The Quiet Force: Owen Protz and the Potential NHL Journey
Owen Protz’s ascent has been marked not by flashy offense, but by a relentless, physically imposing defensive game that has earned him attention from scouts and a surprising invitation to Canada’s World junior Championship camp. From a role on a third pairing in Sudbury,Protz has emerged as a player opponents actively avoid engaging with,and his future may lie in a shutdown role in the NHL.
Bulldogs coach, Jean-Yves McKee, highlights a key aspect of Protz’s game: consistency. “We watched his games, me and Matt, and we always came to the same observation: he made very few errors,” McKee stated. He recalls observing Protz compromise defensively only twice in five or six games against strong opponents like London and Kitchener. McKee also noted Protz’s physical impact, saying, “He rolled like a truck on about eight different players.”
After being acquired by the Bulldogs, protz quickly found a consistent role, playing around twenty minutes per game. While not a prolific scorer, he’s become a feared presence throughout Ontario. McKee explains the effect Protz has on opposing players: “Players know that trying to get around protz using the width of the skating rink could be painful and, if they throw the washer in the area, even if they are one step ahead, they will remove the foot from the pedal and leave it the honors to pick it. Otherwise, it hurts.” This impact is felt even without Protz appearing on the scoresheet.
McKee believes Protz’s offensive capabilities are present,but emphasizes a simpler approach will be key at the next level. “I don’t want to take anything away from his offensive skills as he has his coach, but I don’t consider an offensive role for him at the next level. It is indeed a hybrid, as it is able to move the washer and make games. But we’re going to ask him to play simple as I know it is indeed the style he will have to recommend.”
Comparisons have been drawn to established NHL players. One scout, unprompted, likened Protz to Jay McKee, a former NHL defenseman known for his physical play and defensive reliability. McKee himself had a prosperous NHL career, posting a +20 differential in the 1998-1999 season with the Buffalo Sabres, a team that reached the Stanley Cup final before losing to the Dallas Stars. McKee credits advice from Lindy Ruff for his success, transitioning to a defensive, physical style. He sees a similar path for Protz, “And that’s what I see in pronts in pros. This style with the possibility of garnering points here and there thanks to a good first pass. A kind of Ruslan Salei.”
Currently, Protz is vying for a spot on Team Canada at the World Junior Championship. McKee was impressed with Protz’s performance against the United States at the summer window in Minneapolis, stating, “I found it fantastic against the United States…They will certainly keep him with an eye. He is not among the favorites, but he has a chance.”
Protz has already survived the first wave of cuts for the Canadian main camp, suggesting a genuine opportunity to make the team. The article concludes with a warning to other young players: Protz is a force to be reckoned with, and doesn’t telegraph his hits. He’s a ”midnight train” that arrives without warning.
