NHL.com article about prospect Andreas Nodl

[swflyers25]

Andreas Nodl, a first-round draft pick by Philadelphia, hopes to make a similar impact in the NHL as his fellow countryman, the Sabres' Thomas Vanek.


Nodl following in
Vanek's footsteps
By Shane Malloy | NHL.com Correspondent
July 21, 2006

The next big thing out of Austria is not like the "Austrian Oak" -- Arnold Schwarzenegger. But Andreas Nodl will impress the hockey world with his skill. At 6-foot-1, 196 pounds, Nodl, taken with the 39th selection of the 2006 Entry Draft by the Philadelphia Flyers, has size and skill to play the wing in the NHL. It is simply a matter of time.

Just like his Austrian compatriot Thomas Vanek, coming off a strong rookie season with the Buffalo Sabres, Nodl is aware he must take his game to another level in order to chase his dream. The talented Austrian isn't projected to be the next Vanek, but has made tremendous strides. Nevertheless, he has soft hands and a great eye for the developing play and seems to have some similar attributes to Vanek.

For anyone who has moved, especially abroad, that time in your life can be a traumatic adjustment. Now factor in the difficulty when you're 16-years-old. For Nodl, that aspect was perhaps made easier since Vanek had blazed the trail before him. Like Vanek, it was Nodl's choice to play for the Sioux Falls Stampede of the United States Hockey League and earn an NCAA scholarship.

At first, it seemed like the Austrian had made the wrong decision coming to North America. Nodl netted only 16 points in 44 games. But it was a learning experience for the young forward who could not yet compete physically, but displayed his skill in flashes. For Nodl, the only shining light of his rookie season was his four-point performance at the 2005 World Junior Championships.

Things have changed considerably for Nodl in a year. He finished fifth overall in league scoring with 58 points in 59 games, one more than the highly touted Kyle Okposo. Even in the playoffs, Nodl shined, leading his team with 15 points in 14 games, which impressed many scouts. It was in the Clark Cup finals where Okposo and Nodl went head-to-head with Okposo's Des Moines Buccaneers ultimately winning the series three games to two.

"I think he is a dynamic player with excellent speed and puck skills," Sioux Falls Kevin Hartzell said. "He can score every time he is one the ice."

Although his offensive output is impressive, it is his commitment to a defensive game that has been the biggest difference for Nodl. The fact he was a plus-13 in the regular season gave his coaching staff confidence to put him against the top lines this past season. That's an honor he didn't earn in 2004-05 when he was a minus-18.

"We have asked him to be only adequate defensively and he is better served to use puck possession as his best defensive weapon," Hartzell said.

The coach also praised his improving physical game.

"He should not be underestimated and at times has been the catalyst on many nights," Hartzell said. "If he can be more consistent in this department it would serve him well in the future."

Nodl's decision to play for St. Cloud State University in 2006-2007 was completely due to the fact he had heard great things about the head coach from Vanek. Bob Motzko had coached Vanek with the Stampede back in 2000.

"I talked to Thomas Vanek about coach Motzko and he said he was an unbelievable coach who is very offensive minded," Nodl said. "I know it's a great school and I love the fact that they play on an Olympic-size rink. I'm really looking forward to playing there next year."

It remains to be seen if Nodl can become the next great Austrian hockey player, like Vanek, but it certainly shows hockey in Austria is well on its way to respectability.

NHL