Friday, August 23, 2024

Incoming Freshmen Part 1: Bednarik and Boumedienne

 


Kamil Bednarik, a 6'0", 185 lb., left-shot center from Elk Grove Village, Illinois, is one of three freshman from USA Hockey's NTDP, along with Cole Eiserman and Cole Hutson. 

In his U17 season, he had 30 points including five (3G,2A) to help the U.S. claim gold in the World U17 Challenge.  Last season, he centered the U18s' second line, frequently with Eiserman on his wing, and generated 65 points (26G,39A) in 61 games, including six in seven games of the World U18 Championships where the US won Silver. He was fifth on the U18s in scoring.

Prior to be invited to join the NTDP, he racked up 92 points (44G,48A) for the NJ Rockets 16U AAA.

Last June, Bednarik was selected 61st overall in the 2nd round by the Islanders, joining Eiserman who was the Isles' first-round pick. Sources indicate that the fact that both would be playing for Jay Pandolfo factored in New York GM Lou Lamoriello's decision to draft the pair. When Pandolfo played for the Devils, winning the Stanley Cup twice, Lamoriello was the team's general manager. Speaking to the media at the draft, Bednarik said he models his game after Patrice Bergeron, adding, “I'm a 200-foot player. I think I play really well on both ends of the ice.”


Elite Prospects 2024 Draft Guide:
Name a defensive skill, and Bednarik probably has it. He’s energetic, but controlled. He rotates, supports, and engages at the right moments. When he battles opponents, he’s always looking to win body positioning first, using his stick or free hand to slow down the opponent if required. He throws big hits, blocks shots, and does whatever it takes to win. 

The Athletic draft profile:

Bednarik's an easy player to like and is well-liked by scouts for his consistency and his know-how. He's a heady, methodical player who makes little plays all over the ice and does everything well without having the dynamic quality you'd see in a first-rounder. He's got well-rounded skill and has shown he can stir the drink and make a play, depending on what's called for. He also plays to his linemates' strengths, which has made him a natural fit with different players at the program. I think we're going to see more offense out of him in college, too (he’s committed to BU)

● Elite Prospects Page

● TheHockeyWriters.com draft profile

● NHL.com Top Prospects for Islanders

● 2024-25 Video Highlights

●  Bednarik's parents drive from Chicago to Vegas was a testament to resilience and love

Sascha Boumedienne is a  6'2", 183 lb., left-shot defenseman, who had originally committed for 2025 but has accelerated to join this year's freshman class. Born in Finland, he is a Swedish national and the son of Josef Boumedienne, a former NHL blueliner who has been Director of Professional Scouting and assistant coach for the Columbus Blue Jackets. He's also head coach of the Ohio Blue Jackets 14Us and an assistant with Team Sweden.

Sascha was one of two Terrier recruits tendered by USHL Youngstown, along with 2025 recruit Zach Morin. As a 16 year old, Boumedienne generated 27 points (3G,24A) for the Phantoms, earning All-Rookie honors. In 18 international games for Team Sweden, he had a 4-7-11 line, helping his team win Bronze in the World U17 Challenge. This past summer he skated in the Hlinka-Gretzky Cup.

Prior to the USHL he played two seasons playing up with the Ohio Jr. Blue Jackets 16Us, producing produced 42 points (11g,31A) in 49 games in 2022-23. 

Sascha Boumedienne och Kevin Reidler prisas i USHL

The Athletic's Scott Wheeler has projected Boumedienne as a likely first-round pick in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft.

 NeutralZone profile:

Sascha Boumedienne, a 6’1″, 175-pound left-shot defenseman, is a potential top ten selection in the 2025 NHL Draft. Heading into his freshman year at Boston University for the 2024/25 season, Boumedienne has already garnered significant attention with his combination of size, mobility, confidence and offensive potential. His performance at the 2024 Hlinka Gretzky Cup, where he represented Sweden, showcased both his strengths and areas for improvement, making him a player who will be watched very closely this year.

Bleacher Report profile:

Boumedienne is 6'2" and could stand to add some muscle. He's an excellent skater, who reads the ice at a high level. He's a poised puck-handler and good distributor who also has a heavy shot, and that shot has the potential to get even stronger as he adds muscle to his frame."

 

●  Elite Prospects Page

● NeutralZone Boumedienne: Full Scouting Report 

● MyNHLDraft.com profile

 

Looking back

Amontes & BU...Perfect Together

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