The S79 IIHF Tournament is just around the corner and teams are starting to be confirmed as the SHL Playoffs enter the second round. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is the host this season and they'll look to put on a show, much like Switzerland did last year. Speaking of Switzerland, they were in the news last week as they added two defensive prospects who had great rookie seasons in the SMJHL.

Let's meet them!


PAVEL MINTYUKOV
@Wrehkz
Ottawa Highlanders
6'3 - 200lbs

63GP - 3G - 20A - 23PTS - 86BLKS - 90HITS

This Russian born defenseman spent their rookie season in the Canadian capital of Ottawa and fit in quite well at the SMJHL level. They plays a balanced, two way game and although didn't feature much on the power play in the first season, contributed well on the penalty kill. The advanced stats also look promising and we look forward to seeing what kind of player they develop into as they head into the sophomore year.

We envision them as a future top 4 defenseman who can contribute offensively and kill penalties on the right side of our defense.


LEWIS HOLL
@patricianlobster
Quebec City Citadelles
6'3 - 221lbs

66GP - 4G - 28A - 32PTS - 117BLKS - 75HITS

Lewis Holl portrays themselves as a huge hunk of a defenseman, not afraid to throw their weight around in the defensive zone but has the softest hands you may have ever seen. It came out in waves in their first season and this was without power play time. Quebec City will likely be forced to add Holl to their power play rotation next season, and that will surely make them a more potent PP team going forward. This is something we look forward to in Switzerland, and the signing itself has made us a better team in only a few short years.

As father time continues to haunt the current Switzerland defense corps, we look forward to seeing both Mintyukov and Holl in the lineup sooner rather than later. The future is coming, and the rest of the nations should be worried!