Cougars blueliner Kmec scores entry-level deal with Vegas Golden Knights
Prince George, B.C.- Prince George Cougars defenceman Viliam Kmec has inked a three-year, entry-level contract with the Vegas Golden Knights, General Manager Kelly McCrimmon announced Monday.
The Slovakian blueliner scored the deal after attending the Golden Knights’ 2024 Development Camp and Fall Training Camp as an undrafted free agent.
He impressed team brass after tallying a goal and two assists in three contests at the 2024 NHL Rookie Faceoff in Los Angeles, helping Vegas to a sparkling 3-0-0 record at the tournament.
Kmec is riding the high of a monster 2023-24 season with the B.C. Division-winning Cougars.
The 6-foot-3, 209-pound defenceman finished second among Cougars blueliners with 34 points (nine goals, 25 assists) and third among all Prince George skaters with a +39 rating in 58 games.
His campaign was highlighted by a hat trick against the Tri-City Americans in the season-opening match.
Kmec also tacked on three goals and six assists for nine points and a +5 rating in 15 postseason matches as the Cougars reached Game 6 of the WHL’s Western Conference Championship.
The Kosice, Slovakia product represented his homeland at the 2024 IIHF World Junior Championship, where he recorded four assists in five outings.
Kmec is expected to return to Prince George this week for his final season of major junior eligibility.