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Czech draft review
Written by: Robert Neuhauser on 06/30/2003 
Milan Michalek
Position: left wing/center
Team: HC Ceske Budejovice
Birthdate: December, 7th, 1984
Height: 6'2''
Weight: 205 lbs.
Shoots: L
Drafted: San Jose Sharks, 1st round, 6th overall
Milan Michalek is a smart forward who can play both center and left
wing. He boasts a powerful stride and is a very good skater.
Michalek is well-balanced and possesses solid speed and acceleration. A sturdy
forward, Michalek is able to use his size well against the opposing
players. His strength enables him to cover the puck well. Michalek works
hard on every shift and is a dilligent backchecker who helps out the
defense a lot. Michalek is blessed with superb puck skills and soft hands.
A creative forward, Michalek is an excellent playmaker who utilizes on
his strong vision. He has a quick and accurate wrist shot and a
powerful slap shot, which could be more accurate. Michalek still could shoot more often. For such a skilled player he should be more
productive.
Vojtech Polak
Position: right wing
Team: HC Energie Karlovy Vary
Birthdate: June, 27th, 1985
Height: 6'0''
Weight: 185 lbs.
Shoots: L
Drafted: Dallas Stars, 2nd round, 36th overall
Vojtech Polak is an talented forward with an excellent play in the
offensive zone. He has a nose for the net and thrives with the puck on his
stick. He is a very solid skater with a nice burst of speed and solid
balance. Polak is a smooth puckhandler who can make many elusive
moves to fool the defense and score. A superb stickhandler, Polak has both
his wrist and slap shot hard and accurate. He possesses solid passing
skills. Among his drawbacks is his intensity without the puck and
defensive awareness. Toughness is a thing to work on for him, Polak is more
of a finesse player and rough play can cause him some problems. He
doesn't dish out hard hits and prefers the open ice more than battling heavy
traffic.
Kamil Kreps
Position: center
Team: Brampton Battalion (OHL)
Birthdate: November, 18th, 1984
Height: 6'2''
Weight: 187 lbs.
Shoots: R
Drafted: Florida Panthers, 2nd round, 38th overall
Kamil Kreps is an excellent skater for a player of his size. He has a nice burst of speed and is capable of fast turns. Kreps is a skilled forward who handles his stick extremly well and is blessed with great puckhandling skills. He can play in traffic relatively well and his strong vision and hockey sense allow him to pass the puck through holes unseen by others. Kreps is also developing a nose for the net. He has an above-average slap shot, but it still could be improved a bit. Kreps could also use more aggresiveness, he isn't fully using his frame to his advantage. He is trying to be more aware defensively in order to be an all-round forward. Kreps still needs to bulk up more, but he is an effective player who does the little things well.
Petr Vrana
Position: center
Team: Halifax Mooseheads (QMJHL)
Birthdate: March, 29th, 1985
Height: 5'10''
Weight: 175 lbs.
Shoots: L
Drafted: New Jersey Devils, 2nd round, 42nd overall
Looking at Petr Vrana, you'll immediately notice his excellent skills. He has great wheels and lot of quickness. Vrana is a dynamic forward who has a natural gift for irritating opponents and generating scoring chances. He possesses superb stickhandling skills and is persistent around the goal area. Vrana is a smart pivot who is strong on the puck. He displays a commitment to the defensive side of his play. Even if he isn't blessed with a hulking frame, he doesn't fear from the rough going and is willing to stick his nose into traffic areas. He needs to bulk up and improve his aggresivness more. Petr isn't also a lethal shooter and even if he has a strong wrister, his slap shot could see some improvement.
Michal Barinka
Position: defenseman
Team: HC Ceske Budejovice
Birthdate: June, 12th, 1984
Height: 6'3''
Weight: 200 lbs.
Shoots: L
Drafted: Chicago Blackhawks, 2nd round, 59th overall
Michal Barinka posesses great size and he doesn't refuse to use it. He can throw hard hits and be a force along the boards. He is also a feared crease-clearer and isn't afraid of the rough stuff. He can use his good reach very well, but his positioning can still be upgraded, but it isn't bad. Barinka possesses a hard slap shot with decent accuracy. His solid vision and hockey sense allows him to make solid passes, which are accurate. His drawback is his average skating and agility, but Barinka is working on these things. With a more fluid stride he could skate more effortlessly and handle the game situations better. An agent's mistake made him ineligible in 2002, but still was picked in the second round in 2003.
Martin Lojek
Position: defenseman
Team: Brampton Battalion (OHL)
Birthdate: August, 19th, 1985
Height: 6'5''
Weight: 221 lbs.
Shoots: R
Drafted: Florida Panthers, 4th round, 105th overall
Martin Lojek possesses an impressive size which allows him to throw hard hits and sweep the crease effectively. His defensive zone coverage is average, but Lojek tries to keep his game simple and mistake-free. Better than making a risky play he dishes the puck off and makes the safe play. Lojek isn't at the top of his game when challenged by a forechecking opponent. He has very good reach but on the offensive side he doesn't join the rush very often. Martin is more of a stay-at-homer who has a booming shot. He can fire hard blasts from the point, but they still need to be more accurate. He has adequate vision and average passing skills. Lojek has also to further develop his skating and mobility, which isn't very good. Better skating would make him more effective.
Jan Hejda
Position: defenseman
Team: HC Slavia Praha
Birthdate: June, 17th, 1978
Hieght: 6'3''
Weight: 215 lbs.
Shoots: L
Drafted: Buffalo Sabres, 4th round, 106th overall
Jan Hejda is a reliable defenseman, who developed a decent offensive upside during last season. At 6'3'', 215 lbs. Hejda possesses a great size and he is willing to use it. He can throw good hits and is solid along the boards. Hejda is positionally quite sound but still can make some strides here. He uses his good reach very well. Hejda possesses a hard slap shot. Hejda is capable of solid passes with a good accuracy. His drawback is his average skating and agility, faster opponents can cause him little trouble. But overall Hejda is a nice mix of size, toughness, defensive awareness and solid skills.
Patrik Valcak
Position: center/right wing
Team: HC Sareza Ostrava Jr.
Birthdate: December, 16th, 1984
Height: 6'1''
Weight: 180 lbs.
Shoots: L
Drafted: Boston Bruins, 4th round, 129th overall
Patrik Valcak is a slick skater with deceptive quickness. He boasts an effortless stride and plays with lots of speed. Patrik is blessed with good vision and is a smart playmaker. He often finds passing lanes which are unseen by other players, but has also adequate finishing skills. His wrist shot could be more accurate, but Patrik has a nice release. His slap shot is solid, quite hard but a bit too telegraphed. Valcak has a strong attitude and is a very coachable player. He doesn't shy away from the rough going, throwing solid hits. Valcak needs to develop the defensive aspect of his game more, he isn't a total liability defensively, but it can't be counted to his strengths.
Matej Trojovsky
Position: defenseman
Team: Swift Current Broncos (WHL)
Birthdate: October, 12th, 1984
Height: 6'4.5''
Weight: 220 lbs.
Shoots: L
Drafted: Carolina Hurricanes, 4th round, 130th overall
Matej Trojovsky is a reliable stay-at-home defenseman who wants to have his defensive duties done first before thinking about offense. Thanks to his intriguing size 6'4.5'', 220 lbs. he emerges as an intimidating physical presence. Trojovsky likes to use his body, he is a hard hitter and plays with an edge. He doesn't shy away from fighting and is among the toughest Czech prospects. Trojovsky possesses a cannon of a shot, but his rockets from the point could be more accurate. A big man, Trojovsky still could use better skating skills and therefore more mobility, which would make him more effective. He is now trying to develop the offensive aspect of his game and reached some success, even if his passing skills and offensive play still have a long way to go before he can be called a defenseman with some offensive upside.
David Svagrovsky
Position: right wing
Team: Seattle Thunderbirds (WHL)
Birthdate: December, 21st, 1984
Height: 6'3''
Weight: 205 lbs.
Shoots: R
Drafted: Colorado Avalanche, 4th round, 131st overall
David Svagrovsky didn't have much trouble getting used to the WHL style of play and is coming off a solid rookie season. A solid skater for a player of his size, Svagrovsky plays with above-average speed and balance. Blessed with an impressive size, Svagrovsky possesses solid toughness and can dish out solid hits. David possesses very good finishing skills and boasts a good wrist shot and an adequate slap shot. Svagrovsky isn't afraid of performing in heavy traffic and plays with solid intensity and determination. He has good smarts, but could use better passing skills in his play. He has to further develop his commitment to defense.
Martin Tuma
Position: defenseman
Team: HC Litvinov Jr.
Birthdate: September, 14th, 1985
Height: 6'4''
Weight: 210 lbs.
Shoots: L
Drafted: Florida Panthers, 5th round, 162nd overall
Martin Tuma posesses a very solid size and is beginning to use it to his advantage. He isn't afraid of the rough stuff and is willing to make or take a hit. Tuma is tough along the boards, but can clear the crease with more intensity and toughness. On the defensive side he reads the plays adequately and has a solid positioning to avoid defensive zone gaffes. But he is still quite raw and can use better decision making with the puck. He is a so-so outlet passer, therefore he can still work on this skill. Martin has a very hard slap shot which is easily tippable and can be used as a pointman on the powerplay. Mobility and skating isn't a problem for him as he can rule the defensive zone with his smooth stride and acceleration.
Lukas Bolf
Position: defenseman
Team: HC Sparta Praha Jr.
Birthdate: February, 20th, 1985
Height: 6'1''
Weight: 191 lbs.
Shoots: L
Drafted: Pittsburgh Penguins, 6th round, 169th overall
A sturdy blueliner, Lukas Bolf is a solid skater with a smooth stride who brings a nice offensive flair to the table. He is capable of making smart outlet passes and he uses his long reach very effectively. Bolf quite often joins the rush and has solid shooting skills which are useful on powerplay units. He only needs to showcase them more frequently and fire the pucks more often. On the downside Bolf has to further improve his positioning and defensive zone coverage, which is still among his drawbacks. He tends to make mistakes under pressure and is still very raw. The problem here is his slow decision making. He could also show more of a nasty edge in his play. Didn't have an overly good season, but it didn't effect his draft position very much.
Miroslav Kopriva
Position: goaltender
Team: HC Vagnerplast Kladno Jr.
Birthdate: December, 5th, 1983
Height: 6'3''
Weight: 187 lbs.
Catches: L
Drafted: Minnesota Wild, 6th round, 187th overall
Primarily a stand-up goalie, Miroslav Kopriva covers a lot of net with his size. He boasts solid reflexes and moves well in the crease. A hardworking netminder, Kopriva possesses good athleticism and doesn't let a bad goal bother him thanks to his mental toughness. Kopriva stays focused and is getting rid of the penchant for occasionally allowing a soft goal. He is tough to beat on all initial shots and has a solid control of the rebounds. His stickhandling isn't among Kopriva's strongest assets but he is working in this skill.
Miroslav Hanuljak
Position: goaltender
Team: HC Litvinov Jr.
Birthdate: September, 12th, 1984
Height: 5'11''
Weight: 165 lbs.
Catches: L
Drafted: Nashville Predators, 7th round, 213th overall
The biggest surprise pick in this year's draft from the Czech point of view, Miroslav Hanuljak is a quick, confident goaltender who didn't get much exposure on the international stage. Hanuljak boasts impressive reflexes and quickness. He doesn't cover much of the net, but is a solid skater who moves well in the crease. Hanuljak possesses solid athleticism and he anticipates the plays quite well, even if he should still improve this asset. A mentally tough netminder, Hanuljak doesn't let a bad goal allow his play a lot. His stickhandling hasn't come all the way yet, but it is quite solid. Hanuljak could use a faster glove hand and handle heavy traffic in front of him better.
Petr Kadlec
Position: defenseman
Team: HC Slavia Praha
Birthdate: January, 5th, 1977
Hieght: 5'11''
Weight: 176 lbs.
Shoots: L
Drafted: Florida Panthers, 8th round, 234th overall
A smooth, composed defenseman, Petr Kadlec impresses with his two-way
game. He is a talented puckrusher with above-average skills, he is able
to find passing lanes which are unseen by the other players and is a
strong outlet passer. Kadlec plays a positionally sound game. He doesn't
fire rockets from the blue line, but his shots are accurate and quite
easy tipable. He is effective at bringing his shots through. Kadlec is
a solid skater who is very mobile, he could only use more balance in
his play. A mature player, Kadlec isn't guilty of many defensive lapses
and his defensive zone coverage is effective. On the downside, he doesn't
play the body very often and relies more on his finesse than toughness,
which won't translate into immediate NHL success.
Jan Marek
Position: right wing
Team: HC Ocelari Trinec
Birthdate: December, 31st, 1979
Height: 5'10''
Weight: 178 lbs.
Shoots: L
Drafted: New York Rangers, 8th round, 243th overall
Jan Marek is an excellent skater with a very fast acceleration and a fluid stride. He is capable of sharp turns and his speed is one of his biggest assets. Marek handles the puck well and has very smooth hands. He has a nose for the net and he doesn't hesitate to shoot the puck. He prefers shooting and has both his slap and wrist shot very good. Marek possesses very good vision and hockey sense. He thrives on powerplay units and is a feared scorer. From the things he has to work on there is defensive play first. As a finesse winger he also doesn't hit very hard and toughness is one thing he lacks. He can get knocked off the puck by using power but thanks to his outstanding smarts it doesn't happen very often. Marek isn't a traffic guy, he would have a stellar European career but needs to work on his drawbacks to upgrade his chances for a NHL career.
Josef Hrabal
Position: defenseman
Team: HC Vsetin
Birthdate: August, 17th, 1985
Height: 6'1''
Weight: 187 lbs.
Shoots: L
Drafted: Edmonton Oilers, 8th round, 248 overall
A smooth, composed defenseman, Josef Hrabal displays a smart two-way game. He is more of a finesse rearguard with a strong creativity, he only needs to keep his game simple and avoid unnecessary mistakes. Hrabel is positionally sound and has very good passing skills. He doesn't posess a cannon of a shot, but his shots are accurate. Hrabal has to mature more as he is sometimes guilty of some defensive mistakes and his defensive zone intensity neeeds some improving. He doesn't show much of a mean streak and relies more on his finesse than on toughness and mean streak. The key factor will be how far Josef is able to upgrade his skating. He skates only average and could use a better agility and balance in order to be a more complete player.
Zbynek Hrdel
Position: center
Team: Rimouski Oceanic (QMJHL)
Birthdate: August, 19th, 1985
Height: 6'2''
Weight: 195 lbs.
Shoots: R
Drafted: Tampa Bay Lightning, 9th round, 286th overall
Zbynek Hrdel emerges as a solid physical presence, willing to throw his body around and fight for the pucks. Blessed with a solid frame, Hrdel is an intense player who is involved in the games, playing them with determination. An adequate skater for a player of his size, Hrdel possesses a solid balance, but could stand to get quicker. One of his strongest assets is his good variety of shots, Hrdel shoots the puck hard and often. He could improve his awareness and work on his passing skills in order to become an all-round forward. A valued team player, Hrdel isn't a total defensive liability but should show a bigger commitment to the defensive duties.
Copyright 2003 Hockey’s Future. Do not reprint or otherwise duplicate without permission of the editorial staff.
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