His father was a bruising enforcer feared for his big right hook and crushing body checks.

He’s feared for his big-time speed and slick dangles.

It would be an understatement to say Max Domi plays with a little more finesse than father – former NHL tough guy Tie Domi. Case in point? Max remarkably scored 21 goals in 62 contests as a 16-year-old rookie for the London Knights. His 49 points were six better than dad’s Ontario Hockey League career high of 43, set with the Peterborough Petes in 1987-88.

Max, who finished third in OHL rookie scoring last year, is gifted with tremendous talent and obvious skill. The two combined with a strong work ethic inherited from Tie make for a great product on the ice, according to Future Considerations scouting director Dan Stewart.

“He’s a highly skilled playmaker who might not have the height but has the strength to really make a strong push up the draft board this season,” Stewart described. “Domi has nice wheels with balance and great agility that make him hard to defend. He has nice hands and can see the play develop quickly.”

While he looks Tie in the eye at an identical five-foot-10, Max overshadows his father by his great combination of speed, skill and agility that make him a force to be reckoned with on the ice.

These qualities did not go unnoticed last year as Hockey Canada invited the young gun to play for Canada at the recent 2012 Ivan Hlinka Tournament. He excelled on the international stage, exceeding expectations by scoring three times and adding three assists, helping spark Canada to gold.

He may not be a chip off the old block, but the one thing that Max does have in common with his old man is the relentless desire to win and put all he’s got out on the ice.

And that will help him in the biggest year of his career to date.