Blades’ 2nd pick in draft eager to get to town

Crnkovic praised for his instincts, shot, playmaking and forechecking skills

Kyle Crnkovic can’t wait to skate in Saskatoon.

Crnkovic — who has never been in the city during his entire life — hopes to take up residence in a couple years as a member of the Saskatoon Blades, who took him as their second pick, 10th overall, in last week’s Western Hockey League Bantam Draft.

“I’ve heard from a few people that it’s a great place with great people,” said Crnkovic, a five-footsix, 149-pound forward born and raised in Chestermere, Alta., just east of Calgary.

“(Being drafted) is super exciting. It’s an honour and I think it’s a great opportunity. I’ve heard nothing about good things about the organization and the city.”

Crnkovic, who doesn’t have any relatives in Saskatoon, hopes to visit the city and meet people in the Blades organization prior to training camp at the end of summer.

He is currently attending the Pursuit of Excellence hockey academy in Kelowna, B.C.

“He’s just an exceptional talent,” praised Blades’ director of scouting, Dan Tencer. “We’re talking about a guy who’s got insane speed and insane skill at that speed. For the way the game is going — to be able to make plays at the pace that he does, and sees the ice as well as he does, he also competes hard, as well — we’re just extremely pleased to get him.”

Western Elite Hockey Prospects newsletter describes Crnkovic as a “speedy forward who works hard in all ends of the ice. Great forechecker who sees the ice very well. Has good offensive instincts, good shot and good playmaking abilities. Not the biggest player, but doesn’t shy away from the physical play.”

Crnkovic scored 40 goals and added 39 assists for 79 points this season.

“My speed is definitely my trademark,” said Crnkovic, who has two brothers, ages 11 and 16, who play hockey and baseball. “I try to be quick out there and just make plays as fast as I can.

“My hockey IQ, too (is another asset), when to do things and when to make the right plays.”

Crnkovic spends the off-season training in Strathmore, Alta., with Elite Hockey Development.

“I used to (play baseball),” he said, “but I started training (for hockey) in the summers.”

Crnkovic hopes to play major midget next year. He could return to the Pursuit of Excellence academy in Kelowna or play hockey closer to home in his Okotoks, Alta., draw zone.

“I’m not sure where,” he said, “and, hopefully, as a 16-year-old, I can make the Saskatoon Blades and go from there.”

One thing is for certain: He wants to play in the WHL and right now isn’t thinking about junior A hockey and a potential NCAA scholarship.

“I definitely think the WHL is the way I want to go,” Crnkovic said.