Key Takeaways
- Cootes Verhoeff, a 17-year-old defenceman, made a successful transition from playing goalie to defence at a young age.
- Verhoeff’s decision to switch positions was driven by his desire to impact the game more and have more freedom on the ice.
- He is expected to be a high pick at the 2026 NHL draft and has already made a name for himself in the hockey world, playing for the University of North Dakota and Canada’s world junior team.
- Verhoeff’s size, skating ability, and puck-handling skills make him a unique and promising player.
- He has received praise from hockey scouts and players, including Hockey Canada head scout Byron Bonora and Toronto Maple Leafs prospect Ben Danford.
Introduction to Cootes Verhoeff
Cootes Verhoeff, a 17-year-old defenceman, has made a remarkable transition from playing goalie to defence at a young age. The 2025 first-round pick of the Vancouver Canucks was initially a goalie, but he decided to make the switch to defence after getting cut from a competitive team. Verhoeff’s decision to switch positions was driven by his desire to impact the game more and have more freedom on the ice. He wanted to be able to take the puck and create opportunities offensively, while also being able to defend.
The Decision to Switch Positions
Verhoeff’s decision to switch from goalie to defence was not taken lightly. He had always been a goalie, and it was a position he enjoyed playing. However, after getting cut from a competitive team, he started playing out as a member of an in-line hockey club for fun. This experience made him realize that he wanted to be able to impact the game more, and he felt that playing defence would give him that opportunity. Verhoeff’s desire to switch positions was also driven by his desire to be able to attack the game, rather than just reacting to it. As a goalie, he felt that the game had to come to him, whereas as a defenceman, he could take the initiative and create opportunities.
Playing Experience and Development
Verhoeff’s playing experience and development have been impressive. He played parts of two seasons with the Western Hockey League’s Victoria Royals before transitioning to the NCAA in 2025-26 with the University of North Dakota. This move was driven by the change in rules around eligibility, which allowed him to play in the NCAA at a younger age. Verhoeff’s decision to play in the NCAA was also driven by his desire to play against older and more experienced players. He felt that playing against 23 and 24-year-olds would help him develop his game and prepare him for the professional level.
Impressing Scouts and Players
Verhoeff’s skills and abilities have impressed hockey scouts and players. Hockey Canada head scout Byron Bonora has praised Verhoeff’s size, skating ability, and puck-handling skills, saying that he has all the tools to be a very high-end hockey player in the NHL. Verhoeff’s teammates and opponents have also been impressed by his abilities. Toronto Maple Leafs prospect Ben Danford was stunned to learn Verhoeff’s age when they met at training camp for the men’s under-20 tournament, saying that he is huge, makes good plays, and has a high IQ. Star forward Gavin McKenna, who faced Verhoeff in junior, was also impressed by his skills, saying that he is a great player.
International Experience
Verhoeff’s international experience has also been impressive. He was the seventh-youngest defenceman to ever make Canada’s world junior team, and he played in the country’s 9-1 victory over Denmark. Verhoeff finished the game with an assist and got just under 15 minutes of ice time, and he didn’t look out of place in his own zone or when joining the rush. He said that playing in front of his family and Canadian fans was a special experience, and he is proud to be representing his country on the international stage.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Cootes Verhoeff’s transition from goalie to defence has been a successful one. His desire to impact the game more and have more freedom on the ice drove his decision to switch positions, and he has developed into a promising young player. Verhoeff’s size, skating ability, and puck-handling skills make him a unique and exciting player, and he is expected to be a high pick at the 2026 NHL draft. With his impressive playing experience, development, and international experience, Verhoeff is definitely a player to watch in the hockey world.