Danny Kristo
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Birthday:
1990-06-18 |
Position:
RW |
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Eligible for draft:
2008 |
Shoots:
Right |
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Drafted:
2008 |
Height:
5-11 |
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Acquired:
2nd round (56th overall), 2008 |
Weight:
188 lbs. |
Prospect Talent Score
Probability of Success
- C
History
2005-06: Playing for Eden Prairie High School, Kristo recorded 39 points (15 goals, 24 assists) in just 27 games.
2006-07: Kristo was one of the top players for the US U-17 team, finishing amongst the team leaders in points (28), goals (12), and assists (16) in 59 games played.
2007-08: The US National U18 Team (NAHL) winger scored eight goals and 18 points through 39 games. Kristo also excelled in international play with the U-18 team. He competed with the US National U-18 squad at the WJC-18, netting three goals and six points in seven games; USA took home the Bronze Medal. Kristo also excelled in international play with the U-18 team. He helped team USA walk away with a first place finish at the 2008 U-18 Five Nations tournament by compiling four points on four games (two goals, two assists).
2008-09: The Omaha Lancers (USHL) winger netted 22 goals in his rookie season, finishing with 58 points in 50 games. He skated again with the US National Team, netting one goal in six games at the WJC.
2009-10: The highly anticipated rookie season came with success for Kristo, yielding a 15 goal, 36 point season in 41 games with North Dakota. He would add a World Junior Gold Medal, NCAA Championship and NCAA (WCHA) Rookie of the Year award to the mantle, as well.
2010-11: Kristo had an eventful sophomore season with WCHA regular season and playoff champion North Dakota. After a steady first part of the season he missed ten games due to a severe case of frostbite in his foot that threatened his career. Kristo returned from his injury during the post-season and had points in all but one game – the Fighting Sioux's 2-0 loss to Michigan in the Frozen Four semifinals. He finished the season with 8 goals and 20 assists and was +6 in 34 games for the Fighting Sioux.
2011-12: After a difficult and under-achieving sophomore year, Kristo enjoyed the best season of his collegiate career in 2011-12. The speedy winger set career highs, scoring 19 goals (three GWG) along with 26 assists (team-leading) and a solid plus 16 rating in 37 NCAA games. The offensively talented winger was forced to play in unfamiliar situations all season long due to the numerous injuries the Fighting Sioux suffered this year.
Talent Analysis
At times, Kristo lacks the consistency and the work ethic needed to play at the NHL level but definitely not the skills. He has quick acceleration, a powerful stride and uses his explosive speed to help make space for him offensively. The talented winger is equally fast with or without the puck and has developed the ability to shoot the puck while in full stride toward the net with a quick, accurate release.
Future
Kristo has another year of eligibility in the NCAA and will be returning to the UND Fighting Sioux for his senior year to hopefully complete the unfinished business of winning a National Championship.
