Hounds deal to add more defense in import draft

The Soo Greyhounds have added what looks to be a solid prospect after a deal allowed them to move up spots in the Canadian Hockey League Import Draft today.

Greyhounds general manger Dave Torrie swung a deal with the Kitchener Rangers to secure Kitchener's selection in the 18th spot of the draft's first round. The Rangers will get the Hounds number one pick at the 2004 import draft and receive a conditional draft pick, which is a seventh round choice in the 2004 Ontario Hockey League draft.

With the 18th pick, the Greyhounds selected defenseman Martin Tuma from the Czech Republic. Tuma, who turns 18 in September, was also the fifth round selection of the Florida Panthers at last Saturday's National Hockey League Entry Draft.

Tuma, who stands at six-foot-four and 209 pounds, is described as a big mobile defenseman. In 22 games with Litvinov in the Czech Republic, Tuma had three assists and 36 penalty minutes.

The 18th spot in the draft originally belonged to the Greyhounds but was dealt to the Rangers in the Mike Amodeo trade.

The Greyhounds also selected 56th and took goaltender Jakub Cech from the Czech Republic. Cech, who played for the Havirov Juniors last season, turns 18 in August and isn't eligible for the NHL draft until 2004.

Each team is allowed to carry two import players on their rosters.