CBJ could land one of these defenseman
The 2023 CHL import draft was held today, and a couple of familiar names were chosen
Adam Jiricek, brother of CBJ prospect David Jiricek, was chosen in Round 1, as the 19th selection by the Brantford Bulldogs. The 17-year-old is 6-foot-1, 152 pounds. The young defenseman is generally ranked close to 15th in most 2024 draft rankings, with many having him being one of the first defensemen to be drafted. Last season Jiricek played for HC Plzen U20. He played in 41 games scoring 12 goals and 29 points. Playing for HC Plzen in Tipsport Extraliga, he played in 12 games and had two assists. Tipsport Extraliga is the highest-level hockey league in Czechia.
David Svozil, brother of Blue Jackets Stanislav Svozil was also drafted today. Picked #73 to the Oshawa Generals, Svozil plays defense and is left-handed. He stands at 6-foot-1 and 168 pounds. He’s nearly identical in height and weight to his brother and is 17 years old. He played last season in Finland for both the Ilves U18 and U20 teams. In 46 games, he scored 7 goals and had 17 points. He also played for the Czechia U17 team. In all international games, he totaled 10 points. As of now, Svozil isn’t highly ranked internationally and isn’t on many 2024 draft boards, but he’s young and developing. Coming to North America is the next step, and just like his brother, could find himself in the NHL in a few years.