Name: Bill Houlder
Position: Defenseman
Shoots: Left
Height: 6-3
Weight: 220
Born: 3/11/67 in Thunder Bay, Ontario
Drafted: 4th Round (82nd overall) in 1985 by the Capitals
Number: 2
Salary: $900,000
Scouting Report:
The Finesse Game
Houlder has a big shot, but otherwise his overall skills are
average. Although he struggles as a skater, especially in his turns, he has a decent first
step to the puck and is strong on his skates. Houlder makes smart options with his passes.
He does not like to carry the puck. He's a stay-at-home type who is aware he is limited by
his range; he will make a pass to a teammate or chip the puck out along the wall rather
than try to carry it past a checker. Houlder's offensive input is minimal (he can get five
to 10 goals a year) and is mostly limited to point shots, though he will get brave once in
awhile and gamble to the top of the circle. Most of his goals come from 60 feet out with
some traffic in front. He can play on the second unit on the power play and penalty
killing, but is best in five-on-five situations.
The Physical Game
Houlder is a gentle giant. There is always the expectation with
bigger players that they will make monster hits, but we have the feeling that a lot of
them were big as youngsters and were told by their parents not to go around picking on
smaller kids. Houlder is definitely among the big guys who don't hit to hurt. If he did
get involved he would be a dominating defenseman, but that's not about to happen at this
stage of his career. He will take out his man with quiet efficiency. He has to angle the
attacker to the boards because of his lack of agility. He is vulnerable to outside speed
when he doesn't close off the lane.
The Intangibles
Houlder rates as a reliable fifth or sixth defenseman. He doesn't
have much upside.
Projection
Houlder will provide solid defense and 25 to 30 points.
SOURCE: HOCKEY SCOUTING REPORT