Joshua, Dakota
LW/C – Sioux Falls Stampede (USHL) – 6’02” 182
The little talked about power forward out of Dearborn, Michigan is an intriguing prospect. Hailing
from the well-esteemed Detroit Honeybaked Midget program, this was Joshua’s first full season in
the USHL. Joshua puts his 6’2” 182 pound frame to good use, punishing opposing puck carriers
and making his presence known. He is a heavy hitter, and conversely he more times than not
bounces off of attempted checks on him. Rock solid on his feet and very strong, Joshua is a physi-
cal force to be reckoned with and a perfect, prototypical player for the power forward mold. Aside
from his physicality, Joshua has no shortage of finesse and smarts to his game. Soft, quick hands
and a boatload of patience and poise allow for him to create offensive opportunities in all sorts of
ways. His high-end speed doesn’t hurt, either. Has the ability to beat defensemen wide in the offen-
sive zone with his speed, but also has the hands to be able to toe-drag and power around them to the
inside.
Defensively responsible, solid on the penalty kill and a willing shot blocker. Uses a smart active
stick. Hard and aggressive on the puck and good, quick decision making in his own zone. Doesn’t
drift or get caught out of position. Uses his patience with the puck to allow for the play to develop
in order to get a clean exit from the zone as opposed to just throwing it up the boards or off the
glass. Able to bounce of an evade attacking players and maintain puck possession.
All in all, Joshua is a very nice two-way player. He will have another season in Sioux Falls to fur-
ther develop before heading to Ohio State University in 2015. The Plymouth Whalers own his OHL
rights after drafting him 156th Overall in the 2013 OHL Priority Selection Draft.
Quotable: “ Dakota needs to improve his pace of play at times but could turn
out to be a mid round home run. He has great potential with size smarts and
skill.” – Mark Edwards
