Casper Yonel '16 Recruiting Profile

My name is Casper Yonel. I am a member of the Class of 2016 at Hawken school near Cleveland, OH. I am a right-handed Defenseman/Forward. For the upcoming 2014-15 season, I will be mostly playing Right Wing. I will often get moved back and forth depending on where we need more strength. My current coach (Brett Harkins, former NHL player) said, "He can play anywhere on my team and be successful!" I am currently 6'1" tall and 182 pounds. On the ice, I have many strengths including my vision, body, and leadership. I am known for my hard and accurate shot. I have a deadly quick release that's like a cannon according to our head trainer Tommy Goebel (former Ohio State Buckeye Hockey Player, Pittsburgh Penguins NHL Draft Pick). Off the ice, I have always been known as a determined hard worker. Whether it's for extra schoolwork or for putting in the extra hours in the weight room.  My main edge against opponents is that I have the ability to see the ice and predict situations before the play develops. Currently playing in the Tier 1 Elite Hockey League, my continuously growing 6'1" 180 pound body is being put to use effectively in all aspects of my game. Such as aggressive battles in the defensive zone or taking the puck hard to the net in the offensive zone. I find that one of the key components to a successful hockey team at any level is that there must be leaders. For every team I have played for I have stepped up and taken that role, whether it's leading the 98' Ohio Selects to a 2013 Tier 2 AAA National Title or playing up for 2 seasons with the 97 Tier 1 Cleveland Jr. Jacks (2008-2010). 

2013-2014 Season:

This past season I double rostered with both the U16 Tier 1 Cleveland Barons (Playing in the T1EHL) and the U16 Tier 1 Cleveland Hockey Alliance (Playing an independent Schedule). This is the first year I have chosen to be double rostered which is a true testament to my ability and commitment. My weekly schedule consisted of four days of hockey practice (sometimes twice a day) and many weekends traveling out of state for league games, tournaments, or showcases. Most of my time throughout the season consisted of studying at a challenging private school or training on/off ice. The results so far have paid off with an invite to the 2014 USHL Futures Draft Combine in April and numerous invites to junior teams' main/pre-draft camps.

2014-2015 Season:

For the upcoming season, I will be playing for the U16 AAA Cleveland Barons in the Tier 1 Elite Hockey League. I will be playing Right Wing and some Center as my primary positions. There is no doubt I will be playing some defense too. i feel that I will have more of a leadership role this year playing my second year at the U16 level. I have already began to lead by committing myself to a four day lifting program throughout the summer at Barons Arena this summer to prepare for the season. Overall, I'm really excited for what's ahead of me and can't wait to get started!

Defenseman or Forward?

Growing up playing travel hockey, I was a forward. As I got older the teams I played for started to move me to defense during key times for extra power on the blue line and defensive zone. I can play both positions and have been scouted by many for both defense and offense. This differentiates me from others. I am a versatile player that is a shut down defenseman, but also a power forward that really has an eye for the net and finishes checks. Many scouts after games had to meet with my coach to ask which position I actually played. These scouts were impressed to hear that they could put me at any position on their team.

College:

As an elite hockey defenseman/forward traveling around North America searching for the top competition, I am fully inspired to take my game to the next level. As of right now I do not have a specific major in mind, but I do know that I want to play college ice hockey at a high level. Size and geography are not as important as being given the opportunity to play the game I love. For my dream I will go above and beyond what it takes to become a successful student athlete.