By: Ken Oda, minotauroshockey.com
Minot, ND – As the Minotauros seventh season draws near it is time to start meeting the players who hope to head to the NAHL Showcase after training camp. Camp opened September 3rd and the pre-season continues tonight against the Bismarck Bobcats in Bismarck at 7:15. We continue meeting the team with veteran forward Ondrej Pavel.
Like Miroslav Mucha yesterday Pavel will be one of the Tauros four import players. The Praha, Czech Republic native starts his second season of hockey in the States with the Tauros after playing last season for the Iowa Wild U16 Midget Program. Aside from the playing for the Wild Pavel played for the Czech national U17 team and U18 hockey for HC Sparta Praha in his hometown before coming to America. In 66 total games last season he posted 25 goals and 20 assists.
Despite posting good offensive numbers Pavel describes his style “as strong and mainly defensive,” though he did add that he “wants to help offensively too.” Pavel who posted two goals on Saturday night against Bismarck said, “it felt very good, the fans were awesome, I look forward to playing in front of them all season.”
Tauros Head Coach and General Manager Marty Murray said, “I was very impressed with his first exhibition game. Not only did he score twice, but he competed very hard, and took the puck to the net. It will be fun to watch him develop and improve every day that he is here.” Murray added that it was especially impressive what Pavel did considering his youth, “Ondrej is the youngest player on our team, but for a young man that just turned 17, he’s physically mature for his age.”
Come back tomorrow when we will meet forward David Raisanen. Do not miss your chance to see Pavel and all of the Tauros in game action for Sunday afternoon at 3:00 at the Maysa Arena when the Fargo Force come to Minot to close the pre-season. Tickets will be $5.00 at the door and season ticket holders get in for free.