From YouTube to the Memorial Cup: The Tomas Jurco story
As his overjoyed teammates raced to hug family members after hoisting the Memorial Cup high above their heads, 2011 NHL Entry Draft top prospect Tomas Jurco picked up his iPhone and dialled home to Slovakia.
“I already called my Mom — she was happy,” said Jurco moments after the championship win, amidst a circus of Saint John Sea Dogs celebratory hoots and hollers.
“They were up,” he added. “They weren’t able to watch the game but they followed the scoreboard so they knew that we won.”
He had reached the pinnacle of major junior hockey in North America in just his second year. Yet, the 6″2′, 193-pounder appeared composed and genuine, like a pro who would rather just soak it all in.
“It’s great, ‘ya know,” said the 31-goal scorer for the Sea Dogs in the 2010-11 regular season.
What’s also great is Jurco’s superb puck handling and poise as he weaves through opponents into open ice — both of which contribute to his undeniable YouTube presence.
It’s these traits as well as his strong work ethic that have garnered the 17-year-old considerable attention throughout his draft year. Although the jury is still out on exactly which jersey he’ll pull over his face at late June’s draft, many pundits in the hockey community believe that his excellent showing at the Memorial Cup has converted him into a shoo-in first-rounder.
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A top-30 selection would be enormous for 1992-born Jurco, as he has come a long way since travelling to the east coast of Canada from Kosice, Slovakia.
As a youngster in Slovakia, Jurco was introduced to the game of hockey in a roundabout manner. When he was five, his parents dragged him out to a local rink because his sister Petra Jurco — a member of Team Slovakia at the 2010 Olympics — was intrigued by the icy sport. Unfortunately for Petra, there were no female leagues in town at the time, so her brother was “scouted” and signed up instead.
“The little guy can come to practice tomorrow if he wants,” said Jurco, imitating the minor hockey organizers.
The left-handed right winger told The Good Point that during the early goings of his rookie campaign in 2009-10, players of opposing clubs had some choice words for the skilful import.
“I remember my first few games — it was pre-season two years ago — a few guys were asking me to fight and they were chirping but I didn’t really understand what they were saying because my English was bad,” Jurco said.
The teasing ceased once the silky smooth Slovak began putting pucks in the back of the net.
As a freshman in the QMJHL, the left winger potted 26 while recording 25 helpers for 51 points in 64 games.
As a sophomore in 2010-11, Jurco never really fell of the map in terms of production by adding five goals to his previous totals, but he also didn’t display a defined streak of brilliance — something scouts look for in developing talents.
His teammate, defenceman Nathan Beaulieu, who is also expected to go fairly high in Minnesota, was proud of the effort Jurco put forth in the Memorial Cup tournament.
“He’s been up and down all season and it’s nice to see him come along with a lot of confidence,” Beaulieu said.
Often knocked for his incomplete game, one that focuses a little too much on offence and not enough on his own end, Jurco said he has made his mark and shown the hockey community what he truly brings to the table.
“I came here and showed how I can play — and I hope I impressed someone,” said Jurco as he leaned against the boards, scanning the championship celebrations and reflecting on a remarkable season for the Sea Dogs.
“I learned a different style on this team — faster, stronger and more physical. This can only help me to get used to playing at the highest level.”
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Check out more of The Good Point’s 2011 NHL Entry Draft Prospects Series.
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