Player's Profile
- Name: Mario Bliznak
- Position: C
- Shoots: Left
- Height: 6-0
- Weight: 185 lbs
- Birthdate: 1987-03-06
- Eligible for Draft: 2005
- Drafted:
- Hometown: Trencin, Slovakia
- Acquired: 7th round (205th overall), 2005 by VAN
- Playing In: Pro
Mario Bliznak
Prospect Grade: 6.0 C (About Prospect Grades)
Profile Contributed By: HF Staff
History
Bliznak spent last season in his homeland, Slovakia, playing for Dubnica of the junior league. He put up impressive numbers in the junior league, averaging more than a point-per-game with 39 points (22 goals, 17 assists) in 36 games. He also demonstrated a feisty side, tallying 38 penalty minutes. Bliznak was selected in the 2005 CHL Import Draft by the Vancouver Giants, 27th overall.
2006-07: Bliznak appeared in 47 regular season games for the Memorial Cup-winning Giants, scoring 22 points. But he really stepped up his play in the WHL playoffs and again to another level for the Memorial Cup tournament, where he was one of the better players for the Giants. His strong play helped to earn him a contract.
2007-08: In a somewhat surprising decision, the Vancouver Giants opted to keep Bliznak as both an Import an Overage player. The unusual move paid off, as Bliznak was a major contributor in both ends of the rink, racking up 51 points while being his typical solid all-around self.
Talent Analysis
He plays a hard-working style that uses his solid speed and acceleration to get to opposing puck carriers quickly. His defensive play and commitment to his own end of the ice is something that scouts picked up on at the U18s. He’s not a flashy player, but has adequate puck-handling skills for his age and is a decent, although unspectacular, shooter. His vision and offensive hockey sense are both areas of concern. The reality of the matter is Bliznak is and will always be a defensively-minded player with limited potential to contribute on the scoresheet.
Future
Bliznak should become a serviceable third or fourth liner.
Stats
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Profile Last Updated: February, 26th 2010
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