The team announced the signing of their Canadian Hockey League Import Draft picks from the last two seasons, namely their 2020 pick in Czech forward Martin Rysavy and 2021 selection in Slovakian forward Robert Baco.
“We are very excited to add two top-six forwards to our program,” Warriors general manager Jason Ripplinger said when making the announcement. “Martin and Robert are skilled players who play a heavy game. Welcoming them to our organization will give us the chance to compete as we push forward and battle for a playoff spot.”
The excitement is especially high for Rysavy. The 18-year-old left wing was selected by the Warriors in the first round, sixth overall but was unable to make the trip over to join the team last season due to COVID-19 restrictions.
He ended up playing last season with HC Prerov in the Czech First League and put up three goals and nine points in 19 games in the professional loop. Rysavy also suited up for the Czech Republic at the 2021 World Under-18 Championship and had two goals in five games.
That all led to the National Hockey League Entry Draft on July 24, where Rysavy was selected by the Columbus Blue Jackets in the seventh round, 197th overall — one of four Warriors chosen in the 2021 Draft.
Baco was selected by the Warriors in the first round, 50th overall in Import Draft this past June. The 18-year-old right wing suited up for Karlovy Vary U20 last season and had two goals and six points in nine games. That was on top of six international games with Slovakia, where he had two goals and four points.
The Warriors open their 2021-22 campaign on Friday, Oct. 1 when they host the Saskatoon Blades at Mosaic Place.
