Americans Take Two in 2011 CHL Import Draft
KENNEWICK, WA – Tri-City Americans Governor/General Manager Bob Tory announced today that the club has selected 17-year-old defensemen Michal Plutnar and 17-year-old forward Malte Stromwall in today’s Canadian Hockey League Import Draft.
With their first pick (48th overall) of the 2011 Draft, the Americans looked for depth on the club’s blueline by selecting Plutnar, a 6’2 175 lb. defenseman from Chotebor, Czech Republic. The 17-year-old split the 2010-11 season with the HC Liberec U18 and U20 clubs, playing in a total of 50 games while collecting four goals, 22 points and 28 penalty minutes. Additionally, he played in all five games for the Czech Republic at the World U-17 Hockey Challenge, amassing 17 penalty minutes.
“I watched Michal play at the U17 Tournament in Winnipeg. He is a very elite player among his age group and projects to be a very good NHL prospect,” explained Tory. “We have spoken with Michal’s agency, Newport Sports, and have been advised that he will join our program this coming season. We look forward to Michal joining our team.”
In the second round, Tory traded future considerations to the Swift Current Broncos in order to move up to the #66 spot, where he selected Stromwall, a native of Luleå, Sweden. The 5’11 175 lb. left winger also split time between two clubs, the Linköping J18 of both the J18 Elit and J18 Allsvenskan Leagues, where he appeared in a combined 39 games and amassed 17 goals, 30 points and 28 penalty minutes. Stromwall also played on Sweden’s International U17 team, playing in three games and picking up one assist and two penalty minutes. In August, Stromwall will be joining Team Sweden at the Ivan Hlinka Tournament, taking place in the Czech Republic.
Tory continued by saying that “Malte’s agency, Titan Sports, also have advised us that he will join our program this season and we expect him to step right into our line-up and contribute immediately.”
Tri-City Americans season ticket plans are now available for the 2011-12 season. Season ticket plans can be purchased using several, convenient monthly payment schedules after a one-time service charge. Call 509.736.0606, visit AmsHockey.com or drop by the Americans offices’ at the bottom level of the Toyota Center for more information.
