Halifax Mooseheads land Czech Republic star

The Halifax Mooseheads have reached an agreement with another talented European player.

The team announced Wednesdaythey will have Filip Zadina, a forward from the Czech Republic, in itslineup when the Quebec Major Junior Hockey Leaguebegins next month.

"We are extremely excited to have a player of Filip's ability and skill level joining the Mooseheads this season," said Cam Russell, general manager of the Mooseheads.

'Very pleased to have him'

At six feet and 180 pounds,Zadina has good size and is known as a player with an excellent shot and the ability to perform in the clutch.

The 10th overall pick in the CHL import draft led his country to a gold medal at last year's Ivan Hlinka Memorial Cup by scoring twice in a 4-3 win over the United States.

"We're confident that he will step in and become a leader for us on and off the ice," said Russell.

"Filip is excited to come and play in Halifax and we're very pleased to have him here."

Mooseheads and European players

Zadina will be one of the players expected to fill the big void left by Nico Hischier, selected by New Jersey as the top pick in the 2017 NHL draft. Hischier, a native of Switzerland, is one of many top-notch imports to play for Halifax.

Other Europeans who starred for the Mooseheads and went on to play in the NHL include Timo Meier, Ladislav Nagy, Petr Vrana, Jakub Voracek and Nikolaj Ehlers.

Zadina was previously taken by the Vancouver Giants of the WHL fourth overall in the 2016 CHL import draft but chose to stay in the Czech Republic.

The Mooseheads will open training camp on Aug.17 at Cole Harbour Place.