If there was one word to summarize Maxim Horvat's whole life perfectly it would be: Competitor.

"I like to make everything I do a competition. From something as simple as homework in grade school to going to the gym, I always needed to compete against someone or something. That's what drives me."

And Horvat's next challenge will be the toughest one he's had to face in his life to date: Earn the right to be selected top spot in the S15 SMJHL Entry Draft.


Max will be anxious come draft day to see where he is selected

From a young age, Maxim has excelled in every league he's played him. A natural born leader, Maxim is known simply for his willingness to put everything on the line for his team and to never take a shift off. That's what has made Horvat every coaches dream.

"I remember being a kid and everybody loved to watch and model their games around prolific scorers like Pavel Bure, Alexandre Mogilny, Ilya Kovalchuk etc. And as exciting as they were to watch, I was so much more interested in the guys who literally risked everything night in and night out to make sure that they're not just scoring goals, but making sure they aren't getting scored on either.

Those are the type of guys that win championships. I like to be a leader, I like to give it my all every single shift, and I hope that SMJHL teams do come to realize that come draft day."

When asked who he likes to model his game after, Horvat replied:

"Patrice Bergeron. Definately Patrice Bergeron. He's the type of guy that doesn't get as much limelight and doesn't get marketed on the tabloids like an Ovechkin or a Crosby would, but he's the engine of a team. He's the guy that everyone else looks at and says 'this guy is hustling, working his ass off, and doing everything for the team'. That's hockey to me."



Horvat hasn't necessarily been contacted by many teams yet, but he's hopeful that when draft day comes around and the date nears, he will be having some meaningful conversations with teams.

"Obviously the Whalers have a very close connection because Dooley is part of that great organization and i've had a long history with the Whalers organization. Aside from that, I haven't been contacted by too many other teams."

When asked what spot he thinks he could fill on an SMJHL team that is looking to draft him, Horvat sounded extremely confident in his abilities.

"If you're looking for a guy who's going to have a nose for the net and only be worried about the offensive side of his game, you really should look elsewhere. I pride myself on my ability to shut opposing teams down, whether that means playing hard defense or creating chances in the offensive zone.

If you're looking for an all-around player who you can put into any situation and be confident in, i'm your guy. I rep the jersey dawned on me with pride and I promise to give it my all, whether it be a pre-season game or the finals of the NWJHL cup."

This summer has been an extremely productive one for Horvat, who has worked extremely hard to fix some of the weaknesses in his game.


Horvat getting his squats on at Gary Roberts' high performance center

"Ive been working with Gary Roberts and it's been an amazing experience for me. I feel like i've improved immensely since first being scouted for this draft, namely in my Endurance and Strength department. I used to get gassed extremely fast, especially with the hard-nosed style that I like to play, but now I feel good right until the end of the game and i'm still playing the same style of hockey. Gary has helped me out a lot, this has been my best summer of training yet."

And it has shown. Showing up to the combine this year, Horvat has impressed many scouts with his increased strength and size, a whopping 205 pounds for a junior prospect. An amazing feat. Scouts hope that Horvat can use that size to his benefit, as a hitting machine, a man amongst boys, but some are projecting that in a league like the SMJHL where speed is key, Horvat may slow down.

"Some scouts have told me that my size is more suited for the SHL than the juniors, and that I may fall behind to some of the smaller, more agile guys on the ice. I'm not too worried about that, my positioning and hockey IQ should really counteract any disadvantage my size may bring. Plus, I like to be an intimidating force, so I am absolutely pleased with my size."

One thing is for sure this year, whether or not Horvat goes first overall, he's going to prove to the SMJHL, and future SHL prospects, that he is the real deal. This upcoming junior year will either make or break his status as a top prospect, but Horvat hopes to show that he can make his teammates around him better.

"I think the Juniors are a great way to improve yourself every day, and to show everyone that you can make your teammates better. I'm not really too concerned with who I get paired with on a line, in the SHL you have to go against top competition nightly. And if you can't find a way to make your teammates better, you simply don't deserve to be in the league. It's that simple.

Give me a jersey, a pair of skates and a stick and watch what I can do. It's really that simple."



And for Horvat, that's the confidence and swagger he will bring to any prospective suitors.

For TSN, I'm James Duthie.

Words: 969
Pics: 4

28 is old you fucking moron

I look into my crystal ball and I see ...

      S76 SMJHL DRAFT 3RD OVERALL PICK     
        S77 SHL DRAFT 4TH OVERALL PICK         
                     IIHF TEAM NORWAY                      

Originally posted by KezKincaid@Sep 13 2013, 04:10 PM
I look into my crystal ball and I see ...

28 is old you fucking moron

good luck come draft day

Originally posted by meow@Sep 13 2013, 05:42 PM
good luck come draft day

Thank you!

28 is old you fucking moron

Originally posted by KezKincaid@Sep 13 2013, 03:10 PM
I look into my crystal ball and I see ...

I'd try and see if I can get a refund ASAP, seems faulty.

    -             -     

The Knights should take Horvat first.




:impact:

Originally posted by JayTee@Sep 13 2013, 06:25 PM
The Knights should take Horvat first.




:impact:

It's between Rose, Stryker, Toevs tbh

Originally posted by Donini13@Sep 13 2013, 03:59 PM


It's between Rose, Stryker, Toevs tbh

Rose/Stryker > Toevs tbqh

Originally posted by JayTee@Sep 13 2013, 07:34 PM


Rose/Stryker > Toevs tbqh

hmm idk :ph34r:


the avy alone might make Toevs> :ssst:

Originally posted by Donini13@Sep 13 2013, 03:59 PM


It's between Rose, Stryker, Toevs tbh

:D

You want to go #3 tbh

4 Lyfe. :wub:

Originally posted by Dooley@Sep 13 2013, 08:10 PM
You want to go #3 tbh

4 Lyfe. :wub:

#Stryker4Three

Doolzey, I rarely meet my expectations in this league so aiming for 1 is practically going for 3

28 is old you fucking moron