Starting his 2024-25 campaign in the Czech Republic, Radim Mrtka wasn’t getting the minutes to show what he could offer in his draft season. In late November, the decision was made to head to the Western Hockey League to play for the Seattle Thunderbirds team that selected him in the 2024 Import Draft.
Date of Birth: June 9, 2007
Birthplace: Havlickuv Brod, Czech Republic
Height: 6’6″
Weight: 218 lbs.
Position: Defence
Shoots: Right
Team: Seattle Thunderbirds (WHL)
There was an adjustment period coming to North America as he had six penalty minutes in his first game and was a combined -4 through his first three matches, but he quickly adapted to the game and began to make a positive impact. He ended up with three goals and 32 assists in the 43 regular-season games he played, and added another three helpers in the playoffs.
Strengths
The most impressive thing about Mrtka is his size. Standing 6’6″ and weighing in at 218 pounds, it’s a rare profile he brings to the draft class. The second-most impressive attribute is that he moves quite well on the ice, taking advantage of his long strides to recover defensively and stay between forwards and the middle of the ice they’re trying to get to. It’s difficult to get around him at the blue line, and you’re not going to force your way to the top of the crease when he’s on the ice, either. Because he doesn’t have to expend a great deal of energy just to move around, he’s able to play a lot of minutes every night.
Opposing players have a tough time overcoming his reach when he decides to head up the ice on a rush. He can simply move the puck well out of their range and keep on moving, getting over his own blue line and advancing on the attacking zone in a few strides.
Once he’s up to speed on the rush, defenders can do lit