English tutors take note - the Moose Jaw Warriors may soon be advertising for your services.
For now, however, they can use a Russian and a Czech interpreter.
Wednesday the Warriors used their second round pick of the annual Canadian Hockey League import draft to grab Russian defenseman Renat Mamachev 56th overall.
The first round was held Tuesday with the Warriors snaring defenseman Tomas Mojzis of the Czech Republic 20th overall.
It's the first time the Western Hockey League club has made use of both its picks. In the past the Warriors have either passed with their second pick or traded the pick away.
"It's the way everybody seems to be going these days," Warrior general manager Ralph Schmidt said. "We've got to keep up otherwise we end up a body or two short."
Unlike Mojzis who the Warriors were able to scout last season when the Czech Republic Under-18 team was in Canada playing exhibition games and competing at the Viking Cup, Mamachev comes sight-unseen.
The 6'2", 190-pound 17-year old competed with Russia at the World Under-17 Hockey Challenge in Ontario last season against the likes of Warrior defenseman Nathan Paetsch who competed with Team West.
"He's a good all-around defenseman and from what we've heard he's supposed to be a good player," said Schmidt, noting that Mamachev's agent figures the Soviet Wings' blueliner will be a first or second round pick in next year's NHL draft. "We talked to some of the kids who played against him at the World Hockey Challenge and we think he might be able to play for us right away.
"With a country as big as Russia is, if he's good enough to play on their national (under-17) team, he must be a good player."
With the graduation of 20-year defensemen Scott Schoneck, Kris Mallette and Shawn Skolney and the uncertain status of 19-year old defenseman Dreu Volk due to concussion problems, the Warriors were looking to beef up the depth on the blueline, something Schmidt feels they accomplished via the conference call draft.
"If they're everything we've been told about them, they'll help us, no doubt about it," Schmidt said.
Order of selection is based on how teams finish in their standings. It was the QMJHL's team to pick first this year and the WHL will get first pick next season.
