The official start of our rankings is here! The first half of the rankings is a mixed bag of players. We have some of the best U18 players, U20 players about to reach the next level, along with some players that are well into their THL careers.

Players had to be under the age of 23 and at least 16 years old on June 1st, 2025. 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 the ranking is only my opinion, numerous coaches, staff, and other players contributed their thoughts. 183 players were considered for the list and reviewed. Fifty players received a ranking. Full explainer on the 2025 rankings.

Honorable Mentions (Alphabetical order):  Rafal Drabik, Marcel Karnas, Tobiasz Jaworski, Tomasz Marzec, Karol Moś, Patryk Napiorkowski, Kacper Skiba, Karol Sterbenz, and Hubert Szarzynski. 

Rank – Player Name (Position), Age During Next Hockey Season, Team (Ranking in 2024, change in rankings). NR – Not Ranked in 2024

50 – Mikolaj Osiadly (F), 18, JKH GKS Jastrzebie II (NR)

We start this year’s list with a debut in Osiadly. A talented and creative forward, he led Jastrzebie’s MHL squad with 40 points (17G-23A-40PTS) in 28 games. Osiadly was also named to Poland’s gold-winning U18 squad, where he picked up three assists. I expect the young playmaker to start taking his first steps in senior hockey in 2026 with JKH GKS Jastrzebie. 

49 – Marcin Dulęba (F), 22, STS Sanok (45, -4)

An undersized but gifted playmaker. Dulęba is a player too good for the MHL, but might not be effective enough for the THL. His ability to set up teammates is great, but the rest of his game lacks the ability to make an impact at the top level. On a Sanok team begging for offensive contributors, he wasn’t able to produce much with a goal and two assists this year in 34 games. It will be interesting to see if the puck skills he showed at the lower levels will ever be unlocked in the THL. 

48 – Filip Sienkiewicz (F), 22, STS Sanok (50, +2)

After showing flashes of THL production in 2022, Sienkiewicz only had three more points across the next two seasons. In 2025, he got back on track, posting career highs with two goals, nine assists, and 11 points. This tied him for seventh in points on Sanok and seventh among all U23 skaters. The jump this year suggests Sienkiewicz could be a late bloomer who develops into a middle or top-six forward in the THL. 

47 –  Adam Kubat (F), 17, Väsby IK J18 (NR)

Kubat is a player with whom I am buying the potential early on. The young center has played for Väsby IK in Sweden since his youth days. This year, he had 52 points (28G-24A-52PTS) in 39 games at the J18 Div. 1 level, the third most on his team. Among players in their draft-eligible -1 seasons, it was tied for 21st in the league. The Nowy Targ native also played one game at the U20 level, posting a goal and an assist. The level is not the best, but he has had consistent success at a young age. If Kubat can get to the next level in Sweden, there could be something to him. The Polish U18 squad has taken a look at him the past two years for non-IIHF events, and he’ll likely be counted on in 2026. 

46 – Michał Jaracz (D), 23, Cracovia Krakow (56, +10)

A busy defenseman this year, Jaracz played 46 games across three levels. He went pointless in 26 games with Cracovia, mainly playing on the bottom pairings. Jaracz had a much larger role in his short MHL stint, putting up eight points (4G-4A-8PTS) in 15 games. He also represented Poland at the FISU World University Winter Games, recording a goal and an assist. A solid defender with strong positioning, Jaracz should find a good role in the lower pairings of the THL. 

45 – Mikolaj Szczepkowski (G), 22, Zaglebie Sosnowiec (29, -16) 

Young goalies in Poland are having a rough time right now. There is nowhere suitable for them to play, and THL teams have no interest in giving them significant playing time. 

• By playing 11 games this year, he is one of only seven U23 goalies since 2020 to appear in 10 games or more; two of the other goalies have already retired. 
• Only 16 Polish goalies have played in 10 total games or more since the 2020 season.
• He is only one of eight Polish goalies to appear in more than 30 games during the last five years.

Szczepkowski saw a slight dip in his numbers this year, and Sosnowiec announced he wouldn’t be returning as their backup goalie. He now joins a crowded free agent market of young Polish goalies who may not all have a spot. 

44 – Eric Kaczynski (F), 22, Zaglebie Sosnowiec (74, +30)

In our explainer part, I discussed how the MHL is very poor at graduating players to the THL. Polish American Eric Kaczynski was one of those who broke through. After finishing third in MHL scoring in 2024, Kaczynski secured a deal with Zaglebie Sosnowiec for 2025. He recorded three assists in 25 games, along with 15 points (9G-6A-15PTS) in 7 games on loan to GAS Olivia Gdansk in the MHL. He was able to secure a second THL deal and re-signed with Sosnowiec for 2026. 

43 – Michal Nawrot (F), 20, Jersey Hitmen (NR)

Nawrot made the jump from Poland to the United States. Starting in the USPHL Premier, he scored at a point per game pace with 15 goals and 17 assists in 32 games. This earned him a call-up to the second tier of US junior hockey, playing four NCDC games to end the year. He also got his first IIHF junior call-up for Poland, representing the U20 squad at the D1B World Championship. Nawrot got better as the year went on and has a lethal shot, but from those we have talked to his all around skating and defensive game needs more development.

42 – Olaf Zachariasz (F), 18, SMS I Katowice (28, -14) 

I wanted to see Zachariasz take a massive step, as he moved up to the U20 level of Czech hockey. Unfortunately, he could not break through with HC Vítkovice U20. The Sosnowiec pupil was loaned to the second level and posted four assists in six games, but chose to return home to Poland. Finishing the year in the SMS Katowice program, Zachariasz had a great run with 22 points (9G-13-22PTS) in 15 games. He was also one of Poland’s best players at the U18s with four assists in five games. His performance against Lithuania was huge!

So why the drop? The return to Poland is warranted; he just wasn’t playing in Czechia. But a big part of that initial higher ranking was due to projecting him to follow a similar path to that of Jakub Ślusarczyk or even Krzysztof Macias, who had worked their way up the Vítkovice system. Returning to Poland and spending your final junior years in the MHL just puts a cap on what the ceiling projects to be in the short term. 

41 – Szymon Maćkowski (F), 22, KH Torun (49, +8) 

Maćkowski continues to be a solid bottom-six forward for Torun. This year, he had two goals and two assists in 31 games, up a point from last year. He also posted his best MHL production since 2022 after playing 16 games in the second level. Time and experience will only show what Maćkowski could grow into, but I think there is more on the table for the young forward. He needs to identify his strengths and find his niche at the top level. 

40 – Szymon Dobosz (F), 22, STS Sanok (41, +1) 

Dobosz is an ideal bottom-six player and a very reliable forward in the defensive zone. To grow or move up the THL ladder, he has needed to develop his game in the opposing zone. This year, Dobosz put up a new career high in points with five (3G-2A-5PTS). All of those points came against Podhale Nowy Targ. If Dobosz can grow his all-around game just a little, he could find a role like Filip Starzyński held. 

39 – Arkadiusz Karasiński (F), 22, Zaglebie Sosnowiec (32, -7) 

One of the best THL rookies from 2024, Karasiński matched his production from last year. The Lodz product scored three goals and assisted on two in 32 games. His 12 points over the last two seasons are tied for the tenth most by a U23 skater. When Maso Lehtonen took over Zaglebie Sosnowiec halfway through the season, Karasiński seemed to fall out of favor. His contract was not picked up for the 2026 season. He will be staying in the THL after finding a new home with Polonia Bytom. 

38 – Marat Soroka (F), 22, Podhale Nowy Targ (52, +14) 

A feisty and gritty forward, Marat Soroka was initially released by Podhale before the season began. He stayed in Poland, joining Naprzod Janow in the MHL. Soroka was one of the best players there this year with 39 points (26G-13A-39PTS) in 21 games. One of those goals was the MHL championship-winning goal with 10 seconds left in the game. The Belarusian with a Polish passport also earned his way back up to Podhale. This season, he recorded eight points (5G-3A-8PTS) in 21 games with the club. His eight points were tied for tenth among all Polish U23 skaters. 

37 – Jakub Skrzypski (F), 18, MOSM Tychy (NR) 

One of the best U18 players of the year, he was also the leading scorer among U18 players in the MHL. Skrzypski had 46 points (16G-30A-46PTS) in just 25 games. This also led MOSM Tychy in points.  His strong season continued at the U18s, where he added another goal and three assists. He was a part of both U18 squads that won back-to-back gold medals. A talented playmaker, I hope to see him at a higher level. Being a top 20 scorer in the MHL at 17 is great and proves Skrzypski is ready for a better offensive challenge. 

36 – Bartłomiej Stolarski (F), 19, SMS I Katowice (38, +2)

A center who can do it all, Stolarski projects as a top-line THL player, and he’ll get a chance to prove that next year. The talented forward recently signed a professional contract with JKH GKS Jastrzebie. He did get his first taste of senior hockey this year, playing in two THL games. Most of his year was spent in the second level, where he put up 49 points (19G-30A-49PTS) in 27 games. Stolarski made his Poland U20 debut as well, picking up two assists at the D1B U20 World Championship. Against his more experienced opponents, he showed some defensive struggles, but he should be a key U20 leader in 2026. 

35 – Matthew McGovern (F), 18, HC Sparta Praha U20 (40, +5) 

McGovern was captain of Poland’s 2025 U18 squad and one of the players who won back-to-back gold with the team. As captain, he had one goal and two assists in five games. McGovern has good size, plays with confidence, and has a flash to his game. He missed some time with an injury this year, but did make the move over to HC Sparta Praha U20 in the top Czech junior league. In Czechia, McGovern had five points (1G-4A-5PTS) in 31 games. Poland U20 will be hoping he can be a big contributor in 2026. 

34 – Fabian Kapica (F), 23, Cracovia Krakow (16, -18) 

Kapica once looked to be a top prospect for Poland after putting up double-digit points in back-to-back years with Podhale Nowy Targ. Last year, he was outplayed by other young Poles in Cracovia and would only have two assists all season. This season, his production shot back up a bit with eight points (3G-5A-8PTS) in 30 games. His .27 point per game average was 11th among all U23 forwards in 2026. This was his final U23 season, and his future for 2026 is currently unknown. Hopefully, Kapica can find a spot to show some of the flashes he showed with Podhale early on in his career. 

33 – Jakub Janik (F), 18, MOSM Tychy (NR)

A pure goal scorer, Janik is one of our highest-debut players of the year. Janik was named the best player on team Poland at the D1B U18 World Championship, after scoring six goals and assisting on one. He also fired off 22 shots in the five games, tied for third among all skaters. The Tychy forward has a hard accurate shot and wants the puck on his stick. He will find a way to get pucks on net no matter the defense. He showcased this ability during his club year, scoring 18 goals in 22 MHL games. Plus Janik scored this really cool goal at the U18s.

32 – Ihnat Kashalevich (D), 18, MOSM Tychy (72, +40) 

Kashalevich is one of the largest risers of the year. He is also just one of the few former Belarusian youth players currently representing Poland. Since coming to the country, the two-way defenseman has played for Tychy. He has made a significant impact and represented both Poland U20 and U18 this year. He was a member of both of Poland’s gold medal U18 teams over the past two years. There is a lot to like about him, but Kashalevich is still a very raw player. I think he could have the potential to play outside Poland for his senior hockey. He still needs more experience at the junior level. 

31 – Eryk Schafer (D), 21, Sokoly Torun (14, –17) 

One of the bigger drops on our list, Schafer is a ball of energy on the ice and tries to make a big impact whenever its his shift. This year, he had the case of trying to do too much, instead of focusing on his strengths. With the national team desperate for a defensive refresh, Schafer wasn’t able to find a spot. He also lost his place at times in KH Torun, playing in only 16 games, his lowest total by 11 games, since his debut in 2022. He is still young, but just hasn’t yet taken that needed next step as a professional. The more experience he gets at the top level should smooth out his game. 

30 – Leon Stryczek (F), 17, HC Vítkovice U17 (NR) 

A talented forward, Stryczek was the youngest player on Poland’s golden U18 squad. He was a key part of the squad as well, putting up two assists and five shots. When Poland competes in Group A next year, Stryczek is expected to be a team leader. What caught my eye this year was his club season; he made the move from HC Poruba to HC Vítkovice U17. In his first 33 games, Stryczek was only held without a point five times in route to 42 points (14G-28A-42PTS) in 38 games.  He led the team in scoring by eight points despite missing the end of the year and the playoffs. Of his draft-eligible -2 production matches, 66% have gone on to become regulars in the Czech Extraliga, while 22% have become NHL draft picks. The Tychy native has a ways to go, but the early data is promising. 

29 – Wiktor Makula (F), 18, HC Oceláři Třinec U20 (NR)

At 29, we have our highest debut player this year. Makula has never put up big numbers in the Czechia system, but has been a killer for the national team. Leading up to the U18s this year, he was an underrated player for Poland. Makula was no longer a secret after scoring a highlight reel goal vs. Latvia in the lead up to the event. He would keep his scoring ways up at the U18s, picking up two goals and two assists. He is an aggressive and physical forward who made his debut in the top level of Czech junior hockey this year. The Třinec forward had five points (2G-3A-5PTS) in 34 games. While he might not project as an NHL-level player, I think Makula will be able to find a good role in Europe or the THL. 

28 – Tomasz Szczerba (F), 21, JKH GKS Jastrzebie (34, +6) 

A Canadian with Polish roots and a Polish passport, Szczerba played in the Canadian and German junior ranks before coming to Poland in 2024. After a solid 2024 season with Podhale Nowy Targ, Szczerba would sign on for a second year. He was an early bright spot for the team with eight points (3G-5A-8PTS) in 14 games. His success would lead to a mid-season transfer to JKH GKS Jastrzebie. In total, he finished with 13 points (5G-8G-13PTS) in 34 games. This put him fifth in scoring among all U23 players for 2025. For 2026, the Toronto native is heading back to Canada to play in their top college hockey league. 

27 – Michał Kusak (F), 21, Unia Oswiecim (10, -17) 

Kusak was able to rebound after a rough start to the year. The young forward was staying in the Czech Republic for an overage junior season, but was stuck on the lower lines. Even in the lower levels of Czech senior hockey, he didn’t find a significant role. In total, across the Czech third level and top junior league, the Oswiecim pupil scored only one goal and three assists in 18 games. He would return to Poland and sign with Unia Oswiecim. Kusak showed that the potential is still there for him to be an impact player in the THL. This offseason he signed a three-year extension with Oswiecim. 

26 – Krystian Lisowski (F), 20, Ketterä U20 (20, -6)

Lisowski stayed in the Finnish junior ranks this past year, moving from the top level to the second. He had a great year on the scoresheet, picking up 19 goals and 16 assists in 39 games. The U20 Mestis is not a league that produces many top players. Only 25 Liiga skaters this year spent time in the league. Of Lisowski’s 55 production matches, zero players have played in the Liiga, but 12.7% played in the Mestis. Lisowski also represented Poland U20 at D1B World Championship, recording two points (1G-1A-2PTS). He showed a lot of excellent offensive skills and drive, but his defensive play was occasionally lacking. I think he still projects as a decent THL forward.

Players Ranked 25-11

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