22 RW Joel Ratkovic-Berndtsson, Frolunda HC J20 (J20 Nationell), 6’0’’,179, L, DOB 10.18.2003
A tough winger with many offensive skill sets. Ratkovic has had a great season thus far as he is over a point per game player who keeps producing and working hard night in and night out. He is a player that loves to have speed under his skates and there is nothing strange with that as he possesses a rapid and fluid skating technique. His first steps are frenetic and explosive, and he follows them nicely with athletic long powerful strides. Skilled to carry the puck at this speed with his smooth stickhandling and creative mind, doesn´t panic when he´s facing an opponent as he often makes a small body deke or a fast change or direction to get past. In addition to his skill is he a player who has an amount of grit to his game, not afraid of the physical game and likes to enter the dirty areas on the ice. Can for instance throw a heavy hit on his aggressive forechecks and be involved in scrums in the corners or in front of the net. His strongest attributes are in the offensive zone, he has good positioning with his hockey sense as he always seems to appear in the right areas to release his shot or pick up a loose puck or rebound. Shows overall a great creativity and finesse in the offensive zone with smart opening passes and a confidence on the puck that results in crafty yet unexpected dekes in tight time-pressured situations. Plays a huge role with the man advantage, often the one who creates the easy entries to establish pressure. Exhibits great movement on the powerplay as well to be open and ready to release his hard accurate wrister that is a goal scorer’s shot. On the downside, can appear inactive and stationary in the defensive play, his positioning is decent, however it would be nice to see him use that hunger that shows offensively in the defensive zone as well. Ratkovic is a lethal scoring winger who is a constant offensive threat with his qualities, and I must say I’m a bit surprised that his name doesn’t get mentioned more when it comes to discussions about the upcoming NHL-draft.
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