The Sudbury Wolves have announced that Czech defenceman Zack Malik, son of former NHLer, Marek Malik, has committed to the hockey club.
Malik was selected by the Wolves in the first round of the CHL Import Draft on June 28. He played 33 games last season with HC Vitkovice U-20 where he scored five goals and added eight assists from the blueline.
Malik carried a +5 rating on the season and was a member of the Czech Republic’s U-17 team last season.
“We are very excited to have Zack Malik commit to the Sudbury Wolves. We had some excellent dialogue with him and his family who are excited about our staff and how they can help Zack develop,” said Rob Papineau, General Manager & Vice-President of Hockey Operations.
“He had an outstanding year in the Czech Republic as a 16 year old playing in the U20 division. He is a welcome addition to our team and our defense.”
The 6-2, 165 pound defenceman can be described as a very smart mobile defenceman who can play in all situations. He has a quick active stick and can read the play well. He also comes from a strong hockey family as his father played 691 NHL games mostly with the Hartford Whalers and the Carolina Hurricanes organization as well as the Canucks, Rangers and Lightning.
“It feels awesome to join the team and it’s a big step in my career and I have my family, my mom and dad, to thank for giving me the best service from birth until now. I’m looking forward to meeting the team, coaching staff and management and I think that the Wolves are going to have a great season. I’m really excited for the season to start,” said Malik.
“This experience is going to be something new, I’m looking forward to playing in a fast league with a lot of skilled players. That’s what I like.”
Malik is expected to travel to Canada in August in preparation for the 2017/18 season and training camp when it opens on Aug. 31.
