NHL Prospects Watch: Cody Bass

Cody Bass is the lone NHL draftee on the Mississauga Ice Dogs. Drafted by Ottawa in the third round, 90th overall, Bass impressed the Sens coaching staff at training camp and was a late cut.

The extended pro audition was supposed to translate into renewed confidence once Bass returned to the IceDogs, where expectations are very high having recently been named team captain.

Bass brings leadership with his committed two-way play and is type of player who will do whatever it takes to win, an attitude not only respected by teammates but also by Hockey Canada. Bass was invited to participate in the August World Junior team evaluation camp.

Mississauga coach Greg Gilbert trusts Bass in all special team assignments and he easily logs the most minutes among the team forwards.

But with Patrick O'Sullivan graduated to the pro ranks, the pressure is on Bass to add to his somewhat disappointing point totals of '04-5 (11 goals, 28 points). Partnered up with Dustin Jeffrey on the power play should help.

The early returns have not been all that encouraging. Recently it appears as if some fatigue has set in after going full throttle since the beginning of August. Bass has just two goals and two assists to show through the opening 9 games.

Bass has good acceleration and wheels with the ability to make plays to the outside with modest success. His hands are not as quick as his feet, and therefore he must rely on solid positioning and his wristshot to put up points. He wins faceoffs taking advantage of sound technique and excellent hand-eye coordination.

However there are parts of his game that require further attention. Fully adapting to the new rule changes will necessitate that Bass work to tweak his game a bit. He is by nature a physical player who finishes his checks but has been guilty of drawing too many infractions including six minors in the first game of the season.