A prospect of the CH praised by its coach
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Several young prospects from the CH have made the headlines in the last few weeks. At the last World Junior Hockey Championships, Cole Caufield and Kaiden Guhle were scrutinized from all angles.
Hopes for them are legitimate and these two should one day break through the Canadian line-up. On the other hand, there are others that are getting less attention.
Caufield’s teammate
Recently, we were able to watch Cole Caufield play with the Wisconsin Bagders on RDS. However, during the broadcast of the Badgers’ two games, another CH prospect also got some attention, Jake Gorniak.
A fourth round pick, 123rd overall in 2018, the 21-year-old American is in his third season with the Badgers.
Not being recognized as an offensive player, Gorniak is more of a depth player with good speed. Playing mainly on a third trio, he had only 7 points in 28 games last season.
A new mandate
With the circumstances surrounding COVID, the many absentees from the Badgers allowed Gorniak to be promoted to the second line. With 8 points in 10 games this season, the 21-year-old forward seems determined to take his game to another level. Coach Tony Granato is impressed with his player’s performance.
He showed a nice touch to score. He has a physical approach. He blocks shots. He kills penalties. He is on the power play. He plays against the best opposing lines.
It’s certainly going to take more than that for him to ever hope to play in the NHL. However, it wouldn’t be the first time a player had been a late bloomer.
To be continued…
Translated by Michel-Alexandre Broekart
