Blades get jump on offseason signings, retain defenseman Czech

Five days before qualifying offers can be extended, the Florida Everblades went ahead and signed their first player for the 2006-07 ECHL season — rookie defenseman Steve Czech.

The soon-to-be 24-year-old Minnesotan was originally signed by Florida three days after last season's trade deadline and made an immediate impact in the last 10 regular-season games. He had one assist, but more importantly, he upgraded the Everblades' blueline, helping goaltenders Kevin Nastiuk and Phil Osaer find their rhythm before the playoffs.

"It was a pretty easy decision for me being familiar with the organization and the coaching staff," Czech said by phone Monday night from Duluth, Minn. "I haven't really been talking to anyone else and they made me a good offer. I was surprised to be the first one signed, but I'm looking forward to playing a full season down there."

In eight playoff games, Czech scored five points (1 goal, 4 assists), and at 6-foot-1, 215 pounds, he exhibited a combination of speed, skill and physical play that fits in well with the new rules adapted by the NHL, American Hockey League and ECHL last year.

Prior to joining the Everblades, Czech made a name for himself at the collegiate level playing for the University of Minnesota-Duluth. In four seasons and 164 games, he recorded 64 points (10 goals, 54 assists) and racked up 286 penalty minutes.

"We're happy to have come to terms with him," said Everblades head coach Gerry Fleming, who signed a two-year contract of his own last month. "Coming in last year at the end of the season and playing well then and throughout the playoffs, he showed that he's a good young player."

He also played two seasons in the junior ranks, splitting time among the United States Hockey League's Waterloo Blackhawks, Rochester Mustangs and Topeka Scarecrows.

Fleming, who said this will be a chance for Czech to showcase his skills for AHL and NHL teams, indicated he might be announcing more signings in the near future, something team president and general manager Craig Brush also confirmed.

Czech

"Steve's a very good player and is the kind of guy who can turn our defense around, so we wanted to get that done," Brush said. "He will probably go to an American League camp somewhere, and if he can't stick in the American League this year he probably will next year."

Czech, who has been keeping busy playing golf, softball and fitting in a few on-ice workouts, was one of 12 players listed on the season-ending roster. A maximum of eight are protected under Florida's reserved rights.

The other 11 players listed on that season-ending roster were forwards Ernie Harlieb, Reggie Berg, Kevin Bergin, Brandon Coalter, Paul Cabana and Phil Aucoin and defensemen John Adams, Ryan Brindley, Tyson Teplitsky, Matt Bannan and Chris Lee. Hartlieb, Berg, Bergin and Brindley all are considered veterans (at least 260 professional games).