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Where will Kowalski go?
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BanjoRegistered S10, S12 Challenge Cup Champion ![[Image: jzjAW26r.jpg]](https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/606305593851142145/jzjAW26r.jpg) Polish junior hockey star, Krysztof Kowalski, has enjoyed his time playing in Poland. However, he is ready for something new-something bigger and more competitive. That is why Kowalski made the decision to take his talents to North America as he declared his announcement to enter the Season 26 SMJHL draft. Although his name has been heard only at a minimum in the Western world, Kowalski believes he can have an impact for whatever junior team takes a chance on him. Only one question remains. At what pick in what round will Kowalski go in the SMJHL draft? Scouts have had differing opinions on this topic. Let us now take a look at some strengths and weaknesses for Kowalski. Height and Weight ![[Image: Kowalski%20Bio%20Pic_zpsxrdirfir.jpg]](http://i1112.photobucket.com/albums/k486/wscubs12/Kowalski%20Bio%20Pic_zpsxrdirfir.jpg) When taking a look at Kowalski's height and weight, there isn't much there to overly impress the scouts. With a decent size for a center-at 6'1-there is nothing to turn scouts away, however. Kowalski likes to play a two-way game on the ice, but his size does not make him a dominant force when it comes to hitting. Influence on draft stock: NEUTRAL Checking Kowalski's checking game has been almost non-existent throughout his playing career. Many scouts see this as his number one weakness on the ice. A lack of physical play could drop him down a couple spots in the upcoming draft. Influence on draft stock: NEGATIVE Skating Skating has been seen as an important skill in the eyes of Kowalski. What he lacks in size and strength, he can make up for in speed on the ice. While he may not be the fastest prospect on draft day, Kowalski's skating ability is enough to increase his stock. Influence on draft stock: POSITIVE ![[Image: brad-mills1.jpg]](http://www.rantsports.com/nhl/files/2013/12/brad-mills1.jpg) Kowalski, showing off his skating ability. Strength Similar to his checking ability, Kowalski's strength is not at the level many scouts are looking for when drafting. Playing against lesser competition in Poland, Kowalski focused more on scoring rather than getting in the weight room as much as he probably should have. Expect his strength grade to hurt him in the eyes of the scouts. Influence on draft stock: NEGATIVE ![[Image: 456957446-nicklas-backstrom-of-the-washi...yOzdBS4%3D]](http://cache3.asset-cache.net/gc/456957446-nicklas-backstrom-of-the-washington-capitals-gettyimages.jpg?v=1&c=IWSAsset&k=2&d=GkZZ8bf5zL1ZiijUmxa7QcpyR0WK2WVZ3rcgO1pAb1QUsQmVionsDYjXaYuDonrBChIFDqF6XVZlnmaxDuxlAgIpMnnBOLdeI3%2FwyOzdBS4%3D) Kowalski could take a lot of hits in SMJHL if he does not get his strength up. Endurance Kowalski's on ice endurance can be seen as average. He is in good shape and can play a good amount of minutes per game. When compared to other SMJHL prospects, his endurance is average. Influence on draft stock: NEUTRAL Puck Handling An area in which Kowalski prides himself is his puck handling. He plays a two-way game, but has always seen himself as a good playmaker on offense with good puck handling abilities. His puck handling skills are an area that should help his draft position come draft day. Influence on draft stock: POSITIVE Face Offs Having played center for a good portion of his hockey career, Kowalski has become comfortable with taking draws. However, face offs are not what would be considered a strong suit for Kowalski. Scouts see his face off abilities as average at this point in his young career. If Kowalski's face off skill does not improve, a move to left or right wing would not be surprising to see later on in his career. Influence on draft stock: NEUTRAL Passing Hand in hand with his puck handling abilities is that of Kowalski's passing ability. For many scouts, passing is Kowalski's strongest suit. Having good passing abilities will be key for the center, and it should be a key factor in where he is drafted. Influence on draft stock: POSITIVE ![[Image: Niklaus-Backstrom-600.jpg]](http://capitalpowerplay.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Niklaus-Backstrom-600.jpg) Passing may just be Kowalski's highest rated skill. Scoring Putting pucks in the back of the net has never been the focus of Kowalski's game. In Poland, it was not too tough for him to score. In the SMJHL however, with his current scoring skills, Kowalski may find it difficult to score out of the gate. Scouts have dropped Kowalski in some of their rankings due to a lack of scoring ability that others may possess. Influence on draft stock: NEGATIVE Defense Kowalski's defensive abilities are most definitely going to help him on draft day, according to many scouts. He was always seen as a strong two-way player back in Poland, and that style of play should be able to transfer over to the SMJHL as well. Next to passing, Kowalski's defense may be the most important skill going in to the upcoming draft. Influence on draft stock: POSITIVE ![[Image: 106619802-the-philadelphia-flyers-mike-r...jj0tqEmIbr]](http://cache2.asset-cache.net/gc/106619802-the-philadelphia-flyers-mike-richards-flies-gettyimages.jpg?v=1&c=IWSAsset&k=2&d=R4V%2FQay2ANwpmCZhkZDSEnqM7KXXEGgTS6wGn88aXN1TZ5ArpNKWoejj0tqEmIbr) Kowalski's defensive abilities are just important as his offensive abilities. Thanks for reading. Just wanted to put something together to hold me over before the off season begins and to get my name out there in these early stages. If anybody has any questions I can answer those as well.
BallerstormRegistered S27, S29, S32, S40, S42 Challenge Cup Champion
BluesRegistered S24, S26 Challenge Cup Champion
Dmoushey_31Registered S32 & S40 Challenge Cup Champion |
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