Simon Nemec Profile | DRAFT

COUNTRY: SVK
HEIGHT: 6'0
WEIGHT: 199
POSITION: D
SHOOTS: R
AMATEUR CLUB: Nitra (Slovakia)
RANKING: 3rd - European

WHAT'S THE BUZZ

"He's a highly-skilled, puck-moving rearguard that has no problem putting up the points, even in the top men's Slovak league. However, it's his movement of the puck that is his stand-out quality. Whether it's with his feet or with a pass, Nemec is relied on heavily by his team to get the puck up ice and he does so with relative ease. He's a smooth skater, with a fluid, powerful stride and a good mix of crossovers in his movement. He can be a bit of a risk-taker, but the potential that Nemec shows is very much top-10 worthy."
-Josh Bell, FC Hockey

CUT TO THE CHASE

Nemec is high on many draft lists due to a high hockey IQ, the ability to stand out playing against older players, and being a strong two-way defenseman. The Slovakian defenseman proved this even more with a busy season, representing Slovakia in five different tournaments and playing for Nitra in the top Slovakian professional league.
In 24 games on the international stage, Nemec contributed two goals and 14 goals including six points (1G, 5A) at both the Hlinka-Gretzky Cup and the 2022 Men's World Championship. At the Hlinka-Gretzky Cup, he took home Silver and the tournament MVP nod. Nemec also played in the Olympic qualifying tournament, the 2022 U18 Men's Worlds, and the Winter Olympic Games, where he helped Slovakia take home Bronze.
For club play, the defenseman played 39 games with Nitra, contributing one goal and 25 assists for 26 points. Nemec used his strong puck play, smart decision making, and ability to create offense to help Nitra go all the way to the championships of the Tipos Extralegal playoffs in Slovakia.
Nemec is a strong option for any team looking for a solid two-way defenseman who continues to improve drastically playing against older players in a professional league at just 18.

YOU CAN QUOTE ME

"I'm always thinking about hockey … I'm always watching some NHL or other league's games. Even away from the rink, I'm still thinking about hockey."
-Nemec told Mike Stephens of the Hockey News