The Chicago Blackhawks’ third-round pick in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft has played in all situations and in more of a shutdown role for Dubois’s team this season.

“He’s playing a bit more of a defensive role,” Dubois said. “He’s very versatile. He can play both when we’re up a goal or when we’re down a goal. He’s been excelling in a defensive role and taking key faceoffs for us.

“He’s a player coaches love to have.”

Hoefflin made his rookie season count last season as a member of the Quebec Remparts. The Chicago prospect grabbed 45 points in 54 games last season for the Remparts, adding 14 points in 15 games in the playoffs. The shifty center was an effective offensive weapon, using his blinding speed to blow by defenders, as well as his playmaking abilities to set up his linemates.

Shift to the summer, where Hoefflin was traded to the Acadie-Bathurst Titan. In his second year, Hoefflin’s offensive numbers have dropped, to 25 points in 40 games so far, but his responsibilities have grown to being depended on as a two-way center.

Hoefflin said the change from Quebec to Bathurst didn’t affect his game.

“On the ice it’s all the same,” he said, referring to the difference in Quebec and Bathurst. “Playing in a big arena like Quebec is a great atmosphere, but playing in Bathurst is great too. Lots of support for the team, and we have a great group here.”

Hoefflin also was able to suit up with Team Germany at the World Junior Hockey Championships’ Division 1A at home. He had five points in five games for the national team, who swept the tourney and will be promoted to the top division next year.

This was Hoefflin’s third try with the national junior team, but he believes this was his most memorable trip.

“It’s always special to put on your country’s sweater,” he said. “It’s an honour.”

“It’s even more when you’re playing at home, and especially since we won,” Hoefflin continued. “It was a great time. We’re giving the younger guys a chance now to play with the big clubs, and that’s great for developing German hockey. It’s really special when you can help your team get promoted.”

Coach Dubois said that Hoefflin has been playing better since he returned to Bathurst.

“He came back very confident,” he said. “He’s playing like he has an extra jump in his game. It’s been a big help for us.”

Hoefflin said that he doesn’t really try to model his game after any one player. He said that he looks up to a few when he tries to work on his style. His favourite is a player he looks up to the most.

“I always admire Sidney Crosby,” he said. “He’s a player that can do it all. He’s good offensively and defensively. He’s always responsible and good all-around. When he has the puck, something happens.”

Hoefflin’s time in camp with the Blackhawks this season was a major building block for the young forward.

“To play with [Blackhawks players Jonathan] Toews, [Patrick] Kane, [Marian] Hossa and those talents, it makes you better,” he said.

“You grow a lot just playing with them,” he continued. “You see your skills improve quickly. Your hands and skating gets better and your thinking gets quicker. You try and look at what they’re doing and work your game to get where they are.”

Rangers forward, Radek Faksa, has impressed scouts across the country in a season where he has been scoring at a point per game pace.

Despite his terrific play, the Czech forward wasn’t expecting to show up at the top of the draft ranking but he knows what he has to do to not disappoint the rest of the way.

“It was a big surprise right away so I’m very happy but its just half of the season … I must always work hard,” Faksa said. “It’s hard because I’m tired from of playing a lot of games.  I didn’t play a lot of games [last season] so it’s different now. I hope I have good conditioning.”

All the same, Faksa’s success to this point has not gone unnoticed by Rangers’ Head Coach and General Manager, Steve Spott.

“I think Radek Faksa’s one of the smartest player’s we’ve had in the organization for a long time,” said Spott.  “He’s big, he’s strong and he plays the game hard.”

Coach Spott went on to express his belief that Faksa has a bright future ahead of him.

“He has all the NHL intangibles; he trains extremely hard off the ice, he works on his game in practice and ultimately, his hockey sense it as a world class level,” he said.  “He has the chance to be a great NHL second-line centre man.”

Nevertheless, just like any young player, Faksa has much to work on to prepare to play at the level of the National Hockey League.

“He’s gotta stay in the weight room, he has to continue to physically develop,” continued Spott.  “He’s a tall kid but he still has room to grow.  It’s a matter of working on your skating like all players do and then obviously getting stronger in the weight room.”

Having played at the World Junior Championship in Alberta last month, Faksa now has some familiarity with playing in a high-pressure game.

“It was a very good experience because I was young and it was in Canada so there were a lot of people … it was a very big experience for me,” said Faksa.

Despite ending the tournament without a medal, the experience gained from the competition will prove to be invaluable when it comes time to fighting for a position with an NHL hockey club next year.

“The experience with the Flyers was unbelievable,” he said. “I really want to go back there.”

The undrafted Czech forward played deep into the training camp of the Philadelphia Flyers as a free agent, getting into a late pre-season game with the club and even scoring a goal, playing with Claude Giroux and Scott Hartnell.

The Flyers presented wanted to present a contract to the young Hyka, who is now with the Gatineau Olympiques. He couldn’t sign it.

The NHL-CHL transfer agreement stipulates that an undrafted player in the CHL has to be 20 in order to sign with a team as a free agent. Otherwise, they have to be drafted for a team to hold their rights. Hyka is 19. The Flyers knew Hyka was on the board in the seventh round, and picked tough guy Derek Mathers instead.

The Flyers just showcased the talented forward for the rest of the league to notice. He’s now ranked 65^th on the NHL’s central scouting list.

Hyka 1, Mathers 0.

“The experience was unbelievable,” Hyka said. “The whole camp was great, and the game was excellent. I hope to have plenty more opportunities like that.”

He might just be getting started.

Hyka will enter the 2012 NHL Entry Draft with considerably more fanfare than last time around. To add to his pro resume, he has 44 points in 37 games so far this season, his first in the QMJHL.

He also had two assists in five games for the Czech Republic in the 2012 World Junior Championships.

“The world junior tournament was a good chance to get my play up again,” he said. “It was a test just like the pre-season game was.”

Hyka said that his decision to come to Canada to play was a great one, even if it screwed him out of a pro contract a year earlier.

“I’m very happy to be here,” he said. “The game here in Gatineau suits my style very well. It’s a lot closer to the European style, but also physical. There’s lots of speed and lots of talent.”

The native of Mlada Boleslav is hoping to build on his game. He trains in the off-season with other Czech players, including Radim Vrbata, the NHL veteran of five teams and a fellow native of Mlada Boleslav. Vrbata also suited up for the Olympiques for a season and a half in the late 1990s.

“Vrbata is a guy I really admire,” Hyka said. “He’s a guy who can pass and shoot very well, and I want to play like him.”

He added that he wants to work on his talents for the upcoming NHL call.

“I want to improve my physical play,” he said. “My puck protection and ability to play in traffic are big in the next level. I also want to work on my shot and bring it up a bit more. I want to improve everywhere and get better.”

Hyka said that plenty of teams are looking for his services come June.

“I want to keep working hard,” he said. “I’d love to go back to the Flyers, and they want me too, but we’ll see what happens.”

These players will get their chance to stand out on the national stage in front of NHL General Mangers and hundreds of NHL team scouts, all with aspirations of moving up the NHL Draft board come June.

While some believe that the players chosen to participate are based solely on rankings, Chris Edwards of NHL Central Scouting described how they were selected to attend the two-day event which also includes a Skills Competition and three-on-three showcase on Tuesday January 31.

“All 30 NHL teams are given a ballot and GM’s submit twelve defenseman, four goaltenders and twenty-four forwards,” he explained. “From there, the guys with the most votes are taken, and the secondary guys – the next number of total votes – are added in if injuries happen.”

It’s then up to the members of Central Scouting, lead by Director Dan Marr, to continue the process.

“Once the teams are selected, we try and divide the players into two equal teams,” Edwards said. “If you look at the scores the last few years you’d think we weren’t doing a good job of it because there haven’t been that many close games.”

Because of those lopsided outcomes, the selection process has come under a bit of scrutiny, but Edwards believes that it’s not for a lack of trying, and defended Central Scouting’s decisions.

“We put a lot of effort into it and attempt to make it even, i.e. Left shot vs. Right shot, or where they are in our rankings, but it really hasn’t worked out. It’s really not from a lack of trying.”

Regardless, the game really solidifies the quality of players that are developing in the CHL, and also gives NHL GM’s who are typically very busy with their team schedules, a chance to watch all of these players under one roof.

It gets all of the guys in one place and gives them [GM’s] a chance to look at the players over two nights,” Edwards said. “They’ll go over each guy they’re interested in with the team’s Director of Scouting and will be able to form an opinion on them.”

As well, Edwards believes that staging an event with this many high calibre players is another great opportunity to show the commitment that both leagues have with one another.

“There’s always been a strong relationship between the NHL and the CHL, even historically, going back to the days of NHL teams sponsoring CHL teams,” he explained. “I still believe the vast majority of players are coming to the NHL from the CHL.”

There are a few noticeable absences from the game however, as top ranked players such as Alex Galchenyuk (Sarnia Sting) Morgan Rielly (Moose Jaw Warriors), and Slater Koekkoek (Peterborough Petes) will miss the game due to significant injuries that have kept them out of CHL lineups most of the season.

Edwards feels that although they are injured, their draft stock should not be affected.

“The GM’s aren’t going to see them this one time, but these guys have been seen a lot by their scouting departments, with the exception of Galchenyuk,” he said. “In his [Galchenyuk] case, it makes the NHL combine that much more important. It won’t affect him that much as long as he gets a clean bill of health and he’ll be back to 100%.”

And while players like Galchenyuk will be unable to play, the others competing will hope to solidify their positions as top ranked NHL prospects, and be one step closer to realizing their dream of being drafted on June 22nd in Pittsburgh.

The 19-year-old Red Wings prospect stood on his head for the Czech Republic and was nothing short of a crowd pleaser for the Canadian fans between Edmonton and Calgary, Alberta.

“He kept us in all tournament,” commented fellow teammate and current Kitchener Ranger Radek Faksa. “He’s an amazing goalie.”

Voted “Best Goaltender” by a majority of over 475 media members, Mrazek’s play was in refute to the Czech Hockey Federation, who had previously banned him from the tournament. Mrazek opted to leave his home country – and his final year on a hockey contract – to play with the Ottawa 67’s in the Ontario Hockey League. Czech management was less than pleased with his decision to neglect the contract and consequently banned him from international play.

In his third season with the 67’s, among the league leaders in just about every statistical category for goaltenders – goals-against-average, save percentage, wins, shutouts and saves – the Czechs buried their feud, realizing just how much of an asset Mrazek would be to their team.

Aside from his 2.44 goals-against-average and .928 save percentage through six games at the WJC, it was Mrazek’s eccentric celebrations that endeared him to fans.

In a preliminary match-up against Team Canada, he denied Canadian sniper Mark Stone and showed his enthusiasm with a knee-drop fist pump – typically not seen from goalies. In a 5-2 upset knocking Team USA out of medal contention, he celebrated, jumped in team pile-ups and saluted the crowd in what he cited as his best performance ever between the pipes.

“It’s an unreal feeling,” said Mrazek who played out his final year of WJC eligibility. “To have the crowd stand up and to chant your name.”

The Czechs eventually succumbed in a quarterfinal loss to Team Russia, the defending gold medalists.

“No one expected this from us at the start of the tournament,” said Mrazek following the game. “I was happy with our team, but we had a chance to play in the semifinal for a medal and we lost so we can’t talk about it.”

The Czech’s went on to a fifth place finish, defeating Slovakia in the relegation round.

“It’s difficult, but it’s just hockey. You have to take it and learn from it.”

At least that’s not the reputation Tomas himself would like to have anymore.

“I want to be known as a good hockey player, not just the guy with the stick and puck.”

The Kosice, Slovakia native became an instant You Tube sensation after an awe-inspiring video of his stick handling skills went viral.

“I was just a kid playing around,” said Jurco. “I was only 13 or 14, I never thought it was going to be so popular.”

Jurco insists those days are behind him now. That’s not to say however, that the crafty winger has done any less of a job helping the puck find the back of the net in his third season in the QMJHL.

The stick work and puck movement of this 2010-11 Memorial Cup champion is hard to miss and at 6-foot-2, 193 pounds, Jurco is just as much of a physical presence as a goal scorer.

With the Saint John Seas Dogs this season, Jurco has put up 45 points (21 goals, 24 assists) and is plus-28 in 30 games.

His fancy dangles also helped him edge first overall draft pick Ryan Nugent-Hopkins in the Showdown Breakaway Challenge at the 2011 CHL/NHL Top Prospects competition.

The Red Wings prospect suited up for Team Slovakia at the Under-20 World Junior Championships over the holidays, where he put up eight points (one goal, seven assists) in five games. The Slovaks went on to a sixth place finish.

“I’m really happy with my team,” said Jurco. “I think we played good and I think we made a lot of people happy back home and that’s what we came for.”

Being in his second Under-20 tournament, on a team comprised primarily of players playing outside of North America, Jurco took on more of a leadership role. His experience playing with the likes of Team Canada’s Jonathan Huberdeau and Nathan Beaulieu in Saint John helped him fulfill that duty.

“I’m just trying to help guys and give them my advice,” he said. “I’ve played in a lot of big games in Saint John and I try to bring the experience that I have and get the guys pumped.”

A link to the video interview can be found here.

————————————————————————————————————————————————–

Tieja is a regular contributor to OpenIceHockey and can be found on Twitter @tieja_mac

31 years to be exact.

In fact, head coach Roger Rönnberg was only 10-years-old the last time he witnessed his country win a gold medal at the IIHF Under-20 World Junior Championship.

This year, a lesser known, but always skilled Swedish squad worked their way to a perfect 4-0 record in round robin play before squaring off against some hefty opponents in the medal rounds.

Digging themselves out of a 3-0 deficit against the Russians in their final preliminary match proved to be one of their biggest feats. With 40 seconds remaining in the game, Anaheim Ducks prospect Max Friberg tied the score to force extra play. Friberg went on to assist Joakim Nordström’s game winner in a 4-3 final.

The overtime determinant marked the first of three for the Swedes en route to capturing gold. The team’s semifinal against Finland was determined in a shootout and the final championship game against Russia also went to overtime.

In that final game, shots favoured Sweden 50-16 after 60 minutes of regulation. Ottawa Senators prospect Mika Zibanejad was the eventual hero, scoring the “golden goal” for his country.

The scene across the pond in Stockholm was one of pride and exuberance for a country that had waited so patiently for its turn in the international hockey spotlight.

Friberg finished the tournament with 11 points in six games and was named to the tournament all-star team, along with teammate and defenseman Oscar Klefbom.

The victory has since been called the greatest hockey accomplishment for Sweden in the past century.

In one calendar year, the upstart prospect has played in the Memorial Cup tournament, played in two NHL exhibition games with the Montreal Canadiens, and earned a bronze medal in the World Junior Championships with Team Canada.

“I hope with this experience that I can bring a winning attitude to the rink every day,” he said.

The Sea Dogs couldn’t be happier with his play.

So far this season, Beaulieu has been able to fill in admirably for the departed Simon Despres. He’s scored eight goals and added 18 assists for 26 points in 30 games. Last season, in the Sea Dogs Memorial Cup championship run, he had 17 points in 19 games, and added three points in four games in the Memorial Cup. Beaulieu was named to the tournament all-star team.

“He’s very talented,” Saint John Sea Dogs head coach Gerard Gallant said. “He’s been excellent on the powerplay for us and he’s got plenty of skill.

“He plays in all situations and he’s on the ice a lot,” continued Gallant. “He’s been able to play all roles for us this year. We really like our defensive unit as a whole and [Nathan] has been a part of that.”

Beaulieu impressed former Habs coach Jacques Martin and his staff so much that he got into two exhibition games, playing alongside P.K. Subban and Josh Gorges, both experienced NHLers.

“They were excellent to play with,” he said. “They calmed me down and let me just play my own game. They settled me in.”

Beaulieu started one of the games, and played over 30 minutes in one of the contests, leading the team in ice time and prompting the Bell Centre faithful to chant his name.

Standing on the ice while the anthems played and looking up in the crowd at thousands of screaming fans was a sight he’ll never forget.

“I was star-struck,” he said. “The atmosphere was incredible.”

Beaulieu said that Martin and his staff really helped his game.

“They were very positive,” he said. “He’s an experienced coach who’s been there before, so you want to take in as much as you can. I was like a sponge out there, trying to get everything I could and working to improve my game.”

Beaulieu wants to improve a couple of things in his game before he embarks on his pro career.

“I want to look to improve my conditioning and my skating,” he said. “It can always get better. The pro game is a huge jump.

“They were really positive at camp and it helped me. [The Habs] are a team that take their time with prospects, and I’m confident I’ll be fine if I keep following their instruction.”

Gallant thinks that Beaulieu would be an even bigger force with some help on his defensive game.

“He’s been improving this already, and it’s shown in his game this year,” Gallant said. “If he keeps playing as hard on pucks in the defensive zone as he has been, and keeps his compete level and battle level up he’ll be a great professional.”

Captain Jaden Schwartz talked about the historical rivalry between the two nations and the skillful play of the Russians.

Quinton Howden, Brandon Gormley, Freddie Hamilton, Jonathan Huberdeau and Mark Stone also commented.

Brandon Wheat Kings’ Mark Stone busted onto the scene to become Canada’s top scorer. He is tied for the tournament lead in goals scored (7) and is ranked among the top players in scoring – nine points in four games played.

For Russia, Nikita Gusev leads his team, also with nine points. Sarnia Sting’s 2012 draft eligible forward, Nail Yakupov, has tallied five points as well.

The winner of the Canada versus Russia game will advance to the gold medal game against Sweden, who defeated Finland in their semifinal game earlier this afternoon.

The video preview for the 2012 WJC Semi-final can be found here

That his defenceman, Artem Sergeev, is a solid two-way defenceman.

“He came into camp this season much stronger,” Dumont said. “He trained all summer to get bigger and stronger, and he came in a lot more confident in his game.”

The end result?

“Last season, he got caught in the mix a little bit, and had a tough time adapting,” he said. “This year has been night-and-day. He’s getting a lot of minutes in all situations.

“He’s been solid and tough for us so far.”

Sergeev has attributed his growth on the ice to one thing:

“I’ve been getting more ice time,” he said.

“I’m more confident this year. I feel better with and without the puck. I got stronger and worked hard to get here now.”

Sergeev has stepped his game up a notch this season, his second with the Foreurs. Last season, he managed five goals and 27 points in 64 games. This season so far, he has 19 points in 33 games, including seven goals. His confidence has allowed him to let loose his pulsating shot from the point.

“Offensively, he’s one of the guys back there that we rely on,” coach Dumont said. “He has been able to use his shot better and make better decisions with the puck as the season has gone on.”

Sergeev, or Artyom Sergeyev, will be suiting up for Russia in the World Junior Hockey Championships this holiday season. He was pointless in two exhibition games for the Russians thus far.

He will be relied on as more of a steady rearguard on the world stage, providing stability and a good first pass from the back end. As well, his experience in North America on the small ice will be an asset for the Russians, where any edge in a short tournament can come in handy.

Sergeev not only had a big summer in the weight room. He also spent time in camp with the Detroit Red Wings. He said that the camp allowed him to grow more as a player, not just stronger.

“It was pretty cool,” he said. “I felt I did well. It was a good experience to go to camp with the Wings. I was able to train with all their coaches and the players. It helped me a lot. It showed me what the next level is like and what I have to do to get there.”

For Sergeev, he feels that he needs to keep going and keep growing to make it to the next level.

“In the pros, they are so fast and so competitive,” he said. “I have to work harder and keep making progress. If I do that, I can give myself a chance to compete there.”

A good showing at the World Juniors can’t hurt either.