2024 CHL Import Draft Recap

July 3, 2024 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Seattle Thunderbirds News Release

KENT, Wash. - The Seattle Thunderbirds made two selections this morning in the CHL Import draft.

With the 11th overall pick the Seattle Thunderbirds selected Matej Pekar, Center from Ambri-Piotta U17.

Pekar appeared in 25 games for Ambri-Piotta, scoring 11 goals and 11 assists for 22 total points. Pekar also suited up for Czechia U17 team. Playing 27 games and tallying 21 goals and 24 assists for 45 total points.

With their Second-round selection, 71st overall, the Seattle Thunderbirds selected Radim Mrtka, Defense from HC Ocelari Trinec U20.

Mrtka was a steady presence on the blue line for Trinec, appearing in 19 games and scoring 4 goals and 7 assists for 13 points. The Czech defenseman also played in 17 games for the Czechia U17 team, scoring 3 goals and 3 assists for 6 points.

"We have added two players that can help our group both now and in the future,' said Thunderbirds General Manager Bil La Forge. "We feel they fit right in with our core group and skills that will add to our already exciting young team."

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Western Hockey League Stories from July 3, 2024

• Seven Warriors Taking Part in NHL Development Camps - Moose Jaw Warriors
• Winterhawks Add Stebetak and Chaloupka in 2024 CHL Import Draft - Portland Winterhawks
• Wenatchee Wild Announce Release of Forward Hanas - Wenatchee Wild
• 2024 CHL Import Draft Recap - Medicine Hat Tigers
• Chiefs Select Forward Sarkenov in 2024 CHL Import Draft - Spokane Chiefs
• Twelve Former and Current Rockets Attending NHL Development Camps - Kelowna Rockets
• WHL Clubs Select 26 Players from Seven Countries in 2024 CHL Import Draft - WHL
• 2024 CHL Import Draft Recap - Seattle Thunderbirds
• Numerous Oil Kings at NHL Development Camps - Edmonton Oil Kings
• Warriors Select Czechia Forward Pavlík in CHL Import Draft - Moose Jaw Warriors
• Wenatchee Wild Select German Forward Samanski in CHL Import Draft Wednesday - Wenatchee Wild
• Giants Select Slovakian Forward Tomik in CHL Import Draft - Vancouver Giants
• Victoria Selects Markus Loponen and Simon Pohludka in 2024 CHL Import Draft - Victoria Royals
• Broncos Select Two in CHL Import Draft - Swift Current Broncos
• Cougars Select Arseni Anisimov in 2024 CHL Import Draft - Prince George Cougars
• Hitmen Select Czech Forward Robin Svancara in 2024 CHL Import Draft - Calgary Hitmen
• Rebels Tab Pikkarainen in Import Draft - Red Deer Rebels
• Wheat Kings Select Defenseman Belusko in Import Draft - Brandon Wheat Kings
• Pats Select Vaclav Nestrasil in 2024 CHL Import Draft - Regina Pats
• Hurricanes Select Vojtech Cihar in CHL Import Draft - Lethbridge Hurricanes
• Oil Kings Select Maple Leafs Prospect, Holinka in CHL Import Draft - Edmonton Oil Kings
• Blazers Select Vit Zahejsky in the CHL Import Draft - Kamloops Blazers

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