(These are not rankings)

Polish prospect Krysztof Kowalski had never left Poland. That is, before he recently took a tour around North America and visited each city that homes a SMJHL franchise. Kowalski will be eligible for the S26 SMJHL draft.

We were able to talk with Kowalski just before he caught his flight back to Poland. He commented on each SMJHL city and the team there, in his best English.


"Detroit, is great city. Love history is there. Motor city. Cars are passion of mine. This team win cup season or two ago I remember. I think Falcon have great team and great fan. Pavel Datsyuk play in Detroit and I want to hang out with Pavel. Hope to win cup Detroit fans would like."


"New team Canada. Wonder how team will do in competitive league. I think Raiders success in Halifax. Very cool team look like Raiders of Oakland California which I hear are hated team. Maybe Raider of Halifax become Raider of Oakland of the SMJHL. I think I look good in silver and black and enjoy the city of Halifax."


"Montreal Impact. What else is to say. Historic hockey city historic hockey team. I grow up watch Canadiens of NHL as my favorite team. Always wanted to play the game of hockey in the city of Montreal. I like how many cups Impact win over years. I hears Garbanzo runs team on side. He seem like good guy. Would like to be part of another cup win season in Montreal."


"Had fun time in St. Louis. Never like city much from picture but fun times when actually there. Scarecrow remind me of Batman bad guy. Maybe I become villain like Scarecrow if go to St. Louis. This team I know win cups before so must have success. I enjoy knowing their manager Cuff is always drunk. Could be for fun times with team."


"Like Raider, new team in SMJHL. Enjoy Colorado much. Remind me of home country of Poland. Mountains for me to ski was much fun. I like the Mammoth, good animal once ruled ice age. Colorado great city. Management look good for new team and much success looks to be on the way for this team. Maybe I can help get first cup."


"I no know much about city of Prince George but team Firebirds win first Four Star Cup ever. Have not won in some time but sure that will change soon. Being Firebird would remind me of Poland for reason I do not know. Prince George very nice city would like to go back."


"Oh yes. Knight of Kelowna. Good team hear. Had friend who gone through organization they say good team. This team constantly toward top. I see myself as a Polish Knight and perhaps Kelowna Knight in my future as well. Green and gold go well with my hair so jersey would be nice on mine body."


"Last stop of my trip. Vancouver somewhere always want to visit, glad I did. I no support whaling of whales, but I support Whaler hockey sure sure. Team just win cup in season 24 and win times before that. Whaler be good spot for player like me, me think. There are good player come through here and maybe I be next. Vancouver historic in SMJHL. Team much better than Canuck that for sure."