Kostalek more mover than shaker

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This article was published 17/09/2016 (3357 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

PENTICTON, B.C. — Jan Kostalek is like most of the Winnipeg Jets prospects participating in the Young Stars Classic rookie tournament.

He’s got plenty of ability but a lot to prove as he enters his second year as a pro after a stellar career in the major-junior ranks.

“Last year I was pretty new,” said Kostalek, who scored once and added eight assists in 52 games with the AHL’s Manitoba Moose last season. “The AHL is a different league coming from junior.

“I found out guys are bigger and I gotta play a different game, too. I don’t have too much time (to make plays).”

The 6-0, 180-pounder isn’t a massive presence in the defensive zone but he’s learning to adapt his game.

“(I’ve got to) play guys stronger in front of the net. Playing the simple game, just moving the puck.”

Newly installed Manitoba head coach Pascal Vincent said Moose assistant coach Eric Dubois, who guided Kostalek while he was with the Quebec Junior Hockey League’s Rimouski Oceanic, should prove beneficial. The rest will be up to Kostalek.

“He’s gonna decide where he’s gonna fit,” said Vincent. “It’s Day 1 today.We’ll give him a chance to prove what he’s got to prove.

“We wanna play a fast game. We wanna play a game that is transition from defence to offence and offence to defence that is quick. We wanna be a puck-moving team (and) I think he can fit into that.”

towering presence

‘I found out guys are bigger and I gotta play a different game, too. I don’t have too much time (to make plays)’– Jets prospect Jan Kostálek, on his first season as a Manitoba Moose

Logan Stanley is an 18-year-old raw rookie, plucked by the Jets in the first round of the 2016 draft.

“I’m a little nervous to throw on the sweater for the first time in game action,” said the towering, 6-7 blue-liner.

His physical presence is undeniable, however. He’s taking special care when it comes to diet as he forecasts his future in the game. He’s expected to return to the OHL’s Windsor Spitfires this fall to continue his development.

“I’m still filling out but I’m at 230 pounds,” he said. “It’s a weight I think I can play at. Maybe a couple pounds heavier as I get older, but nutrition is very important for energy and growth.”

mike.sawatzky@freepress.mb.caTwitter@sawa14