-Not sure if Kolzig will play. If he doesnt, it would be nice to have a starter with experience (Seliger). I would also like to see a young guy at least get exposure (Ehelechner or Patzold if they develop as planned).
-Most of the younger guys are included based on potential. If they flop, are there younger guys who can take their place (Nice to see younger guys get experience) or veterans?
It is hard to say how accelerated the development of the kids will be but its exciting to think about. What does not excite me is Kunce, maybe he will settle down some with age but he's not young now and the stupidity of this man seems to be endless. I don't see Benda on the list, has he said he will not be at the Olympics?
Not sure about Benda, but I know he is getting older, thats why I decided to leave him off. Kunce has KILLED Germany with stupid penalties, but he is aggresive. If he could be aggressive without doing anything stupid at the wrong time, he wouldnt be that bad. Perhaps someone else will take his spot though?
I am really hoping that some of the younger guys aspire to reach the NHL. It would be nice to see Germany, as well as the Swiss and Austrians represented in NA. It seems out of the three German speaking countries, the Germans have the most success at adapting.
The German's have done a great job adapting and are even showing a willingness to compete in the CHL to get some early NA experience. They will also stick it out in the minors which Swiss/ Austrian players have been refusing to do for the most part. I am hopefull that with Brandner and Divis breaking through that things will change. Gerber and Aebischer have been a credit to the Swiss players. Helbling and Vauclair gave it an honest minor league effort. Vauclair is still in NA i believe.
Lewandowski may be the next German to come over, i would like to see Kreutzer and Ullman give it a try. Their skating needs some work but i like what they bring to the table.
From what I have read from other posters, Vauclair is exceeding expectations in Binghampton. Overall I have been impressed with Gerber and AEbischer (though I admit I never really see them play, my only info comes from what I read and stats). Hopefully Ramholt's time in the QMJHL will help him crack the Flames roster in the future.
The Austrians, for being a small "B" level hockey country, has developed some decent players. Brandner, Divis, Lakos, Pock, Setzinger and Kalt (Vanek has been in NA for 6 years I think) have been relatively successful representing Austria in foreign leagues. Hopefully the Austrians can develop more players and become another 'Germany", ie a team that isnt as good as the top six but who plays competitively with them.
I hope that Lewandowski signs with the Coyotes. Also, I think Kreutzer would be a good fit for some NHL teams-a feisty guy with the ability to score a few goals (a poor mans Peca??).
From various articles I have read, it sounds as though a lot of young German players have attitude problems. I have heard that Sulzer, Schubert, Koslow, Goc, and others have ego or dedication problems. Is this true??? Can somebody correct me??? Thanks a ton everyone
Gawlik seems to be a great offensive talent (very good scoring touch). His coaches expect him to become another german regular player in the NHL.
Benda is a quite important part of the Team Germany. He isn't too old, can play defense and offense and is a team leader. He is a sure shot for Turin, by far more than Kunce or Kolzig, who is not getting younger ...
Gawlik seems to be a great offensive talent (very good scoring touch). His coaches expect him to become another german regular player in the NHL.
Benda is a quite important part of the Team Germany. He isn't too old, can play defense and offense and is a team leader. He is a sure shot for Turin, by far more than Kunce or Kolzig, who is not getting younger ...
Gawlik is expected to be drafted in the Top 5 in "the Crosby" draft 2005 at the Corel Center .
How big is Gawlik, I heard he is small!
Is he expected to grow a lot more?
There is enough time for him to grow, look at Crosby he's not much taller.(5-10)
He has an amazing scoring touch, I saw him playing in Canada for a poor german team and the crowd there was impressed by him.
@GermanGirl: He could stand 6-1 when it's draft time in 2005. If he keeps things going he has the outstanding chance of becoming the highest german draft pick ever.
From what I have read from other posters, Vauclair is exceeding expectations in Binghampton. Overall I have been impressed with Gerber and AEbischer (though I admit I never really see them play, my only info comes from what I read and stats). Hopefully Ramholt's time in the QMJHL will help him crack the Flames roster in the future.
The Austrians, for being a small "B" level hockey country, has developed some decent players. Brandner, Divis, Lakos, Pock, Setzinger and Kalt (Vanek has been in NA for 6 years I think) have been relatively successful representing Austria in foreign leagues. Hopefully the Austrians can develop more players and become another 'Germany", ie a team that isnt as good as the top six but who plays competitively with them.
I hope that Lewandowski signs with the Coyotes. Also, I think Kreutzer would be a good fit for some NHL teams-a feisty guy with the ability to score a few goals (a poor mans Peca??).
From various articles I have read, it sounds as though a lot of young German players have attitude problems. I have heard that Sulzer, Schubert, Koslow, Goc, and others have ego or dedication problems. Is this true??? Can somebody correct me??? Thanks a ton everyone
Seeing Goc playing for the barons, I totally disagree with you. He doesn't have any problems at all. He's a young smart hockey player and a character guy who gives everthing to the team success. He's SJs John Madden(-> Stanley Cup winner) with a better offensive upside. 2nd line center for the sharks now 'cause Boyes was traded. Solid rookie campaign and the start for things to come....
Seeing Goc playing for the barons, I totally disagree with you. He doesn't have any problems at all. He's a young smart hockey player and a character guy who gives everthing to the team success. He's SJs John Madden(-> Stanley Cup winner) with a better offensive upside. 2nd line center for the sharks now 'cause Boyes was traded. Solid rookie campaign and the start for things to come....
Sens, you're right. I have only heard that Goc had motivation problems (from some other posters), thats why I wanted to get other opinions. On the Sharks board, the posters are raving about his skill as a two-way forward (drawing comparisons to John Madden of the Devils). Furthermore, they are saying that as he develops, he may become a solid point producer, putting him in a class with Jere Lethinen. I wish nothing but the best for Goc and the other young Germans. As with Sturm and Hecht, hopefully he can provide inspiration for other young German players (Hospelt, Kink, Hoerdler and Gawlik) to try and make the NHL.
Sens, you're right. I have only heard that Goc had motivation problems (from some other posters), thats why I wanted to get other opinions. On the Sharks board, the posters are raving about his skill as a two-way forward (drawing comparisons to John Madden of the Devils). Furthermore, they are saying that as he develops, he may become a solid point producer, putting him in a class with Jere Lethinen. I wish nothing but the best for Goc and the other young Germans. As with Sturm and Hecht, hopefully he can provide inspiration for other young German players (Hospelt, Kink, Hoerdler and Gawlik) to try and make the NHL.
I'm also very impressed by the young german corps heading towards the NHL. About hecht and sturm i think nuff is said. ehrhoff and seidenberg and goc should be regulars next year. schubert is in trouble with the baby sens and paetzold is currently playing in the ECHL. was written yesterday that schauer will go to the nuernberg(( WHY????)) and kink to the eagels. hospelt should came over to play in the CHL, like ehelechner did last year. gawlik has to show up as a regular next year in Mannheim. Seidenberg to cologne is dumb.
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