NHL draft tracker: Kieffer Bellows, U.S. Under-18 Team

As the son of former NHL great Brian Bellows, hockey runs in the family for U.S. Under-18 Team winger Kieffer Bellows. He was introduced to the game at a young age shortly after his father wrapped up his professional hockey career.

“He put the skates on my feet and got me involved in the game,” says Bellows. “He had such a great career and it was great to have a dad who knows the game like he does. I really looked up to him when I was growing up and feel fortunate to have a dad who played in the NHL and could teach me what he has taught me over the years.”

Besides the obvious, the 6-foot-1, 194-pound Bellows, who has 15 goals and 22 points in 16 games this season, has drawn comparisons to his father because of his elite goal scoring abilities and top-notch vision. He’s well aware he shares some characteristics with his dad, but knows he has to play a different way due to how the game has changed in the last decade.

“We have similarities in our styles,” says Bellows, whom NHL Central Scouting Service ranked as an A-list prospect (potential first rounder) in Sept. “Some people say it’s like seeing my dad on the ice again when they watch me play. But I think there’s some differences, especially because the game is different now than it was when he played. There was more hooking and holding when he played, so I think I play a bit different because it’s a faster game now and you can’t get away with as much as you did before.”

Despite only being 17 years old, Bellows has already won two prestigious championships. He captured a USHL title last year with the Sioux Falls Stampede and won the Minnesota state high school tournament with the Edina Hornets in 2013-14.

“I feel very privileged to have played on such great teams,” he says. “I learned a lot getting to experience the grind of a long playoff run and knowing what you have to do to find it in you to come up big in the big games. You have to battle every second knowing that you could be knocked out of the playoffs if you have an off game.”

The Edina, MN., native is set to follow in the footsteps of Jack Eichel next year by joining Boston University. He knew the renowned university was the right fit for him as soon as he stepped foot on its campus.

“I grew up watching college, so that’s why I felt the NCAA route was better for me than the WHL,” says Bellows, who was drafted by the WHL’s Portland Winterhawks in 2013. “And I went down to Boston University for a visit when I was 16 and knew when I stepped on the campus that this was the school I wanted to play for. The coaches were great and have great reputations and everything felt right to me.”

1. Is there a particular part of your game that you are focused on improving this year?

“There’s always room for improvement in every area. Right now, I’m focused on improving my angling when I’m on the forecheck. I’ve been focused on that.”

2. Do you look up to a player in the NHL?

“I look up to (Dallas Stars captain) Jamie Benn. I like his style of play and how he’s a hard worker. He’s also a good leader, but a leader who might not talk as much as some, but leads with how he plays.”

3. Who is your favourite NHL team?

“I like Montreal. My dad played for Montreal and I have always enjoyed the games between Minnesota and Montreal.”

4. Do you have a favourite movie or TV show that you enjoy watching on road trips?

“Right now, I’m into Southpaw. It’s a good boxing movie.”

5. If you weren’t engaged in hockey, what other sport would you be pursuing right now?

“I would be pursuing either lacrosse or golf. I played both sports before and enjoyed them. I still play golf and enjoy getting the chance to play.”

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