Marek Vanacker – Brantford Bulldogs – Player Profile

HT	WT	DOB	POS	SH	OHL DRAFT	NHLCS	NAT
6’1”	170	Apr 12, 2006	LW	L	23rd, 2022	25th, N.A.	CANADA

SEASON	LEAGUE	TEAM	GP	G	A	PTS
2021-2022	Alliance U16	Brantford 99ers	23	19	26	45
2022-2023	WHC U17	Canada Black	7	0	3	3
2022-2023	OHL	Hamilton Bulldogs	55	4	12	16
2023-2024	OHL	Brantford Bulldogs	68	36	46	82

Marek Vanacker has shown immense skill by increasing production fivefold over the last year. This dramatic improvement is no mere stroke of luck.

He is an elite skater and one of the quickest players in the draft class, excelling in edgework, first strides, and top speed. His ability to rapidly accelerate and decelerate on his blades throws off opponents. Leveraging his skating prowess, he attacks the net with and without the puck. Adding more lateral agility could make him even more dangerous, though his skating raises no major concerns.

Vanacker is an excellent puck handler. His skating allows him to dangle past defenders and drive the puck into space. With good vision and playmaking ability, he can find teammates for scoring chances. He also recognizes when to shoot himself, firing hard wrist shots that challenge goalies. Varying his release point and shot placement as well as improving his accuracy would make him even more dangerous.

Defensively, Vanacker leverages his speed and hockey IQ to his advantage. With quick reactions, he slides into passing lanes to stymie opponents’ chances. Wielding an active stick, he disrupts plays and swiftly turns defense to offense. Though presently a decent sized winger, he has the frame to add muscle and more physicality when he does so.

Vanacker currently projects as a reliable two-way forward who can contribute secondary scoring from a middle six position in the NHL. But don’t be surprised if there is more to come.