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Defenceman Michael Krutil signs tryout agreement with AHL club

Rocket inks amateur deal

Kelowna Rockets prospect Michael Krutil will get a shot at playing professional hockey this season.

The defenceman has signed an amateur tryout agreement with the American Hockey League's Rockford Icehogs.

The Icehogs are the AHL affiliate of the Chicago Blackhawks.

Krutil was drafted by the Blackhawks in the fourth round of last year's NHL draft, and attended Chicago's training camp.

The 18-year-old Czech-born blueliner was taken by Kelowna in the 2020 import draft but, due to COVID-19 restrictions, has yet to suit up in a Rocket uniform.

The AHL is scheduled to begin its season Feb. 5.

While Krutil would not normally be allowed to play in the AHL because of his age, players under 20 are being allowed to play this year while their junior leagues sit idle waiting for restrictions to be lifted.

Defenceman Kaeden Korczak is also in the camp of the AHL's Henderson Silver Knights, the affiliate of the Vegas Golden Knights.



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