Chiefs Import Prospect David Jiricek Named Czech Extraliga Rookie of the Year
April 26, 2021 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Spokane Chiefs News Release
Spokane Chiefs prospect David Jiricek has been named the Czech Extraliga's 2020-21 Rookie of the Year, as announced on Monday.
Jiricek (2003) scored three goals and added six assists in 34 games with HC Plzen in the Extraliga, the Czech Republic's top men's league, despite just turning 17 years old in November. The dynamic defenseman earned Team MVP honors with the Czechs earlier this season at the 2021 IIHF World Junior Championship, also earning roster spots on the Czech Republic's Karjala Cup and U18 World Championship teams.
He earned 17 of 27 first-place votes, edging HC Plzen teammate Filip Prikryl (2001) and former WHL defenseman Libor Zabransky (2000). Recent Extraliga Rookie of the Year honorees include Martin Necas (Carolina Hurricanes) and Tomas Hertl (San Jose Sharks).
Selected by the Chiefs with the 54th pick of the CHL Import Draft last summer, Jiricek is considered a top prospect for the 2022 NHL Entry Draft.
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