01-09-2017, 07:38 PM
Introducing Bartholomew Čechové
Bartholomew Čechové is a name few have heard of and fewer can pronounce. The goaltender hailing from the Czech Republic only recently announced his intention to move to North America and play in the prestigious SMJHL to help him realize his dream of playing in the highest of leagues, the SHL. This will be an opportunity to get to know the man and the player.
Bartholomew Čechové was born to a stanchly religious and patriotic Czech family who groomed him from a young age towards becoming an elite athlete, hopefully representing the Czech Republic on the international stage. His family name comes down from the Slavic tribal name the Czech Republic derives its name from. He was named after the Saint Batholomew who has a large Church in his home town of Pardubice.
Pardubice is a city famous for producing hockey talent, including the likes of Ales Hemsky and Dominik Hasek. It is this second man who inspired Bartholomew to play hockey and too be a goalie. Despite his regimented upbringing with his conservative family Bartholomew succeeded on the ice by breaking free of the rigid style most successful goalies use in the modern game. With quick hands, quick feet and acrobatic saves he looked like Hasek reborn.
It quickly became apparent to Bartholomew that he was not going to be able to pursue his dream of playing in the SHL by playing junior in the Czech Republic. Unfortunately his parents were not keen to see their son leave the country they loved and did everything they could to stall Bartholomew’s departure. This resulted in him missing the entire 32nd season of the SMJHL arriving just before playoffs started. He quickly reached out to league officials and reached an agreement where he could sign with an SMJHL side and play during the S32 playoffs but would have to enter the draft in S33, where he could end up anywhere.
Bartholomew Čechové’s arrival was not met with much fanfare as there are plenty of solid goalies throughout the SMJHL. Currently the best case scenario for Čechové is to get a backup job for a playoff team so he can join in a few practises and maybe see some action if the team’s starting goalie gets shelled. Čechové made a press release addressing this; which we will post here.
Press Release
“Hello General Managers of the SMJHL. My name is Bartholomew Čechové and I am a goaltender from the Czech Republic. I am hoping that I may join one of your teams for the upcoming S32 Playoffs! I would take any opportunity that is presented; I do not particularly need to start any games I just want to be part of a team seeing the games from the bench. If I can get a start that would be amazing but I understand that I am new and everyone else has had a whole season to develop.
I hope someone will offer me a contract for the playoffs.
Thank you for Reading.â€
Rumors
Sources around the SMJHL have contacted us and said that Čechové has already been proactive about his recruitment having reached out to two SMJHL clubs. These clubs are believed to be the Vancouver Whalers and the Colorado Mammoths. It is understood that some people who were helping Bartholomew make the transition to North America recommended him consider the Vancouver Whalers since they believe they were in the market for a goalie earlier this season. Colorado Mammoths on the other hand were a club Bartholomew zeroed in on because he believes he is already better than current backup Abhinav Ram and close in skill to current starter Carter Fleury. However Čechové has not limited himself to these options only and will accept a contract from any team who is currently in the SMJHL playoffs.
Plans for His Game
A concern some people have voiced about Čechové’s game is the lack of structure in his game. He tends to be erratic in net which can lead to some incredible highlight saves but on the flip side he will let in a few weak goals. His questionable rebound control leaves a lot to be desired as well. Čechové himself says that his lack of rebound control is countered by his compete. He thinks he is quick enough that even if there is a rebound he can recover and make the next save as well. His conditioning helps with his high energy style of play. One other area Čechové has said he will try to improve is using his frame a bit better. He is slight at 160 lbs and not tall for a goalie at 6’1’’ but knows he can use his frame better than he currently does. He’ll never be a goalie who relies on positioning to make the save but knowing how to use what size he has to take up more space will help Čechové find some consistency that SMJHL teams crave.
Plans for His Career
Bartholomew Čechové has stated he has two primary goals for his career. His primary goal is to rebuild his relationship with his parents by representing the Czech Republic in the IIHF Championship, fulfilling their dream for him. His second goal is not to become the best goalie in the SHL but to become one of the most iconic goalies in the game. He plans on doing this by remaining true to his unique undisciplined style which he hopes will bring a new dimension to the game which has not been seen since Hasek hung up his skates. In terms of teams Čechové has no preference where he plays. He just wants to be respected and be given the opportunity to practise his craft in the way he wants. He does not need to play for the best team or make the most amount of money. He wants respect and a team he enjoys playing for. At the same time he will not stick around in an organization he has a philosophical difference with and will politely ask to leave an organization that he feels does not work with him.
Statistical Goals
Many goalies head into the season looking to achieve a specific save percentage, goals against average or set a personal best in a category like shutouts. While it is always nice to have good numbers in these categories Čechové has something else in mind. Čechové wants to win a number of forty plus save games. The kinds of games that stick in people’s memories and make people get out of their seats.
Opinion on Current SMJHL Goalies
Colorado Mammoths : Carter Fleury
“Fleury is the antitheses to who I am as a player. He has a safe and honestly boring playstyle that lacks flair. I believe I could supplant Fleury in a matter of weeks.â€
Detroit Falcons: Blowjob Jesus Jr.
“A worst version of Fleury, not sure how he started 25 games.â€
Patrick Diehl
“Diehl has a terrible stat line and in my opinion that is the result of relying too much on his size while lacking the natural talent to be a goalie at this level.â€
Jeremy Anderson
“Anderson is a quick fun goaltender it is should be no surprise he has the best stats on the team. Shame they did not play him more. I’m sure the fans would have enjoyed it.â€
Halifax Raiders: Georgette Pel
“Pel is a well-rounded goaltender who put up good numbers this season. You have to respect a goalie of this calibre.â€
Kelowna Knights: Sebastian Thompson
“Thompson is a non-descript goalie with a unremarkable stat line. Time will tell what identity Thompson wants to establish.â€
Montreal Militia: Thaddeus Prince
“I must say I love this man’s name as well as his game. The first goalie I’ve seen who has reflexes at a similar level to me. Surprised he has not found more success this season.â€
Prince George Firebirds: Stephan Harris
“Harris is a more developed version of Thompson who has found more success… that is all.â€
Saint Louis Scarecrows: Kyle Wahlgren
“I like that Wahlgren focuses on goaltending and not playing the puck. Great reaction time which I respect, unfortunately he is on a weak team.â€
Vancouver Whalers: Radisk Rodders
“Radisk is a high risk goaltender which is always fun to watch but I gosh he sure likes to take off and play the puck. Though maybe defensemen appreciate not having to go into the corners.â€
Overall with a few exceptions I think I am in a great position to establish myself as a strong goalie in the SMJHL. I hope I did not offend anyone in particular with my opinions on them, I just have a specific kind of goalie I enjoy watching… it is this belief that formed my opinions and nothing personal about the individual players.
Update on Negotiations
While this article was being put together it looks probable that Bartholomew will be signing with the Vancouver Whalers. Though nothing can be confirmed until tomorrow at noon. Word is he may have been offered a starting job, though this is not written in stone.
Final Note in Regards to the League
I want to thank everyone who reached out to me right off the bat. People here seem quick to help and the level of depth in this place is honestly mind boggling, Really cool thing you guys have going on here. Looking forward to developing my goalie and seeing where my “career†takes me! I’m sure it is going to be a lot of fun… has to be if some of you have been here for years like I’ve been told!
Words: 1604
- First Article so Double Money
(wanted to go for more since the recommendation was 3000 words but good lord I can’t think of anything else to write about!
Bartholomew Čechové is a name few have heard of and fewer can pronounce. The goaltender hailing from the Czech Republic only recently announced his intention to move to North America and play in the prestigious SMJHL to help him realize his dream of playing in the highest of leagues, the SHL. This will be an opportunity to get to know the man and the player.
Bartholomew Čechové was born to a stanchly religious and patriotic Czech family who groomed him from a young age towards becoming an elite athlete, hopefully representing the Czech Republic on the international stage. His family name comes down from the Slavic tribal name the Czech Republic derives its name from. He was named after the Saint Batholomew who has a large Church in his home town of Pardubice.
Pardubice is a city famous for producing hockey talent, including the likes of Ales Hemsky and Dominik Hasek. It is this second man who inspired Bartholomew to play hockey and too be a goalie. Despite his regimented upbringing with his conservative family Bartholomew succeeded on the ice by breaking free of the rigid style most successful goalies use in the modern game. With quick hands, quick feet and acrobatic saves he looked like Hasek reborn.
It quickly became apparent to Bartholomew that he was not going to be able to pursue his dream of playing in the SHL by playing junior in the Czech Republic. Unfortunately his parents were not keen to see their son leave the country they loved and did everything they could to stall Bartholomew’s departure. This resulted in him missing the entire 32nd season of the SMJHL arriving just before playoffs started. He quickly reached out to league officials and reached an agreement where he could sign with an SMJHL side and play during the S32 playoffs but would have to enter the draft in S33, where he could end up anywhere.
Bartholomew Čechové’s arrival was not met with much fanfare as there are plenty of solid goalies throughout the SMJHL. Currently the best case scenario for Čechové is to get a backup job for a playoff team so he can join in a few practises and maybe see some action if the team’s starting goalie gets shelled. Čechové made a press release addressing this; which we will post here.
Press Release
“Hello General Managers of the SMJHL. My name is Bartholomew Čechové and I am a goaltender from the Czech Republic. I am hoping that I may join one of your teams for the upcoming S32 Playoffs! I would take any opportunity that is presented; I do not particularly need to start any games I just want to be part of a team seeing the games from the bench. If I can get a start that would be amazing but I understand that I am new and everyone else has had a whole season to develop.
I hope someone will offer me a contract for the playoffs.
Thank you for Reading.â€
Rumors
Sources around the SMJHL have contacted us and said that Čechové has already been proactive about his recruitment having reached out to two SMJHL clubs. These clubs are believed to be the Vancouver Whalers and the Colorado Mammoths. It is understood that some people who were helping Bartholomew make the transition to North America recommended him consider the Vancouver Whalers since they believe they were in the market for a goalie earlier this season. Colorado Mammoths on the other hand were a club Bartholomew zeroed in on because he believes he is already better than current backup Abhinav Ram and close in skill to current starter Carter Fleury. However Čechové has not limited himself to these options only and will accept a contract from any team who is currently in the SMJHL playoffs.
Plans for His Game
A concern some people have voiced about Čechové’s game is the lack of structure in his game. He tends to be erratic in net which can lead to some incredible highlight saves but on the flip side he will let in a few weak goals. His questionable rebound control leaves a lot to be desired as well. Čechové himself says that his lack of rebound control is countered by his compete. He thinks he is quick enough that even if there is a rebound he can recover and make the next save as well. His conditioning helps with his high energy style of play. One other area Čechové has said he will try to improve is using his frame a bit better. He is slight at 160 lbs and not tall for a goalie at 6’1’’ but knows he can use his frame better than he currently does. He’ll never be a goalie who relies on positioning to make the save but knowing how to use what size he has to take up more space will help Čechové find some consistency that SMJHL teams crave.
Plans for His Career
Bartholomew Čechové has stated he has two primary goals for his career. His primary goal is to rebuild his relationship with his parents by representing the Czech Republic in the IIHF Championship, fulfilling their dream for him. His second goal is not to become the best goalie in the SHL but to become one of the most iconic goalies in the game. He plans on doing this by remaining true to his unique undisciplined style which he hopes will bring a new dimension to the game which has not been seen since Hasek hung up his skates. In terms of teams Čechové has no preference where he plays. He just wants to be respected and be given the opportunity to practise his craft in the way he wants. He does not need to play for the best team or make the most amount of money. He wants respect and a team he enjoys playing for. At the same time he will not stick around in an organization he has a philosophical difference with and will politely ask to leave an organization that he feels does not work with him.
Statistical Goals
Many goalies head into the season looking to achieve a specific save percentage, goals against average or set a personal best in a category like shutouts. While it is always nice to have good numbers in these categories Čechové has something else in mind. Čechové wants to win a number of forty plus save games. The kinds of games that stick in people’s memories and make people get out of their seats.
Opinion on Current SMJHL Goalies
Colorado Mammoths : Carter Fleury
“Fleury is the antitheses to who I am as a player. He has a safe and honestly boring playstyle that lacks flair. I believe I could supplant Fleury in a matter of weeks.â€
Detroit Falcons: Blowjob Jesus Jr.
“A worst version of Fleury, not sure how he started 25 games.â€
Patrick Diehl
“Diehl has a terrible stat line and in my opinion that is the result of relying too much on his size while lacking the natural talent to be a goalie at this level.â€
Jeremy Anderson
“Anderson is a quick fun goaltender it is should be no surprise he has the best stats on the team. Shame they did not play him more. I’m sure the fans would have enjoyed it.â€
Halifax Raiders: Georgette Pel
“Pel is a well-rounded goaltender who put up good numbers this season. You have to respect a goalie of this calibre.â€
Kelowna Knights: Sebastian Thompson
“Thompson is a non-descript goalie with a unremarkable stat line. Time will tell what identity Thompson wants to establish.â€
Montreal Militia: Thaddeus Prince
“I must say I love this man’s name as well as his game. The first goalie I’ve seen who has reflexes at a similar level to me. Surprised he has not found more success this season.â€
Prince George Firebirds: Stephan Harris
“Harris is a more developed version of Thompson who has found more success… that is all.â€
Saint Louis Scarecrows: Kyle Wahlgren
“I like that Wahlgren focuses on goaltending and not playing the puck. Great reaction time which I respect, unfortunately he is on a weak team.â€
Vancouver Whalers: Radisk Rodders
“Radisk is a high risk goaltender which is always fun to watch but I gosh he sure likes to take off and play the puck. Though maybe defensemen appreciate not having to go into the corners.â€
Overall with a few exceptions I think I am in a great position to establish myself as a strong goalie in the SMJHL. I hope I did not offend anyone in particular with my opinions on them, I just have a specific kind of goalie I enjoy watching… it is this belief that formed my opinions and nothing personal about the individual players.
Update on Negotiations
While this article was being put together it looks probable that Bartholomew will be signing with the Vancouver Whalers. Though nothing can be confirmed until tomorrow at noon. Word is he may have been offered a starting job, though this is not written in stone.
Final Note in Regards to the League
I want to thank everyone who reached out to me right off the bat. People here seem quick to help and the level of depth in this place is honestly mind boggling, Really cool thing you guys have going on here. Looking forward to developing my goalie and seeing where my “career†takes me! I’m sure it is going to be a lot of fun… has to be if some of you have been here for years like I’ve been told!
Words: 1604
- First Article so Double Money
(wanted to go for more since the recommendation was 3000 words but good lord I can’t think of anything else to write about!
