Release from 11.01.2022

Josef Hrabal joins Znojmo

Short text 211 CharactersPlain text

HC Tesla Orli Znojmo have signed 36-year old Czech defenseman Josef Hrabal. The former national team player knows the bet-at-home ICE Hockey League from last season when he played 13 games for EC GRAND Immo VSV.

Press release 1354 CharactersPlain text

Josef Hrabal has spent most of his career so far in the Czech Extraliga, even becoming champion with HC Ocelari Trinec in the 2010/11 season. He also played in the KHL, the highest divisions in Finland, Sweden and Great Britain, as well as in the bet-at-home ICE Hockey League. In February 2021, he moved to EC GRAND Immo VSV, for whom he played 13 games and recorded two assists. So far this season, Hrabal has played for HC Prerov in the second Czech league, and has now moved to Znojmo.

Glen Hanlon, head coach: "We have been looking for an addition to defense for some time and this is a good fit for us at the right time. I wanted an experienced Czech player who will boost the team both on and off the ice. We didn´t have the kind of older veteran experienced defenseman so we are happy to add Josef to our lineup. We count on him on a powerplay as well as on a penalty kill."

At the same time, forward Vojtěch Němec has decided to end his professional career and therefore leaves Znojmo. Němec has struggled with health problems over the last two years, missing most of the last season and battling with injuries in the current one. He has played 27 games for Eagles, logging 18 points. "We thank Vojtěch for his services for the club and wish him all the best for the future," club president Pavel Ohera states.