Watch above: Swedish d-man Amil Krupic trying to crack Saskatoon Blades lineup
SASKATOON – The last few weeks have been difficult for Saskatoon Blades defenceman Amil Krupic.
The 19-year-old is facing the challenge of playing on a new team, in a city that is nearly 7,000 kilometres away from his home country of Sweden.
“It’s been tough,” said Krupic after practice on Thursday. “My English is not so good, but it’s getting better and I know like all the names of the guys now. In the beginning I didn’t know anyone.”
Prior to coming to Saskatoon, the only thing Krupic knew about the city is that it gets really cold in the winter. But Krupic is excited to be in the Bridge City because he believes that playing hockey in the WHL will better his career.
The D-man from Sweden has wasted little time getting the attention of Blades head coach and general manager Bob Woods.
“We’re excited with what we’ve seen so far,” said Woods on Thursday.
“With a young back end I think a guy as a 19-year-old can bring a little bit of experience and he’s got good composure. If Sunday’s game is any indication of what he can bring to the table we’re pretty excited.”
Last weekend, Krupic made his presence felt by potting two goals in the Blades pre-season game against the Edmonton Oil Kings. But despite his performance, Krupic’s import status puts him at a severe disadvantage.
Right now the Blades have three import players: Nikita Scherbak, Amil Krupic, and Nikita Soshnin. The problem is the Blades can only carry two imports, which means one won’t be here much longer.
“We don’t know what’s going to happen with Scherbak going to Montreal, but we have to look at it as a possibility of him coming back,” said Woods.
“And when that comes, we’re going to have to make a tough decision.”
But Krupic isn’t worried about getting cut. He’s focused on Friday’s game against the Prince Albert Raiders.
The Swedish defender says he loves playing in front of a packed house, and he’ll likely get that opportunity out in P.A.
The Blades and the Raiders will tangle again Saturday when they play in Warman.
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