Name: Mike Ricci
Position: Center
Shoots: Left
Height: 6-0
Weight: 190
Born: 10/27/71 in Scarborough, Ontario
Drafted: 1st Round (4th overall) in 1990 by the Flyers
Number: 18
Salary: $1.5 million
Awards/Trophies | |
1994 | Gold Medal at the World Championships |
1996 | Stanley Cup |
Scouting Report:
The Finesse Game
Ricci is a known quantity. He has terrific hand skills, combined with hockey sense and an
outstanding work ethic. He always seems to be in the right place, ready to make the right
play. He sees his passing options well and is patient with the puck. He can rifle it as
well. He has a good backhand shot from in deep and scores most of his goals from the slot
by picking the top corners. His lone drawback is his speed. He's fast enough to not look
out of place and he has good balance and agility, but his lack of quickness prevents him
from being more of an offensive force. Very slick on face-offs, Ricci has good hand speed
and hand-eye coordination for winning draws outright, or he can pick a bouncing puck out
of the air. This serves him well in scrambles in front of the net, too, or he can deflect
midair slap shots. He can play wing in addition to his natural position at centre. Ricci
is a very good penalty killer, with poise and a controlled aggression for forcing the
play.
The Physical Game
Ricci is not big, but he is so strong that it's not unusual to see him skate out from
behind the net, dragging along or fending off a checker with one arm while he makes a pass
or takes a shot with his other arm. He plays a tough game without being overly chippy. He
is very strong in the corners and in front of the net. He plays bigger than he is. Ricci
will play hurt. He pays attention to conditioning and has a great deal of stamina.
The Intangibles
Ricci will antagonize and draw penalties. He will kill penalties and work the power play.
He makes timely plays under pressure. Although not as gifted offensively as Ron Francis
is, he is similar to Francis in that he is a checking centre who can do so much more than
just check. Ricci's quality, character, leadership and dedication to the game and his
teammates are impeccable. He is a throwback, and helps provide some grit in a
finesse-laden lineup. His teammates love his upbeat off-ice attitude. Ricci has stepped
into the gap between the Sharks' kids and their older veterans, and he is a great addition
to team chemistry.
Projection
Ricci can produce 50 points over a full season and gives the Sharks some options in how to
best utilize him.
SOURCE: HOCKEY SCOUTING REPORT