D
5’9
175 lbs
Toronto Young Nationals
Ruben Van Berkel is a solid two-way defenseman with the Toronto Young Nationals. One of Van Berkel’s best assets is his skating ability and his speed. He moves the puck very well and can turn on the jets in an instant. He is a seamless skater with elusive movement as well. While he might not be the biggest player on the ice, Van Berkel is strong and likes to play a physical game in his own zone. He is aggressive and is always engaged in puck battles and is active in front of the net and along the boards. He is deceptively strong and while his aggression will serve him well at the next level, he is sometimes a bit too aggressive and overly physical in his own zone. Van Berkel has a strong work ethic which is quite noticeable right off the bat. He is always trying to improve and his hard work both on and off the ice is impressive and will serve him well as he looks to move on to the next level. Another notable aspect of his game is his reaction time. Van Berkel is quick to jump on chances and anticipate plays.