The Vegas Golden Knights selected Jakob Ihs-Wozniak with the 55th overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft. The pick signaled a need to fill the forward position in the farm system. The center fits the bill perfectly, providing size for the Golden Knights.
Ihs-Wozniak excelled in international competition, scoring 18 goals and 11 assists (29 games) with Sweden's U18 team (all competition). He was also a dominant force with Lulea HF (J20 Nationell competition), scoring 23 goals and 34 assists (40 games).
It's easy to see why Kelly McCrimmon wanted to draft the 18-year-old. He brings a scoring acumen that's vastly underrated in the hockey scene. Ihs-Wozniak also brings a variety of shots with him, keeping defenders off balance. It doesn't matter if it's the catch-and-release wrister, the occasional one-timer, or a slap shot. The forward is an expert in shots, where he would make Lil' Jon blush.
So let's get to know our newest friend. What makes him special? What are some fun facts about the right winger that you might not know about?
Some fun facts about Jakob Ihs-Wozniak
Did you know that Ihs-Wozniak was actually born in Australia? He was born on February 1, 2007, in Adelaide, Australia. Then, he came over to Sweden, where he was raised. Here, he developed an innate love for hockey and became an incredible amateur star.
His father hails from Australia, while his mother comes from Sweden. With his Australian connections comes a passion for another sport: cricket.
"We always had a tradition, we go and play cricket. We played every day, it was super-fun. They [his grandparents] had a tennis court in their back yard, so it's perfect for us. They have a pool, too, so it was always super-fun going there."Jakob Ihs-Wozniak
Ihs-Wozniak also loved going to the beaches as a kid, specifically when his family would return. Granted, Las Vegas doesn't have much in the line of beaches (unless you're thinking of Lake Mead). However, it wouldn't be too far off for the Golden Knights prospect.
He also spent time in the SHL with Lulea HF. Next season will be his third season in the league, where he's expected to play. The Golden Knights have various connections with the SHL, particularly with Carl Lindbom. The goaltender was a megastar with Djurgårdens IF before transitioning to North American hockey.
The pick might not draw some appeal to specific fans in Las Vegas. However, there's plenty of time for Ihs-Wozniak to prove the skeptics wrong. Perhaps it's time for Vegas to bring some "thunder down under" to T-Mobile Arena.