VETERAN VILIAM KNAP RESIGNS
(Bradford, ON; December 29, 2012)
Sean Werth
The Bradford Rattlers are very pleased to announce the re-signing of former leading scorer and All-Star Viliam Knap. Knap suited up for the Rattlers in the 2008-09 season as a 17 year old. Now, as a 21 year old over-ager, the Slovakian centre will be finishing his junior career with the team he started with.
Knap is a left handed shot from Kosice, Slovakia. In 2008-09, Knap led the Rattlers in scoring with an outstanding 36G, 36A for 72Pts in just 35 games. Viliam was named to the GMHL All-Star game and a finalist for the GMHL's MVP. After the season, Knap was presented with options to join the NCAA, but chose to peruse professional hockey in his home country.
Knap suited up for Team Slovakia in the 2008 World Junior Championships for the U17's before being signed to Bradford. After an outstanding season with the Rattlers, Knap had returned to Slovakia to play in their top U20 league as an 18 year old. Over two seasons in the U20 league, Knap held a point-per-game pace ultimately earning a professional hockey contract in Slovakia's second league.
In his first full professional season, Viliam notched 25 points in 38 games. Which brings us to this season; Knap has suited up for 21 professional games thus far, but has signed with the Rattlers to help them win the Russell Cup.
"Viliam played with us a couple years ago," said General Manager Johan Lundskog, "He is a very skilled forward with good size, he is developing an intense physical game. Viliam is a likable character in the dressing room. With his speed, skill and size, he will be an asset for any team at the next level."
Knap will be joining the squad in the New Year.
