NHL draft tracker: Giorgio Estephan, Lethbridge Hurricanes

Early on in the season, it didn’t’ seem Giorgio Estephan would hear his name called at the 2015 NHL entry draft. He only managed to muster one goal and four points throughout 21 games in the first two months of the year. But in the second half of the season, the Lethbridge Hurricanes centre hit his offensive stride, averaging 1.09 points per game with 19 goals and 37 points in 34 contests.

“In the second half I wanted to come back and make a statement,” says Estephan, who finished the year with 23 goals and 51 points in 64 matches. “I also had more confidence going into the second half and felt more comfortable out there.”

Lethbridge’s coaching change appeared to play a role in the 6-foot, 184-pound Estephan boosting his stats sheet. He started to truly take off when Peter Anholt went behind the bench following the firing of Drake Berehowsky just 29 games into the year.

“It gave us a fresh start when that happened,” he says. “We started over and focused on what was in front of us and not the past. It helped to get a new outlook on the season for me and the whole team.”

On top of finding the back of the net, the Edmonton, Alta., native, who has a smooth stride and understands the game well, has rounded out his game. His compete and work ethic has led to him developing his play on the defensive side of the puck.

“When you’re playing against the top guys in the WHL, you have to learn to play against players with a lot of firepower,” says Estephan. “I’ve learned the best way to get offensive chances is to learn how to play in your own zone and play well defensively. I’ve worked on improving that part of my game and I think it shows up in my numbers because I’m going against other team’s top lines for offensive chances.”

The steps forward that Estephan took in his game is impressive on its own, but even more so when considering the circumstances. He was on a Lethbrige team that was full of drama over the past two seasons with a handful of trade requests and constant rumours about a possible sale, not to mention a coach and GM change.

“It has been a learning experience,” says the 18-year-old sophomore, who is ranked 144^th among North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting Service, on playing in Lethbridge. “You learn how to overcome things and play for the guy next to you. I’ve tried to continue to work hard and focus on being a good teammate. I’ve wanted to be someone who is good in the room and have prided myself on that.”

1. What part of your offensive game do you feel stands out about you the most?

“I think my shot and offensive awareness. In the offensive zone, I can read plays and gel well with my linemates. I play well with smart players and can move the puck around well with them. I can set them up with my passing abilities and have the shot to finish a play.”

2. Do you model your game after someone in the NHL?

“(Dallas Stars captain) Jamie Benn. He’s a smart player who makes players around him better. He’s also on the ice in the last three minutes in any given night whether he’s out there to score a goal or hold a lead.”

3. Do you have a favourite NHL team?

“I like the (Tampa Bay) Lightning. I’m a fan of (Steven) Stamkos and like the way they play.”

4. Was there a moment last year such as playing against a high NHL draft pick where you realized you made it to the big leagues of junior puck?

“Lining up against (Buffalo Sabres prospect) Sam Reinhart last year I had a moment like that. I was in shock a bit at first, but had to overcome it right away because guys like that are coming at you hard and you have to be ready.”

5. What’s your favourite movie or TV show that you like to watch on road trips?

“There’s a bunch of guys, myself included, that are Harry Potter fans. It’s a good series to watch on a road trip.”

Kelly Friesen is a Buzzing the Net columnist for Yahoo! Sports. Follow him on Twitter @KellyFriesen