Otters Select Two in CHL Import Draft

Published on June 30, 2021 under Ontario Hockey League (OHL)
Erie Otters News Release

Erie, Pennsylvania - The Erie Otters Hockey Club selected two players in today's annual CHL Import Priority Draft. The event featured all three Canadian Hockey League member leagues, the Ontario Hockey League, Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, and Western Hockey League, selecting players from across the globe.

The Otters selected Jiri Tichacek with their 1st round selection, 33rd overall, from Rytiri Kladno in the Czech Republic. The 5-foot, 9-inch, 170-pound defenseman is from Kladno, Czech Republic. During the 20-21 season with the Rytiri Kladno, Tichacek appeared in 17 games and netted two assists. He also dressed for two games with the U20 team and scored two goals and two assists. Tichacek was also a member of the 2021 Czech Republic at the IIHF U-18 Championship in Frisco, Texas in April and May 2021. Tichacek is eligible for the 2021 NHL Entry Draft next month.

"Jiri is a mobile defenseman who likes to jump into the rush. He played 17 games at the professional level in the Czech Republic last season and has international experience," said Assistant General Manager Scott Grieve. "He plays a quick transition game and will get the puck up quickly to our forwards. He has good stick and good body positioning in the defensive zone. We are excited to welcome Jiri to the organization."

The Otters selected forward Juraj Slafkovsky with their 2nd round selection, 90th overall from TPS Turku U20. The 6-foot, 3-inch 216-pound forward from Kosice, Slovakia. In 16 games this past season with TPS, Juraj netted eight goals and five assists in 16 games. He was also a member of Slovakia's World Junior and Men's Championship teams this past season. He is eligible for the 2022 NHL Entry Draft.

"Jurak has an elite combination of size and skill. As a 2004 born player, Juraj played in both the U20 World Junior Championship as well as the Men's World Championship. We feel that Juraj would continue his development and be highly successful at our level. We understand that Juraj has professional opportunities for this upcoming season but want to ensure he knows that he has opportunities in the CHL, and we would welcome him to Erie in the future," said Assistant General Manager Scott Grieve.

Ontario Hockey League Stories from June 30, 2021

• OHL Clubs Select 27 Players in 2021 CHL Import Draft - OHL
• Frontenacs Complete 2021 CHL Import Draft - Kingston Frontenacs
• 85 Players Selected in 2021 CHL Import Draft - OHL
• Wolves Select Two Players in the CHL Import Draft - Sudbury Wolves
• Greg Walters Named Attack Head Coach - Owen Sound Attack
• Storm Selects a Forward and Defenseman in the 2021 CHL Import Draft - Guelph Storm
• Sting Add Two Prospects Through 2021 CHL Import Draft - Sarnia Sting
• Firebirds Select Czech Forward Simon Slavichek #42 Overall in the CHL Import Draft - Flint Firebirds
• Battalion Looks to Lukin - North Bay Battalion
• Julian Lutz Selected by Hounds in CHL Import Draft - Soo Greyhounds
• Otters Select Two in CHL Import Draft - Erie Otters
• Attack at the Draft - CHL Import Draft Recap - Owen Sound Attack
• Petes Select Adrian Klein at the 2021 CHL Import Draft - Peterborough Petes
• Storm Select Leo Hafenrichter 69th Overall in CHL Import Draft - Guelph Storm
• 67's Draft Forward Vinzenz Rohrer at 2021 CHL Import Draft - Ottawa 67's
• Spirit Select Matyas Sapovaliv in 2021 CHL Import Draft - Saginaw Spirit
• Storm Select Valentin Zhugin 54th Overall in CHL Import Draft - Guelph Storm
• Hounds Select Kirill Kudryavtsev in CHL Import Draft - Soo Greyhounds
• 2021 CHL Import Draft Preview - Sarnia Sting

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.

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