Flaake took the DNL, Germany's top junior league, by storm this season, finishing as the top scorer with 80 points in only 36 games. He also managed another six points in four playoff games. His 2007-08 season ended up being quite a long one, as he put in time playing for both the U18 and U20 national teams as well as a 30-game introduction to the DEL, Germany's top men's professional league. In his time there, he was exposed to life as a professional hockey player, surely profiting from the experience of playing and practicing alongside ex-NHLers such as Ivan Ciernik and Dave McLlwain.
Flaake's skating ability is near NHL level but he needs to add wieght before he comes over seas for the 2010 - 2011 season
It's interesting to see decent German hockey players, I played hockey in Germany for a while and there were lots of talented players, lots of finesse, but never any grit. In Canada playing hockey never would I get penalties, but in Germany I was considered a goon for my style of Canadian play that had a physical aspect to it.
Grit is normally found more in Canada
The new NHL protects skilled player more now especially if you surround theses guys with physical players who'd drop the gloves for their team mates.
yes Burke really believes Grabo we'll be good this year because he wont be, and i wuote "pulling his teeth out of the boards"