Czech Draft Spotlight: Radim Ostrcil 07

Once a perennial Czech Extraleague powerhouse, the HC Vsetin club is nowadays battling adversity and facing possible relegation.

There are some bright signs however that the team from the eastern part of the Czech Republic is re-establishing themselves with a strong developmental system. While David Kveton is making his mark as a potential blue-chipper for the 2006 NHL Draft, another name to follow closely is 2007 draft-eligible blueliner Radim Ostrcil.

Ostrcil is currently a regular top-four defenseman on the Vsetin juniors, where he has earned the trust of new head coach Rostislav Vlach enough to secure regular time on special units. Ostrcil has played in 16 junior games to date in 2005-06, recording one goal and five assists.

This season's international schedule began with an appearance at the U-17 Five Nations Tournament in Switzerland. Though he enjoyed a successful tournament in terms of offensive output (4-1-1-2), he also showed some reserves in his defensive zone coverage however. The game against Team USA marked his first exposure to the North American style of hockey.

"I think that game was good for me. It was something different and I got along with the more physical style quite well." says Ostrcil.

Scouts Corner

An offense-minded player, Ostrcil's strongest asset is his ability to join the rush and support the offense as he is blessed with above-average vision. However, he still must learn when to jump into the play and when to stay back in defensive position. He is a satisfactory stickhandler and a deft passer capable of making strong plays. A decent skater, Ostrcil possesses acceptable straightaway speed and lateral movement, but needs to further develop his acceleration and first-step quickness.

He doesn't hesitate to unleash his accurate slapshot which is steadily improving in terms of hardness. To be successful though, he will need to play every game at full intensity and determination. His 5-foot-11, 185-pound frame is smallish by North American standards and Ostrcil must prove that he can play a tenacious style as well as effectively play the body.

Mostly though, it is his defensive coverage that requires the most attention. Ostrcil tends to lose position to make a play and must focus on staying with his man all the way. It is crucial that he play up to par over the coming seasons if he wants to be considered a possible pick in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft.

Friends & Influences

Boston Bruins defenseman Jiri Slegr and former NHLer Petr Svoboda, his current agent, are his main hockey role models.

"Both players made it to the NHL and I enjoy their on-ice performances - or in the case of Petr Svoboda - enjoyed."

As for his favourite NHL team, Ostrcil sides with the Detroit Red Wings. "I like the team for its experienced players and a playing style which impresses me. And as a secondary factor, my friend from Vsetin, Jiri Hudler, is a member of the Red Wings."

As he is a player fully dedicated to hockey, Radim Ostrcil likes to focus on relaxing in his free time. "Usually I relax by going to a sauna or, when I want to move my body, I go and play a game of squash." He is also an accomplished tennis player.

But Ostrcil knows that life isn't only about sports and continues to work on his secondary education. "I attend a high school which focuses on business and trade of all arts. It takes me a lot of time, but I managed to finish the first year and now continue my education in the second year."

Radim Ostrcil's goal for next season will be to make Vsetin's senior team. He hasn't ruled out coming over to play in the CHL, but prefers competing in the Extraleague against seniors to playing major junior in Canada. His long-term goal is to make his living playing hockey and hopefully, one day, touch NHL ice with his skates.

"The NHL is my lifelong dream. I want to make it and will do my best to achieve my goals."

Good luck!