NY Islanders draft pick is the best practice OHL player Hamilton head coach has seen

The New York Islanders may have found a lot more than a high-upside defenseman when they selected Vladimir Dravecky in the fourth round of the the NHL Draft.

According to new Hamilton Hammers head coach Jay McKee, they may have drafted the hardest-working player he's ever coached in the Ontario Hockey League.

"In 11 years in this league, he's probably the best practice player that I've ever seen," McKee said of Dravecky in a story written by Scott Wheeler in The Athletic featuring Dravecky. "Everything is 100 percent. He's vocal, and that's one of the biggest things that I think separates a pro practice from junior... But he's very hungry. Vladdy has been incredible."

Dravecky, a right-shot defenseman from Czechia, has built a reputation as an offensively gifted player with elite confidence in his abilities. After spending time developing in Slovakia, Sweden and Canada, the 18-year-old believes he has the tools to become the type of impact defenseman NHL teams covet.

"I'm an offensive defenseman," Dravecky said. "I think I can defend two-way, but I'm a highly offensive defenseman who is high IQ and makes plays to make my teammates better and help them. I'm a good leader, very good leader, and I love to win."

But what seems to separate Dravecky from many other highly skilled prospects is the obsession with getting better, likely instilled in him by his father Vladmir Sr., who is 40 and still playing professional hockey in Czechia.

The stories from Brantford are almost ridiculous. Showing up early for extra ice time. Staying long after practice ended. Extra work in the gym. Additional recovery sessions. Then doing it all over again the next day.

"He has the mindset of a pro," Brantford associate coach Vince Laise said.

Now time will tell if that work ethic makes him one at the NHL level.

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