Sports stats

WHL Vancouver Giants

Honzek Signs Entry-Level Contract with Flames

July 26, 2023 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Vancouver Giants News Release


Vancouver Giants forward Samuel Honzek
Vancouver Giants forward Samuel Honzek
(Vancouver Giants)

Calgary, Alta. - The Vancouver Giants are pleased to announce that 2004-born forward Samuel Honzek (Trencin, SVK) has signed a three-year entry level contract with the Calgary Flames.

The Flames made the news official earlier today. Honzek was drafted 16th overall by Calgary last month.

This past season, his first in North America, the 6-foot-4, 195 lb. winger finished second on the Giants in scoring with 56 points (23G-33A), despite playing in only 43 regular season games. Fabian Lysell (62 points) and Gilbert Brule (60 points) are the only other Giants to have a more productive rookie season. Honzek added four points (1G-3A) in four playoff games.

Originally selected by the Giants 10th overall in the 2022 CHL Import Draft, Honzek was the B.C. Division's Rookie of the Year nominee this season, making him a finalist for the WHL's Jim Piggott Memorial Trophy. His 23 goals tied for the second-most among all WHL rookies and his 56 points ranked third among first-year players, while his plus-17 rating led the Giants and ranked fifth among WHL rookies.

Honzek also played for Slovakia at the 2023 World Junior Championship, suiting up in two games before a freak accident ended his tournament prematurely. It was the second time representing his country at the World Juniors. The left-shot forward has also played for Slovakia at the U-18 World Championships and the Hlinka-Gretzky Cup.

"We were happy to have selected Samuel in this year's draft and as equally pleased today to have him signed to his entry level agreement," Flames General Manager Craig Conroy said in the team's press release. "We entered the draft looking to add skill with size to our group and Samuel is a textbook example. He had an impressive showing at development camp, and we are excited to watch him build on that at main camp in September."

The annual average salary for Honzek's contract is $950,000.

Check out the Vancouver Giants Statistics




Images from this story

Vancouver Giants forward Samuel Honzek
Vancouver Giants forward Samuel Honzek
   



Western Hockey League Stories from July 26, 2023


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

Other Recent Vancouver Giants Stories



Sports Statistics from the Stats Crew
OurSports Central