Bo Horvat a model of consistency for Canadian juniors, Canucks exec says

MALMO, Sweden — Vancouver Canucks legend turned executive Stan Smyl knows what he’s going to see from Bo Horvat every time he watches him play.

In Smyl’s mind, Horvat is as consistent as they come.

“If you can bring that night after night, you’re going to be a solid, solid NHL player,” Smyl, the Canucks’ senior adviser and director of player development, said in a phone interview about the team’s first- round pick last June.

“That’s what Bo does. It’s both ends of the rink.”

That’s what Bo is doing for Team Canada at the world junior championship.

Horvat has three points in five games heading into Saturday’s semifinal against Finland.

But it’s the intangible skills he provides that have been critical to Canada’s success.

He’s taken 42 faceoffs and won 60.87 per cent of them, leading his team in both categories.

He’s one of Team Canada’s more reliable penalty killers, as evidenced by his shot block late in the third period of their quarter- final victory over Switzerland on Thursday.

Canada’s head coach Brent Sutter called him “rock solid” after the game.

“He’s been that way for the most part for the whole tournament. He’s just a real steadying guy,” Sutter said. “He doesn’t get the recognition he does because he’s such a solid, twoway guy.

“A lot of times, everybody looks at the offensive side of it and they don’t see the details in the game that are important for teams to have success.”

Horvat started the tournament as arguably Canada’s top centre, playing on a line with Connor McDavid and Sam Reinhart.

He was shuffled to a line with Reinhart and captain Scott Laughton before the last preliminary round game against the United States, taking on a more defensive role in the process.

“We have lots of guys that can put up points here,” said Horvat, normally a centreman for the OHL’s London Knights. “For me, I’m not too worried about the points.

“I want to do whatever it takes to help my team win, whether that’s blocking shots or winning faceoffs.”

Horvat was taught the importance of playing defensively by his father, Tim, who played Jr. B hockey and also had a brief cup of coffee with the Knights before playing professionally in Europe.

Tim was a winger, but he convinced his son to play centre and taught him how to take draws and be defensively aware.

“I think it started ever since I was little, actually. I’ve always had a two- way game,” Horvat said.

Horvat added that the key to his consistency is playing within his means.

“I just try not to do more than I’m capable of,” he said. “I’m not trying to go out there and put up five points every game.”

Horvat certainly is not without offensive credentials, though.

He was the OHL’s playoff MVP last season as he led the post- season in goal scoring.

None was bigger than his winning goal with less than a second left in Game 7 of the OHL final.

“It’s always brought up around London,” said Horvat, who’s from nearby Rodney, Ont. “It was definitely the biggest goal I’ve ever scored in my career so far. I’m sure it’ll be talked about for a long time.”

He’d love to score another big goal like that for Canada. If he doesn’t, he’ll make sure to bring something else to the table.

Horvat earned high praise for his defensive skills in the OHL last season.

He won the Western Conference coaches’ awards for best faceoff man and top shot blocker.

And, as Smyl has noted, Horvat does it all night after night.

“That’s something that might go unnoticed at the start,” Smyl said. “Once you see him play, he really grows on you.”