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hhh81 · 10-22-2018, 09:24 PM

German youth standout declares for SMJHL draft, sets out to begin North American hockey career
By: Harry Hemmert (FIRST ARTICLE!)

After two years with Düsseldorfer EG (DEG), defenseman Cassius Darrow is headed to North America. A native of Cologne, GER, Darrow had an impressive start to his hockey career in the DNL, leading the team’s defenseman in scoring with 24 points this past season. Sources confirm Darrow was entertaining contract offers from at least two clubs in the DEL, who wanted him to play at least another year in the DNL before continuing his career.

“It’s disappointing—we think Darrow can play in the DEL right now as a teenager,” an executive with one of the DEL teams who attempted to sign Darrow shared.

When asked about the decision to forego a career in the DEL, Darrow made his intentions clear.

“I want to play against the best in the world,” Darrow stated emphatically. “The SHL is my goal, and the best way to get there is to play juniors in North America. The DEL will be there, but I want to win a Challenge Cup.”

While Darrow will be far from the first German-born player to pursue big league dreams North America, there isn’t much of a recent track record of successful Germans defenseman in the game. For the S43 WJC, only two German defenseman were named to Team Austria/Germany. This does not seem to concern Darrow.

“It would be an honor to represent my country in international play. I know and respect [Karl Von Wittelsbach] a great deal; he’s a good player that I model some of my game on. For now, I’m focused on developing my skills and readying myself for the junior draft.”

As of now, Darrow does not seem committed to being drafted by any one team. When asked if he hoped to be drafted by Von Wittelsbach’s team, the Anchorage Armada, the draft prospect laughed.

“I want to be the best. There are many good teams in the [SMJHL]. I know I can play and we can win, whatever team I join. If I’m with Armada, that is good. If I’m with Colorado or another team to beat Armada, that is also good.”

Darrow might not be a household name for North American hockey fans, but that may change soon. He gained the attention in his home country by featuring for the DEG Metro Stars as a 16-year-old; this made him one of the youngest players taking a regular shift in the German developmental league. In 54 DNL games in the past two years, Darrow compiled 3 goals, 29 assists, and a +16 rating. Despite his outstanding play, DEG struggled, finishing under .500 this past year.

“Cassius competes well above his years,” Harold Kreis, DEG’s head coach and former German Olympian, said of the young player. “He practices with an intensity that pushes everyone to the next level and made our team better.”

Last offseason, Central Scouting Services did not have Darrow ranked; by midseason he’d risen to the 7th ranked eligible European defenseman and the 74th overall player in the S44 SMJHL draft class. In their midseason rankings, Stanislav Dysliev remarked that:

Quote:[Darrow] is a smart defenseman who makes a clean, quick first pass. He brings an intensity on and off the ice that challenges those around themselves to push harder. Beyond that, he’s shown ability in most elements, but doesn’t have a stand out skill in any area. His skating doesn’t have a particularly special burst, but is fluid and effective in defensive coverage and the breakout. He is a pass first player who works hard to find open teammates, but does not seek to create his own shot. While he hasn’t shown an overly physical game, his frame projects that he could add that dimension in the future. He has shown skill at playing in all situations, but has not faced elite competition or competed internationally as of yet.

This upcoming season will go a long way to elucidate what will become of this late riser. He will turn 18 early in the S44 season, and it’s clear whichever SMJHL team drafts Darrow will get a player who is committed to doing the work on and off the ice to achieve his goals of being the best player possible.

Tune in to the SHL Network the rest of this week for all your S44 SMJHL Entry Draft! coverage needs

Quote:Word Count: 713

Mack · 10-22-2018, 10:08 PM

Nice read man! Good luck in the draft! Militia

***Alaska*** · 10-22-2018, 10:09 PM

Looking forward to watching your career! Good luck in the draft this week!

Alex Winters (retired)
Matej Winters (retired)
Dominik Winters
S45 Jesster Trophy Winner
Challenge Cup Winning Goal Club: S52

StamkosFan · 10-22-2018, 10:13 PM

You remind me of me haha, glad to see a promising first gen! You're my sleeper pick this year, I've made up my mind Smile

Good luck in the draft!

*Good_Ole_Kimmy* · 10-22-2018, 10:17 PM

I will always welcome another German! Germany

hhh81 · 10-22-2018, 10:42 PM

10-22-2018, 10:13 PMStamkosFan Wrote: You remind me of me haha, glad to see a promising first gen! You're my sleeper pick this year, I've made up my mind Good luck in the draft!

Thank you for your kind words! I hope to live up to your expectations!

daBenchwarmer · 10-23-2018, 12:37 AM

deadlyyyyy

*Jayba1t* · 08-26-2021, 05:09 PM

Congrats, you've come a long way trips, 2018 seems like forever ago

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