Here we are! Another draft comes and goes, and the Riga Reign, one of the league's most exciting young teams, loaded up on rookie talent. With their massive S75 pool of prospects slowly moving up to the big leagues, the VHLM representation of the Latvians dwindles as well. Luckily, 3 fantastic young hockey players were added to the team as S76 faded into the past.
With the 8th overall pick, the Reign selected Jan Hlozek, an exciting first-gen who caught the eye of the entire Riga LR. In one of my presser questions, I asked the squad if there were any prospects who were sticking out, and Hlozek was definitely mentioned a few times. Considering our thin D depth, Hlozek will be a nice add to the team once S78 comes along. He will likely have a very successful season on Miami's blueline.
With the 39th overall pick, the lions selected Jere Suominen, a bit of an X-factor pick with boom/bust potential. Although 8 TPE seems to be the maximum per week earning, this year's draft doesn't strike me as deep and 8 is a solid number. Suominen will enjoy being on what looks to be a contending team this season as teammates with Hlozek.
Finally, with the 54th overall selection, the Reign pick up Kuba Fleury 37, a goalie who fell in the draft solely because they are a goalie. It's a taboo thing in the VHL where goalies almost never get drafted high, and it looks to be a total robbery getting Fleury, with 134 TPE, in the 4th round. Also, and I can't believe I'm just realizing this, all 3 of our picks are Miami Marauders! What a coincidence!