While we are waiting for jnk96 ´s report from the game, here are the facts:
Cologne - Mannheim 6-2 (shots: 43-35)
Dominik Bokk 1 goal, 7 shots.
Luis Ãœffing 2 goals.
Yannik Valenti not on the scoreboard.
This was my first KEC viewing of the season and I was quite surprised and satisfied with what I saw. Here are some quick notes.
KEC:
Dani Bindels -- Bindels scored quite a bit in 2015-16, but I didn't see him as a player with NHL Draft potential or even high pro potential at all. He looked like a totally different player this time around. Still, like last season, his standout attributes are his size, physicality and shot. Skating looked a lot better than I remembered him, but I still question his hockey sense. He's 2017 NHL eligible but won't be in the conversation. Strong player in Germany, but likely wouldn't excel in Canadian major junior.
Tom Bappert -- Also 2017 NHL eligible, Bappert surprised me. Didn't really have him on the radar except for his birth year, but I liked him a lot. Strong with the puck, made some nice offensive plays. Still has a 0% NHL Draft chance, but a good DNL player.
Robin Palka -- Another 2017 eligible forward, he was not on my radar at all. Several nice offensive plays and good shots; also recorded a goal and an assist. Really liked him in this game.
Nicolas Appendino -- Poor guy, he could be really good if he wasn't so short...
Dominik Bokk -- I don't know. I just don't know. I don't know why he's always good when I'm not watching or why he's never good when I am. Great skater with strong puck skills and apparently seven shots, but he really had a weak game. The goal was a tip-in into a basically empty net, nothing outstanding. A lot of bad bounces, struggled to control passes -- stuff like that. I expected a lot more. He clearly has all the tools, but he again left me wondering why he records so many points.
Jungadler:
Moritz Seider -- Ever heard of this guy? No? Me neither. Kid played his second DNL game tonight and did extremely well. Logged a lot of minutes and did a great job considering he's '01-born and hasn't played much in the DNL. Walked the line really well and played nice passes, looked confident with the puck and didn't make a whole lot of mistakes. Needs to improve defensively, but he's getting there.
Tobias Möller -- A 2018 NHL eligible two-way D-man, Möller looks really good. A good skater with great decision making. Strong gap control and stick work defensively, accurate breakout passes, calm under pressure and can distribute the puck in the O-zone. Not sure if he has NHL potential (probably not), but I have really liked him so far this season.
Wojciech Stachowiak -- Was the No. 1 on my November regional report, ahead of Reichel and Ratmann. A relentless worker who won't quit until he gets the puck. Strong on the forecheck and back check, really stands out with his work ethic, an active stick and trying to be physical. Not the strongest player, but he finishes his checks unlike many other German players. Also showed some nice offensive creativity. Great stick handling through traffic. Not an outstanding game, but he was solid.
Yannik Valenti -- Hm... Still my No. 1 2019 prospect in Germany, but I honestly expected more. Has all the tools and scores rather consistently, but he often doesn't look great in my viewings. Smooth skater who moves the puck with poise out of the D-zone, but struggled with passes and in traffic.
----------------------------------------------------------------
If you have any more questions, fire them at me and I'll try to help out!
Maybe sit in the corner of the rink so he doesn't notice you?
