HJK Looks to Develop in Seattle

[Dtayl 104]

(HJK is knocked off the puck in international friendlies against Canada)

 

HJK Looking to Develop in Seattle

Seoul - Han Jae-kuk, our local hockey star, will begin his first season in the VHL this year. Following a tough loss in the VHLM playoffs, Han was called up to Seattle to start the new season. Seattle is coming off another huge playoff run which resulted in yet another VHL championship for the Bears. HJK will look to slot in on the 4th line defensive pairing as Seattle retains their defensive core so finding minutes may be tough for the young player. However, this role as a bottom pair defenseman where he will sit behind some of the best defenders in the league may be beneficial. This will be a year in which development will be the key focus for the South Korean star, and being able to play under veterans with lots of talent will take away the pressure of having to perform as well as provide some solid mentors for him to model his game after. Overall, both the Team and HJK are confident that he will be able to develop into a starting caliber defenseman within the next few seasons. Jae-kuk has already shown a knack for development, just look at his jump from his 1st season in the VHLM to his 2nd season in the VHLM, where his ppg and +/- rating dramatically improved. That improvement was the result of his relentless work ethic and we should expect the same work ethic to carry over to his time in Seattle. According to sources close to the situation, HJK has already been to the Seattle training facility. In fact, he was there just 1 week after his Marlin’s lost in the VHLM playoffs. HJK will surely be working with his coaches and training staff to get stronger and improve his game for the rigors of the VHL. 

 

One of the young players biggest weaknesses going into the season will be strength. In the VHLM Jae-kuk could get by with his relatively low strength on the ice, but in the VHL if he does not put on some solid muscle he will get bullied by players. Along with that, his checking is weak for a defender. This could be because he lacks the physical strength to get in quality checks but whatever the reason HJK barely lays down hits on the ice. Improving on his checking so he can disrupt counter attacks, and breaks will be important. That being said HJK does show some strong qualities that should translate well into the VHL, his defensive positioning is probably his strongest quality as he is rarely out of position and makes life much easier on his goalie. His puck handling and skating are very strong as well, once he gets the puck he can easily move it up the ice with finesse and speed. HJK has also displayed some solid vision in his passing, picking out teammates for easy goals. Those skills will translate well to the VHL, so as long as HJK can improve on his weaknesses we think the future looks bright for him in Seattle and he could be lifting up a championship sooner rather than later. 

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[Banackock 8,188]

YESSSS BABY. WOO HOO!

[Viper 535]

Good luck in Seattle! Bana is a great GM.