Slovak Draft Spotlight: Lukas Vartovnik 07

Slovak prospects playing in the Czech Republic is not that rare an occurrence nowadays as some of the better Slovak talents feel their western neighbors can accelerate their development by providing a higher level of competition. In fact, a number of Slovaks are now steadily rising within the Czech junior and midget levels.

One of the most promising players is Lukas Vartovnik, a center with the HC Hame Zlin juniors and a likely top-round selection in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft.

Playing as an underager, Vartovnik is adjusting slowly to the junior Extraleague but, unlike the midget level, is experiencing some growing pains.

Snake-bit early on, he nevertheless maintained his fearless style and has lately shown signs of rediscovering his scoring touch. After registering just a single assist in his first nine games, he has since scored three goals and added one assist in his past six games (15-3-2-5, plus-1, 24 PIM)

Vartovnik started his 2005-2006 international season with a decent performance for the Slovak Under-17 team at the Five Nations Tournament in Switzerland, even though it wasn't the dominant showing as observers were expecting.

Scouts Corner

A solid skater with deceptive quickness and change of pace, Lukas Vartovnik possesses decent bursts of speed and also impresses with his balance, though could still use upgrades in his top-end speed. He is an adequate puckhandler capable of making nifty moves when needed, however isn't a dipsy-doodler by nature.

Vartovnik shows decent offensive instincts and creativity, as well as good hockey sense and an awareness of where his linemates are. He boasts a hard, accurate snapshot, but needs to work on other parts of his shooting arsenal. His slapper in particular lacks some accuracy, while developing smoother finishing skills in general will also be on his agenda.

A belligerent mucker, Vartovnik regularly shows up in heavy traffic in spite of a somewhat smallish frame at 5-foot-11 and 180 pounds. He battles hard for loose pucks and often goes looking for rebounds in the slot. Conversely, his defensive play is merely average at this point. Though not a total liability in his own end, Vartovnik still needs to further upgrade his defensive awareness and learn to mark his man faster. His faceoff skills also require attention.

Friends & Influences

The player he looks up to the most is Los Angeles Kings summer acquisition Pavol Demitra.

"I like to watch his offense. He is a very smooth puckhandler and can make things happen when he is out there on the ice." remarks Vartovnik.

Lukas continues his education in the Czech Republic, though has scaled back his class time as he felt secondary school was too demanding time-wise and that classes collided with his practice schedule. He switched to a less-demanding schedule which still provides adequate education while enabling him to focus on hockey.

In his free time, he often just relaxes and hangs out with his buddies. "Sleeping and spending time with my friends are my most frequent non-hockey activities. It is simply my lifestyle when I'm not at school or playing hockey."

But when he has more spare time, Vartovnik likes various sports. Like most Europeans, he frequently plays soccer with his friends. As far as being a superstitious player, Vartovnik doesn't even have one single pre-game ritual. "I don't think such things can bring me luck or stuff like that. I just get warmed up and then hit the ice."

Represented by Slovak agent Peter Kadlecek, Vartovnik is willing to accept the CHL challenge. Speaking decent English and already blessed with the experience of living abroad, Vartovnik won't have as tough a transition as others might have.

However he has yet to decide whether he will head overseas or stay in Zlin for a few more seasons.

Ultimately though, he is a player with big ambitions and is dedicated to achieving NHL success.

"I want to play in the NHL for sure. And my biggest dream is winning the Stanley Cup, that would be an awesome moment!"

Good luck!