With the 2022 IIHF U18 World Championships coming to an end, it's now time for a final evaluation of some of the top prospect's performance at the event. 

Below, we discuss how the projection of some of those players at the event changed based on their performance at the event. Many answered questions about their play and improved their stock, but a few others miss an occasion to convince evaluators of their upside. 

Helped their stock

Jiří Kulich, HC Energie Karlovy Vary, Extraliga  

Kulich played most of the season against men in Czechia. The setting of his season didn't allow us to evaluate the full extent of his skill, as he didn't get as many passes per game, and even less in favourable situations, at least compared to other prospects facing junior competition. 

The U18s were an occasion to see Kulich in a different environment. He received better offensive opportunities, especially on the powerplay. He showed that his one-timer on the powerplay can be a legitimate weapon and also an ability to sprint past defenders and drive the net. 

While Kulich's upside may be more limited than many of the players he played against at the tournament, the added layer of skill that he showed and his constant effort in every situation might push him up our board slightly. 

I wrote a more in-depth article about Kulich's rising stock a few days ago.