F Šimon Katolický - Tappara (Tampere) Finland-U20 (2026 Draft)

[Pavel Buchnevich]

The Czechs haven't had a top 5 pick since 2000. I think that changes with Katolicky.

He's the real deal and I think will contend for 1OA. He was one of the best players at the WHC17. I didn't find the Czech team all that impressive, but Katolicky got your attention every shift.

His package of size, skating, puck handling, hockey sense, and scoring skills are near unheard of for a 6'4 forward. If he was a center, I would suggest he's the favorite to go 1OA over McKenna.

Like I've constantly said, the comparison is a Juraj Slafkovsky type of player. Katolicky isn't as strong yet (only 187 pounds), but the same type of toolset otherwise and a similar draft range is possible.

 

[martygod12]

The Czechs haven't had a top 5 pick since 2000. I think that changes with Katolicky.

He's the real deal and I think will contend for 1OA. He was one of the best players at the WHC17. I didn't find the Czech team all that impressive, but Katolicky got your attention every shift.

His package of size, skating, puck handling, hockey sense, and scoring skills are near unheard of for a 6'4 forward. If he was a center, I would suggest he's the favorite to go 1OA over McKenna.

Like I've constantly said, the comparison is a Juraj Slafkovsky type of player. Katolicky isn't as strong yet (only 187 pounds), but the same type of toolset otherwise and a similar draft range is possible.

Really that good? I mean as a Czech I would love that, and he looks great so far. But he is playing only at u18 level in Finland, which has me worried tbh.

If we look at our other top prospects from this group in that draft, then Novotny is a full time ELH player playing with men, Dravecky plays Swedish U20 and starting to get looks also in SHL with men, Novak was injured a lot this season so far, but also will play at least at U20 level in Czechia.

Idk I feel like Katolicky should be also playing at U20 level already. He looks really good, but this has me a bit worried.

 

[Pavel Buchnevich]

Really that good? I mean as a Czech I would love that, and he looks great so far. But he is playing only at u18 level in Finland, which has me worried tbh.

If we look at our other top prospects from this group in that draft, then Novotny is a full time ELH player playing with men, Dravecky plays Swedish U20 and starting to get looks also in SHL with men, Novak was injured a lot this season so far, but also will play at least at U20 level in Czechia.

Idk I feel like Katolicky should be also playing at U20 level already. He looks really good, but this has me a bit worried.

I have a similar worry. He should be playing U20, but he leads Tappara U18 in points. He's performing well where he is playing. I think the fact that he joined a new hockey club this season and in a new country could have something to do with why he hasn't been promoted to U20 yet. That's what I want to believe, and I probably think it's the truth.

The stats combined with the ability you see to take over shifts watching him play suggests to me one of the best prospects in the 2026 draft, so I'll just be patient for his promotion to Tappara U20, and then to Tappara Mens team in Liiga. I'll start being more seriously concerned when the stats or eye test start failing.

 

[pgfan66]

I have a similar worry. He should be playing U20, but he leads Tappara U18 in points. He's performing well where he is playing. I think the fact that he joined a new hockey club this season and in a new country could have something to do with why he hasn't been promoted to U20 yet. That's what I want to believe, and I probably think it's the truth.

The stats combined with the ability you see to take over shifts watching him play suggests to me one of the best prospects in the 2026 draft, so I'll just be patient for his promotion to Tappara U20, and then to Tappara Mens team in Liiga. I'll start being more seriously concerned when the stats or eye test start failing.

Only 6 U17 players have at least 10 games in the U20 league this season. Even Oscar Hemming is in U18 despite scoring well above a goal per game. So I wouldn’t be too worried about it. He can still end up there in the second half and I don’t think it would hurt him to stay at U18 longer.

 

[czech]

The first player born in '08 to play for the Czechia '07 team. Katolicky will debut for the U18s on December 11th in a game against Slovakia.

 

[Pavel Buchnevich]

The first player born in '08 to play for the Czechia '07 team. Katolicky will debut for the U18s on December 11th in a game against Slovakia.

Very excited for that.

 

[martygod12]

1+2 for Czechs (U18) in 5:4 OT win against Slovaks today. I really wish the finally move him up to U20 league in Finland.

Btw how funny is that the deciding OT goal was scored by Dravecky today?

 

[Pazucha]

1+2 for Czechs (U18) in 5:4 OT win against Slovaks today. I really wish the finally move him up to U20 league in Finland.

Btw how funny is that the deciding OT goal was scored by Dravecky today?

Dravecky scoring and Nemec having 3 points (Was only a call-out because of another player injury)

two middle fingers to whoever is nominating this guys to the Slovak team.

Great showing by Katolicky looks like he has the whole package to be an nhl player.

 

[Pavel Buchnevich]

Katolicky is better than Novotny and Cihar right now. If he wasn't playing U18 in Finland, he might have a chance at the WJC team.

But he'll be a big part of the U18 Worlds team in the Spring. I'm excited to see how he does there.

 

[Czechboy]

Katolicky is better than Novotny and Cihar right now. If he wasn't playing U18 in Finland, he might have a chance at the WJC team.

But he'll be a big part of the U18 Worlds team in the Spring. I'm excited to see how he does there.

I believe benak and Mrtka are eligible for that team too. Might break out U18 curse and not stink for once.lol

 

[Pavel Buchnevich]

I believe benak and Mrtka are eligible for that team too. Might break out U18 curse and not stink for once.lol

Novotny and Cihar and Dravecky also. That team is going to be very good if they all play. Potentially a real Gold Medal contender.

Polletin-Benak-Cihar
Katolicky-Zahesky-Novotny
Pekar-?-Novak

?-Mrtka
?-Dravecky

Stebetak

 

[Czechboy]

Novotny and Cihar and Dravecky also. That team is going to be very good if they all play. Potentially a real Gold Medal contender.

Polletin-Benak-Cihar
Katolicky-Zahesky-Novotny
Pekar-?-Novak

?-Mrtka
?-Dravecky

Stebetak

Benak in USHL could be a problem. Same with Mrtka and pekar. Although I don't think their CHL team is very good. Not is benaks USHL one.

Potentially a very solid side if it all comes together.

 

[czechcanadian]

How about Mikeš? Isn’t he a highly touted player too?

 

[martygod12]

Why is he still not in the U20 league in Finland? I mean what are they waiting for there? He needs to play Liiga with men next season if he wants to get drafted 1st round, keeping him in U18 is really hurting his stock

 

[JotAlan]

What's the hype train with this kid? I see a lot of people commenting that he will be a top 10, top 5 and even top 2 pick (in the eye test he looks incredible), but why is he still in the u18 in Finland? And his numbers relative to hype aren't that great, Oscar Hemming prospect who I'm not a fan of is obliterating the league.

 

[JotAlan]

The Czechs haven't had a top 5 pick since 2000. I think that changes with Katolicky.

He's the real deal and I think will contend for 1OA. He was one of the best players at the WHC17. I didn't find the Czech team all that impressive, but Katolicky got your attention every shift.

His package of size, skating, puck handling, hockey sense, and scoring skills are near unheard of for a 6'4 forward. If he was a center, I would suggest he's the favorite to go 1OA over McKenna.

Like I've constantly said, the comparison is a Juraj Slafkovsky type of player. Katolicky isn't as strong yet (only 187 pounds), but the same type of toolset otherwise and a similar draft range is possible.

Do you still think that way about him? That if he were a center he would be the favorite for first choice? It would really shock me if anyone was able to compete with McKenna.
Do you really believe that a center Juraj Slafkovsky would be able to surpass Gavin for the first pick?

 

[Pavel Buchnevich]

What's the hype train with this kid? I see a lot of people commenting that he will be a top 10, top 5 and even top 2 pick (in the eye test he looks incredible), but why is he still in the u18 in Finland? And his numbers relative to hype aren't that great, Oscar Hemming prospect who I'm not a fan of is obliterating the league.

He's been amazing for Czechia. Looked like a difference maker every game for them. And that might similar to Benak, but he's like 9 inches taller than Benak, so I'd tend to trust it a little more.

He's adjusting to a new country. I suspect that might have something to do with Hemming having better numbers. Hemming isn't adjusting to a new country. And it sometimes just happens that players with worse stats are better prospects, especially when you're dealing with two prospects who are both putting up good stats.

Why isn't he playing U20 yet? That's the big question. It makes no sense. Maybe the team has a plan for him and wants to stick to it.

Do you still think that way about him? That if he were a center he would be the favorite for first choice? It would really shock me if anyone was able to compete with McKenna.
Do you really believe that a center Juraj Slafkovsky would be able to surpass Gavin for the first pick?

I am a little concerned why he hasn't been promoted to U20. But I'm not really concerned with what I've watched of him. The stats don't bother me so much because he's still putting up very good stats, even if Hemming has better stats. Doesn't necessarily make Hemming better.

He looks like a player who will be an early first rounder to me. If it ends up being 13 instead of like 3, that's possible, but I really don't see how a player with that set of skills who plays like he does won't end up an early first round pick.

Is he going to challenge for 1OA? Hard to know. Still a year and a half to go. I think McKenna is definitely the favorite. Katolicky probably isn't even second favorite. But remember Schaefer was not looked at as anywhere near a 1OA contender a year ago, and now he's in that conversation, so this stuff can change fast. Katolicky looks the part of a player who could contend for 1OA. Can't say definitively whether that'll end up happening. A lot will need to go right for him to do so. McKenna certainly has the edge right now.

 

[JotAlan]

He's been amazing for Czechia. Looked like a difference maker every game for them. And that might similar to Benak, but he's like 9 inches taller than Benak, so I'd tend to trust it a little more.

He's adjusting to a new country. I suspect that might have something to do with Hemming having better numbers. Hemming isn't adjusting to a new country. And it sometimes just happens that players with worse stats are better prospects, especially when you're dealing with two prospects who are both putting up good stats.

Why isn't he playing U20 yet? That's the big question. It makes no sense. Maybe the team has a plan for him and wants to stick to it.


I am a little concerned why he hasn't been promoted to U20. But I'm not really concerned with what I've watched of him. The stats don't bother me so much because he's still putting up very good stats, even if Hemming has better stats. Doesn't necessarily make Hemming better.

He looks like a player who will be an early first rounder to me. If it ends up being 13 instead of like 3, that's possible, but I really don't see how a player with that set of skills who plays like he does won't end up an early first round pick.

Is he going to challenge for 1OA? Hard to know. Still a year and a half to go. I think McKenna is definitely the favorite. Katolicky probably isn't even second favorite. But remember Schaefer was not looked at as anywhere near a 1OA contender a year ago, and now he's in that conversation, so this stuff can change fast. Katolicky looks the part of a player who could contend for 1OA. Can't say definitively whether that'll end up happening. A lot will need to go right for him to do so. McKenna certainly has the edge right now.

All good. My question was not whether Hemming is better than him, I fully trust that Katolicky is better, but to understand the context of his hype. Yes, he's a beast, but there's a huge gap between what he's doing (being 13th, for example) or competing for first choice.

 

[martygod12]

I love to hear this praise about him and I hope he will go first round, but he needs to move out of U18 asap, especially next season.

It should be either Liiga with men or CHL for him next year, everything else is out of question. You can't become a top 10 or top 15 pick out of Finish U20 league imo

 

[ddlennon]

What's the hype train with this kid? I see a lot of people commenting that he will be a top 10, top 5 and even top 2 pick (in the eye test he looks incredible), but why is he still in the u18 in Finland? And his numbers relative to hype aren't that great, Oscar Hemming prospect who I'm not a fan of is obliterating the league.

This is also a case of ep not separating the leagues, katolickys team has exclusively played against top12 u18 teams, while hemmings team started in the bottom league which admittely is rare for kiekko espoo on any agegroup but 90% of his scoring stats are inflated due to playing most of his games against bottom 12 teams. Ep really is inconsistant for finnish jrs

 

[JotAlan]

This is also a case of ep not separating the leagues, katolickys team has exclusively played against top12 u18 teams, while hemmings team started in the bottom league which admittely is rare for kiekko espoo on any agegroup but 90% of his scoring stats are inflated due to playing most of his games against bottom 12 teams. Ep really is inconsistant for finnish jrs

Now it makes more sense. Because he is in another world as a talent compared to Hemming. However, for a 16 year old player in the u18 league I would expect much more from a projected top 5 pick. That said, I believe he has enough talent to get into the top 3, but just talent I don't know if it will be enough, he needs to play U20 and Liiga within the next year and a half

 

[ddlennon]

Now it makes more sense. Because he is in another world as a talent compared to Hemming. However, for a 16 year old player in the u18 league I would expect much more from a projected top 5 pick. That said, I believe he has enough talent to get into the top 3, but just talent I don't know if it will be enough, he needs to play U20 and Liiga within the next year and a half

Yeah i saw him live last january when he was playing for the czech u16 program against finns and he was byfar the most impressive player with his size and speed compared to anyone else on the ice even if the rest of the czech team wasnt that great, imo hes much better than jan chovan was at the same age and he was playing 3rd-4th line minutes in tapparas u20 program so im not sure why hes not been given a chance yet but youre right in order to be first rounder he has to get some u20 games in and then either go chl next year or swap to diffrent pro team to get good minutes not sure how much minutes he could get on tappara next season compared to lower end liiga team or just some team from czech league

 

[just a hockey fan]

Seems like there's a bit of a hurry for players to be pushed up to play with older ones. Maybe it's a simple thing like playing time? If the U20 team's management think he's better off getting guaranteed top minutes and production instead of playing lesser minutes with them? Or are people thinking that his current ability would instantly make him a top player at the U20 level and close to ready for Liiga games? There's still time left, I'm sure he'll get promoted for a few games and then he can show what he can do. Hopefully no one dismisses his (or anyone's) talent and potential just because the players aren't always playing where a fan thinks they should be playing. I really dislike that type of thinking. Also seems like the U20 team is struggling so maybe they're not comfortable bringing up more underagers?

 

[JotAlan]

Seems like there's a bit of a hurry for players to be pushed up to play with older ones. Maybe it's a simple thing like playing time? If the U20 team's management think he's better off getting guaranteed top minutes and production instead of playing lesser minutes with them? Or are people thinking that his current ability would instantly make him a top player at the U20 level and close to ready for Liiga games? There's still time left, I'm sure he'll get promoted for a few games and then he can show what he can do. Hopefully no one dismisses his (or anyone's) talent and potential just because the players aren't always playing where a fan thinks they should be playing. I really dislike that type of thinking. Also seems like the U20 team is struggling so maybe they're not comfortable bringing up more underagers?

I understand your point, and I partially agree. The question is not where we "fans" think he should play, but where he should play based on how talented the critics believe he is. Very difficult to believe that a top 5/10 player at the age of 16 is not capable of at least playing at the under-20 level. What's more, if the team is having difficulty and you have a 16-year-old striker capable of helping, why not play him? It doesn't make sense. If he has the level of talent he has, he simply should play under-20, it shouldn't be something that's even questionable.

 

[just a hockey fan]

I understand your point, and I partially agree. The question is not where we "fans" think he should play, but where he should play based on how talented the critics believe he is. Very difficult to believe that a top 5/10 player at the age of 16 is not capable of at least playing at the under-20 level. What's more, if the team is having difficulty and you have a 16-year-old striker capable of helping, why not play him? It doesn't make sense. If he has the level of talent he has, he simply should play under-20, it shouldn't be something that's even questionable.

Oh for sure I get that too but overall in recent years it feels like players who aren't playing where people (fans and scouts) think he should be playing, the player gets dismissed and disrespected in a way. Maybe in some cases the assumed talent or potential ends up not being exactly what expected but I think some patience should be shown when not every player gets pushed up. I don't know what the reasons for him not getting called up are so it's hard to say anything about that. They have a 16yo dman (who from my few viewings I like) as their 1st pairing RD so they're not afraid to use young players in big roles clearly. Let's see if he gets promoted in the next few weeks, I don't think it's unusual for the younger players to get their call ups later into the season.