NHL Combine 2025: Surprising Moments and Hidden Talents
The 2025 NHL Scouting Combine wrapped up this Saturday in Buffalo, NY, leaving behind a trail of intriguing stories and eye-opening interviews. According to NHL.com, this annual event, hosted at the LECOM HarborCenter, drew attention with unique insights and engaging anecdotes from aspiring hockey stars, leading up to the NHL Draft later this month.
Animal Instincts on Display
The spotlight was not only on athletic prowess this year but on the fascinating animal choices of the players. Among those contributing to this quirky discussion was Milton Gastrin, who would be a cat, drawing inspiration from his pet cat, Mojito. On the other hand, Roger McQueen saw himself as a horse, admired for their ability to connect with people and versatility, while Jackson Smith’s choice of a goldfish echoed his own ability to let go of mistakes swiftly. Perhaps the most powerful choice came from Will Horcoff, who saw a silverback gorilla in himself, a symbolic nod to strength and leadership.
Brady Martin: Farm Strong Sensation
Brady Martin, the tenth-ranked North American skater, stood out not only for his on-ice achievements but for his robust farm life experiences. Hailing from a dairy farm in Elmira, Ontario, Martin has transformed farm chores into unwitting strength training. Despite the physical demands of farm life, Martin has shown remarkable progress on the ice with the OHL’s Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds.
With a grin, he described himself as a talkative parrot, a nod to his lively, conversational nature off the ice. He also candidly ranked stone-picking as his most dreaded farm chore, a testament to his resilience both on and off the rink.
Radim Mrtka: Mastery Beyond Borders
Radim Mrtka’s journey from the Czech Republic to North America is an inspiring tale of adaptation and desire. Since joining the WHL’s Seattle Thunderbirds mid-season, Mrtka has not only proven his mettle as a player but as a dedicated learner of the English language. As a testament to his academic efforts, he ranked fifth among North American skaters heading into the draft.
Without formal language lessons, Mrtka’s self-taught journey through observance and listening became a statement of his tenacity and determination. This linguistic feat has impressed his Seattle teammates and enhanced his presence on and off the ice.
These individual stories from the 2025 NHL Scouting Combine sketch a vibrant tableau of talent, determination, and unique personal sagas. As the event closes, the focus shifts to the Draft, where these ambitions will look to find fruition in the form of NHL contracts and blossoming careers.
