In continuing to review the recently released mid-term rankings, there were some surprises, anticipated movements, and met expectations. Perhaps the biggest surprise was the relatively low rank given to Chechia forward Adam Benak (#60 among North American skaters). Benak averages nearly a point per game with Youngstown in the USHL (31 pts. on 9G & 22A through 33 games). Also, he routinely has been ranked in the low first round / high second round throughout the season. His reputation as a smaller, perimeter player presumably had a large impact here. He will compete in the All-American game later this week.
Benak’s countrymen, d-man Radim Mrtka (#6 North American skater) & forward Vojtech Cihar (#5 international skater), expectedly received very high rankings. Both competed for Team Czechia as underagers, and Cihar averages almost 15 minutes of ice time per game in Czechia’s top pro league. Mrtka was ranked as a mid-second rounder at the time of the Hlinka Gretzky Cup, and has risen steadily through the ranks during the course of the season. Recently I ran across a nice profile of Cihar, which is attached.
Several days ago, I touched upon the potential rise of Saginaw forward Kristian Epperson. He did as I suspected, as he is ranked #45 among North American skaters. This most likely catapults him from a projected 4th or 5th rounder into the 2nd round conversation. He is one of 67 OHLers appearing in these rankings, which is further discussed in the second attachment.
https://www.toutsurlehockey.com/tslh-espoirs/vojtech-cihar-prospect-profile-2025-nhl-draft/
https://chl.ca/ohl/article/67-ohl-players-included-on-nhl-central-scoutings-midseason-rankings/