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November 7, 2016
The Hockey News has been providing the most comprehensive coverage of the world of hockey since 1947. In each issue, you'll find news, features and opinions about the NHL and leagues across North America and the world.
HUSKA’S GAMBLE PAYS OFF
THE FIRST FEW weeks were a struggle, of that there is no doubt. With just a few words of English at his disposal, Adam Huska travelled to Green Bay, Wis., from his native Slovakia in January 2015. The only thing he knew about his new home was the beloved NFL Packers. “It was scary leaving my family,” said Huska, 19, now a freshman for the NCAA’s University of Connecticut Huskies. “If something were to happen, nobody could help me.” Despite the initial challenges, it’s clear there’s been a shift from short-term pain to long-term gain. Huska, pronounced HOO-skuh, got some seasoning with the United States League’s Gamblers, played in the under-18 World Championship and became a seventh-round draft pick (184th overall) of the New York Rangers in 2015. All he did last…
KEEPING AN OPEN MIND
LAST SEASON, JOEL Eriksson-Ek was a bit player on Sweden’s world junior team. This season, he could be a huge difference-maker. Eriksson-Ek was a commanding force for Sweden when many of the nation’s WJC hopefuls played against Canada, Finland and the U.S. at tournament in Michigan this summer. He has developed a tenacious two-way game up front: battling for the puck, hounding the opposition when he doesn’t have it and demonstrating quick hands when he does. While last year’s world juniors ended in a fourthplace thud, Eriksson-Ek was glad to have the experience. “You know how everything works now,” he said. “You know how hard the games are going to be and how well prepared you have to be.” Sweden will likely be a veteran squad at the WJC, but Eriksson-Ek will…
CLAIMING HIS CROWN
KALE CLAGUE IMPRESSED on the Brandon Wheat Kings blueline in 2015-16 after an injury-riddled rookie season the year prior. His goal this season is a big one: to become the replacement for a mentor who could be moving on. In his sophomore campaign, Clague watched as Ivan Provorov tore up the WHL. And it’s Provorov that Clague is hoping to replace. “If he’s not going to be back, I want to be able to take over that role,” Clague said. “He was in the top pairing, first power play and whatnot. I think I’m ready for that, and I just want to continue to grow.” Fitting into Provorov’s spot is no easy task, however. The Philadelphia Flyers’ 2015 first-round selection was a star for the Wheat Kings and one of major junior’s…
DEVILS ARE HIGH ON McLEOD NINE
THERE ARE DEFINITE benefits to playing with Michael McLeod. Easy assists come to mind, for example. “There’s not a lot of stress if I can put it on Mikey’s stick,” said Steelheads defenseman Nic Hague. “He wheels with the puck and it’s pretty special to watch. Last year, I remember getting an assist where I picked up the puck behind our net, stopped there, he came, picked it up and went end-to-end. I thought, ‘Right on.’ He’s just a special skater.” Speed is McLeod’s calling card, which is a big reason why the Devils took him 12th overall in 2016. But he also prides himself on playing a competitive, two-way game. This will be a big season for him, as he also takes on the captaincy for Mississauga, a team with…
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