CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS – Corpus Christi IceRays goaltender Tomáš Vomáčka has been ranked 13th among North American goaltenders in the NHL Central Scouting Mid-Terms Rankings released this morning.
The players listed on the mid-term rankings are scouted and eligible for the 2017 NHL Draft in Chicago, Ill. on June 23-24, 2017 and have been watched since the initial NHL Central Scouting Futures List was released in July ahead of the 2016-17 season. The mid-term rankings is an updated list from the preliminary players to watch list released in October and gives a better gauge of where potential draft picks are slated to be selected.
Vomáčka, 17, is one of 31 goaltenders listed on the prospective draft list and is fifth among goaltenders in USA Hockey junior developmental leagues including the USHL and NAHL. Over the last month, the Trutnov, Czech Republic native has been playing some of his best hockey this season, earning wins in four-straight games and helping the IceRays to points in six-straight contests while keeping opponents to two goals or less in five of his last six starts. During his last ten games, the 6-foot-3, 165-pound goaltender owns a 6-2-1 record with a 2.01 goals-against average and a .931 save percentage.
“I believe Tomáš is competing extremely hard,” said IceRays head coach Brad Flynn. “He’s adjusted very well to the North American game from the European game from the style of play to the rink sizes. His personal numbers are good, but I really like the fact that he’s been getting wins as of late.”
Vomáčka is the second goaltender in IceRays junior franchise history to be named to the NHL Central Scouting Mid-Term Rankings, joining Anthony Stolarz, who finished the 2011-12 season ranked fourth among North American goaltenders. He is also one of four NAHL players listed on the mid-term rankings, including defenseman Hunter Lellig (Minnesota Magicians), defenseman Benton Maass (Fairbanks Ice Dogs) and goaltender Ivan Prosvetov (Minnesota Magicians). Vomáčka was ranked on the NHL Central Scouting Futures List in July and players to watch list in October.
“Being ranked is always a cool thing,” said IceRays general manager Pat Dunn. “The process is a great experience looking back at what Stolarz went through and the end of his year before the draft. It’s exciting for Tomáš, for the team, and the league. The second half of the season is crucial, but still being on that list means there are a lot of eyes on him. We’ll see how he responds to the attention, but he’s earned it.”
Through 24 games this season, Vomáčka owns a 10-10-2 record with a 2.57 goals-against average and a .916 save percentage, ranked seventh among NAHL goaltenders in minutes played, 11th in goals-against average and 12th in save percentage.
The IceRays and Bulls go back into action on Friday, Jan. 20 at 7:05 p.m. to begin the final weekend of the season series from the Amarillo Civic Center. The IceRays return home to the American Bank Center on Friday, Feb. 10 at 7:05 p.m. to begin a two-game weekend set against the Odessa Jackalopes. Season memberships for the 2016-17 season are still available with full and partial season plans. Reserve yours by contacting the IceRays Front Office at 361-814-PUCK. In addition, stay connected with the IceRays on Facebook (/CorpusChristiIceRays), Twitter (@goicerays), YouTube (IceRays TV), Instagram (CorpusChristiIceRays), Snapchat (@goicerays), and Periscope (@goicerays).
