Parker Wotherspoon
Position: D
Current Team: Tri-City Americans (WHL)
Date of Birth: 24th August, 1997
Place of Birth: Surrey, BC (CAN)
Height: 6’0″
Weight: 172 lbs
Shoots: Left
The younger brother of Calgary’s Tyler Wotherspoon, Parker had a slow start for the Americans, but blossomed this year, putting up 42 points in 72 games and 5 points in the Under-18 World Juniors with Team Canada.
Already pushing six feet and likely to add at least a few more inches if his older brother is any indication, Wotherspoon has shown a gift for handling the puck and his game has been described using terms like “Composed”, “Unflappable”, “Solid”, and “Collected.”
Scouting Reports
Parker Wotherspoon is an outstanding skater. He has very good speed and acceleration in both directions, thanks to a long and fluid stride. Wotherspoon also has outstanding edgework, agility and pivots. This gives him the ability to cover a lot of ice, to pinch at the blue line and get back defensively and makes him very hard to beat one-on-one. His balance and lower body strength could stand to be improved, but this should happen as he matures and adds some bulk to his frame. –Last Word On Sports
A composed, two-way defender…a high-end skater…good acceleration to his stride and excellent top-end speed…uses his skating to create offence…handles the puck well and makes simple but effective outlet passes…possesses a hard shot with a quick release…defensively he is very smart and composed…excellent gap work and a great stick when defending both off the cycle and off the rush…not overly physical at all but does use his frame to protect pucks against the forecheck…nothing seems to faze this kid. -Future Considerations
A Good Fit In Columbus?
Wotherspoon is a very interesting prospect – he could easily be the “sleeper” of the late second or early third round in his draft class, especially if he can build up his frame and learn to use it to the best effect. He already has extremely strong skating and excellent hockey sense – there’s a real possibility that he could develop into a top four D-man for the team who calls his name on draft day.
I think he’d be an excellent addition to the team’s blue line, particular with their needs at the blue line, and I wouldn’t be shocked if he’s circled for one of the team’s second round picks – or perhaps the third round pick from Philly should he slip slightly down the board.
Wotherspoon In Action
Canada vs. Czech Republic- 2015 IIHF Ice Hockey U18 World Championship from IIHF on Vimeo.
Not much in the way of video I’m afraid, but here’s some highlights from his play with Team Canada.