| HISTORY |
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2007-08:
- Started season with Red Deer (WHL) but sent home after 23 games because of lack of strength.
- Spent rest of year in British Columbia junior A ranks (33-5-11-16).
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2008-09:
- Packed on 20 pounds in the off-season and returned to Red Deer (WHL) ready for duty.
- Finished second in scoring on a weak Red Deer team (72-18-24-42).
- Past over in draft despite being ranked as 132nd North American skater by Central Scouting.
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2009-10:
- Earned invitation to Red Wings' prospects tournament and training camp as a free agent.
- Signed a three-year contract with Red Wings after being assigned to Red Deer (WHL).
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| SCOUT COMMENTS |
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"Detroit loves skilled players who can think the game and he's one of those guys. He's very quick, he's got great hands, he's got a very good release, a great shot and he's just a highly-skilled player that Detroit's always looking for." — Red Deer Rebels head coach Jesse Wallin (October 2009).
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| STRENGTHS |
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Point-producing forward who will be a top-six forward or bust ... Soft hands for passing and a great finishing touch to boot ... Good speed and quickness ... Hard shot with a quick release ... Hard worker who plays with passion ... Focused and driven to succeed.
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| WEAKNESSES |
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Lack of size could result in him getting knocked off the puck easily as a pro ... Needs to step up his defensive game to fit the Red Wings' system ... Consistency can be an issue.
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| PROJECTION |
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Coetzee was relatively unknown when the Red Wings signed him prior to the 2009-10 season. He's since become one of the top scorers in the Western Hockey League and is eligible to play in the American Hockey League in 2010-11. Coetzee has upside as a top-six forward.
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