1st overall CHL Import Draft pick Martin Misiak scored his first career OHL hat trick on Thursday night, as the Otters beat the Spirit 6-5 in a matchup across the border.
Slovak winger Martin Misiak scored his first OHL career hat trick on Thursday evening against the Saginaw Spirit, as the Otters won 6-5. Misiak also added an assist to the total.
He scored all three of his goals in different ways, which shows his ability to attack and produce offensively with variety. This hat trick showcases his deceptive release, ability to accurately redirect in-tight, and find himself open for a back-door tap in.
Misiak has had a highly productive season since joining the Erie Otters. Misiak was the 1st overall pick in the 2023 CHL Import Draft, and Erie was fortunate enough to take him at that spot. After this four-point effort, he has 16 points in 14 games. The concern of his adaptability to the North-American style game has dissolved, and Misiak has been a huge asset for the struggling Otters.
Misiak is a quick, shifty offensive player, and he does everything at a high pace. He attacks defenders with his hands and deceptiveness. He is likely Erie's most dangerous player offensively, especially when paired with his Slovak teammate, Ondrej Molnar. This duo causes problems consistently for the opposition, both possess such pure-skill and have the ability to make defenders look weak.
Last season, Misiak split time with HC Nove Zamky in Slovakia, and with the Youngstown Phantoms in the USHL. He was drafted in the second-round by Chicago in June, and became a part of a very deep 2023 draft class with the Blackhawks. After being selected 1st overall in the CHL Import Draft, it was likely confirmed that Misiak would be staying in North America. He decided to join the Erie Otters, instead of heading back to the USHL with Youngstown.
Misiak is an electric player to watch, and he's been able to bring his offensive firepower into the Otters' lineup on a consistent basis. The Otters have struggled to "get over the hump" over the past couple of seasons, and failing to make the playoffs last spring. With their abundance of young talent, Misiak will have to continue to be a consistent contributing factor to bring further success to this team.
