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Kelowna Rockets shore up defence in CHL import draft

Rockets nab Czech d-man

The Kelowna Rockets have dipped into the Czech Republic for a defenceman in Tuesday's CHL import draft.

The Rockets, selecting 24th among the teams spanning the three major junior leagues in the country, took a flier on a big defenceman who has missed time the past two seasons due to injury.

Kelowna selected 6'3", 203 pound rearguard Michael Krutil.

Injuries limited the 18-year-old to just 70 games over the past two seasons.

This past season, he appeared in eight games with HC Stadion Litomerice (Czech2), recording an assist and two penalty minutes. He also played one game for HC Sparta Praha (Czech).

Despite limited action, Krutil is ranked 27th among European skaters per NHL Central Scouting for the upcoming 2020 NHL draft.

Krutil will join countryman Pavel Novak on the Kelowna roster.

Each team in the CHL is limited to just two European imports at any time.

The Rockets were able to make a selection during Tuesday's draft after releasing 19-year-old forward Jonas Peterek last week.



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