Is rated 43rd among North American prospects on Central Scouting's final ranking, was rated 22nd at mid-season ... performed for Team Cherry at the 2001 CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game in Calgary ... is playing in his first season in North America ... selected 14th overall in the 2000 CHL Import Draft ... was named WHL Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month for December ... finished eighth in team scoring ... named Brandon's Rookie of the Year ... posted two points (1-1-2 in 6GP) in the playoffs as Brandon was defeated by Swift Current in the first round.
Central Scouting Report
Jiri is a well-balanced and agile skater ... a solid playmaker with good puckhandling skills ... has an excellent wrist shot ... is used on the powerplay and penalty-killing units ... a cool player who does not panic in tight situations ... a tough competitor who works hard in all areas of the ice ... very effective in front of the opponent's net and will sacrifice himself to make the play ... a very effective shot blocker ... is not intimidated by the physical aspects of the game.
"Jakes looks to be a very good prospect. He doesn't seem to have any glaring weaknesses and that's encouraging. Often with Europeans it takes some time to make an impression and Jiri, I think, got off to a good start." - Kelly McCrimmon, GM Brandon Wheat Kings
Statistics (season complete)
Season Team League GP G A TP PIM
2000-01 Brandon WHL 64 22 16 38 73
1999-00 Sparta Czech Jr. 35 12 14 26 n/a
