Arrived in January from the Czech-20, and added a top 4 D presence by season’s end. Attempts at playing defense is where you see Pšenička look like a weak- skater who isn’t winning any possession battles until the he fully matures. No need of any additional adjustment to the WHL. Hockey IQ, his size, and his four-way mobility are what is in his toolbox, and he will try and use his gifts to make direct plays. He is a never-quit battler who is going to jump down into the attack, whenever he see a spot where he can get the puck relocated. He’s using his quick skates to close down entry attempts. He is cool & fearless carrier in transition and after he dishes, he gets in position for the puck’s return. He contributes offensively through short passes, his hard wrist shots, and his usual high pace, drawing coverages to him. If your favorite team selects him, you may get tired of hearing,”…took the hit to make the play.” His offense is derived from what we know are his strengths: hustle, calm, edge and a developing ability to use his quickness, constantly looking for creative ways to leverage the attack zone, while constantly in motion. He displays good breakout skills on transitions to offense, and he is noticeable in both ends of the ice. There is still a tad more improvement needed before he sees the pros. He’s a lightweight and strength will eventually help grow an even better skating stride that with his edge work, will make him an even better shadow, deterring attackers as he patiently waits for the right moment to engage, and uses every physical ability he has: stepping up into attackers, using his reach with a poke check to close down a zone entry, taking the inside position with them on the wall play and putting his shoulder into them in the scrum. This is a remarkably active rearguard, who can recover defensively, but still has lots to improve on, because he still is late to close on threats coming from the inside, and his quickness can be negated when he shows lack a stably in his skating. Projection to a future top four defender isn’t a stretch as a starting point. He may be guy who develops into more, because his jump, intensity and willingness to battle on point in that direction.
–Bill Płaczek-
