North American Hockey League
NHL Central Scouting has the Laguna Niguel native on its radar Kravchenko’s Climb Continues in Wichita Falls
By Matt Mackinder D
ennis Kravchenko has already committed to a Division I school and, if NHL Central Scouting has its say, the potential to reach the highest level of the game.
Ask the Laguna Niguel native how he feels about that lofty potential and he’d just as well focus on the now: his opportunity to continue his development this season with the Wichita Falls Wildcats of the North American Hockey League (NAHL).
“It’s very fast-paced and definitely a lot better than I thought it was going to be,” the 17-year-old forward said of the Tier II Junior A league. “I’m looking forward to improving not only as a player, but as an entire team over the course of the season.”
Kravchenko has committed to the University of Vermont for the 2013-14 season and, last month, was recognized by NHL Central Scouting on its “Players to Watch” list for 2012 draft-eligibles; he’s rated a C prospect - a player that Central Scouting is tracking; a potential late-round selection in the draft. “It was kind of a shock, but at the same time, a lot of people told me I’d be listed,” said Kravchenko. “My goal has always been to play in the NHL, so all I can do is work as hard as I can and be the best that I can be.” Wildcats head coach Paul Baxter, a former NHL defenseman, sees a lot of promise in Kravchenko’s game.
“Dennis came to our (tryout) camp in Chicago (over the summer) and it was pretty obvious early that he was a special player,” said the coach. “He’s very skilled
done it last year makes things a little easier, and I can’t say enough about the support I got both at Kim- ball and here in Wichita Falls; it’s been great.” Being situated in New England last season allowed Kravchenko to get a feel for college hockey in the area. It also gave him the opportunity to be scouted by a number of schools in one of the county’s hockey hot- beds.
In the end, he decided on Vermont. “Playing prep school hockey really helped me get looked at and, when I decided to visit all of these differ- ent schools, I definitely liked Vermont the most,” said Kravchenko. “It had all of the things I wanted and it was a D-I hockey school, so what can’t you like about that?”
“Vermont chose wisely when they committed to Dennis,” Baxter added.
Growing up in Southern California, Kravchenko enjoyed a successful career playing for the Anaheim Jr. Ducks, LA Selects and LA Jr. Kings.
Dennis Kravchenko, a University of Vermont recruit, is looking forward to
continued development with the NAHL’s Wichita Falls Wildcats this season. Photo/NAHL
with the will and tenacity to compete in any situation.” Living away from the friendly confines of Orange County is nothing new to Kravchenko, who played in prep school last season at New Hampshire’s Kimball Union Academy. There, he led the team in scoring with 54 points in 34 games.
“I miss my family, obviously, but you have to make sacrifices for the game of hockey,” he said. “Having
NAHL.com
“I had a fun time playing hockey growing up,” said Kravchenko. “I played on a lot of great teams with a lot of great teammates. My family obviously helped me the most, and I can’t thank them enough for everything they’ve done.”
Kravchenko could have pursued a number of playing options heading into this season. He’s happy, though, he decided to toil in the NAHL as he readies for his Division I career in Hockey East. “I want to take my game to a new level, and obvi- ously have our team come together and show our full potential when it counts the most,” he said.
16
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24