Everett Silvertips' Gudas Signs with Tampa Bay

Press Release

The Tampa Bay Lightning have signed defenseman and 2010 draft pick Radko Gudas to a three-year, entry level contract today, Vice President and General Manager Steve Yzerman announced. Gudas most recently participated in the Lightning’s 2010 Development Camp, held in Tampa July 10-14.

Gudas, 6-foot, 202 pounds, played in 65 games with the Everett Silvertips of the Western Hockey League last season, recording seven goals and 37 points with a plus-45 rating. He led the team in plus/minus and penalty minutes with 151. Gudas also led all Everett defensemen in points and assists. He also skated in three playoff games with the Silvertips, recording two assists.

A native of Kladno, Czech Republic, Gudas began his career in his native country, including the 2007-08 and 2008-09 seasons with Kladno of the Czech Elite League and a regular roster spot with Beroun of the second tier league. In 2008-09 he made his Elite League regular season debut, playing in seven games and recording one assist. Between the 2007-08 and 2008-09 seasons he accumulated seven points in 56 games with Beroun.

Gudas has made multiple appearances on the international stage, representing the Czech Republic. He played in six games at the 2009 World Junior Championships, recording two goals and three points with eight penalty minutes. He also played for the Czech Republic in Division 1, Group A of the 2008 U-18 World Junior Championships, recording a goal and two points in five games. The Czechs won the group and were promoted to the top division for 2009.

Tampa Bay selected Gudas in the third round, 66th overall, of the 2010 NHL Entry Draft.


(Nathan can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)