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November 6, 2017
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.
BUY THE TICKET, TAKE THE RIDE
> IF THERE’S ONE THING Timothy Liljegren is exceptionally good at, it’s getting his shot through. It’s not always a laser from the point, but the slick defenseman knows how to place it. “Every time I shoot, I want to make sure the puck gets to the net,” he said. “It’s really about moving the puck quick and taking the shot quickly.” Liljegren’s skill set is why the Maple Leafs made him a first-round pick in June. A highly acclaimed prospect before last season began, he came down with mononucleosis early, then bounced around leagues and teams in Sweden, trying to get his footing. It meant a precipitous drop in his draft stock – he was once considered second only to Nolan Patrick – but it taught him some valuable lessons.…
FRENCH CONNECTION THRILLER
> SCOUTING ALEXANDRE TEXIER WAS an interesting experiment last season. After all, the French League isn’t a regular stop on the itinerary. But when a 17-year-old is consistently putting up offense – and then averages nearly a point per game in the playoffs – it’s a worthwhile endeavor. Playing for the Grenoble Bruleurs de Loups (translation: The Wolf Burners; further translation: The Villagers Who Really Hate Wolves), Texier put himself on the draft map early, prompting widespread interest. “It’s great development to play against men,” he said. “The level is better. I want to keep playing against men.” He will, but it meant he had to move this summer. Columbus nabbed Texier with its first pick in the 2017 draft (45th overall), and the team’s advice was for him to play in…
SICK GOALIE, SICK SKILLS
> MONONUCLEOSIS IS A SCOURGE in the junior hockey world and, last year, Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen had his run-in with the virus. It shaved four weeks off his training. Being a goalie, Luukkonen was probably better positioned to lose time than a young skater – after all, netminders don’t tend to make their mark at the highest levels until they’re a lot older than forwards – but it still wasn’t ideal. On the bright side, one of Luukkonen’s weaknesses is that he needs more power in his legs, so a forgiving timetable is a bit of a blessing while he works on his athleticism. “I should have more power and strength on my body,” he said. “That’s something to work on.” To that end, Luukkonen was loaned out this season by his Finnish…
ROAD TO NHL: HAVE SKATES, WILL TRAVEL
> THE FACT THAT CENTER Shane Bowers, a Canadian, is playing at Boston University is not a story. How he got on the path to the Terriers is unique, however. The native of Halifax, N.S., was drafted into the QMJHL by Cape Breton, but he had other plans for his development: the USHL. Since 16-year-old Canadians aren’t usually eligible to go to the American junior circuit, Hockey Canada had to sign off on his transfer. Bowers went through the process and in the end was able to join Iowa’s Waterloo Black Hawks. “It was huge for me, a big help in my development,” Bowers said. “Not only in my growth as a player, but in moving away from home. It was different, there’s not a lot of water out there compared…
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