Roughriders continue to Advance Player Development

Guymon skates at VIK tryout

Westminister, CO - The Rocky Mountain Roughriders continue to advance player development by placing players at higher levels. Furthering player development is the number one priority with the U16 Roughriders. Nate Guymon is the latest player to be recognized for his talents and efforts. Guymon will be heading to Sweden to play for Vasteras on the J20 team. Here is what The Hockey Magazine had to say about the move.

Swiss and American are ready for Vasteras
Vasteras has finalized two imports to their J20 team.
First is the Swiss national team forward Flavio Schmutz, born 1994, signed with Vasteras after he scored 46 points in 27 matches in the U17 Elit league. Schmutz played in 19 national team games for Switzerland this season, five of them with the older 18 year old team. “He was here for a week this Spring after our regular season was over. He’s a good player and powerful on his skates. He looked very interesting” said head coach Par Hellenberg.
Even an American defenseman has signed with Vasteras. Nathan Guymon (picture), born 1994 who played with the Rocky Mountain RoughRiders U16 AAA, has decided on VIK. “He was also here and played in a training match with us. He is good at controlling the puck, is good under pressure and comfortable holding the puck and turning”, explains Hellenberg.
Two very interesting acquisitions that could very well help take the SuperElit league play to a higher level.

 The decision of Vasteras to go with two imported players even drew attention from the Stockholm media.

VIK strengthened their J20 team with two foreign players: American defenseman Nathan Guymon and Swiss forward Flavio Schmutz.
“Two exciting players that will be fun to follow”, says Head Coach Par Hellenberg.
Nathan Guymon and Flavio Schmutz, both born 1994, were here in the Spring for a visit to Vasteras to learn more about the city and tryout with the team.
The duo made a good impression and Guymon even played in a training match.
“It’s fun for the guys on the team to get to know two new players from other countries.  And even better when they will be able to contribute right away on the ice,” said Hellenberg.
Here’s what the VIK Coach had to say about Flavio Schmutz:
“A powerful player with good skating.  He’s one of Switzerland’s top ‘94s and we see big potential in him.  The thinking is we will move him up to the professional team when the time is right.”
Hellenberg on Nathan Guymon:
“A big right defenseman that plays tough and dares to hold and control the puck often.”
What is it that draws foreign players to come here?
“The J20 SuperElit is Europe’s best junior league.  It is a good path for them to go.  Then we have the professional team here also.  And in Nathan’s case he was interested in a student exchange experience also.”