Martin Hanzal Thread

[KingLouieLouie]

First, I promise (as the moderator) to devote more time to this forum compared to what I have for over the past few months......

One manner is to keep updated on some of the Coyotes top prospects and monitor their developments... Everyone is welcomed to provide any input they may have....

This thread will be dedicated to the Coyotes '05 1st round (17th overall) selection and I have already begun one entirely dedicated to Blake Wheeler.... Nothing like keeping track of the promising future that this organization has to offer....

http://www.forecaster.ca/cbc/hockey/player.cgi?5221

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C
Martin Hanzal
Age: 18
Date of birth: February 20, 1987
Place of Birth: Pisek, Czech. (CZE)
Country: CZE
HT: 6-4 WT: 198
Shoots/Catches: L
NHL Seasons: 0-R
Drafted by Phoenix in 2005 (1/17).



http://www.hockeysfuture.com/prospect/martin_hanzal

History

Hanzal had a good season in Ceske Budejovice. His performance was consistent during the whole season and he managed to keep high standards. In the junior team he played with David Kuchejda on a line and they created an offensively dangerous pair. Hanzal, as the junior team scoring leader, played few games for the senior team that played in the Division I in 2004-05 season.

Hanzal was the best Czech player at the U-18 WJC, he was the scoring leader and also the MVP. He worked hard for the team, fought equally hard in offense and in defense, showed good attitude, was the leader, and showed he is strong at the physical play.

Talent Analysis

One of Hanzal’s strongest attributes is his frame. At 6'4, 198 lbs. he boasts an above-average size, but still has more filling out to do. Hanzal is a smooth puckhandler who takes advantage of his vision and hand-eye coordination to make good plays. He can finish the scoring chances also on his own, but could use better in-close finishing skills. Hanzal doesn't hesitate to unleash his fast-release wrist shot. His slap shot could be more accurate.

Hanzal doesn't back down from the rough stuff, he handles heavy traffic quite well thanks to his frame. He shows a solid commitment to the defensive duties, Hanzal frequently returns to his own zone and shuts down the opposing scoring possibilities. On the downside he needs to develop smoother skating skills, in 2004-05 season he managed to improve his skating but still needs to work on it. Hanzal lacks the top-end extra gear and has to show more agility and first-step quickness in order to be a flashier skater.
Future

Hanzal was chosen by Regina, WHL, in 2004 Import Draft but will most probably stay in Ceske Budejovice as he is likely to get chance to play Extraleague.