Hlozek Confident of Booking Playoff Place With Riga Next Season

[Bojovnik 487]

The Riga Reign may have missed the playoffs two years in a row, but defenceman Jan Hlozek is confident that the team is building up for several seasons of success.

 

The Latvian club’s postseason challenge came to an abrupt halt on the final day of the S78 regular season with a heartbreaking loss to the Moscow Menace.

 

Despite the disappointment, several of the players from the Reign’s bumper S75 draft class are now entering their prime, and Hlozek said that he is hopeful that the team will turn their recent skid around.

 

“It’s clear that we have some of the best players in the league. Zetterstrom is one of the league’s best defencemen. That’s undeniable. Then up front, Lose, McJake, DaMoose and McCloud are clearly top tier talents. It would be a crying shame if we aren’t a contender next season,” Hlozek said.

 

The biggest question marks over the Reign roster next season is clearly in net. Long-time goalie Calvin Harvey decided to hang up his skates, meaning that the Reign will likely have to play an inexperienced goalie next season.

 

“I’m not sure if we’ll address this hole through the draft. We got a new goalie in last week, plus we have Sovick, who has always played well when he’s had a shot. I trust the management to make the right decision,” Hlozek concluded.