Red Wings Prospect Filip Hronek Commits to Spirit

SAGINAW, Mich. – Saginaw Spirit General Manager Dave Drinkill announced today the commitment of 2016 Import selection Filip Hronek to the hockey club for the 2016-17 season.

“We are pleased that Filip has committed to the Saginaw Spirit for the 2016-2017 season. He is an extremely talented offensive defenseman that will be a critical core piece of our team for this season. Filip has the ability and skill set to be an elite player in the OHL, and we are going to do whatever we can to make sure that he maximizes his potential while spending the season in Saginaw. I know that his end goal like most players is to play in the NHL, and after being drafted by the Detroit Red Wings, it is the perfect scenario for everyone involved. The fans of Saginaw are really going to enjoy coming to see Hronek play and should be very excited about this commitment. I want to welcome Filip to the Saginaw Spirit family and look forward to a great year ahead.”

BREAKING: Saginaw Spirit are pleased to announce the signing of @DetroitRedWings Prospect Filip Hronek #SpiritFamily pic.twitter.com/pfbpcuzpvI

— Saginaw Spirit (@SpiritHockey) August 26, 2016

Hronek, 18, was selected by the Detroit Red Wings in the second round, 53^rd overall, in the 2016 NHL Draft. Shortly after, the CHL rights of the Czech born Hronek were obtained by the Spirit when they selected him 14^th overall in the Import Draft. On July 14, the Red Wings signed Hronek to a three-year entry-level contract.

“As an organization, we are very pleased to have Filip Hronek just up the road from Detroit.” said Red Wings Senior Vice President and Alternate Governor Jim Devellano. “I know (General Manager) Ken Holland is thrilled and (Director of Player Development) Jiri Fischer is thrilled to have him close to Detroit where we can get to see him. Our scouts in Europe tell me (Hronek) is a top of the line defenseman that will help solidify the (Saginaw Spirit’s) back end.”

The 6’0, 163 pound defenseman spent this past season with HC Hradec Kralove and HC Litomerice in the Czech Republic Men’s League, and competed in the 2016 World Junior Championships in Helsinki, Finland.

Hronek will join the rest of his teammates in Saginaw on Monday, August 29 for training camp at The Dow Event Center. For the full training camp schedule, click here.

For more information, please visit saginawspirit.com.