Felix Kaiser // “Berlin Bruiser” // Junior Review

[CF Punk 11]

 

With the success of players like Erik Summers and King Kruul at the VHLM level, it is clear that German hockey is taking major steps forward in recent years. The next German star coming down the pipeline is right winger Felix Kaiser. The 6-foot-5, 114-pound power forward recently signed a deal to play the remainder of the season with the Saskatoon Wild, but it was Kaiser’s rare combination of speed and size that initially caught the eye of VHLM scouts during his stint on Germany’s U17 National Team.

 

Often described as Germany hockey’s best kept secret, VHLM scouts initially took notice of how effortlessly Kaiser pairs his imposing 6-foot-5 frame with strong skating ability and an excellent stride. This gives him good speed in both directions, especially given his size. Fortunately for Kaiser, being fleet of foot has seemingly come natural. 
 

No matter his competition or age bracket, Kaiser has always been a stand-out skater with excellent edgework. Unfortunately, that hasn’t been the case with his physical development. During his early teen years, scouts often dismissed Kaiser for being physically immature. The young German struggled to add weight and muscle to his lanky frame. It wasn’t until his 17^th birthday that Kaiser began filling out. 
 

This development not only changed the way scouts viewed him as a prospect, but it also changed Kaiser’s entire game. 
 

 

He started playing with an edge… a nasty edge. 

Kaiser’s new found strength allowed him to use his size to dominate a game in the corners or with big hits. It didn’t take long for him to develop a reputation across Germany youth hockey as a nasty, intimidating presence who is no longer afraid to drop his gloves and fill the role of a prototypical power forward. This style of play landed Kaiser the nickname of the “Berlin Bruiser” and decent social media following self-anointed as the “Kaiser Club.” 

Unfortunately, a new knock against Kaiser’s game developed as a result of his new-found physical strength – he can at put his time in a hole by being too aggressive, which can lead to bad penalties (or worse). 

 

Like other power forwards before him, Kaiser will take some time to develop and mature his game in the VHLM before he can make the successful and productive transition to the ranks of the VHL. Fortunately, Saskatoon, who currently sits dead last in the VHLM, has been committed to being patient with Kaiser’s development and hopes to see him develop into a consistent point producer moving forward. 
 

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