Prospects Update | After year off, Bloom blossoming for Saginaw

This week's Prospects Update checks in on Josh Bloom, Tyler Kozak, Owen Power and Devon Levi.
Saginaw Spirit center Josh Bloom has been red hot for his OHL club this season.
Currently on a six-game point streak, the third-round pick in the 2021 NHL Draft has netted six goals and added seven assists to his season total. Bloom now leads the Spirit in goals (15), assists (11) and points (26) through 18 games this season.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic canceling the 2020-21 OHL season, Bloom, 18, did not play at all last year.
"I took advantage of the time I was given during quarantine to get in the gym and on the ice," Bloom said. "I wouldn't say I'm a different player, but more developed and much more comfortable this year than I was just a of couple years ago."

This hasn't been just a sudden hot streak either. Previously this season, Bloom had an eight-game point streak where he recorded 13 points (7+6). There have been only four games this year where Bloom as not notched a point for his team.
This breakout season comes as no surprise to Saginaw's general manager Dave Drinkill, who has watched Bloom play since the forward was 16.
"Last year we didn't play, but he took that time to get a lot faster and a lot stronger, and now he has totally dominated the league so far in his own way" Drinkill said.
"One of the first things you'll notice with Josh is his speed. The way he can crash the net and get past defenders is a coach's dream."
The high praises from the organization are rightfully earned, as Bloom has been clutch when the team has needed him most. He is tied for first in the OHL with five game-winning goals, as well as a league-leading six shorthanded goals.
Saginaw is currently fourth in the OHL's Western Conference with 21 points.
"We get wins in a bunch of different ways. That's what makes us so dangerous," Bloom said. "Everyone wanted to write us off, but we're beating the top-end teams. The personal success just comes from the great team play."

When it comes to his style of play, Bloom said he models his game off long-time Penguins forward Evgeni Malkin. Bloom is 6-foot-2, 182 pounds while Malkin is listed at 6-foot-3, 195 pounds.
"He's not afraid to use his size and body, but at the same time, brings a dangerous skill set to all three zones of the ice," Bloom said.
The Saginaw Spirit will face the Flint Firebirds on Thursday before weekend games against Guelph and Soo.

Kozak extends point streak to five games

Center Tyson Kozak, a seventh-round pick in the 2021 NHL Draft, has impressed thus far with the Portland Winterhawks.
Kozak extended his point streak to five games last night with two goals and two assists. He leads the team with nine goals and 19 points through 21 games.

Portland is currently 8-10-2 on the season with two games this weekend.

Power with 15 points during eight-game streak

Michigan defenseman, and first overall pick in the 2021 NHL Draft, Owen Power has been on a tear recently, as he and the Wolverines have gone 6-2 in the last eight matchups.
During that time, Power has tallied 15 points, with a goal and 14 assists. Power also had a four-game stretch during this streak of at least two or more assists per game.
Power's point streak currently sits at eight and he leads the team in assists with 20. With 23 points on the year so far, he is tied for first on the team with forward, Kent Johnson.
Michigan next games will be against the University of Minnesota on Friday and Saturday.
Power was invited to Team Canada's World Junior Championship Selection Camp this week as well.

Levi named Rookie of the Week again

Sabres goaltending prospect Devon Levi earned Hockey East's Rookie of the Week award for the second consecutive week as Northeastern swept Rensselaer in a two-game set, both by a score of 2-1.
In last Friday's game, Levi stopped 24 of 25 shots, and 19 of 20 shots in Sunday's matchup against the Engineers.
Levi is now 11-4-1 on the season, with a 1.43 goals-against average and a .950 save percentage.

Northeastern will face Providence this coming weekend on Friday and Saturday night.