Lukáš Rousek Joins HV71
Lukáš Rousek, a 26-year-old forward from the Czech Republic, has officially joined HV71, a prominent team in the Swedish Hockey League (SHL), after signing a two-year deal announced on Tuesday. This marks a significant move for Rousek, who previously spent five seasons with the Buffalo Sabres organization in North America, primarily playing with the Rochester Americans in the AHL.
Rousek’s Enthusiasm for New Venture
Reflecting on his new venture, Rousek expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity, stating,
“It will be a lot of fun and is an exciting challenge. I know how high the Swedish Hockey League is and that Jönköping is a hockey-crazy city, and I look forward to being part of HV71.”
Expertise Recognized by HV71 GM
GM Björn Liljander emphasized Rousek’s exceptional skills:
“Lukáš’s greatest quality is his passing game. He is a real playmaker who sees the game very well and always finds an open space – a player you can use both as a center and a winger.”
Career Background
Originally hailing from Ostrov and later moving to Prague, Rousek began his professional career with Sparta Prague, where he tallied 90 points across 176 games in the Czech Extraliga. Despite not representing his country at the U-18 or U-20 levels, Rousek caught the attention of NHL scouts, ultimately being drafted by the Sabres in the sixth round of the 2019 NHL Entry Draft.
North American Experience
During his time in North America, Rousek mainly featured for the AHL’s Rochester Americans before making a brief appearance in the NHL, playing 17 games for the Sabres. In those games, he was able to net one goal and provide three assists.
HV71’s Recent Struggles
HV71 has a rich history, having claimed the SHL championship in the 2016-17 season, but the team has faced struggles since, experiencing relegation. After returning to the Swedish top-tier league in 2022, they’ve battled to stay clear of the relegation zone, failing to reach the playoffs in their subsequent seasons. This signing could be pivotal for both Rousek and HV71 as they aim to regain prominence in Swedish hockey.
