Gabriel Landeskog, RW– Kitchener Rangers (OHL)Not only is Landeskog the first European captain in Kitchener's illustrious history, but he earned the ‘C’ by doing all the things leaders need to do, not just by being a high-scoring winger. The Swedish national throws stiff hits, blocks shots and even fights when the time is right. All part of the job, according to him.
"It's about doing whatever it takes to win the game," Landeskog said. "If I have to drop the gloves to protect a teammate, that's what I'm going to do. And blocking shots is a big part of our penalty kill."
Landeskog is in his second OHL season and with this being his draft year, the initial foray allowed him to get his feet wet in the North American game. With no learning curve to navigate, he's proven to be a quick study with 36 points in 24 games this year, putting him among the top-15 in the league.
"I think I'm a strong, powerful guy," Landeskog said. "I have a good shot, I know how to score and I have good speed down low and know how to protect the puck and play physical."
The Swede, who speaks English with no accent, considers his language skill just another element to be efficient at.
"I try to do little things, like watch movies without subtitles," he said.
Plus, some of the other Rangers have him listening to country music. Hits, fights and country? Guess Landeskog is just another good ol' boy. Draft eligible in 2011.
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http://www.thehockeynews.com/articles/36736-The-Hot-List-Kitcheners-European-captain.html?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=thn_daily_20101201
About as close to Clarkie as you are likely to see. If Larsson and Couturier are off the board when we pick and he's on, he's the guy.
