Jamiro Reber is a 5’10” center whose father is a coach in Switzerland. I’ve found that the coaches’ sons are usually hockey-savvy, and being around the game is undoubtedly a benefit. He’s very focused on winning and getting better. Reber wants to play. He’s hard-wired to do it.
Reber is a very good skater and makes things happen in the offensive zone. When passing, he has excellent vision and can feather a tough backhand pass. He always presents his stick and, when he gets the chance, gets the puck off his stick quickly. Reber has performed well in playoffs and tournaments like the Five Nations.
“We have to get used to the smaller ice. It’s good. You’re closer to the goal,” Reber smirked. “It gives us more opportunities to score. There are more battles, and it’s faster.”
Now playing for HV71 in Sweden, he had 11 goals and 28 assists in 46 games and two points in as many playoff games. So, at 17, there’s a chance he can grow, and there’s a lot of runway to improve as one of the younger 2024 NHL Draft prospects.
“We’re pretty good as a team. I have good linemates, and they’ve helped me a lot. I like it there,” Reber stated.
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Reber can play in all situations. The fact that he looks forward to the penalty kill is weird but also a very good thing for his long-term career.
“I like playing on the penalty kill. I try to help the team, so we don’t eat a goal,” said Reber.
And you want to score on the PK right?
“Yes, of course,” he said.
Players who are self-aware tend to do better as they move up the ladder. Reber is very aware of what his gifts are.
“I think my hands and my hockey I.Q. My skating too. Those three,” Reber decided.
Getting extra ice time to hone your craft can be challenging.
“When you have time after practice. Free ice. Different variations to practice face-offs” said Reber.
When I asked him about different ways to cheat? He responded, “Yeah, exactly.”
All good hockey players cheat in the face-off dot. That translates. It’s universal.
I’m sure Jamiro Reber will get drafted. I think he’s a center. He’s already pretty strong, and that will improve. He knows how to play the position and seems very dedicated to learning all the finer points to excel in the future. He could be an ideal middle-six guy.
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