes or pick corners with apparent ease. Goyette’s ability to shoot the puck as well as pass it affords him with tremendous offensive versatility — a reality which keeps opposing defenders and goaltenders guessing at all times.

Weaknesses:

  • Shot Power
  • Puck Protection

When it comes to the weaknesses present within Goyette’s game, there aren’t many. Of note, however, are Goyette’s shot power as well as his ability to protect the puck. Now, while Goyette’s shot isn’t weak by any means, a slightly greater level of velocity would surely allow Goyette to bulge the twine from a greater distance and with increased frequency. Secondly, there is Goyette’s ability to protect the puck. Like Goyette’s shot strength, this area of weakness isn’t significant, however, he would do well to add greater strength to his lower body in the coming years in order to fend off opposing defenders while simultaneously utilizing a wide stance.

Once able to strengthen these two particular aspects of his game, Goyette will surely stand as an unstoppable offensive force capable of leading his team at both ends of the ice with poise and consistency.

Future Potential:

If able to shine offensively while continuing to develop his overall game, Goyette will unquestionably stand as one of the top prospects eligible for the 2020 OHL Priority Selection. Of great speed, a stellar shot and innate on-ice abilities, Goyette is a game-breaking player in the making who owns the ability to alter the course of any game which he competes within.

Will Goyette opt for the major-junior route? Well, this remains to be seen, as numerous NCAA programs will surely come calling throughout the 2019-20 campaign.