After taking a short break, following an exciting 2022 NHL Draft in Montreal, the scouting fraternity is already busy preparing for the next wave of potential stars.
For over a year the 2023 NHL Draft class has been establishing itself as an elite group of prospects.
Judging by the quality of play at the recently completed Hlinka Gretzky Cup, this cycle of players is not likely to disappoint. The names at the top of the class include Connor Bedard and Matvei Michkov, but the depth of high-end talent doesn’t end there. It’s going to be an exciting year tracking draft-eligible prospects for 2023.
A stacked Canadian squad defeated Sweden 4-1 Saturday to capture gold at the tournament. Finland downed an upstart Czechia group 3-1 to win the bronze.
Here are some players who stood out with their play last week in Red Deer, Alta.:
GOALIES
Michael Hrabal, Czechia 6-6, 201 lbs | Catches: Left | 2023 Draft Eligible
A “hybrid/blocking” style goalie who uses his large frame to his advantage. When players attempt to get him moving side to side, and stuff pucks around his out-stretched legs, his width in his crease makes it challenging for shooters. Hrabal is the kind of goalie who can play deep in his net and allow pucks to come to him. The less he gets moving around the better. It’s important for him to play between the posts and not get scrambling. He’s not exceptionally athletic for his stature, so he needs to play a composed game. When he squares up, shooters have little net to look at when trying to score from range.
Samuel Urban, Slovakia 6-1, 196 lbs | Catches: Left | 2023 Draft Eligible
Urban was under siege for much of the tournament. He was, arguably, the MVP of Team Slovakia. The “butterfly/athletic” goalie never quits on pucks. He’s rangy in his crease, and showed he can move laterally to make first and second saves. An area of weakness is his rebound control. Urban has active pads and tends to kick pucks back out into traffic areas. He needs to improve this area of his game as the season progresses.
Scott Ratzlaff, Canada 6-0, 172 lbs | Catches: Left | 2023 Draft Eligible
Ratzlaff wasn’t called upon to be elite in this tournament but held down the fort when required. He ended the tournament with four wins and a .962 save percentage. The butterfly goalie is athletic and takes up enough net with his wide stature in the crease. He will have plenty of eyes on him this season in Seattle (WHL).
Eric Olsson, Sweden 6-3, 183 lbs | Catches: Left | 2024 Draft Eligible
His birthday (Sept. 27, 2005) falls after the Sept. 15 cutoff for the 2023 draft, making him a target for 2024. There is much to like about this prospect. He has sound crease composure and size. Olsson tracks very well and has good feet and gloves. If he was eligible for 2023, he would be a high-end goalie target. The fact he has two full years of development ahead of him should elevate his stock further as he trends towards 2024.
Eemil Vinni, Finland 6-2, 187 lbs | Catches: Left | 2024 Draft Eligible
There is a real possibility Vinni and Olsson will battle for the top-rated European goalie slot come 2024. Vinni has good size, great feet, moves very well laterally and controls his rebounds. He’s also not shy about jumping out of his crease to play the puck and outlet up ice. He didn’t have the net to start the tournament but established himself as the No. 1 for Finland as the week rolled along.
The right-shot defender was captain of Team Canada and led by example. Allen is a tenacious defender who plays with a competitive edge. He took away time and space effectively and made responsible decisions with the puck. The two-way defender is more of a distributor than a shooter in the offensive zone. He scored one goal and six assists for seven points.
MacKinnon is a valuable defender who isn’t likely to push the play offensively but contributes in the small areas of the game. A reliable two-way “D” who has the ability to skate pucks or join the rush as an extra layer but generally focuses on his defensive responsibilities. He’s a low-risk player with above average physical edge and sound three-zone awareness.
Molendyk contributed one goal and three assists for four points in the tournament. He had the look of a player who could have scored more if the puck bounced his way on occasion. He’s a fluid skater with sound hockey IQ. Molendyk was used in all situations for Team Canada. A transitional “D’ who has the potential to produce offence for Saskatoon (WHL) and log a ton of ice time.
Lucas St. Louis, USA 5-11, 170 lbs | Shoots: Left | 2023 Draft Eligible
The son of Montreal Canadiens head coach Martin St. Louis, Lucas definitely has some of his father’s playmaking genes. He started the tournament handling the puck with confidence and showing deception and vision in the offensive zone. His defending ranged at times, but he was generally engaged and didn’t shy away from the battle areas. Unfortunately for him, and his teammates, the wheels fell off and the group got away from playing as a team. St. Louis doesn’t have a history of elite scoring statistics. He skates very well and gives the impression that he could contribute more than history has shown. Lucas will be playing for Dubuque (USHL) this season before heading to Harvard in 2023-24.
Kristian Kostadinski, Sweden 6-5, 214 lbs | Shoots: Left | 2023 Draft Eligible
Teams looking to add a defensive “D” who plays with some edge will track Kostadinski closely this season. He’s a big body who knows his limitations and plays to his strengths. He isn’t likely to produce much offensively, but he is capable of making the first pass. Kostadinski takes pride in cleaning out his crease and making life miserable on opponents along the boards.
Theo Lindstein, Sweden 6-0, 179 lbs | Shoots: Left | 2023 Draft Eligible
Lindstein is an elite skater who is quick and agile. He projects to be a transitional “D” who can man the power play. In the offensive zone, he is more of a distributor than a shooter. He’s not an elite defender but it’s not an area of concern or weakness either. Lindstein scored one goal and five assists for six points at the tournament. He hasn’t historically shown he can produce a high level of offence for a full season. Time will tell if he is starting to come into his own.
Kalle Kangas, Finland 6-4, 205 lbs | Shoots: Left | 2023 Draft Eligible
Kangas had a bit of an uneven tournament. He started the week playing with a presence. He’s a big body but not physically punishing. His length and ability to take away space with his reach is a plus when engaged in his zone. There were times in the tournament his execution with the puck and his ability to defend against speed were put to the test. There is an interesting foundation in place with Kangas, but I’m looking for more definition and consistency as the season progresses.
Jakub Dvorak, Czechia 6-5, 203 lbs | Shoots: Left | 2023 Draft Eligible
The captain for Czechia was deployed in all situations. He logged a ton of ice time. Dvorak is a big body who is a capable skater. He isn’t shy about leading the rush or joining as an extra layer. Although not elite in any singular category, he is very competitive and involved in all three zones. Dvorak is heading to Swift Current (WHL) this season. At this stage of his development, he projects to be a two-way “D” who isn’t likely to contribute on the power play as a pro.
This space is too limited to go into great detail about the underage defenceman at the event but these two players get a mention for their skill and upside for the 2024 Draft:
Niilopekka Muhonen, Finland 6-4 194 lbs | Shoots: Left | 2024 Draft Eligible
Hulking two-way “D.”
Arvid Bergstrom, Sweden 5-10, 160 lbs | Shoots: Left | 2024 Draft Eligible
Transitional “D” who is an elite skater and very similar to teammate Lindstein.
FORWARDS
Eduard Sale, Czechia 6-1, 165 lbs | Shoots: Left | 2023 Draft Eligible
Sale is an elite offensive talent. He was lethal on the power play. Off the rush, he has the ability to drive the play with speed or pull up and distribute. His off-the-puck detail and willingness to engage more in the hard areas will be tested throughout the season but there is no denying his upside as a potential top-of-the-lineup forward at the NHL level is significant. He ended the event with four goals and two assists for six points. He also scored two ridiculously skilled goals in the shootout.
Kasper Halttunen, Finland 6-2, 207 lbs | Shoots: Right | 2023 Draft Eligible
The early leader in the clubhouse for the hardest shot in the draft class. Halttunen rips pucks from the flank on the power play. He also possesses a lethal snap shot that he gets away quickly in tight areas. Sometimes offensive-minded forwards play a moody game that lacks some detail and push at times. He definitely falls into that category after this event. This kid has size, can play quick when he wants to and no doubt has offensive upside. His effort overall has to go to another level to make his element more consistently dangerous. He scored one goal and two assists for three points in five games at the tournament. More drive will result in more results.
Emil Jarventie, Finland 5-11, 170 lbs | Shoots: Left | 2023 Draft Eligible
Jarventie became more and more noticeable as the tournament progressed. He’s an energetic forward who’s equal parts goal scorer and playmaker. His ability to get under checks and create turnovers are skills that come to life via his work ethic. He had a positive week producing two goals and three assists for five points.
Otto Stenberg, Sweden 5-11, 181 lbs | Shoots: Left | 2023 Draft Eligible
Stenberg tied for second in tournament scoring with nine points (five goals and four assists). He was noticeable from the drop of the puck on day one. He plays an energetic, involved, quick and skilled game that produces results. One of my favourite players in the tournament. He didn’t cut corners and led by example as Sweden’s captain.
Quentin Musty, USA 6-2, 205 lbs | Shoots: Left | 2023 Draft Eligible
Musty has elite puck touch in tight around the net. He’s blessed with the ability to create offense. His three-zone effort and detail, however, need to improve as does his skating. If he puts in the work, gets stronger and raises his consistent compete level, he has a chance to open eyes as a big body with great mitts who can score. Musty led the Americans with five points (one goal and four assists) at the tournament.
Kevin Bicker, Germany 6-2, 175 lbs | Shoots: Left | 2023 Draft Eligible
Germany lacked depth, but Bicker gave all he had the entire tournament and carried the team on his back for stretches. He’s a solid skater who can attack off the rush. He has the skill to beat opponents one-on-one and competes in the hard areas. Another positive attribute was his 200-foot game. He checks all the way back to his net. Bicker scored four points (one goal and three assists) at the tournament and it could have been more if he was surrounded by more support. He might fly under the radar a bit, but he’s a name to keep an eye on.
After a bit of a slow start, Ritchie played his best hockey in the back half of the event. When he is moving his feet and pushing the pace, he produces offence. There were times he seemed to lack the required drive, but the fact he elevated as the games became more important is a plus. Ritchie ended up leading the tournament in scoring with 10 points (four goals and six assists). He brings size, with room for strength, and excellent puck touch.
Barkey was like a “rash” on opponents the entire tournament. He NEVER gives up on the play. His combination of quickness, compete, battle and skill are impossible to ignore. He was deployed at extra strength and the penalty kill. Barkey ended the tournament with four points (two goals and two assists). He didn’t lead the event in scoring but was arguably the most noticeable player every night.
Shoot first … ask questions later! Yager was a threat to score every game. He ended the tournament with nine points (five goals and four assists). He shoots the puck hard and accurately. When he sniffs out any kind of free space in the offensive zone, he is looking to get the puck to the net. Like many kids at this stage of his development, he needs to add strength so he can be more effective along the wall and when the games get physical. Yager has, at worst, second-line NHL upside. He could end up being a top-line point producer as a pro.
Benson and Barkey are a lot alike in many areas of their games. The difference, for now, is Benson is more polished offensively overall. He’s quick, fast, and highly skilled. A motivated player with and without the puck. Benson has the skill set to pick opponents apart on the power play.
Honourable Mentions
It’s my goal to be transparent when presenting my observations to our readers. I don’t ever want anyone to think I have bias in what I am presenting. Having said that my “Honourable Mentions” go out to the entire Canadian team. I could have literally written something on every one of the players on Team Canada. This is an elite group overall. The team didn’t have a single weak link.
TORONTO – Reigning PWHL MVP and scoring champ Natalie Spooner will miss the start of the regular season for the Toronto Sceptres, general manager Gina Kingsbury announced Tuesday on the first day of training camp.
The 33-year-old Spooner had knee surgery on her left anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) after she was checked into the boards by Minnesota’s Grace Zumwinkle in Game 3 of their best-of-five semifinal series on May 13.
She had a goal and an assist in three playoff games but did not finish the series. Toronto was up 2-1 in the semifinal at that time and eventually fell 3-2 in the series.
Spooner led the PWHL with 27 points in 24 games. Her 20 goals, including five game-winners, were nine more than the closest skater.
Kingsbury said there is no timeline, as the team wants the Toronto native at 100 per cent, but added that “she is doing really well” in her recovery.
The Sceptres open the PWHL season on Nov. 30 when they host the Boston Fleet.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 12, 2024.
LAHORE, Pakistan (AP) — A top official of the Pakistan Cricket Board declined Friday to confirm media reports that India has decided against playing any games in host Pakistan during next year’s Champions Trophy.
“My view is if there’s any problems, they (India) should tell us in writing,” PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi told reporters in Lahore. “I’ll share that with the media as well as with the government as soon as I get such a letter.”
Indian media reported Friday that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has communicated its concerns to all the Champions Trophy stakeholders, including the PCB, over the Feb. 19-March 9 tournament and would not play in arch-rival Pakistan.
The Times of India said that “Dubai is a strong candidate to host the fixtures involving the Men in Blue” for the 50-over tournament.
Such a solution would see Pakistan having to travel to a neutral venue to play India in a group match, with another potential meeting later in the tournament if both teams advanced from their group. The final is scheduled for March 9 in Pakistan with the specific venue not yet decided.
“Our stance is clear,” Naqvi said. “They need to give us in writing any objections they may have. Until now, no discussion of the hybrid model has happened, nor are we prepared to accept one.”
Political tensions have stopped bilateral cricket between the two nations since 2008 and they have competed in only multi-nation tournaments, including ICC World Cups.
“Cricket should be free of politics,” Naqvi said. “Any sport should not be entangled with politics. Our preparations for the Champions Trophy will continue unabated, and this will be a successful event.”
The PCB has already spent millions of dollars on the upgrade of stadiums in Karachi, Lahore and Rawalpindi which are due to host 15 Champions Trophy games. Naqvi hoped all the three stadiums will be ready over the next two months.
“Almost every country wants the Champions Trophy to be played here (in Pakistan),” Naqvi said. “I don’t think anyone should make this a political matter, and I don’t expect they will. I expect the tournament will be held at the home of the official hosts.”
Eight countries – Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, England, Australia, South Africa, New Zealand and Afghanistan – are due to compete in the tournament, the schedule of which is yet to be announced by the International Cricket Council.
“Normally the ICC announces the schedule of any major tournament 100 days before the event, and I hope they will announce it very soon,” Naqvi said.
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia – Ottawa‘s Gabriela Dabrowski and Erin Routliffe of New Zealand are through to the doubles final at the WTA Finals after a 7-6 (7), 6-1 victory over Nicole Melichar-Martinez of the United States and Australia’s Ellen Perez in semifinal action Friday.
Dabrowski and Routliffe won a hard-fought first set against serve when Routliffe’s quick reaction at the net to defend a Perez shot gave the duo set point, causing Perez to throw down her racket in frustration.
The second seeds then cruised through the second set, winning match point on serve when Melichar-Martinez couldn’t handle Routliffe’s shot.
The showdown was a rematch of last year’s semifinal, which Melichar-Martinez and Perez won in a super tiebreak.
Dabrowski and Routliffe will face the winner of a match between Katerina Siniakova and Taylor Townsend, and Hao-Ching Chan and Veronika Kudermetova in the final on Saturday.
Dabrowski is aiming to become the first Canadian to win a WTA Finals title.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 8, 2024.
