Young Wild Tracker: Sudbury's Sokolov racking up goals in OHL
With signees and draft picks spread out across two continents and more than a dozen junior leagues, keeping up with the Minnesota Wild's various prospects can be a daunting task.
From managing streaming plans and tracking down cable channels, to learning a few new languages (Puhutko suomea?), keeping tabs on the next generation can be a full-time job.
FOX Sports North has you covered.
From Finland to Fargo, we're breaking down the stats and bringing you a comprehensive look at the Wild's prospect pipeline each and every week.
So, let's take a look at the week that was in the latest edition of the Young Wild Tracker.
FIRST STAR
Dmitry Sokolov, RW, Sudbury Wolves (OHL)
Once considered a first-round prospect heading into last summer's draft, Sokolov's stock reportedly suffered due to conditioning issues and injury concerns. After falling to the seventh round, Sokolov could end up becoming one of that draft's biggest steals. The Russian winger is tied for fifth in the OHL with 19 goals after netting back-to-back goals in a 6-5 loss to North Bay. He was at it again in the Wolves' 3-0 win over Barrie, scoring the game-winner and adding an assist.
SECOND STAR
Ales Stezka, G, Chicago Steel (USHL)
Stezka was named the USHL Goaltender of the Week after leading Chicago to a pair of wins. He held the Youngstown Phantoms to just one goal on 26 shots, settling in after allowing a goal midway through the first period. Stezka did it again Saturday, turning aside 30 of 31 shots in a 4-1 win over the U.S. National Team Development Program's U-18 squad. Chicago now leads the league with 34 points, while Stezca's .927 save percentage ranks sixth.
THIRD STAR
Luke Kunin, C, Wisconsin Badgers (NCAA)
Kunin scored on a pair of deflections in the Badgers' 7-4 loss to Nebraska-Omaha, but was snake-bit in the opener despite registering nine shots on goal. Wisconsin's sophomore captain was also named to the Team USA's preliminary roster for the 2016 World Junior Championships.
