Tomas Knotek is expected to sign a contract Friday with HC Kladno of the Czech ExtraLiga.
The two-time Halifax Mooseheads MVP and last season’s team captain told Metro yesterday that returning to the QMJHL “crossed my mind,” but he “didn’t even contact the Mooseheads staff.”
“I know I have to play (against) men so I decided to stay (in the Czech Republic),” Knotek said.
The 20-year-old was cut by HPK Hameenlinna of the Finnish SM-Liiga last week, fuelling speculation he could return to the QMJHL and possibly be traded to another club. But HC Kladno, his hometown team, invited him for a tryout on the weekend and he decided to accept it.
One of Knotek’s closest friends, former Cape Breton Screaming Eagles defenceman Jan Piskacek, is also expected to sign with HC Kladno.
Knotek finishes his Mooseheads career ninth on the club’s all-time scoring list with 173 points.
