Ethan Czata Ready to Take Next Step
Ethan Czata’s brief exposure to the National Hockey League was an eye-opener.
The third-year centre for the Niagara IceDogs spent almost three weeks in Tampa, first at the Lightning’s rookie camp and then at the team’s main camp and came away with an appreciation for the talent level and work ethic.
“Honestly, I just kind of took it as a learning experience, just going there, watching all these pros and all these unbelievable hockey players,” Czata said. “Watching guys like (Nikita) Kucherov and (Victor) Hedman play and how they play, it just really shows how good you have to be to play the next level and be a superstar at the next level.”
Czata even got an opportunity to skate on a line with Kucherov and Hedman in a scrimmage.
“Breaking out with Hedman is the easiest thing I’ve ever done in my life so it kind of just shows you having those guys on your team, it just makes your life a lot easier,” he said.
Czata, who was selected in the second round (46th overall) by the Lightning in the 2025 National Hockey League draft, said he received positive reviews from his time at camp.
“They kind of just told me that they’re happy with the pick,” he said. “I kind of showed them in the last two months why they drafted me and they’re super excited for me.”
The Tampa Bay Lightning prospect missed the first two games of the season for the IceDogs but returned last week and immediately made his presence felt with three goals and five points in two games in a pair of wins, and seems set to improve on his output of 21 goals and 55 points last season.
At the time of publication, Ethan Czata is now tied in the OHL for Top Scorer, with eight goals in six games.
“I always kind of try to get better every day. I just grow every day and become a better person every day,” he said. “Honestly, I think (I want to) keep doing what I was doing the last two years, just keep playing hard, be a 200-foot player, be a good teammate, be a positive teammate. I want to play to help our team win, and the better our team does this year, it’ll probably help my personal stats too.”
IceDogs coach Krys Barch said Czata already plays a pro-style of game.
“What I see is a 200-foot game,” Barch said. “It’s a game that’s going to translate to the next level. So, for me, it’s just refining those pro skills, those pro elements. He has a letter on his jersey, and he’s a great leader on and off the ice through actions and words. So, continually growing that foundation for them.”
Barch feels Czata’s willingness and ability to play defence will serve him well in the pros.
“It makes it easier on him because he will be a wanted commodity at the next level. You look at every forward in the National Hockey League, they play both sides of the puck. If you’re a Stanley Cup-winning team, you look at the Florida Panthers, every forward, every night, play a 200-foot game.”
Czata said he feels there is a different vibe with the organization this season after a tumultuous 2024/25 campaign.
“Yeah, this is the best year we’ve had since I’ve been here,” he said. “I think it’s been great so far. I’m happy here. It’s a great experience. Good players on and off the ice.”
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