Florida Panthers Tomas Kopecky signs on board with Slovak Extraliga amid Lockout -NHL Update
It finally seems like the Florida Panthers players have had enough and are steadily beginning to explore their options to continue playing outside of North America during the limitless lockout with Tomas Kopecky signing on with Slovak Extraliga in Slovakia.
The move was made by the player and announced by the team on their official website Monday, October 15, 2012, that they have brought him on board for the next season in the foreign league.
While there are about 10 players of the Florida Panthers that have remained in Florida to continue practicing together, some are going out while others may be leaving in the next couple of days by taking all factors into consideration.
“Honestly, this group is having a good time together,’’ goalie Jose Theodore said, according to the Miami Herald. “We’re in Florida, so that’s pretty good. It’s starting to get cold everywhere else. We’re coming here and working hard and it’s not the best scenario — I would rather be playing games — but afterward we can play tennis or golf. We’re making the best out of a bad situation.”
Kopecky was known to be continuing his workout regime and staying in shape despite the extra time off, but finally made a move after training with the team members that remained.
“We come in here and know who will be here each day,’’ Panthers forward Tomas Kopecky said. “It’s actually good for us physically because you are used to getting rest between drills. Here, there aren’t enough players for that. You just keep going and going. It’s real good for our cardio.’’
Kopecky is a 30-year-old native of Ilava, Slovakia, and was drafted as the 38th overall during round-two of the 2000 National Hockey League (NHL) entry draft by Detroit Red Wings. The past season was his first with Florida as he potted 32 points (10 goals, 22 assists) in 80 games played.
In total, Tomas Kopecky has 418 games to his name along with 47 goals, 80 assists, for a total of 127 points and 233 minutes in penalty time.
Florida Panthers had one of their best seasons in franchise history last time around by ending third in the Eastern Conference after a major slump and Tomas Kopecky is definitely one of the major factors why.
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