Duncan Siemens and the hard-nosed life
Teenagers growing up in the greater-Edmonton area often fantasize about what it would feel like to follow in the footsteps of past NHL greats. This is particularly the case for many aspiring prospects born in the early-to-mid 1990s, who arrived to the world just after several Stanley Cup runs by the Gretzky-led Edmonton Oilers less than a decade earlier.
However, there are always different variations of fantasies and idolizations – like Sherwood, Alberta native and Saskatoon Blade, Duncan Siemens.
While he considers the Oilers to be his favorite squad, the 1993-born defenseman is all too quick to point to Hockey Hall of Fame defenseman Scott Stevens as his hero.
“Just his presence put fear into the opponent,” said Siemens, a projected first-rounder in the2011 NHL Entry Draft. “I admired his ability to be a huge force on the ice by being physical.”
That appreciation for Stevens’ physical edge has translated into Siemen’s game. Scouts, and Siemens himself, have labelled the second-year Blade as a mobile shutdown defenseman with a mean streak.
Sound like three-time Cup champion Scott Stevens? Listed as a 6’3″, 192-pounder, Siemens has the right body type to play like a typical rugged defenseman.
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“I would describe my game as a hard-nosed defenceman that likes to take the body and plays with an edge, as well as contributing offensively when the opportunity is given,” said Siemens in an interview with The Good Point.
“He’s a guy that is really tough to play against,” said NHL Central Scouting’s Peter Sullivan in Oct., 2010. “Sometimes I think he over-does it, tries to do too much, but he’s got all the potential. He can carry the puck, he’s a tough kid, he can fight. He’s tough to play against.”
During his sophomore season in the Western Hockey League, Siemens put up solid two-way numbers. In 72 games, he managed five goals and 38 assists (19th among WHL defenceman), a plus-40 rating (11th among all skaters) and 121 penalty minutes (44th among all skaters). On November 3, he recorded a career-high three assists in a contest versus the squad that drafted him, the Swift Current Broncos.
“Similar to Dylan McIlrath in last year’s draft, Siemen’s hard-nosed game has got the attention of scouts,” said Kelly Friesen, a WHL writer for Yahoo! Sports and HockeyProspect.com.
“But, Siemens also has a little bit of an offensive side and he’s one of the smoothest skaters in the draft.”
Central Scouting’s Midterm Rankings had Siemens listed at 14th on the North American skaters list. Only a few months later, and he was on his way up, jumping three spots and landing firmly in 10th place when the final rankings were released.
Interestingly enough, it was not too long ago that the young d-man had to choose between hockey and football.
A linebacker in high school, Siemens grew to love the defensive side of the game; a great parallel to what he brings to the table as a puck player. A brief stint at running back also gave him a head start in learning to run over opponents.
Ultimately, the love for Canada’s game would prove too strong for the Alberta native.
When his name is called in June and he goes on to sign an entry-level contract, it’ll prove he made the right decision. It’ll also likely result in a new ride and some familial gratitude.
“If I am ever in a position that I have signed an entry level contact I would probably buy and customize a [Ford] F-350,” Siemens said. “And give back to my family in a way they would appreciate.”
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Check out more of The Good Point’s 2011 NHL Entry Draft Prospects Series.
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