Rangers 2022 top pick Adam Sykora scores at WJC, plus today’s action
The New York Rangers selected Adam Sykora in the second-round of the 2022 NHL Entry Draft. It was their first pick after losing a first-round selection as a condition of the Andrew Copp deadline trade with the Winnipeg Jets.
On Friday, the aggressive 17 year-old forward registered his first goal at the World Junior Championship. He had a -5 rating in the two previous contests.
Adam Sykora scores first goal at WJC
Sykora scored on a beautiful give and go for Team Slovakia in their 3-2 win over Latvia. He finished the contest with 5 shots on goal, a +1 rating, and almost scored to end the game in the OT session. It was ruled that the puck did not fully cross the line which led to a shootout.
This was a big win for Sykora and his teammates, who were absolutely trampled over by Team Canada in their last game by an 11-1 score.
Sykora, who is known more for his relentless forecheck and ability to get under his opponent’s skin was disappointed with the loss.
“I was ashamed for myself and what we showed [as a team],” Sykora said. “It was perhaps the hardest moment of my career.”
Last season, he recorded 10 goals and 17 points in 46 games with Nitra. He added two goals in five games for Slovakia at the 2021-22 Hlinka Gretzky Cup.
When the hockey season resumes in 2022-23, Sykora will be lacing them up for Nitra again with eyes on coming to North America as soon as possible.
The winger, who isn’t very big at 5-10 and 172 lbs, models his game after one of the NHL’s biggest agitators.
“I really like Brad Marchand because he’s like a rat and he’s not scared of [bigger players],” Sykora laughed at the draft. “I try to play that way.”
Brennan Othmann back in action at WJC
Five of the seven New York Rangers prospects at the WJC are in action today.
World Junior Championship Schedule (August 13)
- Austria vs. United States (Brett Berard) 2 PM ET
- Canada (Brennan Othmann, Will Cuylle, Dylan Garand) vs. Czechia (Jaroslav Chmelař) 6 PM ET
- Germany vs. Switzerland 10 PM ET
Brett Berard and Team USA are undefeated as he looks for his first point in the tournament.
Jaroslav Chmelař, who has a goal under his belt will have his hands full along with Team Czechia against Canada.
Brennan Othmann registered 1 goal and 2 assists in Canada’s 11-1 rout of the Slovakia team on Thursday. Will Cuylle also registered two points (1G – 1A) and Dylan Garand notched the win.
“It was a lot of fun. It’s was a high scoring game and I had a great time,” Othmann said.
Although not worked much against Slovakia with 22 saves on 23 shots, Garand is considered a future NHL netminder.
“Garand is an elite goalie with a bright future with Hartford and then the Rangers,” Othmann praised. “I’m not sure where’s he’s playing, whether it’s Kamloops or Hartford. We haven’t really discussed it. Wherever he goes, he’s going to have success.”
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