OT .... Back in the day, many talented teens quit the game because they were often thrust into a violent situation of players bigger, and more often than not, older. After bantam the age limits were right up to 18 years old. There were plenty of thugs who would never amount to anything on the ice.
Yup, not that I was talented per se, but I shattered my ankle in half on a stupid play by a 'thug' who literally just wanted to hurt me. I wasn't very big at the time, playing against almost full grown men at the age of 15. I didn't play competitive hockey after that, not worth getting injured.
Just IMO - but it's the definition of hubris to make a very specific definition of an 18YO kid NHL potential. In all honesty - there is very little predictability on their future.
Not sure what you meant about Nazar, your wording confused me a bit. If I’m reading it right you don’t think Nazar has shown anything that makes you believe he’s a first line player. If that’s true I’m wondering what you’re seeing that I’m missing? I’ve watched all the Icehogs games so far and for me he’s put to rest all the reservations I’ve had about him. I know It’s early but I believe we’ve found the perfect winger for Bedard next season. Just need some size for his other wing. Martone? McQueen? Hell, even Misa?
True story. I played house league for a year because I needed a break from pee-wee travel check as a 14 year old.
I don't understand these absolute sentences about an 18-year-old player who reached 80 points while playing injured.
People seem to think a player needs to flirt with a PPG in the NHL to be a top 6 forward when that just isn't the case.
Not sure Vanacker projects out as a top 6 winger. We shall see
It is an interesting debate. When there was no limitation to body checking by age, in my experience, body checking was quite rare prior to the peewee age anyway. I think it is a good idea to ban body checking at a young age but I also believe it is the responsibility of coaches to preach protecting oneself at all times ... even though body checking is against the rules it doesn't mean another player won't take a run at you. Back then, we were on our own to learn to protect oneself just to survive. it is a vastly different game now.... for the better.
Is he physical and can he skate? I like what I've seen so far in the hi-lights.
Of course he is physical. His dad runs a combat sports gym, and I believe that gives Boisvert the edge he possesses. He's not an elite skater but certainly above average, especially for his age.
Musto hating this pick as much as he did should have made everyone here extremely optimistic. You can pretty much bet on his evaluations being 100% inaccurate.
Even a blind squirrel.....
