Ondrej Kopta Drafted by OHL's Niagara Ice Dogs
June 27, 2012 - North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Texas Tornado News Release
Texas Tornado forward Ondrej Kopta, a native of the Czech Republic, has been selected by the Niagara IceDogs in the first round of the Canadian Hockey League's 2012 Import Draft.
"We're very pleased for Ondrej. We knew his goal for the season was to move on to major juniors, and as one of the only '95s in the league who played regularly, he was able to achieve that."
The two-round draft consists of all teams from the three CHL leagues, the Ontario Hockey League, Western Hockey League, and Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. Like the NAHL, the CHL permits its teams to carry two European imports on its roster. Kopta was selected by the IceDogs with the 55th overall pick.
"Though it's never easy to lose players to other leagues, it goes with our organization's philosophy of developing players to play at the next level of hockey," Curtale said. "We've had 15 former players drafted or signed to NHL contracts, and if he continues to work hard and progress, we're confident Ondrej can join that list."
Kopta played in 41 games with the Tornado in 2011-2012, scoring 7 goals and 1 assist while collecting 40 PIM. Two of his goals came within 21 seconds of each other, in the first period of a January 27th win over the Fresno Monsters.
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North American Hockey League Stories from June 27, 2012
- Tony Curtale to Continue as GM and Head Coach - Texas Tornado
- New Ownership Group Approved for Coulee Region Chill - NAHL
- Ondrej Kopta Drafted by OHL's Niagara Ice Dogs - Texas Tornado
- Janesville Jets Looking for Billet Housing Hosts - Janesville Jets
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