Future Blue: Jacob Trouba
There are a few familiar rookie names you should recognize from this year’s class of Ranger draft picks. Known for his speed and scoring touch, Matia Marcantuoni has made a lasting impact on the squad in his first season. German-born Tobias Rieder was Kitchener’s first selection amongst import players and he has become one of the team’s leading scorers. Also, don’t forget about up-and-coming Evan McEneny.
There is one name though, that you may not recognize yet – he was the third round pick in the 2010 OHL Priority Selection – Jacob Trouba.
Jacob was selected third overall for the Rangers, and his name and number may not be all that familiar yet at The Aud, but they could be in the future.
The 17-year old defenceman is the latest young prospect making strides in the minor leagues. Trouba – the Rochester, N.Y. native – is currently in the U.S. Development Program in Ann Arbour, Michigan, and although he has yet to decide whether or not he’ll commit to Kitchener, he has had nothing but positive things to say about the junior team north of his border.
“I wouldn’t really want to play for any other team in Canada,” said Trouba. “Kitchener has a great team, a great city and the fans - from what I hear - are also great.”
Jacob is set to complete the two-year USNTDP program at the end of next year as a high school senior. In 19 games with the USNTDP he has one goal, one assist and 21 penalty minutes. At the end of next season, Jacob will make the pivotal decision many American-born hockey players have to make – whether to pursue a hockey career via the college or the Canadian Hockey League route.
“It’s a big choice,” said Trouba. “Each option has its benefits, it just depends on what type of situation I want.”
Both of Jacob’s parents went to college in the U.S. and were active on varsity teams. His father played basketball at the University of Michigan-Dearborn, while his mother attended the University of Detroit and played softball.
So where might you ask, do the hockey roots come from?
“I don’t really have any,” Trouba admitted. “I went skating with my brother when I was little, picked it up and just stuck with it.”
Jacob’s older brother did not pursue hockey himself, but instead went on to study at Loyola University in Chicago. The youngest of the three Trouba brothers took an influence from Jacob though. The sixth-grader is active in hockey and football.
With the next two years playing a big part in his development, Jacob has his focus solely on improving his hockey skills. An average day involves several hours of classes, spending time with a skating coach, team practice, working out, and homework to end the night off.
“It’s all about hockey,” said Trouba. “…except when I sleep.”
At 6-foot 1 and 183-pounds, Jacob is already playing a dominating defensive role. He recently participated in the Under-17 Hockey Challenge in Winnipeg with Team USA.
It was Marcantuoni and Team Ontario that edged Team USA in the championship match-up to claim the gold medal. This was Ontario’s third gold in four years – with last year’s top spot going to the Americans.
“I thought our team played well,” said Trouba. “We got a little caught up in the end with Ontario in the final, but besides that we had a pretty good tournament.”
In five games Jacob had two goals, seven assists, and 10 penalty minutes. He also recognizes the importance of the tournament as a precursor to the World Juniors.
“It’s a big start for me,” he said. “They look a lot at international experience, so it was pretty important to play.”
Jacob himself has narrowed his college options to Michigan or Notre Dame, but sees a large advantage in playing junior hockey as well.
“It’s a lot more like the NHL,” he said. “[The CHL] would help me better develop for [the National League] level.”
The 11th grade junior is no stranger to living away from home, and says the distance won’t play much of a factor in his ultimate decision. Jacob stays with his aunt and uncle while he’s in Ann Arbour, which is about an hour away from his home in Rochester.
“I’ve gotten used to it,” he said. “So I don’t think it would be too bad moving away.”
The ultimate decision for Trouba has yet to be made, but the Rangers hope to welcome their south-of-the-boarder prospect to Kitchener in 2012.
