MAREK TVRDON

Birthplace: Nitra, Slovakia
DOB: 1993 JAN. 31
Height/Weight: 6’2/212 lbs
Shoots: Right
Drafted by: Detroit Red Wings(2011, 4th round 115th overall)



Nitra, Slovakia native Mark Tvrdon has had a great season for the Vancouver Giants so far. The 6’2, 212 lbs left winger had his season cut short to only 12 games because of a shoulder surgery, but the big forward showed enough for the Red Wings to take him in the 4th round of the 2011 NHL Entry Draft, and at this point, it looks like Detroit stole another player in the later rounds of the draft.

Tvrdon is an important player for the Giants. Playing on the top line with captain James Henry and Montreal Canadiens draft pick Brendan Gallagher, he brings much needed size to that line, but also a lot of skill to create one of the most dangerous lines in the WHL.

For his size, Tvrdon is deceptively good skater. He is very effective in retrieving pucks by quickly getting to loose pucks and using his body to win battles along the boards. He gets to point A to B in a hurry, and does well in corners with his quick turns. He is a real threat down low because he is so big, yet so shifty.

Tvrdon makes very good, quick decisions with the puck, rarely giving it away. He always has his head up on a rush or in the corners, locating his options and making the appropriate plays given the situation that is presented to him. His playmaking skills are so impressive that he plays the point on the first unit PP. However, he is definitely more of a scorer than a playmaker. He uses his big frame to get to the net and jam home rebounds, or use his underrated wrist shot off the half wall to score goals.

The “soft European” stereotype does not fit with Tvrdon. He battles as hard as anyone on the Giants while staying discipline, and is always willing to stick up for teammates in a scrum. He goes for loose pucks with great tenacity, and stands in front of the net as well as anybody in the league.

Marek Tvrdon is going to play a big role for Slovakia in the upcoming World Junior Tournament. He will be counted on to contribute often offensively, and play the bruising style as he has been doing all year with the Giants. One day, he will be in the NHL and be a tough forward to play against with his offensive skills and size.