Holloway was selected as the Canadian Junior A Hockey League player of the year in 2018-19 after finishing second in goals (40) and points (88) in the AJHL during his second season with Okotoks. He also had nine goals and four assists in 11 playoff games.
The 18-year-old made the move to Madison for the 2019-20 campaign and tallied eight goals and nine assists in 35 games during his freshman season with the Badgers that was cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Though he didn't produce points at the same pace as the year before in the AJHL, Holloway was pleased with his all-around development during his first season of college hockey.
"I know I didn't light it up with points, but I still feel like I was playing well," he told NHL.com's Mike Morreale. "I was generating a lot of chances to play my game and I think my game is a lot more than just points, so I was able to showcase my skills pretty well.
"I think I improved so much in the defensive zone and in my decision-making with the puck as a freshman. Playing in the AJHL last season was a bit of a slower pace and you had more time to think. In the NCAA, the play is so much quicker that you've got to know what play you are going to make before you have the puck. That was a big thing."
The Calgary native's self-assessment syncs up well with the pre-draft report from NHL Central Scouting Director Dan Marr.
"He's best described as a complete package, which is what makes him such an attractive prospect in this draft," Marr told NHL.com's Morreale. "He's been well-scouted the past three seasons and is therefore a well-known commodity who has been evaluated mostly while playing as one of the youngest members on his team at every level.
"He understands the game very well and utilizes his skating, smarts and skills with a determination and passion that places him in the right position at the right time to make good plays. He's an ultimate team player with strong leadership attributes."
