Giants Select 2002-Born Defenceman Samuel Knazko in CHL Import Draft

Published on June 27, 2019 under Western Hockey League (WHL)
Vancouver Giants News Release

Vancouver, B.C. - With the 59th overall pick in the 2019 CHL Import Draft, the Vancouver Giants selected 2002-born Slovakian defenceman Samuel Knazko.

Knazko, a left-handed shot checks in at 6'0" and 170-pounds. Last season at age 16, he played with TPS Turku U-20 in Finland and scored two goals and added 15 assists for 17 points in 49 games played. He served as an alternate captain for Slovakia at the World Under-18's and also suited up for Slovakia in 16 additional international games, scoring three goals and four assists for seven points along with 10 penalty minutes. During the 2017-18 season, Knazko represented Slovakia at the World Under-18's as an under-ager. He is eligible for the 2020 NHL Draft.

"According to our sources, Samuel was one of the best defencemen available in this draft. His international resume is impressive to say the least," said Giants GM Barclay Parneta after making the selection this morning.

Notable Slovaks to suit up for the Giants include: Andrej Meszaros, Mario Bliznak, Andrej Kudrna, Radovan Bondra and most recently Milos Roman.

The Giants will not be making a second selection during today's CHL Import Draft.

Western Hockey League Stories from June 27, 2019

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• T-Birds Select Right Wing Tim Stutzle in CHL Import Draft - Seattle Thunderbirds
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• Spokane Takes Russian Defenseman Startsev with 103rd Overall Import Pick - Spokane Chiefs
• Winnipeg ICE Select Michal Teply, Nino Kinder Fourth and 64th Overall Respectively in 2019 CHL Import Draft - Winnipeg Ice
• Giants Select 2002-Born Defenceman Samuel Knazko in CHL Import Draft - Vancouver Giants
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• Dave Chyzowski to Join Delta Hockey Academy - Kamloops Blazers
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• Pats Take Daniil Gushchin Seventh Overall in 2019 CHL Import Draft - Regina Pats
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