Local Sports posted Jul 27, 2023 @ 06:15pm by Corvin Vaski

Blazers sign import draft picks

The Kamloops Blazers announced today the signings of Matteo Koci and Vojtech Vochvest to WHL Scholarship and Development Agreements.

The pair of defencemen were recently selected in the CHL Import Draft by the Blazers and both come from the Czech Republic.

Koci spent this past season playing with HC Energie Karlovy Vary U20 in the Czechia U20 league.

<who> Photo Credit: IIHF

The defencemen had seven goals and 20 points this past season and made seven appearances with the franchise's pro team.

The 18-year-old has represented his country on the international stage multiple times.

Most recently, Koci appeared in five games for Czechia at the 2023 Under-18 World Championships.

Joining Koci on the Blazers, and also from the Czech Republic, is Vojtech Vochvest.

<who> Photo Credit: IIHF

Vochvest was selected 118th overall by the Blazers in the second round of the draft.

The 17-year-old spent this past season with BK Mlada Boleslav U20, and in 52 games, he had six points.

The defencemen has also played for his country on the international stage and was teammates with Koci on Team Czechia at the 2023 Under-18 World Championships.

“We would like to welcome Matteo and Vojtech along with their families to the Kamloops Blazers organization,” said GM / head coach, Shaun Clouston. “We look forward to being a part of their development over the next few seasons.”

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