Blades Select Czechia Defenceman in CHL Import Draft

July 1, 2022 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Saskatoon Blades News Release

Saskatoon, SK - The Saskatoon Blades added another prospect to their defensive line Friday morning, following the 2022 CHL Import Draft.

With the 37th selection overall, the Blades selected 2005-born defenceman Tomas Zizka. From Zlin, Czechia, Tomas spent this past season with Lidingö Vikings J18. The 5-foot-10 140 pound skater played 31 games, chalking up 14 points (1G-13A), along with 16 penalty minutes.

"Tomas is an exciting young player. He plays the game at a high pace through a combination of excellent mobility, quick decision making and polished stick skills," says Director of Scouting, Dan Tencer. "He's one of the top players in his age group from Czechia and as he continues to grow and mature, we project him to develop into a very significant contributor on our back end for multiple years."

Zizka continued to build his hockey campaign in the 2021-22 season, lacing up with Czechia U17 of the International-Jr league for 11 games, he notched four goals with team red and blue.

The Blades second import spot continues to be occupied by 2004-born Belarusian forward Egor Sidorov, who was selected 20th overall in the 2021 CHL Import Draft. Since coming to Blade City last season, Sidorov put up 23 goals and 12 assists in 58 games. The 5-foot-10 left-winger also tacked on 23 penalty minutes.

The Blades are pleased to welcome Tomas to the organization, and are excited to have the opportunity to introduce him to the community.

Previous import picks:

2021: F Egor Sidorov (Belarus), F Moritz Elias (Germany)

2020: F Brad Lambert (Finland)

2019: D Libor Zabransky (Czech Republic), D Radek Kucerik (Czech Republic)

2018: D Emil Malysjev (Sweden), F Kristian Roykas Marthinsen (Norway)

2017: No selections

2016: D Mark Rubinchik (Slovakia)

Western Hockey League Stories from July 1, 2022

• Silvertips Add Czech Forward, Swiss Goaltender in '22 CHL Import Draft - Everett Silvertips
• Winterhawks Select NHL Draft Prospect Jan Špunar During CHL Import Draft - Portland Winterhawks
• Silvertips Unveil New Branding for 20th Anniversary Season - Everett Silvertips
• Pats Select Forward Auer, Goaltender Hrabal in CHL Import Draft - Regina Pats
• Blades Select Czechia Defenceman in CHL Import Draft - Saskatoon Blades
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• Chiefs Make Roster Moves Ahead of 2022 CHL Import Draft - Spokane Chiefs

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