The Portland Winter Hawks today selected 18 year-old forward Radim Valchar from the Czech Republic with the fourth overall selection in the first round of today's Canadian Hockey League Import Draft.
Valchar, 6-0, 180, had 19 goals and 23 assists equaling 42 points in 41 games playing junior hockey, leading his H.C. Vitkovice team in scoring in the Czech Republic last season. He added five goals and three assists in six playoff games. He played in the World Under-18 Championships for the Czech Republic, posting three goals in six games, leading his team in goals in the tournament. Valchar was rated as the # 70 European skater eligible for last weekend's NHL draft in Central Scouting Service's final draft rankings, but was not chosen in the draft.
"From the scouting reports, we felt Radim was our best chance at getting a player that could impact our team this coming season," said Winter Hawks' GM Ken Hodge. "His agent has indicated he is very interested in coming to North America to play. Since he is an 18 year-old, there is the opportunity for him to grow with us and impact us in 2008-09 as well."
The Winter Hawks also hold the 64th pick in the second round of today's draft, but have decided not to use that choice as they have now secured a commitment from Swedish forward Viktor Sjodin to return to the Hawks for the 2007-08 season. Sjodin, who will be a 19 year-old next season, had 13 goals and 12 assists with 79 penalty minutes in 68 games for Portland last year. He showed some character throughout the season with his willingness to play physical and battle through some nagging injuries. Sjodin was a seventh round draft pick of the Nashville Predators in 2006.
The Hawks will attempt to trade their later pick to another WHL team
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