Bojovnik

VHL.com got the chance to spend the day with Saskatoon Wild defenseman and S77 draft prospect Jan Hlozek in his home village of Topolna over the last few days, who showed us how he tends to his family's livestock and also produces home-made moonshine. "Topolna is a small village, maybe only 100 people or so. My family has lived here for four or five generations here already. We're only about 30 kilometers from the nearest big city, Zlin, so you're not too far from civilization, but it's great to be out here and breathe the clean air," Topolna said at his family home. The Hlozek family rears cows, chickens, goats, and pigs, but perhaps of interest to most, Jan Hlozek Sr., the draft prospect's father, turned the whole basement of their family home into what can only be described as an alcohol factory. "We have a saying here, if you can grow it, you can make alcohol from it," Hlozek said. The Czech Republic known for its fruit-based spirits, including slivovice (from plums), hruskovice (from pears), and merunkovice (from apricots). "I like slivovice best. Sometimes even during the season it's great, if you have a cold, you put some honey on the glass and drink it like that. It really helps," the Saskatoon Wild blueliner said, adding that his father also produces homemade wine as well with grapes grown at the family vineyard.

VHLNow.com - Jan Hlozek Pre-Draft Interview The Chicago Phoenix players are still partying after lifting the Continental Cup just two days ago, but front office staff across the VHL are rushing to get all their preparation in done for Friday's VHL Entry Draft. Czech defenseman Jan Hlozek is one player who burst onto the scene in the VHLM S76, and VHLNow.com sat down with the Topolna native to get his thoughts as he waits for his name to be called. Many rookies get their start in the VHLM once the trade deadline has passed, although Hlozek was unable to join up with the Saskatoon Wild until the offseason due to visa issues. After a slow start, in which the offensive defenseman scored just one point in his first 10 games, Hlozek became a regular contributor and finished the season with 13 goals and 46 assists. Despite his personal success, Hlozek said that he was disappointed he couldn't help the team improve on its fifth placed finish in the Western Conference. "Looking back on the season, I think it was both good and bad. I would have wanted to started better, but it took me some time to adjust. We lost a lot of games at the start of the season but really started playing well towards the end. Of course, you always want to make the playoffs, so to miss out on that opportunity was disappointing," Hlozek, speaking from his family home in eastern Czech Republic, said. The Topolna-born defenseman rose up the draft rankings throughout S76, going from a relative unknown to an almost-certain first round pick. As of one week ago, Hlozek sat in 12th place in the VCHS draft rankings, and Hlozek said that he felt growing numbers of eyes on him as the season progressed. "I didn't know what to expect coming over. I didn't know what the VHL or VHLM was, how the system worked. Mr. Landry @Doomsday just sent me an offer and I thought, why not? It was only as I started to play well that scouts started appearing, media outlets wanted to talk to me, asking me about the draft. It's been a crazy situation," he said. Several prominent mock drafters have also agreed with the scouting service's ranking, as @Bobo and @RedSus tipped Hlozek to go 10th and 12th overall, respectively. Read Bobo's mock draft here and RedSus' mock draft here Hlozek admitted that several teams have been in contact to hold interviews with him before the draft, although the Czech defenseman said that he was unwilling to provide any information as to which teams showed interest. "Some teams have spoken with me. It's been interesting to find out what they want to know, the sort of questions that they ask. I mean, one team asked me some question about a duck and some horses, and I was super confused, but I guess that's what they try to do, get you thinking about something else, or something that you haven't prepared for," Hlozek said. VHL teams have been highly active since the trade freeze was lifted, and a number of teams have swapped first round picks meaning that the draft order today looks very different from how it was one week ago. The Helsinki Titans pick twice between 9 and 12, and the Malmo Nighthawks, Moscow Menace, HC Davos Dynamo, and Vancouver Wolves all have selections in and around the time many predict that Hlozek will be chosen. "Look, I'm not going to say that I want to go to a certain team, because I know so little about them. I don't have the resume, the history, or the tradition of guys who have family members playing in this league. I'm the first guy from eastern Czech Republic to come over here, so for me, it's less about the history and more about the fit with the team. However, would it be nicer to live closer to home, where my family and friends are, after a year in North America? I would be lying if I said no," Hlozek remarked. Hlozek is also one of a number of players who will be selected in the VHLM Dispersal Draft, which is set to take place later in the offseason. The Czech blueliner is almost certain to spend S77 in the minor leagues, and appeared to have a much stronger opinion on where he wanted to be playing next season. "I'd be disappointed if I don't end up back in Saskatoon. I loved my time there, the fans were great, and I would love to be on that time and help continue the work we did at the end of last season. The team deserves playoff success, and I think I can be the person to bring it, so I'm really hoping that I get to go back there next season," Hlozek said. The Topolna native also said that the extended offseason has given him time to work on several areas of his game that needed improvement. "I wasn't ready for how physical the league was going to be, so I've spent a lot of the off-season in the gym, working on getting stronger. I want to be in perfect shape for when the next season starts. I've also put in time on the ice as I know that if I want to make the next step, my skating needs to be better, my shooting needs to be better," Hlozek remarked. Hlozek may not be discussed in the same breath as the stars of the S77 draft class, such as Duncan Idaho (@OrbitingDeath ), Paul Atreides (@Mr_Hatter), Zeedayno Chara (@Jubis) or the Reinharts (@rjfryman and @Ricer13), but the Czech blueliner certainly has a point to prove and is eager to make a name for himself on the global stage. For now, he faces three more days of waiting before finding out his draft fate, adding that his whole village was behind him. "I'm from a small village, maybe 100 people maximum. Everyone there is asking the VHL is, everyone is trying to watch the games. It's crazy. I just want to make them proud, wherever it is I end up," Hlozek concluded.

In

I'll prove why I should've been on this list.

Saskatoon Wild defenseman Jan Hlozek has been snapped on vacation in Croatia as he awaits to find out where he'll fall in the draft order of both the VHL and VHLM drafts. The Topolna-born blueliner was spotted in the historic city of Split along with four friends, believed to be ex-teammates from his time as a junior player in the Czech Republic. One reporter who noticed Hlozek, approached him and asked what his thoughts were on the upcoming drafts. "I can't wait to find out where I'll go. It's exciting, as we don't have these sorts of things in the European leagues. Teams want to do interviews, it's crazy. I've never spoken so much about myself before. " he said. Hlozek, like many from the Czech Republic, choose to travel to Croatia for their vacations, and the Saskatoon Wild defenseman said that he was enjoying his time on the Adriatic coast. "It's been a tough season, and I'm glad to be here in Croatia where the weather is much nicer. We're just relaxing, enjoying the beach and the sun, what more could you want?" he commented. Hlozek made his debut for the Saskatoon Wild this past season, recording 13 goals and 46 seasons in his first go-around in the VHLM.

Questions for week ending March 7 1. How has your offseason gone so far? 2. How are you preparing for the upcoming VHL/VHLM drafts, have teams been talking with you? 3. Do you have any preference where you could be drafted? 4. What are you hoping to achieve next season? 5. What is your favourite exercise that gets you ready for the new season? 6. Where would your ideal location be for an off-season holiday?

I feel left out. Edit, I wanted to write "sn.ubbed" without the period but the automatic edit was certainly a surprise.

Put some respect on @MrShark's name.

Claiming second week.

I appreciate your kind words and I will make sure my profile picture game lives up to your high standards for the rest of my career.

Great job on this, was a blast playing with you and your brother this season.

VHL.com Saskatoon's Hlozek Heads Home for the Offseason Having not made the VHLM playoffs in S76, the Saskatoon Wild ended their campaign with an end-of-season presser to sign off a positive but frustrating campaign. The Wild finished fifth in the Western Conference, although closed out the season with three straight wins to keep spirits high going into the break. As players tidied up their stalls and said their goodbyes, for what may be the final time, both players and staff stressed that the strides made by certain players was the most encouraging part of a promising season. Czech defenseman Jan Hlozek, who shone in his debut campaign racking up 59 points in 72 games, said that he was looking forward to a quick break back home before getting back to work in the offseason. “It’s been a long year. It’s my first year away from home, so of course I missed my family, friends, so I’m looking forward to heading back to my village to spend time with them,” Hlozek told reporters. With the bulk of the Wild’s roster set to head into the VHLM draft this coming offseason, the team could have a vastly different line-up heading into S77. “I don’t know what will happen, but I’m hoping to be back here next season,” Hlozek, who is slated to be a top round pick in the upcoming draft, concluded.

Name: Jan Hlozek Nationality: Czech Height: 5'11'' Weight: 185lbs Age: 24 VHLM Drafted: None Current VCHS S77 Draft Ranking: 21st TPE: 176 S76 Team - Saskatoon Wild S76 Stats - 72GP 13G 46A 59P -5 96PIMS 116SoG 146H 93SB Czech defenseman Jan Hlozek is one of several under-the-radar players who started the VHLM season off slow before developing into their own. As the blueliner heads into both the VHLM and VHL drafts this off-season, here's a rundown of what you can expect everytime Hlozek hits the ice. Scoring in bunches Hlozek started his season with the Saskatoon Wild off slowly, registering only 1 assist in his first 10 games. However, the defenseman showed his ability to adapt to the new style of play and the smaller North American ice surface, and throughout the final two weeks of the season hit a point-per-game pace to finish with 59 points from 72 games. The Czech blueliner showed an ability to consistently rack up helpers, but also managed to net four times in one game against the San Diego Marlins last week. Physically ready At age 24, Hlozek made his VHLM debut at an older age than most players. A mix of injuries and a desire to show his talents off at home meant that it took until last season for the Topolna native to decide to make the move across the Atlantic Ocean. With 146 hits thrown throughout the season and 96 PIMS to his name, Hlozek doesn't find the stereotype often thrown at European players, particularly undersized defensemen. Ready to lead a team? As journalists in Saskatoon found out at the start of the season, Hlozek's English is, at the moment, not up to scratch for him to be a leader at this current time. For interviews he often has to talk through a translator, although reporters for the Star Phoenix noticed that he had worked intensively throughout his debut season to improve his language skills. Few see Hlozek as a verbal leader, but he may be able to lead by example with his play, although scouts might be alarmed that he won't be able to show what he's capable in a postseason setting, given that the Wild missed the playoffs this season. Can he play a shutdown role? The Wild finished their VHLM season having conceded 301 goals in 72 games, the second-most of any team in the league. While these stats are skewed by the fact that the team didn't have a starting goalie for their opening four games of the season, it does raise concerns about Hlozek's ability to be a shutdown defenseman when required. He has shown glimpses of this, but it remains to be seen if he can balance his desire to get in the play and contribute on the scoreboard with his defensive responsibilities.

Points taken, thanks for taking the time guys

There will be no postseason hockey in Saskatoon this time round, as the Wild missed the VHLM Playoffs SASKATOON, (February 22) – The Saskatoon Wild closed out the S76 regular season with three straight wins over recent days, but it still wasn’t enough to help the team reach the playoffs, but despite the team missing out on the postseason, players and management alike are looking to take the positives from the ongoing rebuild. The Wild closed out the season with a 29-39-4 record, good enough for fifth place in the Western Conference. However, things could have been much worse without the shrewd management of Thomas Landry @Doomsday, who rushed to sign Andrew Bowman @BrutalBoost, after the team started the season without a goaltender to their name and dropped their first two games to the Yukon Rush by a combined 15-4 scoreline. “We went from a team without a goalie struggling to stay afloat to a scrappy squad that never gave up and fought all season long. They may not get the accolades of a championship team, but I couldn't be any prouder of what this team and what they accomplished this season,” Landry told the Star Phoenix after the Wild’s final game of the season, a 3-2 shootout victory over the Rush. For the Wild’s general manager, S76 was one about player development, and he said that he was encouraged by the performances of players such as Duncan Montana @124715, and the Wolf brothers, Declan @MrShark and Nikita @MrE “We were naturally disappointed to miss the playoffs, as no one really wants the season to end like that. But while we knew that this was going to be a tough season, I don't think any of us could have foreseen how successful of a season this really was. We had a lot of players really excel, a lot of guys who really showed us that they're going to be great VHL players. Jan Hlozek, Duncan Montana, the Wolf brothers, Donne Taliferro... we were blessed to have so many players eager to succeed join us,” Landry commented. Braxton Hunter says goodbye to Saskatoon One player who the Wild will be without next season is star forward and captain Braxton Hunter @dshervill, who is set to make the step up to the VHL’s Prague Phantoms next season. Hunter finished the season with 125 points in 72 games, fourth most in the entire league, and was a popular figure in both the stands and the dressing room. “Overall, I see our season as a success, the growth of this team from our first game to our last game was evident. We have a great locker room with each guy contributing their own pieces to our puzzle,” Hunter told the Star Phoenix. (Check out our in-depth interview with Hunter here) The big-bodied forward, who stands 6’4’’ and 225lbs, is certainly physically ready to make the step up to the VHL, but Hunter said that he’ll look back on his time in Saskatchewan fondly. “I’ll miss Saskatoon, I firmly believe that it’s the best place to play in the M and has a locker room atmosphere that’s unmatched. Anybody would be blessed and fortunate to call themselves a player for the Saskatoon Wild. I’m excited about going to play for Prague and be reunited with some of my former teammates,” Hunter stated. One player who may just end up back on the Wild’s roster next season is Czech blueliner Jan Hlozek, who signed with the Saskatoon club in the off-season. Hlozek is set to enter both the VHLM and VHL drafts this coming off-season, but the defenseman said that he has his sights on returning for another crack with the Wild. “It was a great season. We started off slow, as did I, but we gelled as a team and things started to improve. I’m really happy with my performance throughout the season and I definitely think I have more to give the Wild. Of course, it’s all in Mr. Landry’s hands, but either way it was a joy and a privilege to make my debut with the Wild this season, and I hope the fans were happy with how I played,” Hlozek said at an end-of-season presser. Braxton Hunter will be a big absence for the Wild next season, Hlozek added. “Braxton is such a good hockey player, and he was pretty much the only reason we were in with a shot of being playoff contenders. No matter how tough things were at the end of the season, he was always positive and his performance on the ice said it all. I learned a lot from him this season and I hope to see him again down the road,” the Czech blueliner said. Hlozek started the season with just one point in 10 games but went on to show some of the flashy offensive talent that he was known for in the Czech Republic. Most notably, he scored scored a 49-second hattrick against the San Diego Marlins this past Thursday and has certainly made the rest of the league aware of his presence. The Czech defenseman said that he was looking forward to the draft process this off-season and praised the efforts of GM Landry. “It’s always a fun experience going through a draft. Obviously, I’d be happy to go anywhere, but I’m looking at the draft rankings and I see that I might be in a position to come back to Saskatoon, which is certainly my top priority. Mr. Landry has been super patient with me, and the team has given me all the support I needed to get settled, and I hope I’ve repaid their trust in me with my performances,” Hlozek said. Looking ahead even further, Hlozek sat in 21st place in the S77 VHL Draft rankings as of one week ago, but the Topolna native said that his focus was purely on the year ahead. “I don’t really have much to say about the VHL draft at this stage to be honest. I know that I have at least one more year in the minors ahead of me, and my goal is definitely, on whatever team I’m on, win the championship. Of course, I know there’s a team in Prague, and being from the Czech Republic, it would be great to play in my home country,” he added. The Saskatoon Wild go into S77’s VHLM Draft with two picks in each of the first two rounds, meaning that Thomas Landry should be able to assemble a promising squad that will help the team hit the ground running next season. As this season has shown, few can doubt Landry’s credentials as both a recruiter and a developer of talent, meaning that the Wild should be in a much better place to be challenging at the top of the standings next time around.

Transaction 20539206022702309 S76. Doubles Week 5 Uncapped TPE 1M Player Store

1. I'm in both drafts, so its going to be an interesting one. I've still got loads of unfinished business in Saskatoon and loved my time here. And from the VHL teams, I mean I'd love to play at home in Prague. 2. My play steadily got better through the year so I'm looking forward to taking that forward. 3. Nah, don't really care who wins in the VHLM. They're just holding the cup this year before they give it over to the Wild. 4. It will be difficult to bet against Moscow, to be honest. 5. This is my first time around, so I'm still learning about what goes on. I'll have to check to see if the selectors come calling. 6. I'd never been to Canada before moving to Saskatoon!

We all get lucky sometimes

Jan Hlozek, a rookie defenseman for the Saskatoon Wild, made headlines in Canada after scoring a 49-second hattrick in Thursday's game against the San Diego Marlins. The Czech blueliner, who has 49 points in 67 games during his first VHLM campaign, lit the lamp at 02:12, 02:22, and 03:01 in the first period of a 7-2 win for the Wild. Saskatoon's top scorer, Braxton Hunter, assisted on all three goals. Hlozek would go on to score a fourth goal in the 15th minute of the opening frame. The Wild still sit in fifth place of the Western Conference, a position they have held for the bulk of the season. "It was certainly a crazy game. I can't remember having one like that since junior," Hlozek told reporters after the game. "I'd like to know if it is a record or something. I'm not sure, but it would be great to go down in the VHLM history books if that is the case," the Czech defenseman added. With five games to go in the regular season, the Wild are going to need more of these types of performances from Hlozek to have any chance of overcoming the nine-point deficit they need to qualify for the playoffs.

Name: Jan Hlozek Position: Defense Height: 5' 11” Weight: 180 lbs. Nationality: Czech Previous Team: Berani Zlin / Czech Extraliga There are some players that are called diamonds in the rough for a season, and Czech defenseman Jan Hlozek is certainly one of them. The puck-moving defenseman was seen to be the next Czech prodigy during his junior career, but a spate of off-the-ice incidents led Hlozek down a different path than the one many experts had predicted. Hlozek hails from the small village of Topolna, known for its fruit growing, near the border with Slovakia. As a junior, he first cut his teeth with HC Bobři Valašské Meziříčí, whose senior team plays in the third tier of Czech hockey, known as the 2. liga. At age 15, he made the switch to Extraliga side Berani Zlin, who play in the region's capital. From there, Hlozek led the team to the U18 title in 2013, scoring four goals in as many games as the team better known as the "Rams" swept HC Sparta Praha in the final. Jan Hlozek (right) celebrates a goal in the Czech junior leagues Hlozek made his debut for Zlin's senior team at age 16, and it would take him just three games to find the back of the net for the first time, firing one home on the powerplay in a win against HC Energie Karlovy Vary. He featured regularly for the team in their two straight finals appearances in 2015 and 2016, which both resulted in losses. Many felt that Hlozek was going to move on to bigger and better things, whether in Russia or North America, but the Czech defenseman was involved in a motor vehicle accident on a backroad between Zlin and Topolna, leaving him with a fractured tibia and broken collarbone. Hlozek spent nine months on the sidelines, and many thought that the injury would have a lasting impact on his game, which had previously been based purely on speed and dynamism. Upon his return to hockey, with second-tier side Vsetin, Hlozek looked tentative on his skates and appeared to lack the explosiveness he once had. Jan Hlozek (right) during his final season with Vsetin However, the blueliner began to mould his game into one that was more well-rounded, becoming noticeably better in his own zone and developing his on-ice vision. Now Hlozek is just as adept driving the puck up the ice as he is threading a pass through the eye of the needle. Hlozek scored 84 points in his two seasons with Vsetin, who finished as champions of the Czech second-tier last season. Instead of making the move back into the Czech top flight, Hlozek has chosen to take his talents overseas, and can now be found with the Saskatoon Wild in the VHLM.

1. In a word - fantastic. The atmosphere in the locker room has lifted and we're starting to get the results we deserve on the ice. 2. Once all the new guys have settled in, learned the systems, I'm confident that we can start putting together consistent wins. 3. My production has steadily gone up throughout the season. Obviously, I want to cut out the defensive mistakes, turnovers, and that's what I'm focusing on right now. 4. The goal right now is to get to 30 wins, and then see from there. 5. I mean, there are so many legends in the history of these leagues. I'm just focusing on being the best player I can be, and whatever else is extra. 6. I won't lie, getting some help on the backend with the addition of Sven (@Devise) is a massive boost.

1. What are your thoughts on the Wild's season so far? We need to be better, but we're still in the running to make the playoffs, so I'm feeling positive 2. Who do you think will end the season with more goals, Gabriel Johnson or Braxton Hunter? I mean they're both great players, but if I was a betting ban, I've gotta go for Gabriel. 3. How does Tanky rack up so many penalty minutes? Because the clue is in the name. He's a tank. 4. Do you think we have a shot at making playoffs? 100%. We're only getting better as the season has gone on and I'm sure we'll make it. 5. What's one good thing that has happened to you during the pandemic? I learned how to make cocktails. That's been a big help when the bars have been closed. 6. Who is your favourite teammate and why? I've gotta say Braxton. He's such a good player and is helping me get my stats up!

As the VHL and VHLM celebrate Theme Week, we sat down with Jan Hlozek, the Saskatoon Wild's promising young defenseman, to give us his guide to the Czech Republic. "So I'm from a very small village in eastern Czech Republic. It's on the border with Slovakia, and the scenery is amazing, but I'm going to run through some of the things that you have to see if you ever have the chance to visit," Hlozek said. Prague: Many will already be familiar with the Czech capital, given that the Phantoms have made their mark on the VHL over the past few seasons. Prague is known as the City of a Hundred Spires, and has become one of the main tourist destinations in Central Europe given its stunning architecture, relatively cheap prices, and, most importantly, the beer. "The best beer in the world comes from the Czech Republic. It's better than Germany, better than anywhere else. We simply do it better, and you can definitely get it in Prague," Hlozek said. Kutna Hora: Roughly one hour's train ride from the Czech capital is the small town of Kutna Hora. The town itself is a marvel of Czech architecture, but on the outskirts you can find the Sedlec Ossuary, better known as the haunting bone church. "I remember going to visit once on a school trip. I've never seen anything like it. The whole inside of the church is decorated using real human bones of people who died in the 14th and 15th centuries. It is a much visit," Hlozek said. Cesky Krumlov: Also known as "Little Prague", Cesky Krumlov is a miniature version of the Czech capital which has the same stunning architecture, but with far less people. "I love Cesky Krumlov. It is Prague without the crowds, and much cheaper prices. It's great," Hlozek said. Karlovy Vary: Monarchs and movie stars have spent time in the famous spa town of Karlovy Vary, located close to the German border. You can tour the town and drink the fresh spring water, heated to different temperatures with differing mineral components. "Karlovy Vary has a great film festival which is always a good party. The air quality there is fantastic, so it is a must visit," Hlozek stated. Krkonose Mountain Range: The Czech Republic's highest peak, named Snezka and standing more than 5,200 feet tall, can be found in the Krkonose Mountains. The hiking is some of the best in Europe. "I love taking a break in Krkonose. I love going hiking and feeling the fresh mountain air. There are loads of nice hotels in the region where you can stay and spend the day walking up Snezka. In the winter, the skiing there is great as well," Hlozek said. Zlin: Zlin is the largest city in eastern Czech Republic and is the closest major town to Hlozek's home village, Topolna. "I mean, I love Zlin because it is home. The people there are tough but honest. There's not a lot to see, but it is famous for being the home of Bat'a shoes," Hlozek said.

+10 Jan Hlozek

SASKATOON, February 7 – Jan Hlozek will tell you himself that there were some teething problems during his opening games in the VHLM after joining the Saskatoon Wild. The promising Czech blueliner was an under-the-radar signing ahead of S76, but a week to remember for Hlozek shows that he is starting to find his form. As the Star Phoenix newspaper reported back on January 20, Hlozek joined the Wild after a storied junior career in the Czech Republic that was filled with controversy. Few have doubted that he has the talent to go far, but many have questioned his application and his ability to avoid off-ice distractions. Throughout his junior career, Hlozek showed a remarkable ability to generate offense from the backend, although the blueliner only managed to record one point in his first 10 games with the Wild. Many in Saskatoon were left concerned that their team may have struck out with their latest overseas signing. However, a storied night in Halifax on Game 174 saw Hlozek burst onto the scene and give the Wild faithful a glimpse into the player that was advertised in the offseason. With the Wild trailing 3-0 early in the second period, Hlozek went to work. The Czech defenseman went on to register a natural hattrick, dragging his team back into the contest. The game eventually went to a shootout, with the Wild emerging victorious thanks to goals by The Jester and Duncan Montana. Jan Hlozek in action prior to joining the VHLM “It was a fun game, and I was happy to help the team get the win. I’ve wanted to play better and start scoring, and I was happy to finally show the team what I could,” Hlozek said after his career night in Halifax. One gameday later, Hlozek was once again on the three stars list, earning the third star for a three-assist night at home in a 7-3 victory over the Mississauga Hounds. “It’s great to be winning. We want to win games like this and the guys played great. If we can keep this up, I’m sure we will make it into the playoffs,” Hlozek told the press following Game 178. Sitting down with the Star Phoenix ahead of the Wild’s upcoming slate of games, which sees them play the Mississauga Hounds twice over the next three gamedays, Hlozek said that he was starting to feel more comfortable with the Wild, and in Western Canada in general. “I feel good. My English is improving, the guys in the room are great and have been helping me. I trust the coach and I think he is starting to trust me more,” Hlozek remarked. The Czech blueliner stressed that having more confidence on the puck had led to the turnaround in his form. “You know, new league, new team, new country. It is difficult for guys like us coming over to start playing well immediately. Now I’m here, I’ve played 20-something games. I know what to expect on the ice and I know what to do with the puck and without it,” he said. Hlozek may have taken time to adapt to the VHLM, but Braxton Hunter, the Wild’s star forward, has hit the ground running in S76. Hunter sits eighth in league scoring with 59 points in 36 games, and has been instrumental in his team being in the running for a playoff spot this season. “Braxton is such a good player. When he’s on the ice he makes things happen, and it makes it easier for guys like me when he gets so much attention from opposition defenders. We need him to keep playing like he is, but it gives us motivation to step up our game when we see how well he is doing,” he said. The mercury is set to drop to below -35 in Saskatoon on Sunday evening, but Hlozek said that the bitter cold will do little to change his mood. “It has been eye-opening for sure. I don’t remember it ever being this cold in the Czech Republic, but I remember going to Siberia for an international tournament a few years back. I don’t mind it. I’m for sure going somewhere warm in the offseason though,” the Czech blueliner said, adding that his holiday destination of choice was Croatia’s Adriatic coast. Additionally, Hlozek may be more than 7,500 kilometers from home – the eastern Czech village of Topolna, close to the Slovak border – but he said that he was managing to stay in touch with family and friends, despite making the journey over the Atlantic on his own. “I mean, it’s difficult at times because of the time difference, but I can FaceTime my family, friends, former teammates. I miss them, but I’m here to make a career for myself, and I have the full support of everyone back at home,” he said. Hlozek in action for the Czech junior national team five years ago. Nevertheless, Hlozek’s favourite Czech food items, including svickova, a meat and dumplings dish, and Kofola, a Czech-made drink similar to Coca Cola, were hard to source in Western Canada, he said. Hlozek’s name appeared in 29th place in the VHL S77 draft rankings this past Monday. When asked about the future, the Czech blueliner said that a move closer to home may be on the cards in the future. “I’m trying to focus as much as possible on the current season, but I won’t lie and say that I didn’t have a look at the rankings when they came out earlier this week. Of course, it’s a dream to play in the VHL but I’m fully focused on achieving everything I can with the Wild while I am here. I know there is a team in Prague, a team in Warsaw, a team in Moscow. Playing for one of those teams, where my family could see me play, would be great,” he said. The Wild’s form has dipped over the past four games, and the team still sits in fifth place in the Western Conference, but Hlozek’s production could be the key to ensuring that there is playoff hockey in Saskatoon this season.