Svozil named Czech Extraliga Rookie of the year

Stanislav Svozil of HC Kometa Brno has been named Rookie of the Year in Czech Extraliga, the league announced Thursday.

Svozil, a top prospect for the 2021 NHL Draft, had five points (two goals, three assists) in 41 games. The 6-foot, 172-pound defenseman also had a minus-1 rating with eight penalty minutes.

He also helped the Czech Republic to bronze at the World Under-17 Challenge, and represented his country at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup.

“He’s an offensive puck moving defenseman with high hockey IQ, vision and playmaking abilities,” European-based FC Hockey scout Jakub Mezlik said. “Further, he’s a solid skater who reads the game well with good decision-making. He turned 17 in January but he is mature, intelligent, and he makes plays even in the Extraliga. At the international level, he is usually one of the best players on the ice, you always see him.

“For me he is a player with top-15 potential in the 2021 draft class.”