By Russ Cohen
Alex Bales is a defenseman who plays for the Tri-City Storm. His team started out the 2023 USHL Fall Classic with some gusto and the Western New York native has been a big part of it.
“I think I was good. The first game I had a few hits. The second showed off my offense. I got an assist and got better as the games went on,” said Bales.
Bales is a by-the-book defenseman who plays big for a guy with a 5’9” frame. At 179, he is very sturdy and the fact that he can play the point on the power play makes him an intriguing prospect who is 2024 NHL Draft eligible. The rearguard felt like he hit his stride during preseason.
“I played three or four of the five preseason games. It’s good hockey. Guys are trying to make the team,” Bales reminded me.
As an East Amherst native, he’s had the chance to skate with Gavin McCarthy, a defenseman who was drafted by the Buffalo Sabres this past June. Working with talented players in the summer can really elevate your game.
“I spend summers in Michigan and work with the USA guys, but I have skated with McCarthy a few times,”
Scouts and draft pundits have good things to say about Bales. He’s a player on some watch lists and he’s on mine as well. Having a good season in his draft year can really elevate his stock.
“I’m not really thinking about the draft. I just want to play my game. It will work itself out,” Bales stated. “I will play the way I know. The way I play my game.”
Bales has a great attitude and really keeps things simple. In both wins, he played left-side defense. Another solid part of his game is his puck retrieval.
He wore the “A” at Kent School (a prep school in Connecticut) where he had 13 points in 14 games. Then he went on an eight-game stint there and scored one goal. He has a point in his first two games this year. He looks like he can get around 35 or more points in the USHL this season.
Bales is committed to Providence College along with his teammate Trevor Connelly. Let’s see how his season progresses but keep an eye on him for sure.
