Login

Seventy-Four · 03-21-2014, 08:14 PM

Kladno (#64) celebrates third period goal with Jarkko Kallestrom (#46) and Walter White (#3) in Edmonton to tie it up at 3.

"It's been... unique so far, that's for sure."

That is exactly what Minnesota sophomore Mikhail Kladno said during a post-game interview. He was referring to his career of course. Rarely do you find a story like Kladno's.

Near the half-way point of Season 14, a player named Kladno joined the league. The Czech native was largely unknown when he first came over from Prague, he was given the description 'good passer... great checker and team player... fantastic leadership qualities... can't score or shoot and has limited puck handling skill... his commitment to the Simulation Hockey League is doubtful... most comparable to Jamie Benn'

People would certainly remember his name once he signed a contract with the Montreal Impact. Kladno wasn't a desired free agent, mostly because he spoke limited English and had little offensive upside. Kladno had a respective 16 points in 24 games played but a lackluster 21 hits. But he had a 52 faceoff percentage as a young gun and was decent defensively. Before he was drafted, he was labelled a bust. Fans and media alike insisting Kladno was going to flop and should not be considered a 'high-end prospect', especially for a draft that was as good as Season 15 was.

"It got to me." Kladno admitted, "I'm trying to do my thing and all I hear is 'yeah, going nowhere.' and 'whoever drafted Kladno is going to fucked over.' "

[Image: 9387901.jpg]

Kladno scores his first SMJHL goal on home ice in Montreal.

Against the fan's wishes, the Las Vegas Kings selected Kladno sixth overall. The Kings had Kladno's back though, and were planning to someday have Kladno and Merica on a line together and be the Toews and Kane of the National Hockey League. That didn't work out.

After a decent season again with Montreal and some troubles and debates with General Manager Jordan Nugent-Hall, Kladno was ready to play for the Seattle Riot (formerly the Las Vegas Kings) for the first time.

"Oh, I was ready alright." Kladno laughed, "Me and Nugent-Hall were too different to get along. We started out as buddies and drifted apart. He put me on the second line despite me playing great because I was being a bitch to him. Who was doing the right thing? That's up to your opinion."

Leaving Montreal wasn't the greatest thing for Kladno as it turns out. While Montreal teammate and best friend Lionel Byrde was flying (and would win Rookie of the Year) Kladno had a horrific five points in 50 games (one goal, four assists). Mocking Kladno, an angry fan and blogger tweeted "#5in50 for Kladno" and this became a trademark. Kladno embraced it, which just made the fans madder. It was clear a 'riot' may actually start in Seattle if Kladno wasn't moved. KKladno was traded in the off-season to the failing Minnesota Chiefs. I don't want to use the word 'failing' but that is was happened. Kladno at last found his game with the Chiefs and it currently second in Chiefs scoring.

[Image: yakupov41.jpg?w=620]

Kladno scores his first (and only) goal as a Seattle Riot. A big celebration was indeed in order.

"That's great, but I'm focused on the Challenge Cup."

Minnesota holds a playoff spot, but that's not awfully hard to do in the East. Kladno jerseys are flying off the racks. He is finally getting some on ice chemistry as well as off ice chemistry with his teammates. He recently bought a house with his beloved girlfriend. He's a Chief for at least nine seasons (unless a trade occurs.)

It's safe to say Kladno found a new home.