Marek Hrivik a solid addition for Wildcats
Published Saturday November 7th, 2009
Slovakian import tied for fifth in Moncton scoring with Kabanov
Marek Hrivik came here with very little fanfare.
In fact, he's really been hidden in the giant shadow of Kirill Kabanov since they were both selected by the Moncton Wildcats in the 2009 Canadian Hockey League import draft in June.
Kabanov, the seventh overall pick, is a high-profile Russian left winger who's been a big story since draft day. Moncton and a Russian pro team were locked in a lengthy battle over his rights and the International Ice Hockey Federation finally cleared him to play for the Wildcats one month into the season.
Hrivik, the 34th overall pick, is a Slovakian left winger who's quietly been a solid addition for Moncton. His arrival in training camp flew under the radar compared to the anticipation that surrounded Kabanov in the weeks leading up to the ruling that allowed him to join the Wildcats.
"They're different type players and they have different personalities," said Moncton head coach Danny Flynn. "Kirill Kabanov has a more outgoing and colourful personality while Marek Hrivik is more quiet and low key.
"They've both made real nice contributions to our team. They give us the best European duo we've had since (forward Martins) Karsums and (defenceman Oskars) Bartulis in 2005-06."
Moncton, 12-6-1-1, is third in the Atlantic Division of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League with 26 points. It trails the Saint John Sea Dogs (35 points) and Cape Breton Screaming Eagles (28 points).
Moncton has played two less games than both these clubs. The Wildcats have had their past three contests cancelled because of severe team sickness with two players diagnosed with H1N1 and 15 others suffering from flu-like symptoms.
Saint John, which is riding a nine-game winning streak, is first overall in the league entering a pair of home games. It faces the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies tonight at 7 p.m. and again tomorrow at 4 p.m. at Harbour Station.
Moncton's 17 sick players are under a seven-day quarantine that ends tomorrow. The Wildcats are expected to practise tomorrow afternoon and return to action on the road against the Rimouski Oceanic on Tuesday.
Hrivik has 13 points, including five goals, in 20 games. The 18-year-old rookie is tied for fifth in Moncton scoring with Kabanov, who has 13 points in 10 contests.
Hrivik helped Slovakia capture the bronze medal at the 2009 World Junior Hockey Championship in Ottawa. He's expected to suit up for his country again in the 2010 world junior tournament in Saskatchewan.
"The Slovakian national coach told me that I have to get points this season playing Canadian junior hockey," he said. "He said I have to come here and keep improving my offensive game.
"I'm happy with my start to the season. We have a good team. I think we have a good chance to win this league. I think coming here has made me a better player. There's a big difference between junior hockey in Slovakia and Canada. The game here is much faster and more physical. It's a smaller ice (surface) here. I like it here."
Moncton has several players who are expected to be claimed in the 2010 National Hockey League draft. Kabanov and defenceman Brandon Gormley, both projected first rounders, goaltender Louis Domingue and forward Matthew Bissonnette are all first-time eligible and they head the list. Hrivik was a projected third-round pick in the 2009 NHL draft, but he got passed over. Defenceman Simon Jodoin and centre Ted Stephens are two other Wildcats who may also draw some attention for the 2010 NHL draft in their third year of eligibility.
"I think the reason I didn't get picked in the NHL draft is the (2009) world under-18 championship (in April)," said Hrivik. "We had a weak team there. We had horrible games there. I didn't have a good tournament.
"I think there's a good chance for me to get drafted if I play well this season. This is a strong league and there's lots of scouts watching. I like the style of Canadian junior hockey. There's a lot of NHL draft picks in this league so it's a good level."
Moncton had different scenarios in mind entering the 2009 CHL import draft.
"We had quietly targeted Kirill Kabanov with the No. 7 pick, but if he wasn't still available and certain things unfolded Marek Hrivik was a candidate for us to select in that spot," said Flynn.
"We thought that by the No. 34 pick (Hrivik) would be long gone so we were pleasantly surprised when he was still available. He's 18. He'll be here for two seasons. He's big, he's strong and he's got good hockey sense and real good hands.
"He was the only 17-year-old on Slovakia's team at last year's world juniors. We're hopeful that he'll get the opportunity to play again for his country at this year's world juniors because that experience will bring him back here as an even better player."
The Wildcats head coach expects that Hrivik will show steady improvement as he adjusts to the North American game.
"We're very happy with his play and with his development," said Flynn. "As he learns to play more in traffic and to fight for his (space on the) ice, he's going to get better and better.
"I was very surprised that he wasn't picked in last year's NHL draft. I know he's on the radar for several NHL teams (for the 2010 draft). If he has a strong season and continues his improvement, I think he has a chance to be drafted for sure."
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