By Russ Cohen
Tomas Mikel is a 6’4”, 187-pound, right-handed defenseman who has a lot of raw talent. It started in the USHL and that was a nice change from playing in the Czech league. Getting used to the North American game takes some getting used to.
“I played the under-20s most of the time last season. I think that in general, North American hockey is way tougher. Guys are stronger, faster,” Mikel stated. “As I went to the U.S., it kind of changed my role from an offensive defenseman to the kind of two–way defenseman – – being heavy, being strong, long-range stick.”
He will be back with Cedar Rapids next season. He only played in 16 this year because of an injury so the window in that league was small but he did take part in the U18s and that was very good for him to see different players.
“It is for sure. And to see the American program, the CHL guys from Canada. The Swedish team. I think most of the team was from their under-20s. Not a lot of Swedes go to North America. Yeah, it’s it’s it’s it’s very fascinating to see other countries.”
His size and reach help. He’s good at clearing the crease and imagining when he fills out how that will look. He has good defensive instincts and on-ice awareness. He knows how to win corner battles. He’s very self-aware of his game right now.
“I think my size helps me,” the prospect stated. “I try to have a long stick, get into the space before I hit the body, freeze him up in the corner, you know, wait for somebody that gets the puck or I’m the one getting the puck. So, yeah, I just try to freeze my opponents and get the puck loose.”
He can play on the power play and he’s very good on the penalty kill. He gets utilized the most that way and at even strength too.
“The whole tournament just played a lot of PK minutes and played a lot at five-on-five,” Mikel stated and then explained it a bit more. “I think my size, my long stick, you know, with the small ice in the U.S., I can probably get in a spot that smaller defenders can’t. Blocking shots was a big thing in the worlds. I think I’m very good at it. Just being focused and I studied the other team’s power play units.”
Mikel will come back to the States in August. He has plans this summer as well.
“I’m working with my strength and conditioning coach in the gym and I haven’t started skating yet because yeah, we had those worlds,” said Mikel. “Yeah, I will start skating pro league this week and I’ll be there with my coach, and then after I will join my old team back home where I played. So I’ll enjoy them to get some ice time.”
It’s a great way to tune up and get ready for his next season. Mikel will attend UMass in 2026-27. If I were a team, I would draft him late. It could pay dividends down the road if they’re patient.
