The Guelph Storm selected Slovakian winger Timothy Kazda with the fourth overall pick in the Canadian Hockey League Import Draft on Tuesday, June 30, 2026.
The team acquired the selection position weeks earlier through a trade.
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Kazda, 18, recorded 22 goals and 19 assists in 59 games for the Chicago Steel of the United States Hockey League last season.
He also earned tournament MVP honors at the World Under-18 Challenge.
Storm General Manager George Burnett said the decision came after monitoring the late-birthdate prospect, who is widely projected as a potential first-round selection for the 2027 NHL draft.
"He's the reason we moved up in the draft, he's a big, strong power forward who can score," Burnett said.
Burnett noted extensive discussions with Kazda's family and representation to facilitate the transition into the Ontario Hockey League.
"We've been following him for a number of years.
He was undecided a year ago at the draft (if he wanted to come to the CHL), but he made the decision to come and he's excited to be heading here," Burnett said.
Brandon Wheat Kings Adjust Strategy
Meanwhile, the Brandon Wheat Kings altered their draft strategy after Russian defenseman Daniil Skvortsov was released and Finnish blue-liner Samu Alalauri accelerated his entry into the University of Massachusetts.
Brandon head coach and general manager Marty Murray addressed inquiries regarding Czech goaltender Filip Ruzicka, whose former European club Mountfield has reportedly tried to retain him.
