:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/49949409/GettyImages-542869702.0.jpg)
After months of amateur scouting, mock drafts, and speculation, the Colorado Avalanche selected 6'0" 192 pound center Tyson Jost No. 10 overall during Friday night's NHL Draft. Jost is a 18-year-old from St. Albert, Alberta, who currently plays for the Penicton Vees of the British Columbia Hockey League. He is committed to the University of North Dakota and is expected to begin the next phase of his career there next season.
Jost has been praised for his high competitive spirit, developed all-around game, and leadership ability. He was named captain last season for the Vees and responded by scoring nearly a goal-per-game and more than two points-per-game overall. But perhaps even more impressive is his international resume, playing on Canada's U17 and U18 teams the past two seasons.
Statistics courtesy of Wikipedia:
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/6705575/JostJunior.0.JPG)
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/6705579/JostIntl.0.JPG)
The NBC broadcast was adamant about comparing Jost to current Chicago Blackhawks captain, Jonathan Toews. That's certainly high praise for the young center. Let's hope the comparison is inspired by more than just his North Dakota commitment. In an interview with Joe Sakic following the pick, he praised Jost for his explosive scoring ability and 200-foot game.
Jost certainly garnered the attention of plenty hockey writers leading up to the draft too. His play has elicited a number of fun metaphors, including the excerpt from Steve Kournianos of The Draft Analyst below:
"His opponents have trouble dealing with his elite anticipation skills and prodigious instincts on a nightly basis. Jost is a shark, appearing out of nowhere with speed and tenacity to ruin the breakout play a coach worked on for weeks. Once the puck is on his stick is where his artistry comes to the forefront, as he protects it with his head up while travelling at a high rate of speed before shifting down a gear, curling and weaving in and around the offensive zone for as long as he has to. His coach can convey simple marching orders to his players when it’s Jost’s turn on the ice — Get open…he’ll find you.
More to come...