Western Conference Hottie: Jordan Eberle (Edmonton Oilers)

HOCKEY SENSE:

Jordan Eberle was selected by the Edmonton Oilers in the first round of the 2008 NHL Entry Draft (22nd overall), but his love of the game and desire to play began at the tender age of three when his parents signed him up to play.  In March 2009, Jordan signed an entry-level contract with Edmonton for three years.  He scored his first NHL goal on the same night he made his NHL debut against the Calgary Flames (goalie: Miikka Kiprusoff) on October 7, 2010 (also had an assist and was named the "First Star").

At his height (depending on where you look he's listed from 5'10 - 6'), he's considered small among the hockey world so it would come as no surprise that he worked hard not to have it become a weakness and styled his game of hockey similar to that of his favorite player, Martin St. Louis (someone who is familiar with working hard in spite of his short stature).  His size eventually became something he was motivated by.

Growing up, that's always been motivation for me. Especially being drafted (in the WHL), I wasn't an early draft pick -- I didn't go until the 7th round. That motivated me. Everyone said I was too small -- that's definitely been a motivation for me and I've used it to get to where I am today.

Here's what some of his former coaches have had to say about him (prior to his being drafted in 2008 while he was still playing for the Pats):

"He has pure skill, is a gifted scorer, and will compete in tough areas to get it done." - Curtis Hunt (Regina Pats head coach)

"He's our No. 1 sniper. He's a very gifted puck handler and has great finish around the net. I think he's got a lot better playing both ways. He was fortunate last year to have played with older guys and this season he's become one of the older guys. He plays in all situations because he's learning to play better defensively and he's still getting the points." - Terry Perkins (Regina Pats assistant coach)

According to Hockey'sFuture (HF), Eberle does not fit the typical mold of a Canadian-born player in that he's not very physical but he does make up for that, as mentioned above by Terry Perkins, with a talent for handling the puck.  HF's player profile reports that strength and speed are areas that he would need to improve on and is something I'm sure he'll acquire playing at the NHL level as he is.  His hockey is another that will help him excel in the NHL.

Jordan has taken part in quite a few international championships / tournaments (and has earned plenty of awards to show for it - see the list below!).  In 2007 he played in the Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament and represented Canada at the 2007 Canada Games (Whitehorse, Yukon); he helped earn Team Canada the gold medal at the 2008 IIHF World U-18 Championship; served as an alternate captain at the 2009 World Junior Championship (Ottawa); and was part of the silver-medal winning Team Canada at the 2010 World Junior Championship (Regina).

AWARDS:
2007-2008

• U18 WJC Gold Medal
• U18 WJC Top 3 Player on Team
• WHL (East) First All-Star Team
• WHL Scholastic Player of the Year "Daryl K. Seaman Trophy"

2008-2009

• U20 WJC Gold Medal
• U20 WJC Top 3 Player on Team

2009-2010

• CHL Player of the Year
• U20 WJC All-Star Team
• U20 WJC Best Forward
• U20 WJC Most Goals (8)
• U20 WJC Most Valuable Player
• U20 WJC Silver Medal
• WHL (East) First All-Star Team
• WHL Player of the Year "Four Broncos Trophy"

HOTTIE SENSIBILITY:

Jordan was born in Regina, Saskatchewan to parents Darren and Lisa Eberle.  He has two sisters (Ashley and Whitney) and a younger brother (Dustin).  Jordan's father, Darren, is his biggest influence as he learned alot about hockey from his coaching him during his minor hockey-playing days.

Eberle moved around with his family a few times; at age 14, he moved to Calgary, Alberta but ended up returning to his hometown Regina to play junior hockey for the Regina Pats while attending high school at Archbishop M.C. O'Neill High School.  Later in June 2008, he went on to graduate from Bishop O'Byrne back in Calgary.

Hockey is in Eberle's family and the junior hockey club, Regina Pats, have played a big role in that.  His cousin (Derek Eberle) played for Regina from 1990-1993 while his brother was drafted by the the Pats in the 12th round (248th overall) in the 2007 WHL Bantam Draft.

His middle name is Leslie, his nickname is "Ebs" and he wears number 27 because his favorite number, seven, was already taken in Regina.

He's part of the "Nike Training" team.

HIS MOST MEMORABLE HOCKEY MOMENT:

When I was 10- years-old we played at this tournament called the Edmonton Brick Tournament – it's a pretty high level tournament. It was at the West Edmonton Mall and I played for the Vancouver team and we went to the final and played against Steven Stamkos' team. I scored the game–winning goal, got the game MVP and we ended up winning the tournament – that was pretty cool. Just seeing all the guys that we played and where they are today, a few of them played in this year's Top Prospects game, too.

Information found in this post obtained from the following sites:
Hockey's Future
Elite Prospects
Jordan Eberle Wikipedia
Edmonton Oilers Official Webpage (BIO)