Back in November, RPI picked up a commitment from ‘05 RD James Guo. Guo is listed at 6’1” and 190 LBs. He has played 5 seasons in the OHL and is now a seasoned veteran for a young Saginaw Spirit team. He has spent the last 3.5 seasons in Saginaw and won the Memorial Cup with them in 2024. The past two seasons he has taken on a larger role and excelled. Last season, he had 8 goals, 26 assists, and 34 points in 62 games with a +29 rating. This season, Saginaw has struggled, but he still is putting the same type of offensive production with 3 goals, 19 assists, and 22 points in 41 games.
Guo is considered one of the best ‘05s in the OHL, which is the best junior league in the world, and RPI beat out some big schools to secure his commitment. His scouting reports paints a defenseman who should fit perfectly into Coach Lang’s scheme. When watching him, his standout trait is his excellent skating ability. He is an explosive skater with great acceleration and speed. More importantly as a defenseman, he is also extremely agile with outstanding 4 way mobility. Guo is also a great passer and breaks out the puck well. His vision allows him to find the right seams and passing lanes to move the puck out of the defensive zone. Defensively, Guo uses his feet to defend well and has a physical side to him, but I also think this is an area where he could use some further development.
Guo will age out of junior hockey following this season and enroll at RPI this fall. With his talent level, I expect he will play in the top 4 on the right side immediately as a freshman. His 5 years of junior hockey experience should have him ready for that role despite his youth. RPI will look to develop him as a big minute, two way defenseman who can play in all situations. With his size, skating, and skill, he has All-ECAC potential down the road with continued development. I can’t wait to see him don the Cherry and White this fall! Congratulations to James and his family!
Fired up to have James. Think that RPI could even recruit a transfer over him to showcase a right side of Sobieski, transfer, and Guo. That would be quite a unit.