At 5-9 and 165 pounds, Nolan Newton was a standout on the Sudbury U16 AAA Nickel Capitals.
The 2006 birth year forward was recently named the NOHA's U16 Player of the Year.
Newton just returned from the OHL Cup, where he registered four assists in four games with Team NOHA, where the northern squad just missed out on a playoff spot with a 2-2 record in round robin play at the Scotiabank Pond in Toronto last week.
But Newton really showed off his offensive flare during the Great North U18 season, where he piled up 14 goals and 22 assists for 36 points in 27 regular season games in 2021-22.
"I am a fast playmaking centre who can score but I can also be put in any situation," said Newton.
Newton believes the best part of his game is his vision and hockey sense.
He says recently he has been watching the play of NHL star Matt Barzal as a player he looks up to being a speedy right hand shot centre too.
"I try to model my game after Matt Barzal, he is fast, smart and can do basically everything," said Newton.
Newton says he is committed to getting better and he has been proving it as one of the top scorers as a U16 playing in a U18 league.
"I think it is my dedication, I have put a lot of work into it, working out all the time and shooting pucks and going on the ice as much as I can, that helps a lot," said Newton.
Newton says he put in a lot of work to be prepared for his OHL draft year.
"I was on the ice almost every day, I played in some summer leagues and worked out all the time," he said.
OHL scouts have been keeping a close watch on Newton's progress throughout his impressive U16 season.
"Nolan is an energetic kid with an impressive motor. Always moving his feet and involved in the action," said one OHL scout.
"He has the ability to create offence with his speed, skill and quick release."
Another OHL scout says he is "a smooth-skating forward with great offensive instincts."
"He competes well during 5 on 5 play, but truly shines on the power play," noted the OHL scout.
"He is a quality skater with great hands, Newton has positioned himself well for this year's OHL Draft and should be one of the earliest players chosen from the North on draft day."
The crafty right-hand shot forward, who is also an affiliate player with the NOJHL's Sudbury Cubs, is hoping to continue to catch the eye of OHL scouts in anticipation of the 2022 OHL Priority Selection which takes place online on April 29 and 30.
"If you draft me you will get a player who is willing to learn and is willing to put in as much work as possible," he said.
