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Pats' Volek exploring overseas options

Gregg Drinnan, Taking Note, May 18 2012

Earlier in the week, The MacBeth Report broke the news here that F David Volek, who just completed his freshman season with the Regina Pats, had signed a junior contract with Färjestad Karlstad (Sweden, J20 SuperElit).

Volek, 18, had 32 points with the Pats and it was expected that he would return for another season.

Greg Harder of the Regina Leader-Post provided the Pats’ view of this situation below.

The Färjestad news release was headlined J20: FBK Strengthens from Czech Republic.

The first three paragraphs of that release:

“Färjestad's J20 is strengthened for next season with a Czech national team member. Dominik Volek, most recently with the Regina Pats in the Canadian junior league, joins the club's J20 team. ‘From the reports we received, he is a very interesting two-way player with great potential,’ says Färjestad's Youth and Junior Manager Peter Johansson.

“Volek comes from the Canadian junior league where he played for the Regina Pats. His father, David, is a multiple Czech national team member who also played six seasons for the New York Islanders.

“Volek is one of three new forwards in the J20 squad.”

Of course, a lot can happen between now and late August, but that sounds pretty definitive.

Volek’s agent is his uncle, Ales, whose agency is called Alvo Sports Management. According to the agency website, Ales was a scout for the NHL’s Ottawa Senators from 1999-2002. Jiri Hudler Sr. is the head of player development for the agency.

Ales also is the agent for Roman Cervenka, who just signed with the Calgary Flames.

And here’s another connection for you — The MacBeth Report points out that the man in charge of running FBK from top to bottom, who just reorganized the FBK coaching and management staff for their junior programs, is former Flames F Håkan Loob.

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Pats' Volek exploring overseas options

Greg Harder, Leader-Post, May 18, 2012

The Regina Pats aren't hitting the panic button over the possibility that import forward Dominik Volek could jump ship to Europe.

Not yet, anyway.

In response to an online report stating that Volek had signed with Färjestad Karlstad of the junior elite league in Sweden, Pats GM Chad Lang placed a call Thursday morning to Volek's agent (he's represented by his uncle, Ales Volek). Lang said the agent told him no contract had been signed but the opportunity was being explored.

Volek, an 18-year-old native of the Czech Republic, has already been added to the Swedish club's roster on its website.

"It's a little bit of a surprise, yet it's not uncommon among Euros," said Lang. "We see this over and over where they go back home (in the off-season) and look at their options.

"I think it's a little premature. Yet, if it happens, it happens. At the end of the day if he signs over there, it doesn't affect his ability to come back here.

"Until I hear it from him or his agent, we're anticipating him back. I guess we'll wait and see."

Lang explained that Volek is indeed free to sign with a European team because the Pats' exclusive rights only apply to this side of the pond.

"Each European kid is on a year-to-year release," explained Lang, whose team selected Volek ninth overall in last year's CHL import draft. "He can go back to Europe and sign a contract there. If he wants to stay, he stays."

Lang pointed out that there are often complications in dealing with European players, be it due to posturing agents or the lure of playing at home. However, the Pats' GM has no concern about the intentions of Volek, a happy-go-lucky rookie who wore a perpetual smile during his time in Regina.

"I have no doubt the kid wants to be back here; no doubt whatsoever," said Lang, who hadn't yet spoken to Volek. "Do I question maybe some of the tactics of his agent? There's some question there with what they're trying to do yet I'm comfortable and confident that if it's Dom's decision I know where he'll be. I would be surprised if Dom even knows what's going on."

At this point, Volek's situation hasn't changed Lang's approach to the import draft on June 27, when the Pats are planning to select one player to fill out their two man import quota. Regina is slated to pick 32nd out of 60 CHL teams in the opening round.

Barring an NHL lockout, the Pats will be looking to replace Slovak defenceman Martin Marincin, 20, who's under contract to the Edmonton Oilers and expected to graduate to the pro ranks. Volek, meanwhile, is regarded as a key returning player who will be counted upon for offence, especially with the loss of star centre Jordan Weal.

Volek started strong last season but struggled with consistency down the stretch – a common trait for European players adjusting to the North American game – while contributing 14 goals and 32 points in 70 games.

Despite an invitation to the CHL Top Prospects Game, Volek's stock fell in Central Scouting's rankings for the 2012 NHL entry draft, dropping from 95th at midseason to 163rd on the final list (out of the top 210 North American-based skaters).

Volek also played for the Czechs this spring in the world under-18 championship, recording two goals and two assists en route to his team's eighth-place finish.

If he returns to Regina, the Pats are anticipating that Volek will follow the path of other European players, many of whom are known for taking a big step forward in their second WHL campaign.

"He definitely showed his ability," added Lang. "I said all year he was a young guy trying to get accustomed and familiarized not only with the style of play but our coaching staff, the new system, all those things.

"There's no question in Year 2 we anticipate he'd be a guy who would have to step up and fill a void for some of those guys who moved on. We're comfortable and confident he would be able to do that."

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