How Three Austrian Talents Landed in Quebec

An Austrian ice hockey enclave in Quebec: The Baie-Comeau Drakkar drafted three Austrian talents – Jonathan Oschgan, David Waschnig, and Johannes Dobrovolny – in the CHL Import Draft.

A conversation between LAOLA1 scout Bernd Freimüller and General Manager Jean-Francois Gregoire reveals how it happened:

Six Austrians were in the last Import Draft, with three of them going to one team. But unlike the NHL Draft, where teams compete for the best players and the order is therefore unpredictable, much in the Import Draft is already clarified beforehand.

Gregoire explains how the Drakkar's plans (named after a Viking ship) were then put into action.

Connections Through His Son

"My son Jeremy, who is under contract with the Vienna Capitals, was particularly helpful," Gregoire said. "He played against all these players and reported to me that as junior players, they didn't just blend in with the adults, but actually stood out. Most importantly, they were never intimidated and weren't afraid of the puck or their opponents."

Naturally, this was followed by video analysis; the scouting software "Hudl" can break down every player into every shift. But in April, Gregoire received first-hand reports again: Assistant GM Mario Durocher served as an assistant coach for Lithuania at the U18 World Championship, so he not only saw the trio play in the 1-4 final defeat on the last day, when Oschgan, for example, scored twice.

So, Gregoire had both video and live reports, and he highlights the main attraction of the three for his organization: "All three have already played at the senior level, so they bring a certain level of experience and game understanding with them."

No Integration Problems

Even by junior standards, the three are no longer 'greenhorns': Waschnig, born in 2007, can play a maximum of two more seasons (one of them as an overager), and Oschgan and Dobrovolny, born in 2008, are also not first-year prospects (the next main draft class for the NHL Draft will be those born in 2009).

Gregoire does not fear one thing: that the three Austrians will only stick together and fail to integrate. "While French is mainly spoken in the city, English is spoken within and around the team," he explained. "There should be no problems here; the three are certainly mature enough, and conversely, they can also help each other."

How they will be deployed is, of course, still open and subject to the new head coach Patrice Bosch. Gregoire added: "Perhaps they will play on one line; Oschgan is definitely planned as a center. But all of that will only be decided at camp."

Thanks to Pilloni and Kasper

Identifying players is one thing; drafting them – as a package deal – is another.

Gregoire said: "I have to thank Pat Pilloni and Peter Kasper, who made this possible. The draft order was clear for us, but it was certainly not guaranteed that all three would be available."

The 53-year-old made sure in conversations with the players that they would actually come, which is not always a given in the CHL Draft. Therefore, big names are often not drafted at all, as they would not leave countries like Sweden or Finland anyway.

A Kind of Rebuild

The Drakkar have had two completely different seasons: Two years ago, they were still in the QMJHL final. Gregoire, who has served as assistant, head coach, and GM in Baie-Comeau since the 2018/19 season, was then showered with trophies.

Last year, everything changed: Top players took advantage of the first-time opportunity to pursue the US college route, and injuries also compounded the situation – for the first time since 2015/16, the Drakkar missed the playoffs.

This year, of course, everything is supposed to be different again – the coaching staff has been completely revamped, and Gregoire can concentrate on his duties as GM.

The goals for next season? Gregoire stated: "On the one hand, of course, to get back to where we usually were over the last few years. On the other hand, as always, to make the players better and prepare them for their pro careers."

Hunting and Fishing

What else is there to do in Baie-Comeau? Not much; in the small town of 20,000 inhabitants, according to Gregoire, you can really concentrate on ice hockey: "Hunting and fishing are still the most popular leisure activities."

But of course, there won't be much time for that – besides online school obligations, long road trips await. The shortest journey takes 3 1/2 hours, the longest 15 (!).

Occasionally they fly, but usually, travel is by bus on the day before the game.

A Chance, Not a Guarantee

This year, Austria experienced in the CHL Draft (still in a smaller form) what has been common practice for decades, especially in the Czech Republic or Slovakia: Players in whom teams have invested for years and who have also been integrated into the senior team, seek opportunities overseas.

Careers after that can turn out completely differently: From being drafted and pursuing an overseas career to a quick return home.

Some players gain a good deal of independence from the overseas adventure, while others first need to be brought back to their former level. What this trio's move brings should be more than worth a look next season...

The Short Reports on the Trio:

Jonathan Oschgan (Black Wings Linz, 2008)

Captain of the U18 team. Strong skater, quick burst, accurate and seamless wrist shot. Good physical development, can drive through traffic and had few adjustment problems even in the ICE league.

David Waschnig (KAC, 2007)

Has filled out his frame well in recent years, so he can also compete against men. Center who naturally transitions to the senior level via the wing. Honest, reliable two-way player; offensive potential might be average for Austria.

Johannes Dobrovolny (KAC, 2008)

After two years plagued by injuries, he was consistently fit last season for the first time and made his initial appearances with KAC. His speed always stands out, with a very strong initial burst. He also has a good shot; a combination of these also promises scoring potential. Vision and hockey IQ are still areas for improvement.