| Tomas Suchanek | Tri-City Americans | WHL | L | G | 6’2″ | 170 | Tri-City Americans | 2020 | Prerov, CZE | 2003 | 2021-2022: C+ |
WHL: Tri-City Americans vs Kelowna Rockets, February 12, 2022: In Tomas’s last outing he had a third period 3 goal lead that ultimately slipped away and ended in a 5-4 overtime loss. These are the types of games that will really show you what kind of mental makeup this goalie is working with. Suchanek played a relatively solid game for two periods and then the third period the wheels fell off. One tendency that is a continuing problematic concern is how he falls forward on a lot of plays when he is sliding across the crease, due to his subpar skating. This desperation makes him lose maximum coverage over his shoulders and opens up holes underneath him, which has led to him being beat in these types of situations. If Suchanek wants to have an opportunity to play at the next level, he is going to have to change this habit quickly and continue to refine his skating and edge work. Grade: C (Evaluation by Neutral Zone NHL’s Brennan Poderzay)
U20: 2022 NHL Draft Eligible Goalie Report, December 8, 2021: Last 5 game snapshot- The last five games for Tomas have been strong, even though his team has a 1-4 record to show for it. He stole a game for Tri City against Prince George by making 44 saves in a 4-1 win at home. The other games the team lost he saw a lot of rubber, stopping 134 of 145 shots. Tomas’ movements are not the cleanest, but he finds a way to stop pucks using his big frame to his advantage, along with his compete level. Having the confidence to play the puck and make accurate passes is also another trait that stands out in his game. One tendency that is problematic is how he falls forward on a lot of plays when he is sliding across the crease, due to his subpar skating. This desperation makes him lose maximum coverage over his shoulders and opens up holes underneath him, which has led to him being beat in these types of situations. (Evaluation by Neutral Zone NHL’s Brennan Poderzay)
Photo Credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images