Giants select netminder with second import pick
Published on June 30, 2004 under Western Hockey League (WHL)
Vancouver Giants News Release
With their 2nd pick in the 2004 Canadian Hockey League Import Draft, the Vancouver Giants selected goaltender MAREK SCHWARZ from the Czech Repubic. Schwarz was selected 40th overall in today's draft.
The 6'0", 180 lbs. netminder was a 1st Round pick of the St. Louis Blues (17th overall) in last weekend's National Hockey League Entry Draft in Raleigh, North Carolina. He was the highest rated European goaltender by the NHL's Central Scouting Service heading into the draft.
At the age of 17, Schwarz was the starting goaltender for the Czech Republic National Team at the World Junior Championships last December & January in Finland. His performance helped the Czechs finish 4th in the tournament. He also won a bronze medal for his country at the World Under 18 Championships last April in Belarus. In 7 games at that tournament, Schwarz had 3 wins, 1 loss, and 3 ties. He posted a 1.29 goals against average, a 93.9 save percentage, and recorded 1 shut out.
"We're really happy to obtain a top NHL goaltending prospect like Marek," says Giants General Manager Scott Bonner. "He was brilliant for his country this past season and definitely has a solid future ahead of him."
Schwarz is a native of Mlada Boleslav, Czech Republic and turned 18 on April 1. Last season, he played for Sparta Prague of the Czech Junior League. In 23 games, he posted a 3.20 goals against average and a 91.7 save percentage.
Earlier today, the Giants selected defenceman ANDREJ MESZAROS from Slovakia. He with the 16th pick in the Import Draft. Meszaros was recently selected in the 1st Round of the NHL Draft by the Ottawa Senators.
Western Hockey League Stories from June 30, 2004
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- Silvertips select Hromas in first round of CHL import draft - Everett Silvertips
- Former Hitmen Captain Patrick Wellar Signs Contract with St. Loui s Blues - Calgary Hitmen
- Giants select netminder with second import pick - Vancouver Giants
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- Ams Pick in Import Draft - Tri-City Americans
- Ice Select Defenseman in CHL Import Draft - Kootenay Ice
- Five Blazers selected through seven rounds - Kamloops Blazers
- Blades begin CHL draft - Saskatoon Blades
- Wheaties draft two imports - Brandon Wheat Kings
- Hitmen Select Roman Tomanek fourth overall in CHL Import Draft - Calgary Hitmen
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