What is the story about?
As a few European leagues start up, it’s time for some actual hockey news.
Around the Pool:
- Defenseman Daniil Karpovich tallied the first point for a Devils prospect this season, an assist in the opener for Gornyak-UGMK of the VHL. Karpovich’s lone assist eclipses his point total of zero in all 33 games for Gornyak last season, though Karpovich did have 1 point, also an assist, in 18 KHL games with Avtomobilist Yekaterinburg. Karpovich’s offense never really came around as expected and the fact that the 21-year-old is still playing in the VHL is not a great sign, but perhaps the opener assist will be the beginning of a breakout.
- Nikita Shcherbakov has made Salafat Yulaev Ufa for the opening game of the KHL season. The 18-year-old 2nd round pick played 7 games in the KHL last year, 15 in the MHL and 35 in the VHL, so this is an encouraging step for the young defenseman. Even more encouragingly, Shcherbakov scored this goal in only his 2nd game this season, the first KHL goal of his career.
- Other Russian Devils prospects are also off to a good start.
- Enjoy this goal by center Gustav Hillstrom during the U20s last week. Hillstrom had a solid, overall tournament and will look to increase on his breakout season last year for Brynas IF in the SHL.
- New Jersey Hockey Now did this deep dive on 1st round pick Alexander Command, which is worth a read.
- Lastly, some horrific news. St. Louis Blues prospect Mathew Mayich had a collapsing incident while training at Arizona State and has been hospitalized in a coma. Per an attorney for the family, “the condition is irreversible.” A lot is in flux right now and investigations are ongoing, but due to the tragedy and alleged possible policy violations contributing to the incident, it is possible that Arizona State along with Mayich’s teammates, including Devils prospect Ben Kevan, might have to suspend their hockey season. Of course, all that matters right now is Mayich’s health. Our hearts go out to him and his family for a miracle.
