| HT | WT | DOB | POS | SH | OHL DRAFT | NHLCS | NAT |
| 6’2” | 207 | Feb 7, 2006 | D | L | 86th 2022 | 100th N. A. | CAN |
| SEASON | LEAGUE | TEAM | GP | G | A | PTS |
| 2021-2022 | HEO U18 | Ottawa Jr Canadians | 32 | 6 | 8 | 14 |
| 2022-2023 | CCHL | Ottawa Jr Senators | 49 | 3 | 15 | 18 |
| 2022-2023 | OHL | Sudbury Wolves | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2023-2024 | OHL | Sudbury Wolves | 36 | 1 | 6 | 7 |
| 2023-2024 | OHL | Brantford Bulldogs | 30 | 2 | 10 | 12 |
During the first half of the season, Owen Protz’s lack of offensive production raised questions about his offensive upside. But after a midseason trade to the Brantford Bulldogs, where his output increased by 71.4%, it seemed there was untapped potential. The key difference post-trade was opportunity – with the Sudbury Wolves he had limited ice time, but with the Bulldogs he earned top-4 minutes. Now the question becomes “is there more?”
Protz stands at 6’2″ and 207 pounds, so his sturdy frame requires little additional filling out. He leverages his size and strength to play a physical game. In the defensive zone, he keeps gaps tight and forces opponents to the outside with his skating. Along the boards and in front of the net, he uses his strength to make life difficult for the opposition. Quick to pucks, he can ignite the breakout with his excellent vision and passing skills.
The most intriguing aspect of his offense, beyond his skating and awareness that allow him to join the rush, is his multifaceted shot. He has a heavy shot that he can get through to the net, but he seems to use it primarily to generate deflections and second-chance opportunities rather than directly score goals himself.
Time will reveal whether Protz’s qualities that caught NHL Central Scouting’s attention and led to his sharp rise in the draft rankings will prove justified. Clearly, they’ve caught my attention.
OHL Writers 