Americans Trade Valach in Annual CHL Import Draft
June 27, 2007 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Tri-City Americans News Release
KENNEWICK, WA - The Tri-City Americans today took part in the Canadian Hockey League's annual, two round, European Entry Draft. Each team in the CHL's three member Leagues - the Ontario Hockey League, the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League and the Western Hockey League - can have two European-born players on its roster. Selections rotated between the three CHL member Leagues with the WHL receiving the first pick, the OHL picking second, and the QMJHL picking third. The draft order within the three Leagues was determined by the standings from the 2006-07 season.
With their first choice (52nd overall), the Americans selected 18-year-old left wing/center Petr Stoklasa (pronounced: Stock-la-saw). The 6'0", 185 pound forward is from the Czech Republic where he played for HC Slavia Praha of the Czech Junior League. In 43 games last season, Stoklasa had 4 goals, 12 points and 32 penalty minutes. Through 175 career games, Stoklasa has recorded 65 goals, 127 points and 147 penalty minutes.
"(Stoklasa) has excellent food speed and likes to battle in front of the net," said Americans general manager Bob Tory. "His speed allows him to be effective at center or on the wing and he works hard every shift."
However, three picks later, Tri-City sent defenseman Juraj Valach to the Vancouver Giants in return for their 55th-overall pick in this year's Import Draft.
"Valach demanded a trade and stated that he would not come back to Tri-City if not traded," said Tory. "He notified us two days before the draft, stating that he did not enjoy his time or the environment in Tri-Cities and blamed the team for him not being drafted in last week's NHL Entry Draft."
"We felt that we treated him and his family very well while he was here," continued Tory. "He showed a total lack of respect to our organization and staff, at which point made this decision easy."
With the newly acquired picked, the Americans selected 19-year-old Josef Tichy (pronounced: Tee-Chee). The 6'6" 233 pound defenseman is also from the Czech Republic, where he skated for HC Slezan Opava and tallied 13 goals, 31 points and 157 penalty minutes.
"We feel comfortable we got a player of similar or better talent to Valach and now we can move forward," said Tory. "(Tichy) comes with recommendations from former-Americans Vladimir Vujtek and Yogi Svejkovsky."
Both players have indicated that they will attend the Americans training camp in late August.
Tri-City Americans season ticket plans are now available for the 2007-08 season. Season ticket plans can be purchased by using several, convenient monthly payment schedules after a one-time service charge. Call 509.736.0606, visit AmsHockey.com or drop by the Americans' offices at the bottom level of the Toyota Center for more information.
• Discuss this story on the Western Hockey League message board...
Western Hockey League Stories from June 27, 2007
- Hitmen Select Two Players in CHL Import Draft - Calgary Hitmen
- Silvertips Select Karamnov in CHL Import Draft - Everett Silvertips
- Americans Trade Valach in Annual CHL Import Draft - Tri-City Americans
- Giants Acquire Import Defenseman - Vancouver Giants
- Wheat Kings Opt For Russian - Brandon Wheat Kings
- Chiefs Select Austrian Defenseman - Spokane Chiefs
- T-Birds Select Finnish Goalie In Import Draft - Seattle Thunderbirds
- Hansch Steps Down As Director Of Player Personnel - Kamloops Blazers
- Red Deer Rebels Make Import Pick - Red Deer Rebels
- Cougars Select Magnusson 28th Overall - Prince George Cougars
- Bruins select David Hoda in Import Draft - Chilliwack Bruins
- Bruins select David Hoda in CHL Import Draft - Chilliwack Bruins
- Edmonton Oil Kings Select Tomas Vincour In CHL Import Draft - Edmonton Oil Kings
- Rockets Announce First Round Pick in 2007 CHL Import Draft - Kelowna Rockets
- IMPORT DRAFT BEGINS - Brandon Wheat Kings
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
