Hounds Select Two Players in CHL Import Draft
The Soo Greyhounds selected two players in the first round of Thursday's Canadian Hockey League Import draft involving teams in every league. The Hounds used the 18th overall pick to select MARTIN TUMA (TOO-MAH) (pictured). The 18-year old Tuma, a native of the Czech Republic was a fifth round pick of the Florida Panthers in last week's National Hockey League draft. Tuma is described as a strong defenceman with good skill. He had 3 assists and 36 penalty minutes in 22 games with Litvinov of the Czech junior league last season. The Greyhounds moved up to select in the 18th position of the draft by making a trade with Kitchener. The transaction involved an exchange of positions in the 2004 Import Draft and the Rangers also received a conditional draft pick.
The Greyhounds used the 56th overall pick to draft goaltender JAKUB CECH (Jacob Check) who played for the Havirov Juniors in the Czech Republic last season. The 18-year old Cech also participated in the World Under-18 tournament held in Russia in April. He had a 2.64 goals against average and a .934 save percentage in 29 games this season. He was eligible for the 2003 NHL draft but was not selected.
MARTIN TUMA (too-mah) Born: Sept. 14/85 Czech Republic
Pos. Defence Shoots: Left 6.04 209 lbs.
NHL Status: Florida Panthers, 5th round 2003
JAKUB CECH (jacob check) Born: Aug. 13/94 Czech Republic
Pos: Goal Catches: Left 6.01 175 lbs
NHL Status: Undrafted
Teams are allowed to have a maximum of two imports on their roster.
