Wild Prospect David Spacek does a drill ST. PAUL - David Spacek was a fifth round pick by the Wild in 2022. He finished his QMJHL career with 25 goals, 82 assists, and 107 points in 115 games. Spacek, 21, played his first season in the AHL with the Iowa Wild last year and posted three goals, nine assists, and 12 points in 61 games. He was part of a very young d-core that struggled at times during the season but got better as the season went on. The 6-foot defenseman was invited to team Czechia's camp for the Men's IIHF World Championships after his season in the AHL concluded. He played in some exhibition games and made the team as the seventh defenseman. He continued to jump up the line chart for Czechia and eventually led them to the gold medal game. Spacek finished the tournament as one of Czechia's top defenders and had five assists. He wrapped up his impressive tournament with a gold medal. Coming into development camp with the Wild, Spacek was considered a veteran. He has two camps under his belt and is now participating in his third camp. The Wild are hoping Spacek's experience and play in the World Championships will only help him grow as a player. "He went to the World Championships and again took another step. So we're hoping that World Championships and that experience of winning and all of that, help grow his game a little bit more," Wild Director of Player Development Brad Bombardir said on Spacek. "All these second year guys coming in, they have higher expectations. "They have to be better and we hope that they all take that next step. They have to, it's part of growing and part of being a winner and building a championship team at the NHL level I guess." The young defenseman will be one of Iowa's go-to-guys next year so the Wild hope Spacek can step up and prove to be that guy. Here is our conversation with Spacek. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Q: What is the biggest difference in your third development camp? A: The big difference is, I'm one of the older guys. I'm trying to work on some things and trying to talk to all the guys as well. That's pretty much what's different. I think the game will evolve and the drills will evolve, but overall, it is pretty much the same. Q: How did your first season in the AHL go? A: I think I had a tough beginning. But around late November, I would say I picked up my game. After that it was pretty good. I liked the way I played from November until the end of the season. Q: What's the biggest adjustment from the QMJHL to the AHL? A: I would say the speed. The speed is really, really high there (AHL). And then the guys are way older than you and stronger than you so I think I had to put up a couple pounds. But towards the end of the season, I think I was doing pretty well. Q: Speaking of old guys, what was the Men’s World Championships like? A: Yeah, it was fun. I enjoyed every moment I was there. The big difference was that the ice was a little bit bigger. You had a little bit more time, but overall I would say we played a pretty good structure that I liked. I think we played well, ha. Q: What was the difference from the IIHF World Championships to the AHL? A: Yeah, I would say it was a little bit more structured. Our team really wanted to play in one structure and stick with it for the rest of the tournament. I think we did that. So that was good. Q: Does winning Gold help your development? A: Oh, it will for sure help. I got into some situations that I hadn't played before, with some big names, and I didn't let it get to me. So I think that was a good thing. I think I'm ready to put my game to the next level. Q: What are you looking to take out of this next season? A: Probably just having a stable role. I want to be excellent in my role, and maybe someday I can get called up and play in the big leagues here. Make sure you bookmark The Hockey News' Minnesota Wild page [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/minnesota-wild/] for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns and so much more. OTHER WILD NEWS
