WHL Edmonton Oil Kings

Oil Kings Select Oilers Draft Pick Martin Gernat

June 29, 2011 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Edmonton Oil Kings News Release


Edmonton, AB - The Edmonton Oil Kings selected defenceman and 2011 Edmonton Oilers draft pick Martin Gernat today during the Canadian Hockey League Import Draft.

The Oil Kings selected Gernat 18th overall in Wednesday's CHL Import Draft, which included teams from the Western Hockey League, Ontario Hockey League and Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. Each CHL team is eligible to carry two import players on their roster.

The 18-year-old blue-liner from Slovakia was the Oilers' 122nd overall selection at the 2011 NHL Draft. Gernat is a towering presence on the back end at 6-foot-5 and 187 pounds. He recorded three goals and 15 assists for 18 points in 28 games during the 2010-11 season with Kosice Junior in Slovakia.

Gernat has competed for Slovakia on the international stage on two occasions already. He represented his country at the 2010 Ivan Hlinka Memorial under-18 tournament, as well as the 2011 World Under-18 Championship.

"We're really excited to add Martin to our organization," Oil Kings General Manager Bob Green said following the team's lone Import Draft selection. "He has great size and an offensive upside. He will add depth to our blue line. And it's always nice to have another Oilers prospect in our lineup."

Both Oil Kings import players are now Oilers draft picks, as forward Kristians Pelss - who scored 14 goals and 19 assists during his rookie WHL season in 2010-11 - was picked by Edmonton 181st overall at the 2010 NHL Draft and 19th overall at the 2010 Import Draft.

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Western Hockey League Stories from June 29, 2011


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