This part of the ranking starts a run of defensemen. The national team’s defensive core is getting up there in age. Right now, there are not too many younger defenders who appear ready to step up and take their place. This part was a battle of potential versus current PHL status among our remaining defensemen.

Players had to be under the age of 23 and at least 16 years old on June 1st, 2023. We are only judging play that occurred before that date as well. Players are evaluated based on a combination of career history, current play, and potential. Skaters must have played at least five games to be considered. While most of the ranking is my opinion, numerous Polish hockey people contributed their thoughts on players. 188 players were considered for the list and reviewed. Eighty players received a ranking.

Rank – Player Name (Position), Age During Next Hockey Season, Team (Ranking in 2022, change in rankings) 

20 – Blazej Chodor (D), 18, SMS PZHL Katowice, (36, +16) 

Chodor is our fifth-highest-ranked defenseman! His size, physical play, and offensive abilities make him a unique player in Poland. This year, he really showed why he is a top prospect by leading all U18 skaters in MHL points with 30 (13G-17A-30PTS) in 35 games. He led all skaters in assists and was third in goals. That is just such a strong season production-wise by a defenseman. It is no surprise that he made both Poland U18 and U20. This offseason, he is trying out for GKS Katowice, and I’m happy he is getting some senior experience. His defensive play has room for improvement, but that should come with time. I wouldn’t be surprised if Chodor is gone from Poland after this season. 

19 – Krystian Lisowski (F), 18, Kiekko-Espoo U18, (33, +14) 

Lisowski spent a second season in the top level of Finnish U18 hockey, but he did move from the Kiekko-Espoo challenger squad to the main team. There he posted 19 points (9G-10A-19PTS) in 38 games. That move-up is a good sign for him, although I had hoped to see some U20 action. For 2024, he is currently training with the Kiekko-Espoo U20 challenger squad. Getting any experience in Finland’s top U20 league is extremely valuable. Outside his club season, Lisowski also served as an assistant captain on Poland U18 at the D1B U18 World Championships. At the event, he posted a goal and assist but had some rough puck luck, only scoring once on 13 shots.

18 – Michał Naróg (D), 22, Zaglebie Sosnowiec, (17, -1)

The run on defenseman continues with Naróg. He only drops two spots due to a few other players taking larger jumps. Naróg had a decent year and bounced around the Sosnowiec lineup but mostly found himself on the second pairing. At only 22, he is a veteran of 150 PHL games across five years. He has continued his production average with eight points (1G-7A-8PTS) in 38 games. The Gdansk native also continues to find a spot with the Polish national team, appearing for the senior squad in five matches. The senior squad needs young defensemen, and Naróg is a great depth piece. I don’t think he will be a top-line national team player, but I think he can be that in the PHL. 

17 – Eryk Schafer (D), 19, KH Torun, (23, +6) 

Schafer is the third-highest-ranked on the blue line. He made his second appearance for the Polish U20 squad, recording two assists and firing off seven shots. He continued establishing himself in the Torun lineup and settled into the second pairing for the team’s playoff series. At such a young age, earning that role is key and uncommon. He played in 35 games, picking up three assists. Schafer plays like a ball of energy. He will get physical, block shots, and always be a hound on the puck. The Torun native should be a key piece on Poland U20 next year for his third appearance.

16 – Kacper Macias (D), 20, GKS Katowice, (40, +24) 

The older of the Super Macias Brothers takes a big jump in our rankings. Kacper came up in the HC Poruba system, mainly playing in the second level of the Czechia junior system. He returned this year to Poland, signing with GKS Katowice while also being loaned to Janow in the MHL. I expected him mainly to play in Janow, but instead, Macias more than earned a spot on the GKS Katowice blue line. He played in 45 PHL games and posted three assists. Macias was dominant in the MHL, with 14 points in 15 games. His big showing of the year though was as captain of Poland U20. He led defensemen in points at the event with 7 points (1G-6A-PTS), largely due to a five-point game versus South Korea. He posted four shots in four of the five matches showing that game was no fluke. With the national team’s defensive depth thin, Macias is a player I hope to see get some looks at non-IIHF senior national team events in 2024.

Next Part: Players 15-11

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