The Victoria Royals used their 31st overall pick at the CHL Import Draft this morning to select 1994-born forward Jiri Fronk, from the Czech Republic.“…He’s a smart player, likes to go to the net, likes to play an offensive style of game - we think he could play as a top 6 forward in the WHL.” said Royals GM Cam Hope, who was also excited about the size and skill that the 6-4, 200 lb forward brings.
“He’s a big guy… described by some as a power forward, but with think he’s got more skill than that.”
Fronk also represented the Czech Republic in international competition.
“He’s excited about coming…” said Hope after being asked if Fronk was committed.
With the departure of graduating offensive veterans like Jamie Crooks and Alex Gogolev, the club was looking for a player to provide scoring, while addressing the teams physical game, as demanded by Head Coach Dave Lowry.
“He grew about 4 inches this year…the role that he played on the international stage prior was more of a skill role, and this year because of his size he adjusted his game a little, which I think will actually fit a bit better with us…” said Hope.
As a ’94 born player (19 yrs old), they may have to say farewell again after 1 or 2 years.
“It was a tough consideration, but he was too good to pass up.”
Victoria netminder Patrik Polivka was able to provide insight on Fronk, as the two previously played together in the Czech Republic.
“It’s also helpful that Polivka knows Jiri…We’re anxious to see him in August.”
-Marlon Martens
ROYALS SELECT JIRI FRONK IN CHL IMPORT DRAFT
Victoria takes Czech Republic forward 31st overall.
For Immediate Release
Wednesday, July 3, 2013
Victoria, BC –The Victoria Royals are proud to announce that they have selected 1994-born forward Jiri Fronk out of the Czech Republic in this morning’s 2013 Canadian Hockey League (CHL) Import Draft.
The Royals took the 6-4, 200 lb forward with the 31st overall pick in the annual draft which includes all three leagues (Ontario Hockey League, Quebec Major Junior Hockey League and Western Hockey League) in the CHL.
“We are excited that we were able to select Jiri this morning,” General Manager Cameron Hope said. “Jiri is a big body that is a good skater, competes and is highly skilled. We are very pleased that Jiri was still available to us and look forward to bringing him to Victoria in August.”
The Chomutov, Czech Republic native spent the 2012-13 season with the KLH Chomutov U20 team and posted 24 points (10g-14a) in 40 games played to go along with 18 minutes in penalties. Fronk also represented the Czech Republic in international competition eight times last year and picked up six goals in eight games for his country.
In 2011-12, Fronk primarily competed for KLH Chomutov’s U18 team and posted 36 points (19g-17a) through 40 games and added 26 penalty minutes. During that season the forward appeared for KLH Chomutov’s U20 team five times and notched one goal and two assists. At the U18 level, Fronk played for the Czech Republic in international competition six times and recorded one goal in those contests.
The 2010-11 season saw Fronk rack up 24 points (15g-9a) and 65 penalty minutes for the KLH Chomutov U18 team. Fronk represented his home country at the U17 level six times in 2010-11 and picked up two goals.
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