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WHL Saskatoon Blades

Blades Go With Defense in the 2015 CHL Import Draft

June 30, 2015 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Saskatoon Blades News Release


The 2015 CHL Import draft took place this morning. The Blades held the 2nd overall selection, and with Saskatoon on the verge of breaking out of their rebuilding stage, it was another pivotal moment in the shaping of the team.

The Saskatoon Blades selected 17 year old defenseman Libor Hejak (LEE-BORE HIGH-EK) from the Czech Republic's Brno Kometa Jr with their pick and are very excited about what he can bring to the table.

Libor is a 6'2", 200lb left shot defenseman who will be a force on the Blades blue line for the next few years.

"We're absolutely thrilled to be getting a defenseman of this caliber to come to Saskatoon. He is a big, hard-nosed shutdown D that has a ton of international experience and we feel playing in Saskatoon will help us solidify our defense over the next years and help him achieve his goal of being a top NHL draft pick a year from now." said HC/GM Bob Woods.

Libor is currently ranked as a 1st Round NHL Pick by International Scouting Services (ISS) for the 2016 NHL Draft. His ranking would have him start the season as the highest ranked WHL defenseman ahead of the 2016 NHL Draft according to ISS.

After a solid showing at the IIHF U18 World Championship for team Czech Republic, many scouting services took quick note of Hejak's play.

"A defenseman that is so mature defensively compared to most of his peers... Physical... not just normal bodychecking, he can deck you.... You won't want to disturb the goalie when he's around. He's got good offensive upside, a good skater with great speed and hands, patience and character." - Future Considerations Hockey.

"I have watched Libor play numerous times over the past year, most recently at the IIHF Under 18 Tourney. He has a a real confidence in his play and will assert himself in all areas of the game. He can do it with a solid skill level, a strong defensive posture or with physical play. He takes the initiative when playing and is no wallflower. Assessing his potential, there is no question in my mind that he is a good NHL prospect and will fit in very nicely with the Saskatoon Blades and contribute in a meaningful way."

TSN Director of Scouting, Craig Button

The Blades are thrilled to be bringing in such a high quality defenseman and can't wait to get the season started.

"We are very excited to formally meet Libor next week in Toronto at Newport Sports' summer camp and welcome him to the Blades family. He is exactly what we need to help us achieve our goal of making the playoffs this upcoming season and we feel he will be a big time player for us". - Managing Partner Colin Priestner

Notable Blades CHL Import Draft picks:

2013: Nikita Scherbak (109th overall)

2011: Andrey Makarov (30th overall)

2010: Matej Stransky (61st overall)

2007: Jyri Niemi (13th overall)

2005: Anton Khudobin (51st overall)

1999: Martin Erat (6th overall)

Check out the Saskatoon Blades Statistics



Western Hockey League Stories from June 30, 2015


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