Rockets Announce First Round Pick in 2007 CHL Import Draft
Published on June 27, 2007 under Western Hockey League (WHL)
Kelowna Rockets News Release
Kelowna, BC: With the seventh overall selection in the 2007 CHL Import Draft, the Kelowna Rockets have chosen forward MILAN KYTNAR of Slovakia.
Kytnar, 6'0" 183, is a native of Topolcany, Slovakia and was picked by the Edmonton Oilers in the 5th round, 127th overall, in this past weekend's NHL Draft. A centerman, Kytnar is described by NHL Central Scouting as "... a hardworking, 2-way player with good hands that are particularly quick in the face-off circle."
This past season, Kytnar scored 91 points in 53 games in the Slovakian Junior League while posting an eye-popping +78 rating. Later in the season he also played 26 games in the Slovakian Senior League (second division) where he scored 5 goals and 13 points.
As well, he was the Captain of Team Slovakia at the recently completed World Under-18 Championships held in Finland. He was also the tournament's second leading scorer. It was in Finland where Rockets' President and General Manager, Bruce Hamilton, saw Kytnar perform.
"Certainly, in my mind, he was the best player on the Slovakian team," said Hamilton. "He reminds me a bit of Tyler Spurgeon with his style only he's probably a better skater than Tyler. He works the puck down low in the offensive end very effectively and he loves to take the puck to the net and make plays."
"When the Oilers took him in the NHL Draft, I was afraid that might tip off some other teams and we wouldn't get him," continued Hamilton. "We were watching anxiously and hoping he'd slide to us and he did."
"Today's a good day for our organization. We got the guy we targeted. And, I've seen him play so he's not an unknown commodity."
The Rockets next selection in the Import Draft (43rd overall) will take place at 1:30 PDT this afternoon.
Western Hockey League Stories from June 27, 2007
- Hitmen Select Two Players in CHL Import Draft - Calgary Hitmen
- Silvertips Select Karamnov in CHL Import Draft - Everett Silvertips
- Americans Trade Valach in Annual CHL Import Draft - Tri-City Americans
- Giants Acquire Import Defenseman - Vancouver Giants
- Wheat Kings Opt For Russian - Brandon Wheat Kings
- Chiefs Select Austrian Defenseman - Spokane Chiefs
- T-Birds Select Finnish Goalie In Import Draft - Seattle Thunderbirds
- Hansch Steps Down As Director Of Player Personnel - Kamloops Blazers
- Red Deer Rebels Make Import Pick - Red Deer Rebels
- Cougars Select Magnusson 28th Overall - Prince George Cougars
- Bruins select David Hoda in Import Draft - Chilliwack Bruins
- Bruins select David Hoda in CHL Import Draft - Chilliwack Bruins
- Edmonton Oil Kings Select Tomas Vincour In CHL Import Draft - Edmonton Oil Kings
- Rockets Announce First Round Pick in 2007 CHL Import Draft - Kelowna Rockets
- IMPORT DRAFT BEGINS - Brandon Wheat Kings
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