Matteo Koči (L) and Vojtech Vochvest (R) playing for Czechia at U-18 World Junior Championships/via Jon Keen
The Kamloops Blazers have opted to try to shore up their defense as part of the 2023 CHL Import Draft.
They took 2005-born defensemen Matteo Koči in the first round with the 58th overall pick and and Vojtech Vochvest in the second round with the 118th overall pick.
“They both played at the U-18 for Czechia at the World Championships back in April and early May,” Blazers Assistant GM Tim O’Donovan told NL Sports. “They have a little bit of pedigree behind them in their age group. They’d be considered among the top six, seven defensemen in Czechia.”
O’Donovan says the Blazers expect both defenceman will end up coming to Kamloops.
“This draft is all driven by agents for the most part. We haven’t chatted with either player yet. We will here, probably at some point today,” said O’Donovan. “But we’ve chatted with both agents, and they’ve confirmed that they’re both coming”
O’Donovan also confirmed the Blazers were looking for defensemen given the loss of Ethan Brandwood, Olen Zellweger, and Kyle Masters to the professional ranks, as well as Aapo Sarell moving on.
“You really lose four of your top-five defensemen going into this year. Obviously players like Ryan Michael and Harrison Brunicke, who took a lot of steps last year, they’re going to be elevated up the line-up. Logan Barrios returns too in that age group,” noted O’Donovan. “So it was important to add more depth.”
The CHL Entry Draft included all teams spread across the Canadian Hockey League.
We made two 🇨🇿 selections in today’s @CHLHockey Import Draft.
Check out our newest d-men prospects!
📑: https://t.co/eoEDcX7N30 pic.twitter.com/R4WS7KGbsF— Kamloops Blazers (@blazerhockey) July 5, 2023
–With files from Jon Keen
