- Jun 10, 2014
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For what it's worth, here is my take from the Canada Slovakia U18 game yesterday. Bear in mind that I typically don't start researching prospects heavily until about now so I don't have the same base of knowledge that some of you do. I hadn't seen any of these players live until yesterday.
I went in focusing on Chychrun, Jost, Fabbro, and McLeod.
Chychrun - For the most part he came as advertised. Admittedly, going in, I wasn't crazy about him with our 1st pick based mostly on my opinion that it's more risky to select a D really early in the first round but was starting to warm up to him as the game went on. Late in the game though, he got caught up ice a few times and also had an awful turnover on the PP that resulted in a Slovakia goal that almost sparked a comeback. Aside from those hiccups, he generally seems like he has the important tools. Good skater in all directions and made some nice stretch passes. Still not sure how I feel about him with our 1st yet.
Jost - Probably the best player on the ice IMO (and ended up with player of the game for Canada, so someone agreed with me ). Good skater, worked hard in both directions, created on offence. Was an impact player in the game. Not sure yet if I even have a guess for what his ceiling might be.
Fabbro - I wasn't really able to develop any kind of opinion on him. If I wasn't specifically trying to watch for him, I wouldn't have noticed him at all. Didn't do anything to impress. Didn't do anything to stand out in a bad way. Considering I've heard that some feel he might end up being the best D from this draft, I was expecting more.
McLeod - Did. Not. Like. I was actually offended by his lack of effort in the neutral and d zone. Watching him back check was hilarious. No attempt whatsoever to identify his check and cover that player. His speed didn't stand out to me either which I thought was his strength. It's only one game but I was not impressed.
If I had to pick one player that jumped out at me that I wasn't specifically watching for, it would easily be Katchouk (sp?). He was almost up there with Jost. He was a buzz saw, created offensively, and put in effort in all 3 zones. Does anyone know where he is projected to go? I'm travelling with family and haven't had a chance to even google him yet. I'm very curious to learn about him to see if my impression is anywhere close to accurate.
Bonus comment - I was surprised how much Stanley tried to rush the puck and do things offensively. I was kind of assuming he'd just play a physical, defensive brand of hockey. He wasn't very good but he's got a long path ahead of him to grow into his body. Could be a decent boom/bust pick late in the draft?
I've got a lot of catching up to do with research and watching that game invigorated me a bit. It was kind of fun watching and not knowing much at all about most of the players.
Keep seeing similar assessments of McLeod but he seems to be rising in the draft lists. ???