Friday, July 02, 2004
More Post-Draft Notes: Slovaks & the Import Draft
The Slovak Draft Review is now posted at Hockeysfuture.com, courtesy of Tomas Egry. In the review, he also goes over some of the Slovak selections in the CHL Import Draft, which adds upon my blog entry from yesterday.
Also, I've been asked, and have been wanting to find out more about the Wild's surprise pick Peter Olvecky. Really, everyone and their mother cannot believe he was taken so early (3rd round). From Egry's review...
It was a big surprise that Olvecky went so high. He provides a solid combination of size, skills and grittiness. A native of Nove Zamky, he spent the last seasons in Dukla Trencin organization. Last season he played mostly for the junior team but gained some Extraliga experience, too. He is a versatile player, good at both ends although his dominance is in the offensive zone. He works hard along the boards, creates plays and is also able to finish them. He should get little bit stronger and become more aggressive in front of the net. He doesn`t have any major strengths or weaknesses. Olvecky is a long term prospect for Wild, but his work ethic could be a positive factor in his future development. He suits perfectly the Wild philosophy. Olvecky was recently picked by Sudbury in the CHL Import Draft.
Also, there was an article in Vancouver's local paper (one of two, owned by the same damn media giant), The Province, where the agents for Marek Schwarz and Andrej Meszaros seem optimistic that these 2 kids will play for the Giants next year.
Again, from 'Schlep Rock' on HFBoards:
So, the agents and NHL teams are pushing hard for these 2 to join the Giants, and perhaps the G-men did open up the vaults with some incentive $$$. I still haven't heard anything 'official', but the Giants website already has these 2 listed on their roster. It's hard not to get excited, but I want some real confirmation first.
Also, I've been asked, and have been wanting to find out more about the Wild's surprise pick Peter Olvecky. Really, everyone and their mother cannot believe he was taken so early (3rd round). From Egry's review...
It was a big surprise that Olvecky went so high. He provides a solid combination of size, skills and grittiness. A native of Nove Zamky, he spent the last seasons in Dukla Trencin organization. Last season he played mostly for the junior team but gained some Extraliga experience, too. He is a versatile player, good at both ends although his dominance is in the offensive zone. He works hard along the boards, creates plays and is also able to finish them. He should get little bit stronger and become more aggressive in front of the net. He doesn`t have any major strengths or weaknesses. Olvecky is a long term prospect for Wild, but his work ethic could be a positive factor in his future development. He suits perfectly the Wild philosophy. Olvecky was recently picked by Sudbury in the CHL Import Draft.
Also, there was an article in Vancouver's local paper (one of two, owned by the same damn media giant), The Province, where the agents for Marek Schwarz and Andrej Meszaros seem optimistic that these 2 kids will play for the Giants next year.
Again, from 'Schlep Rock' on HFBoards:
Rich [Evans] worked hard to get us these two. We wouldn't have drafted them if we didn't think we could get them." - Scott Bonner, Vancouver GM
"He and Marek hung around together, became good friends [at the NHL draft]. When he heard the Giants had Marek as well he said, 'now we have the best chance to win the Memorial Cup.' They know what the prize is." - Richs Evans, agent
Evans also said he would not have agreed to go anywhere other than Vancouver. Larry Pleau (Blues GM) was also consulted and was "very supportive".
"That was really the spot [Schwarz] focused on. Good ownership there, good coaching, and it's a good place for him to get accustomed to the smaller rink, the different style, to learn English and to work on the transition to become a pro." - Evans
So, the agents and NHL teams are pushing hard for these 2 to join the Giants, and perhaps the G-men did open up the vaults with some incentive $$$. I still haven't heard anything 'official', but the Giants website already has these 2 listed on their roster. It's hard not to get excited, but I want some real confirmation first.
Labels: CHL, Import Draft, Marek Schwarz, Meszaros, Olvecky, Slovak hockey
