The Detroit Red Wings selected the goaltender that many are envisioning being their future man in the crease last month, taking Czech native Jan Bednar with the 107th overall pick (Round 4) in this year's NHL Draft.
And already, he's envisioning himself emulating a certain former Czech goaltender who was a first ballot Hall of Fame, as well as winning the Stanley Cup twice with Detroit:
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“When I was younger, I loved to make Dominik Hasek saves,” said Bednar during a recent media session. “I saw some documentary from 2002 when the Wings won the Stanley Cup, with Dominik Hasek, Brett Hull, Steve Yzerman. I like them.”
Bednar is also familiar with another former Czech goalie who once donned the Winged Wheel – Petr Mrazek.
“I know Petr Mrazek. I talked with him two years ago (in the Czech Republic). He’s a great guy,” Bednar said.
Detroit's interest in Bednar was clear, as the young net minder had several interviews with Red Wings brass prior to being officially selected by the team. The 6'4, 195 lb. goalie will soon head to Acadie-Bathurst in the Quebec junior league to take the next step in his professional career.
“I had about four or five interviews with people from Detroit,” Bednar said. “Everyone (was) amazing. It’s a classy organization and I’m so happy to be part of this organization.”
What can Red Wings fans eventually look forward to from Bednar in the crease?
“I’m a really calm goalie,” Bednar said. “I like puckhandling (and make) plays with the puck. I’m a big goalie and I like big goalies, and yes, I'm a little athletic. But it’s not the most important thing for me. I just think I’m calm in the net.
“(Because) I’m a big goalie, I need speed and agility and I (am) working on that this summer. I will be prepared for this season.”
– – Quotes via Ted Kulfan of The Detroit News Link – –
