Rebels sign CHL Import Draft first-round pick Formanek

Better late than never.

The Rebels have signed Czech forward Frantisek Formanek, 

their lone pick in the 2021 CHL Import Draft.

The Rebels selected the 17-year-old 14th overall in June but the five-foot-nine, 190-pound right winger spent the first  few months of the current season in his home country.

Formanek, a native of Chrudim, Czechia, was a point-per-game player with HC Pardubice of the Czech Under-20 League this season, registering 23 points — including eight goals — in 23 games. He also racked up 34 minutes in penalties and was a plus-7 in the plus/minus department.

In addition, he played two games at the pro level — one with HC Dynamo in the top Czech league and the other in the second tier pro loop, recording one assist in the latter.

Formanek also has extensive international experience. This season he appeared in 14 games with his country’s U18 team, scoring twice and adding one assist.

Formanek is expected to arrive in Red Deer Thursday and will join the Rebels once they return home from their current road trip.

The Rebels’ next home game is Jan. 7 versus the Edmonton Oil Kings.