Tomorrow night, Jacob Markström and Brynäs will open their 2008-2009 season with a home game against Farjestad. Gametime in Sweden is around 7PM. Here, that means the puck drops at 1PM.
Markström will be the starter for Brynäs this season, and his backup will be Anders Lindbäck (drafted by Nashville in 2008 in the seventh round). The two form a very young tandem - Markström is 18 years old, Lindbäck is 20. But while the duo is young and inexperienced, they will be relied upon heavily to help improve the team's 16-30-9 record from 2007-2008.
In June, Markström instantly became the Panthers' top goaltending prospect, bumping Tyler Plante (32nd overall in 2005) and David Shantz (37th overall in 2004) down the rankings. Dropping to the Panthers was a wonderful gift, and if Markström's development can continue smoothly, he has the potential to become a star goaltender in the NHL, and the best Swedish goaltender since Lundqvist joined the league in 2005. He's even drawn comparisons of skill to the late, great Pelle Lindbergh. Only time will tell, however, and this upcoming season will be a huge test for Jacob as he works to help lead Brynäs up in the Elitserien.
With Sweden ready to kick off their season, it's worth noting many of the European pro leagues have gotten underway. Within the Cats' system, there are six players in the Kontinental Hockey League. Most notable is young Evgeni Dadonov. Drafted 71st overall in 2007, Dadonov is now into his third season with Russia's Chelyabinsk Traktor. Through six games, Dadonov has recorded a pair of goals and an assist.
Vaclav Nedorost has been in the Czech Extraliga since 2004, but has twice had seasons shortened significantly following a 33 point, 48 game 2003-2004 campaign. With four games under his belt in 2008, the 26-year old center has three assists.
Also in the Czech Republic is former Amerk Martin Lojek. Lojek signed a contract this off-season with Trinec Ocelari, and his performance will be closely followed by the organization to see if he can develop more naturally playing in his home country.
The CHL leagues are getting underway this week, as well and though the Cats have only a couple of players between the OHL and the WHL, the list does hold promise with the Jacques-Martin-highly-praised Colby Robak as being the Panthers' top junior prospect for the upcoming season.
Lastly, college. Florida has many players scattered throughout the Western Collegiate Hockey Association, the Central Collegiate Hockey Association and Hockey East.
Matt Rust finished sixth in scoring for the Michigan Wolverines in '07-'08, doing so as a freshman. Rust doesn't boast great size, but he's a hard-nosed, gritty forward who plays a strong two-way game, and as he gains experience, he stands to earn more and more ice time on a strong Michigan hockey team.
College hockey scheuldes all pick up around October 10th, so like the NHL, it's just around the corner.
Stay tuned.
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