Now is the time to pay attention to the top NHL prospects, as most draft-eligible players are either in the playoffs of their respective leagues or playing in the U-18 Men’s World Championships. Invitations for Team Canada were sent out last week, and the group had a small training camp at Sixteen-Mile Sports Complex in Oakville, Ontario. Many spectators had their eyes on notable players like Ryan Roobroeck of the Niagara Ice Dogs and Brady Martin of the Soo Greyhounds. But Lev Katzin of the Guelph Storm has flown under the radar, and I can see him as a key player for Canada at this tournament.
Katzin Has Incredible Skill
Katzin has raw skill and talent. He has explosive speed and a great shot, especially on the right side when he’s firing a one-timer. He also has an incredible ability to skate with the puck at high speeds and keep possession under pressure or needs to make a move to get away from a defender.
His offensive IQ and skill level are among the highest on the roster, and once the puck is on his stick in the offensive zone, he can make magic happen. Whether he is shooting the puck for a high-percentage scoring chance or passing the puck to an open teammate for an open look, Katzin’s skill is noticeable to everyone, especially to the coaching staff of this season’s Canadian U-18 team.
In their little time practicing, Katzin has already shown how lethal he can be in a power-play position from the right-wing boards. A spot that could have been given to Michael Misa had he not been too injured to practice, Katzin took the opportunity and showed that he could excel on the right side. I expect to see him used in a top-six role in this tournament.
Katzin Already Developing Chemistry
A tournament like this always has quick roster turnover, as Team Canada will bring in the top players as they get eliminated from the CHL playoffs, so it is hard to create chemistry with teammates. That hasn’t been the case for Katzin and Braeden Cootes of the Seattle Thunderbirds. They were paired in almost every drill and have already created visible chemistry.
With Katzin being a left shot and Cootes being a right shot, the two have spent the better part of camp setting each other up for one-timers. Katzin has more often been the passer, but when he is given the chance to shoot from the right side, it usually goes in. This duo has already found a way to get each other open to receive the puck for high-danger scoring chances. They look like they have played together for several years, even though this is the first time they’ve played together.
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Katzin and Cootes will be difference-makers in the tournament, and other teams will have a hard time shutting them down. They have been putting in the work, staying on the ice after practice together to work on passing and shooting drills. Whether it’s on a fast break odd-man rush, a developing 5-on-5 play in the offensive zone, or on the power play, they will be a formidable combination for teams to shut down.
Katzin was not the most popular name heading into this tournament, but he has made an impression. His speed and skill have been on full display at training camp, and he will continue to show his abilities during the tournament. He may not be one of Canada’s top scorers, but he will be a contributing member of the offence and could score crucial points for Canada.
