When the Sabres selected left-handed defenseman Norwin Panocha in the seventh round of the 2023 draft, they knew they were adding a prospect with nice physical tools and little experience with the North American style of hockey.
That was evident in the 2023-24 season as Panocha made the cultural and on-ice adjustments as a member of the QMJHL’s Chicoutimi Sagueneens. Panocha produced mixed results as expected of the rookie, at times showing his smooth skating and long reach to make defensive stops while also mixing in some turnovers and instances of lost coverage. He ended the season with 15 assists and a minus-five rating.
CHL import spots are coveted, and while the Sagueneens were planning to retain Panocha for a second developmental season, they ultimately saw opportunity elsewhere on the European market and cut him loose. On July 3, he was selected 27th overall in the CHL Import Draft by the Prince Albert Raiders.
Go West, young man!
On the eve of his first WHL training camp and second North American season, Panocha was recently featured in the Prince Albert Daily Herald, where he discussed his first season and his initial impressions of his new surroundings.
“It was pretty hard to be honest, like there was much more competition going on. It’s way harder, way faster, way more skillful. So I had a good year, lots of learning, and I think I can take that and transition it now to the new league.”
While being a defender that the Raiders will lean on heavily in different roles throughout the year, Panocha is also expected to be a key player for Germany when he returns for his second World Junior Championship this winter.
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.jsNice read by Norwin Panocha to jump up and receive the pass for his first goal of the tournament. pic.twitter.com/1xHADBuzFO
— Kris Baker (@SabresProspects) December 30, 2023
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