Ethan Straky

Team 2020-21: USNTDP
Date of birth: April 18, 2003
Place of birth: Walnut Creek, CA, USA
Height: 5 feet 11 weight: 174 pounds
Shoots: right
Position: D
NHL Draft Eligibility: Eligible for Year 1 2021

Rankings

Ethan Straky is an American advocate who idolizes Hall of Famer Nicklas Lidström. He’s risen through the ranks of the United States developmental program, having joined two years ago at the age of 16, and he’s forced NHL scouts to take notice of his talent. His rapid growth as an athlete has caught the attention of many prolific colleges, and he has committed to playing NCAA hockey for the University of Notre Dame for the 2021-22 season.

Related: THW’s 2021 NHL Draft Guide

Straky grew up in Walnut Creek, a small town on the San Francisco Bay Area, and spent time in Florida and Michigan as a child. He was interested in hockey at a young age and joined the junior Oakland U16 AAA Grizzlies at the age of 15. He played 51 championship games for the Grizzlies, recording 27 points (six goals, 21 assists) in his only AAA hockey season. The country’s national hockey program signed Straky in 2019 and he joined the Under-17 team. He made a strong impression, having collected 19 points (four goals, 15 assists) in 43 games. He was promoted to the U18 squad in 2020.

Straky also had the opportunity to play for the United States on the international stage, which further benefited his career. He was a member of the U17 team at the 2019 Medicine Hat World Hockey Challenge. He helped his country reach the tournament final, but the United States lost 6-2 to Russia.

Straky’s vision, determination and intensity make him a dominant defender and a capable striker. He can control the defensive wing with his persistent pressure on the opponent, and he gradually molds himself into the attacking zone when he has space. Straky can stand for long periods of time, often using his agility to maintain puck possession as he advances. He’s not the type to shoot on goal or go past opposing defenders, but Straky’s work at the back helps deliver results up front.

Ethan Straky – 2021 NHL Draft Screening

Straky has a C rating before the project. This means that he will most likely be selected in the second or third round. Round three seems a more precise choice for Straky, but that could change if he can improve during his time at Notre Dame.

Quotes

“Ethan Straky has been very good in the defensive end and ignites a lot of attacking with high IQ plays. – The Prospect Network

“Straky plays with intensity, puts a lot of pressure on the puck carriers and is constantly engaged in the game. He’s always ready to block a shot or use his body to complete a control. I really like Straky’s mobility, although he doesn’t have an explosive top speed, he has excellent control of his skating and shows good edging and agility. – Dylan Krill, FC Hockey

Strengths

• Concentration
• Playmaking
• Physical

Under construction – Improvements to be made

NHL potential

Straky can become a strong offensive defender because of his offensive qualities. He will need to apply his offensive traits while playing NCAA hockey next season to create a more accurate assessment of his true potential.

Risk / Reward Analysis

Risk – 3/5, reward – 4/5

Fantastic hockey potential

Offense – 7/10, Defense – 7/10

Awards / Achievements

Straky won a silver medal at the U17 World Hockey Championship in 2020.

Interview / Profile links

Ethan Straky Statistics

Videos