Just thought I'd point out that the USHL's annual Buc Bowl Pre-Season Tournament has started. Nodl's team won their first game today 6-0. He had two shots on goal.
Just thought I'd point out that the USHL's annual Buc Bowl Pre-Season Tournament has started. Nodl's team won their first game today 6-0. He had two shots on goal.
To all insiders or Austrian hockey fans: From those playing in the US which player will have the greatest impact on his team?
Do you mean just the USHL players Pinter and Nödl?
It's hard to compare those two, because Pinter is two years older than Nödl what means a lot at that age. Long term I'd definitly go with Nödl as he is a special talent. He will need some time to adjust though.
Overall I'd say this season Pinter will have the edge over Nödl. Long term, Nödl *should* have the more successfull career.
No, not only Nodl versus Pinter, I meant Austrian players in general. Personally, I'd go for Lakos and the CBJ or Vanek and the Sabres. It'll mainly depend on Vanek's attitude to work on his fitness to make an impact in the NHL right away and evolve into a solid, high-scoring first or second liner on the team.
Nodl over Pinter? Hard to judge but I'd doubt that from what I saw 'til now (U20 WJC and U18 WJC). The question is: What is Nodl willing to bring in to reach top-level? Is he a tough, hard working competitor or "just" a talent with a decent skill level?
I go for Pinter because of his complete offensive package and the fact that he has great leadership abilities.This season should bring some clarity. Nevertheless, I strongly believe that both kids will succeed in the US making big careers.
I'm a big fan of Lakos, but he has already failed once in NA (the hell knows why). Divis should be a solid backup for Lalime in St. Louis, but I think he could be capable of more.
Sleeper pick here is Christoph Brandner. He has learned a lot last season and he has shown his commitment to the Wild. If he is able to crack the top six in Minnesota and be there the whole season, he could be the best austrian in the NHL.
My ranking is:
Vanek
Lakos (my personal pick )
Divis
Brandner
Pöck
Trattnig
Like I said in an earlier post, I have not seen Pinter play, but I have seen Nödl a few times and he is something special. He played as sixteen year old in the U20 WJC and did not look out of place (actually, some said he and his teammate Raffael Rotter, also 16 at the time, looked better than Vanek...). I'm confident on the kid as he seems to be down to earth and very determined.
I found an article with a bit on Nodl. Probably nothing new to most of you but I figured I'd post it here anyway...
Quote:
Nodl is a native of Vienna, Austria. Nodl played on Weiner Eisloven-Verein in Austria last season. He posted 37 points in 25 games, including 15 goals. He did all of this while playing alongside players who were in their 30s and 40s.
Nodl ended up in Sioux Falls thanks to the recommendation of friend and former Stampede player, Thomas Vanek, who recently signed with the Buffalo Sabres.
"Our parents are friends and he told me that maybe I could play here with the Stampede so I came to the tryout and now I'm here," Nodl said. "I am very happy to be learning this style of the game here."
Nodl reflects the commitment all the Stampede players make to play in the USHL. He hopes to play college hockey in America and is looking forward to the training that he will get on the ice and in the classroom.
"It is difficult for me with school right now because I am learning more English and studying for class," Nodl said.
Mathias Lange has commited to RPI. Here's what USHR.com had to say...
Quote:
NY Apple Core (EJHL) goaltender Mathias Lange has committed to RPI. Lange, an import who played for the Austrian Junior National Team, is a 4/13/85 birthdate from Klagenfurt, Austria. Yale and Harvard were also interested in the goaltender. Lange, 5’11” and 180 lbs., has played 31 games so far this season and has a 2.56 gaa and a .914 save percentage.
Rumors at the WC say that Chris Harand is about to sign a contract with a Czech team for the upcoming season and Daniel Welser might make a move to Sweden.
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