[sureLoss]

Ruzicka's new coach loves him. The quotes about effort level and defensive play are very encouraging. Looks like the change of scenery is paying off so far.

https://www.thesudburystar.com/sport...in-with-wolves

A minus-10 with a youthful Sarnia sextet, he has a plus-3 rating with the Wolves, despite playing often against other teams’ top lines.

“We’re excited about what Adam can do,” Wolves head coach Cory Stillman said. “He has helped our power play and he has helped control the game. That’s what you get from a 19-year-old centreman.”

It’s not just Ruzicka’s offensive prowess, but also his defensive acumen, that has impressed coaches. Many a dangerous-looking rush has been broken up because the veteran pivot made an extra effort to get back, then used a quick stick to steal the puck.

“I’m not afraid to put him against any line,” Stillman said. “With him and Bully (Shane Bulitka) together and whoever is playing on the right side, we do have two checking lines, with Darian and Drake Pilon and Macauley Carson on one, then you can put Ruzicka and Bulitka together, to play on the road.”

Stillman has found Ruzicka to be very coachable.

“He wants to learn every day,” Sudbury’s coach said. “We’re putting him in positions that give him the puck and let him be the difference in a hockey game. He’s not afraid, if he doesn’t know something, to come out and ask us a question.”

Stillman, a longtime former NHLer himself, said such eagerness will serve the youngster well as he pursues a pro deal.

“The Calgary Flames are going to want to see how he competes every night,” Stillman said. “If he continues to trend upwards, which he has been doing here, I think the result will be good for him at the end of the season.”

Yes that is former Calgary Flames player Cory Stillman who is the head coach in Sudbury