G Hampton Slukynsky - Western Michigan University, NCAA (2023, 118th, LAK)

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Hockeyville USA

Registered User
Dec 30, 2023
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Central Ohio

Couldn't find a thread on the board, so wanted to start it. Went from best MN HS goalie at small school power Warroad, drafted in the 4th round by the Kings, to best USHL goalie with the Fargo Force, en route to a Clark Cup. Headed to Western Michigan University this fall.

I will say he's going to be Trey Augustine's backup at the 2025 World Junior.
 

Couldn't find a thread on the board, so wanted to start it. Went from best MN HS goalie at small school power Warroad, drafted in the 4th round by the Kings, to best USHL goalie with the Fargo Force, en route to a Clark Cup. Headed to Western Michigan University this fall.

I will say he's going to be Trey Augustine's backup at the 2025 World Junior.

Been on a rocket ship the last year. Originally was a Northern Michigan commit, changed late to WMU which will be a much better challenge. He’s not some 6-4 giant but he seems to fill the net well enough. I like that he simply has dominated at each level, at each step, with like no “transition” required. Obviously each step gets more challenging but if he makes the next step - I see shades of Swayman - another 4th round pick who had a dominate prep career, had one dominate season in the USHL and then was immediately fantastic for a lower-name NCAA team in a great conference.

Could be a remarkably similar path. Slukynsky doesn’t have quite the frame as Swayman and I am no judge of goalie talent but the trajectory and adaptation ease tells me this kid is underrated and worth a follow.
 
Been on a rocket ship the last year. Originally was a Northern Michigan commit, changed late to WMU which will be a much better challenge. He’s not some 6-4 giant but he seems to fill the net well enough. I like that he simply has dominated at each level, at each step, with like no “transition” required. Obviously each step gets more challenging but if he makes the next step - I see shades of Swayman - another 4th round pick who had a dominate prep career, had one dominate season in the USHL and then was immediately fantastic for a lower-name NCAA team in a great conference.

Could be a remarkably similar path. Slukynsky doesn’t have quite the frame as Swayman and I am no judge of goalie talent but the trajectory and adaptation ease tells me this kid is underrated and worth a follow.
Western Michigan will be interesting to follow even more while he's there. Ferschweiler has really turned the program around & turned a bunch of no namers/low profile types into legitimate high end NCAA players (McAllister, Sasson, Polin, Wendt, Grainger, plus resurrected Colangelo's career). Slukynsky should be in a good spot where he won't get peppered every night.
 
Not sure why there isn't more talk about this guy. Big weekend coming up against Michigan.
A few reasons:

1. Kings fans tend to stay on their team board

2. Kings fans are cautiously optimistic about their prospects, as their last group of top prospects have had mixed results

3. Slukynsky is a Kings prospect, so the (mostly Canadian) hockey media isn't obsessing over him.
 
A few reasons:

1. Kings fans tend to stay on their team board

2. Kings fans are cautiously optimistic about their prospects, as their last group of top prospects have had mixed results

3. Slukynsky is a Kings prospect, so the (mostly Canadian) hockey media isn't obsessing over him.
Also to the third point. Slukynsky is an American and playing in the NCAA
 
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Also to the third point. Slukynsky is an American and playing in the NCAA
He's also playing for a smaller university in Michigan. While there's tons of D1 teams in Michigan, they don't get the love or coverage that the programs in Minnesota and to a bit lesser extent, Massachusetts get, so his results fly under the radar. Especially so at Western Michigan compared to Michigan and Michigan State.

If Slukynsky were doing this at Minnesota, Boston University, North Dakota, or Boston College, it would be headline news in the NCAA hockey world since those programs have bigger hype machines surrounding them.
 

Couldn't find a thread on the board, so wanted to start it. Went from best MN HS goalie at small school power Warroad, drafted in the 4th round by the Kings, to best USHL goalie with the Fargo Force, en route to a Clark Cup. Headed to Western Michigan University this fall.

I will say he's going to be Trey Augustine's backup at the 2025 World Junior.
Maybe wasn't the hottest take at the time, but looks like I'm going to be right on this one. Slukynsky rightfully earning his spot.
 
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A miracle that won't happen but I would love for he and his brother to transfer to the Gophers next year. Heck bring Alex Bump too lol.

What a choke by the Gophers to not pursue all of them when they went into the portal.
 
A miracle that won't happen but I would love for he and his brother to transfer to the Gophers next year. Heck bring Alex Bump too lol.

What a choke by the Gophers to not pursue all of them when they went into the portal.
I honestly think it's a bigger choke by North Dakota to not recruit Slukynsky right away in their backyard at Warroad nor bring him & his brother in once it was clear they wouldn't be at Northern Michigan for 2024-25.

Bump was definitely a Gophers choke for sure.
 
Freaking love this kid and he's fun to follow and watch. Sneaky good prospect. His biggest 'problem' is not having prototypical NHL size, I know it's a while off but excited to watch his development as he hits pro levels where the average player can consistently find the holes. His senses and reflexes should cover it, but that will be the real tell on how far he can go.
 
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