MRAZ SIGNS PRO DEAL IN SLOVAKIA

Press Release

Brandon, MB. -- In preparation for Wednesday's Canadian Hockey League Import Draft, the Brandon Wheat Kings have deleted 19-year old right-winger Bruno Mraz.

Mraz, who scored two goals and 18 points in 63 games for the Wheat Kings in 2011-12, recently signed a professional contract with a club team in his native Slovakia.

With Mraz not returning for the upcoming season, the Wheat Kings will look to replace him with the 35th overall selection on Wednesday.

Meanwhile Brandon's other import next season will be 19-year old Swiss left-winger Alessio Bertaggia. A member of Switzerland's World Junior team last season, Bertaggia is coming off an outstanding rookie season that saw him score 24 goals and 50 points in 64 regular season games. He was also chosen the Wheat Kings' Rookie of the Year for 2011-12.

Each team in the CHL is permitted to carry two Europeans each season. These players are selected annually at the Import draft, with the order of selection rotating through each of the three leagues in the CHL, using an inverse order of their final regular season standings.

The Moncton Wildcats of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League will have the first pick, followed by the WHL's Prince Albert Raiders and Erie Otters of the Ontario Hockey League.

Wednesday's CHL Import Draft will get underway at 8 am CST.

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