Bruno Idžan, a 19-year-old Croatian hockey player, has made history by becoming the first Croatian ever selected in the NHL draft! Yes, you read that right! The young man from Zagreb, who started his hockey career at KHL Mladost and then shined at KHL Sisak in the Alps Hockey League, is now on the doorstep of the world’s top hockey league. He was picked in the sixth round of the draft by the Ottawa Senators, a huge achievement for Croatian hockey, which has been almost invisible on the global stage until now.
But hold on, it wasn’t all smooth sailing! Idžan’s path was anything but conventional – from junior leagues in Sweden and Croatia to the United States, where he played for the Lincoln Stars in the USHL, the top American junior league. In just 36 games, he scored an impressive 44 points, with 22 goals and 22 assists. His powerful shot and exceptional hockey instinct made him attractive to NHL scouts, even though experts noted he needed to improve his skating.
This draft selection is not just a personal triumph for Bruno Idžan but a massive sign that Croatian hockey can break onto the world stage. Is this the start of a new era or just a bright spot in a sea of neglect and under-recognition? Idžan proves that talent from Croatia can shine, but the question remains whether the system will continue to push young athletes into the shadows or finally give them the opportunities they deserve.
If you thought this was just a sports story, think again! This is a story of struggle, persistence, and dreams coming true against all odds. So, what do you think? Will Bruno Idžan be just a one-time wonder or will he open doors for many more? Drop a comment, share your story, or just have a laugh – because you don’t see stuff like this every day!
