The 16-year old slovakian U18 international from last year played 21:52 against HPK U20, which was most on his team. He had two shots on goal and was on ice for one of HPK goals.

Despite loss, Knazko’s game was a very good one. He has some really quick feet – great first steps, good acceleration and the ability to change speed and directions. Add that to some good awareness and boldness to join the rush and change places on the different situations, he really seems like a top talent as a modern defenseman.

Knazko played against players who are bigger, older and stronger than him, but rarely seemed to get into trouble. He didn’t avoid physical play, yet he did concentrate on good positioning more. His first pass was accurate too, when starting plays from the own end or the neutral zone. Knazko played special teams too.

At 16 he still lacks overall strength. As he only has two goals in 32 games, it is unclear whether his shot can help him to become a real power play weapon. However, at his age, with a skill level and skating he showed in this game, the Slovakia and TPS could have a real junior gem in their hands.