IN THE TARGET OF CH? | The attacking virtuoso who is dividing the hockey world

“There will always be people to criticize you. It will never stop! Me, I try to make myself an armor against all that. I have confidence in my abilities and I know my strengths. I’ve always produced in my life no matter what caliber I’ve played in. So the reviews don’t really worry me.”

What’s special about ‘scouting’, or ‘evaluation of young hopefuls’ if you prefer, is that opinions about any given player are unlimited and, until proven otherwise, all are equally valid.

The case of Andrew Cristall, a 17-year-old left winger eligible for the next draft, perfectly illustrates this reality.

See his full interview with TVA Sports in the main video.

Photo credit: Paige Bednorz

The Kelowna Rockets player finished the 2022-2023 season with the third best points per game average in the Western Junior League (WHL) by virtue of a resounding ratio of 1.759. Cristall is second only to Logan Stankoven, (19 years old and WHL MVP last year) and… a certain Connor Bedard, who is also one of his best friends.

His final record? 95 points, including 39 goals… in 54 games. To give you an idea, we are talking about a better offensive average (within the same circuit) than that of a certain Zach Benson, a prospect who, in the eyes of many, seems to have a guaranteed place in the top 6 of the June auction.

However, as we said above, Cristall, a 5-foot-10-inch, 165-pound forward, is far from unanimous across the hockey world. The various speakers and rankings of hopefuls do not agree on the subject of the skater.

Some rank him among the top ten potential selections, while others exclude him outright from the top 20.

And Cristall, in all this? What rank does he see himself being called to on the Bridgstone Arena stage in June?

“Honestly, I think I deserve to be drafted in the top three. But it’s what you do next that counts, regardless of your draft rank.”

Well, here’s the debate reignited…

hands of silk

Observing Andrew Cristall’s game, two very specific aspects quickly capture the attention: his handling of the puck and his calmness when he has possession of it. From the moment he touches the “object”, the game seems to change pace and take… his own. He’s the boss.

“I find that my game resembles that of Mitch Marner, image the young man. I like to control the action. I constantly want to challenge defenders and make a difference.”

And according to the skilful hockey player, his impressive skills are the result of a fine-tuning started a long time ago.

“I’ve been practicing my skills with the puck for as long as I can remember. At home, I always had a stick and a ball or a puck and I was constantly dribbling. I also made countless throws in my backyard. It lasted for many years and that is what constitutes the best moments of my childhood. Hockey has always been my greatest passion.

Born in Vancouver, the Rockets’ No. 28 started playing hockey at the age of five.

“And I think I realized that I had a lot of potential in my second year Bantam, when the WHL draft was held, he adds. The teams that were interested in me were still numerous and I then said to myself that I could, with work, one day have an opportunity to play in the NHL.

“It’s definitely something I’m working hard on”

If Cristall compares his game to that of Mitch Marner in terms of offense, it should be noted that in recent years, the No. 16 of the Maple Leafs has added a string to his bow: he began to evolve in shorthanded and take on defensive missions.

Paradoxically, the main denigrators of Andrew Cristall reproach him for his lack of vigor and commitment, when he does not have the puck. Made aware of these comments, the attacker seems somewhat disturbed.

“Lately I’ve been playing shorthanded a lot and it’s something I’ve been asking for for a long time. I humbly think that I am doing a solid job in this respect. This is definitely something I’m working hard on. I consider myself better defensively than when I arrived in the WHL two years ago.

“I watch a lot of videos about the defensive side of the game and talk to my coaches regularly about it. I know very well that this is something important for anyone who wants to establish themselves in the NHL.

The author of these lines has been spying on Cristall’s game for quite some time now. Although he is not necessarily a defensive reference, his game without the puck is much less bad than some say.

Cristall actually cheats a lot less than in his first junior season and is better positioned in his territory. He is also more involved and efficient in his battles for the puck.

Well, it’s not perfect. Far from it, even. But the young man puts effort and these efforts appear more and more. There is progress.

And ultimately, it’s not for his qualities as a penalty killer or a forechecker that a team will add Andrew Cristall to its prospect bank.

“I have always been a player who was underestimated”

Despite his impressive finishing position in the WHL scoring charts, Andrew Cristall was, until recently, relatively unknown to hockey fans.

The skater’s name started circulating more towards the end of November, when his points total came considerably closer to that of Connor Bedard. Many then understood/recognized that Cristall deserved more attention.

“I’ve always been an underestimated player. Last year I had a good season and I was confident to do it again this year. I know some people are surprised at my performance, but not me, to be honest. It is only the fruit of my efforts, ”comments the main interested party with this famous aplomb which often comes up during the interview.

Photo credit: Steve Dunsmoor

A wise old man once said, “If you don’t believe in yourself, who will?”

Andrew Cristall, clearly, believes in him a lot. And the opposite, to be frank and considering all the talent he possesses, would be scandalous.

Andrew Cristall on his friendship with Connor Bedard

“We met when we were six on a spring hockey team. Our friendship started then and only solidified over the years. For a long time, we were teammates in the winter and adversaries in the winter.

“Do you find his throw effective today? Imagine that this famous shot is better than that of all the others since his childhood! Already very young, he shot twice as hard and quickly as all the other children!

“He’s a very energetic guy! To be frank, the majority of our activities are related to sports, when we see each other. We play golf, tennis, spikeball and pickleball. Well, he didn’t often win against me at pickleball (laughs). Honestly, he’s a really good friend that I always have fun with.”