One of the joys of the internet is the ability to read material from foreign news sources. As an example, both Al-Jazeera and the Jerusalem Post offer English websites; when things of interest happen in the Middle East, I like to look at both for different non-Western viewpoints. Al-Jazeera also offers much more comprehensive coverage of current events in Africa than nearly any western source; BBC is probably closest, but there is almost always value in understanding different viewpoints from people inside the region as opposed to just those presented by outsiders with a Western background.
In any case, the majority of foreign newspaper coverage is not available in English, but thanks to imperfect instruments like Google Translator, we can get a rough idea of what’s being said. With that in mind, there’s a rather interesting article in the “Evening Sheet” on Oilers’ prospect Linus “Unchecked” Omark. Anyone who reads Swedish, feel free to correct me, but as far as I can tell, the pertinent points are as follows:
- Omark is having a tremendous season in the Elitserien, and is now sitting second in total points in the league.
- The Oilers draft rights expire on July 1st, at which point Omark would be an unrestricted free agent.
- The Oilers have already asked Omark not to sign an SEL extension, as they will sign him to a North American contract for next season.
- Amateur scout Kent Nilsson has watched between 15-20 games of Nilsson’s and is thrilled with his progress.
- Oilers’ assistant GM Rick Olczyk is going to Sweden specifically to watch Omark, and given that he’s the Oilers’ contract guru, it probably isn’t reaching to suggest that contract negotiations will happen at that time.
- Omark was told at training camp that the Oilers would like him to come to North America next season, and he’s completely on board with it: “NHL är min dröm och får jag chansen kommer jag att ta den.” (Roughly: The NHL is my dream and if I get the chance I will take it.)
There are differing views on Omark’s potential as a player, particularly on a team already carrying multiple small, young, and offensively talented players. That said, it can only be viewed as a good thing that Omark is enthusiastic about playing in North America -– Alexei Mikhnov he isn’t.
Schremp all over again. Small. Poor foot speed. Mad skills.
Chris wrote:
I was hoping for that response when I suggested the Youtube video. Schremp, however, he isn't.
To be a ppg player in the SEL takes a pretty good hockey player, when you consider a lot of NHLers didn't even make that mark when they played there during the lockout.
Is there anywhere I can go to get a scouting report on this guy?
Don Cherry will hate him.
I don't get this website. Yesterday it was full of Junior High School-age locker room banter and today you are comparing the merits of BBC & Al Jazeera.
Jeanshorts must be rushing a sorority today.
~Steele
@ OvenChicken8:
Agreed. Here are some links:
–Lowetide on Omark
–Hockey's Future on Omark
–Prergast,anon scout on Omark
There really isn't a lot on him – I imagine that will change when he comes over.
@ Steele:
That's the strange and beautiful wonder of this place. We have MSM reporters mixing with random folk and it's all orchestrated by a man who choses to represent himself as a middle finger of flame.
@ Jonathan Willis:
Thanks for the links. He better eat a little more this summer lol 168 reminds me of what Hemsky was at when he was a rookie.
Am I the only one reading "OvenChicken" as Ovechkin? Do I need more drugs or less?
@ bingofuel:
Oven + Chicken = Ovechkin 😛
@ OvenChicken8:
So, I'm super-smart, then? Wicked.
Steele wrote:
Actually it's not the sororities that are the problem, it's the elementary schools.
http://se.youtube.com/watch?v=B-hmgMogFVQ