Duck Prospect Profiles: Peter Holland
By Ted Warren
Nov 11, 2011; Anaheim, CA, USA; Anaheim Ducks center Peter Holland (right) reacts with defenseman Toni Lydman (32) after scoring a goal Vancouver Canucks goalie Roberto Luongo (right) during the second period at The Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-US PRESSWIRE
When looking into the future of an organization, you will always see some type of depth chart. When peeking into the Anaheim depth chart you will find Caledon, Ontario born Peter Holland. After wrapping up a 4-year tour with the Guelph Storm of the OHL where he was an OHL All-Star, the left-handed center was an offensive juggernaut. During his 4-year stint with Guelph, he totaled a whopping 257 points. Holland was also named to the Subway Super Series where the top CHL players square off against powerhouse Russian junior teams. Holland’s resume does not stop there as he also played in the CHL’s top prospects game in his draft year (2009). Peter represented Team Canada in 2009 playing in the U-18 IIHF tournaments where team Canada placed fourth.
Following his 4 years in the “O” Holland made the leap to the American Hockey League when the Ducks assigned him to start the season with the Crunch in Syracuse. During his freshman year with the Crunch, he was named the AHL rookie of the month in March after 18 points in 15 games. Holland rounded out the year ranked fourth in the AHL for scoring. He also holds a Crunch record for the highest point total by a rookie since Derrick Brassard. Brassard set the bar with 51 points during the 07-08 season. Holland shattered that with 60 during his rookie campaign. Holland was recalled to the Ducks during his rookie year where he saw ice time in 4 games. The center scored his 1st NHL goal against legendary net minder Luongo that was deciding goal versus the Canucks.
Peter Holland can be given praise about his puck moving ability’s and his playmaking skills with the biscuit. The Ontario native has great skating for a forward his size. Moving his bulky frame of 195 pounds is not an easy task by any means. Scouts are quick to mention his shot and Holland proved it this year in the American League with the Crunch.
Like many young men transitioning to the pro game, Holland lacks consistency. With being such an offensive dynamo, his defensive game has taken a back seat. Defense is something you can’t play without at the pro level and his defensive game needs to excel if he plans to crack the Ducks squad right out of training camp.
Peter Holland is one of many players for the Ducks that are on the bubble of making the Ducks team right out of camp. If Holland starts the year in the American League, he will be one of the 1st offensive call-ups.
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