RD Nicholas Boka - USNTDP, USHL; committed to Michigan (2015, 171st, MIN)

[Woodhouse]

Among the scouting combine attendees without a thread is NTDP RHD Nicholas Boka, so to kick off his thread, here's an excerpt from Boka Will Follow His Heart to Michigan:

The 6-foot-1, 197-pound blue-liner has worked hard to develop into a stronger player over his two years with the NTDP.

“Last year was about development and getting a feel for everything,†Boka said. “It has given me confidence. I came in here 10 pounds lighter and not as big or strong; this year, that training has really helped. I have the confidence that I can go into a corner and come out with the puck, and I’m not going to physically get pushed off the puck. The training has helped me with that confidence. The repetition in practice has helped me in games.â€

Boka expects to have a leg up on the other incoming freshmen next season, since he’s already played several college games as part of the National Team Development Program.

“It helps a lot,†he said. “I can already tell the difference this year with the confidence that I get when I’m playing against bigger and older players. Going in next year, you have that experience and you can go in there right away and know you have the confidence to play against these guys. It’s takes away from the nerves and pressure.€

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