Ike Howard #53

Photo credit: Bakersfield Condors

Edmonton Oilers prospect Ike Howard was sent down to Bakersfield on November 14 to make roster space for Zach Hyman and has since been one of the AHL’s leading players.

Rookie continues to find net for Condors

Howard capped off his last game with a hat-trick, continuing his domination of the AHL.

Ike Howard is scoring in bunches on the coast but I don’t see him in Edmonton before the break. The Olympic break.

– Allan Mitchell

In his 14 games with Bakersfield, Howard has recorded 9G and 19 points, and is a plus-13. He has been all over the ice, leading the charge on the top-6 and playing with lots of confidence.

Before his buddy Quinn Hutson was called-up to the Oilers, Bakersfield’s 1st-line of Hutson, Howard and Samasnski had been one of the AHL’s most productive and exciting to watch.

Since Hutson’s promotion, Howard had continued to lead the way with his nonstop work ethic.

Howard came to Bakersfield with the right attitude, taking the opportunity to further develop his defensive game, which shows in all three zones of the ice.

Yet, it’s his offensive game that stands Howard apart from other forwards. He’s been highly productive, showcasing strong offensive skills, and earning praise for his attitude and work ethic.

Before he was sent down, however, Ike had been struggling to play his game, posting only 2G and 1A in 17 games with the Oilers. This affected his confidence, and eventually his game declined, losing his spot on the top-6 for a role lower in the lineup.

Some reports had suggested that Howard was not being put in the right role to succeed and that he will mismanaged by coach Knoblacuh.

Whatever the reason for his slow start to the season, Howards has turned his game completely, largely because of his work-ethic and coachability.

It won’t be long before Howard is back in an Oilers’ sweater, possibly paired with his Condors’ linemate Quinn Hutson.

Previously on Edmonton Hockey Daily

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