| Markus Vidicek | Halifax Mooseheads | QMJHL | L | C | 5’10” | 157 | Halifax Mooseheads | 2020 | Kirkland, QC | 2004 | 2022-2023: B-2021-2022: C+ |
QMJHL: Halifax vs Saint John, January 21, 2023: Vidicek totaled 16:35 in ice time including 0:17 while on the power play and 2:00 while shorthanded. He finished the game +2 with 2 goals and 2 assists. The first goal came on the opening shift when he pounced on a loose puck on the high slot and fired a rocket one-timer five-hole for the goal. On his second goal Vidicek showed increased strength as he won a prolonged net front battle while his five man unit engaged in three high scissors. Eventually the puck went high to low and he won a 5′ sprint to the crease for a cross body one-timer. He also had two assists with the first coming as a result of a hard forecheck and the second coming on a zone entry where he located the wide lane for a one-timer. On the night he had 4 grade “A” opportunities, 17/23 on face-offs, 3 giveaways, 2 takeaways and he won 67% of his 9 puck battles.
Neutral Zone’s Ian Moran: Vidicek is a hard-working honest 200′ two-way center. In the defensive zone, his head is always on a swivel scanning for an open opponent or exposed passing lane. He maintains net side positioning during wall battles which consistently allows him to beat his man up the ice for transition or to beat his man to the slot area. He has a very quick stick and seems to have a knack for picking off passes or sweep-checking the puck off an opponent’s stick. Offensively he easily changes pace through the neutral zone allowing him to manipulate the gap in to his favor. He may be light, but he is strong on his skates and routinely outmuscles larger opponents and wins battles. As a 2004 he is wearing an “A” for Halifax and it is easy to see his peers respect him.
Neutral Zone NHL, July 4, 2022: Why he’s an NHL draft pick, he is a leader who averaged 20:05 of TOI for Halifax. He has been a key contributor to the special teams game for the past two seasons. He is incredibly slight yet still wins 50% of his puck battles. He scored 15 goals on 72 shots from the top of the crease. Why he’s not an NHL draft pick, he is 5’10” and 154 pounds. How long will it take him to add the strength needed to win battles against players in the NHL?
Ville de Saguenay: CCM Midget AAA Challenge (2004s), February 10, 2020: Vidicek is a dominant forward for his age with high-end speed, control, and hustle. He kills penalties, plays first unit powerplay, and impacts each game we witnessed. He has a slick set of hands and showcased his ability to toe drag with his feet moving. He is a creative forward with great burst and can separate in the neutral zone. All around player that is noticeable across the whole sheet and has a huge motor. He makes plays at high speed and has great awareness. An effortless skater with good reach. He’s a gamer and never takes a shift off. Good combination of skill, heart and grit – never afraid to play physical in any situation. Grade A-
Team Quebec U16, August 17, 2019: Hard working forward with a good motor who wears down his opponents. Another player who did not have his best offensive performance during the camp however his skill set, and tenacity was evident on a couple of shifts. Rather than make a pretty play or dangle Vidicek prefers the hard play by barreling through defenseman. Although Vidicek may not have been scoring he remains effective by forechecking and grinding his opponents out. You know when he’s out there he will work his tail off no matter the circumstances.
Photo Credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images