Import Draft Pick Ales Kilnar Sent Home to Czech Republic

Press Release 

VANCOUVER, BC – After being a healthy scratch in 3 of the first 4 regular season games, 19 year-old Ales Kilnar was released by the Giants today and is flying back home to Ostrava, Czech Republic.
Kilnar was Vancouver’s selection, 44th overall, in this past CHL Import draft. He was brought in to be a top 6 forward after picking up 28 goals and 51 points in 39 games last season with HC Vitkovice in the Czech U20 league.

But according to General Manager Scott Bonner, Kilnar didn’t elevate his game as much as they had hoped. “Although Ales had a very good training camp for us, we felt that once the pre-season rolled along and the level of competition was raised, he wasn’t able to provide what we expect of a 19 year-old Import player, and we thought it was best for both parties to send him back home.”

The move reduces the Giants’ roster to 26 players, but only 25 of which are active, with injured defenseman Arvin Atwal not expected back until November.

The team has an off day today before returning to practice tomorrow in preparation for their road game Wednesday in Kelowna.


(Nathan can be reached at nathanfournier@mainehockeyjournal.com)