USHL Youngstown Phantoms

Sekac To Try Out For Czech World Championship Team

Published on March 24, 2010 under United States Hockey League (USHL)
Youngstown Phantoms News Release


YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio - Youngstown Phantoms forward Jiri Sekac will try out for the Czech Republic's entry in the International Ice Hockey Federation's U18 World Championship, which begins next month in the eastern European nation of Belarus.

"I'm so excited about it," said Sekac, who departs for Belarus Monday and will miss the Phantoms' final three games of the season. "I hope I make the team."

The IIHF's U18 World Championship has been competed since 1999 and was claimed by the United States last year in Fargo, N.D. This spring's 10-team tournament begins April 13 in the cities of Bobruisk and Minsk, the capital of Belarus.

A native of Kladno, Czech Republic, Sekac led his hometown club in scoring last season with 87 points and has been a welcome addition to the Phantoms' roster since his December acquisition. In 36 USHL games, the 6-foot-1 left wing has accumulated 11 points (two goals, nine assists), including four points in his last four games.

"Jiri's a very skilled player who's shown the ability to create offense for us, especially in the last handful of games after he got adjusted to the league," Phantoms Head Coach/GM Curt Carr said. "One thing about Jiri is he also has a very strong work ethic. He battles hard, which many other so-called scorers won't do."

Sekac joins fellow Phantom Andrej Sustr in representing the Czech Republic on the international stage this season. Sustr recorded quality minutes for the Czech team at the IIHF U20 World Championship, more commonly known as the World Junior Championship, in late December and early January.

"I'm willing to put money on the fact that Jiri will make the team and play well," said Carr. "He's got a solid all-around game."

Following a short tryout camp, the Czech Republic opens the U18 World Championship against Russia April 13 and will also skate against regional rival Slovakia, Latvia and Finland in the preliminary round. The hockey-mad nation has claimed three medals, all bronze, in the history of the event.

The Youngstown Phantoms are a Member Club of the United States Hockey League (USHL), America's only Tier I hockey league and premier developer of National Hockey League talent with more than 100 alumni on current NHL rosters.

Check out the Youngstown Phantoms Statistics

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



United States Hockey League Stories from March 24, 2010


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.

OurSports Central