Mitchell Vande Sompel’s resurgent campaign has put him back on the map as one of the New York Islanders’ top prospects.
“Work hard in silence, let your success be your noise.”
Mitchell Vande Sompel went a little under-the-radar for the Ontario Hockey League’s Oshawa Generals last season.
His numbers sagged from 2014-15, as a result of his squad’s rapid descent from the pinnacle of the league’s standings. Vande Sompel went from raising the Memorial Cup to barely squeaking into the postseason.
That being said, he’s been a force to be reckoned with this season. Vande Sompel leads OHL defensemen in goals and has propelled his team to the top of the league’s Eastern Conference.
“He’s been dynamic this season,” an Ontario Hockey League writer told me. “He’s gotten a little stronger and a little more confident. He’s making strides in his own zone.”
Vande Sompel’s not the only aspiring prospect to shine in 2016-17. David Quenneville leads the WHL in both goals (14) and points (34), while Tri-City defenseman Parker Wotherspoon ranks second in assists (22).
This is encouraging news, as the Isles’ prospect pipeline has dwindled, according to many experts. Garth Snow needs his low- and mid-tier prospects to step up.
So far, so good.