Rockets select Novak and Gutik at 2019 CHL Import Draft

Published on June 27, 2019 under Western Hockey League (WHL)
Kelowna Rockets News Release

The Kelowna Rockets made two picks Thursday morning during the 2019 CHL Import Draft. The Rockets selected Czech forward Pavel Novak 13th overall in the first round and Russian forward Daniil Gutik 73rd overall in the second round.

Kelowna was allowed to make two selections as Finnish defenceman Lassi Thomson became protected after being drafted during the first round of the 2019 NHL Draft last weekend, the Ottawa Senators selected him 19th overall. Rockets General Manager Bruce Hamilton says that the team made two picks just in case Lassi does not return.

"We're just protecting ourselves with Lassi," said Hamilton. "Both these players we picked today we think are talented players, both had good numbers."

Born in Tabor, Czech Republic, Novak is listed at 5'10, 167lbs. Last season (2018-2019) while playing with Motor Ceske Budejovice U19, the 2002 born forward played in 31 games, recording 29 goals and 16 assists for 45 points. He also added 16 penalty minutes. He also dressed for 20 games with Budejovice in the Czech2 league, collecting three assists.

Novak competed in the World Under-17 Hockey Challenge for the Czech Republic where he recorded a goal and an assist in five games. He also took part in 16 International Jr. U17 games picking up 15 points (8G, 7A) and 12 International Jr. U18 games collecting six points (4G, 2A).

Gutik, a product of Khabarovsk, Russia is listed at 6'3, 179lbs. Last season (2018-2019) the 2001 born forward suited up for 36 games with Loko Yaroslavl of the MHL. He recorded five goals and eight assists for 13 points and added 12 penalty minutes.

He helped Russia claim Bronze at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup last August in Edmonton, Alta. He recorded four assists in five games played. Gutik also won a silver medal with Russia at the World Junior A Challenge in Bonnyville, Alta. where he had four points (1G, 3A) in six games.

Western Hockey League Stories from June 27, 2019

• Silvertips Select Center Michal Gut of the Czech Republic in the 2019 CHL Import Draft at 57th Overall - Everett Silvertips
• Americans Take Two in CHL Import Draft - Tri-City Americans
• Rebels Select Puck-Moving Finnish Defenceman in CHL Import Draft - Red Deer Rebels
• Pats Ink Goaltender Matthew Kieper - Regina Pats
• Season Tickets on Sale Now - Medicine Hat Tigers
• WHL Clubs Select 30 Players from Eight Nations in 2019 CHL Import Draft - WHL
• Jarvis Invited to Hockey Canada Selection Camp - Portland Winterhawks
• Winterhawks Pick up Two at Import Draft - Portland Winterhawks
• Blazers Sign Dylan Ernst and Tye Spencer - Kamloops Blazers
• Hitmen Select Two Players in 2019 CHL Import Draft - Calgary Hitmen
• Blades Make Two Selections in 2019 Import Draft - Saskatoon Blades
• Rockets select Novak and Gutik at 2019 CHL Import Draft - Kelowna Rockets
• T-Birds Select Right Wing Tim Stutzle in CHL Import Draft - Seattle Thunderbirds
• Wheat Kings Select Two at 2019 CHL Import Draft - Brandon Wheat Kings
• Hurricanes Select Okuliar in CHL Import Draft - Lethbridge Hurricanes
• Spokane Takes Russian Defenseman Startsev with 103rd Overall Import Pick - Spokane Chiefs
• Winnipeg ICE Select Michal Teply, Nino Kinder Fourth and 64th Overall Respectively in 2019 CHL Import Draft - Winnipeg Ice
• Giants Select 2002-Born Defenceman Samuel Knazko in CHL Import Draft - Vancouver Giants
• Oil Kings Select Seppala in 2019 CHL Import Draft - Edmonton Oil Kings
• Cougars Select Czech Forward in CHL Import Draft - Prince George Cougars
• Raiders Select Kechkin in CHL Import Draft - Prince Albert Raiders
• Tigers Select Brinkman Andersen in CHL Import Draft - Medicine Hat Tigers
• Chiefs Pick Los Angeles Kings Prospect Lukas Parik in Import Draft - Spokane Chiefs
• Swift Current Broncos Select Finnish Defenceman Kasper Puutio with 1st Pick in CHL Draft - Swift Current Broncos
• Dave Chyzowski to Join Delta Hockey Academy - Kamloops Blazers
• Blazers Select Defenseman Inaki Baragano in the CHL Import Draft - Kamloops Blazers
• Royals Select Keanu Derungs in CHL Import Draft - Victoria Royals
• Pats Take Daniil Gushchin Seventh Overall in 2019 CHL Import Draft - Regina Pats
• We Have an Early Bird Grand Prize Winner - Brandon Wheat Kings

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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