Pavel Francouz
Goalie Pavel Francouz was the Colorado Eagle’s main goalie this season. He’s an unrestricted free agent coming July 1, but I somehow think the organization will offer him a contract.
Until then, Francouz is playing for his native Czech Republic. This is the sixth time the goalie has played for the national team. He previously represented the Czech Republic in 2013, 2014, 2016, 2017 and 2018 at IIHF Worlds.
Also, at the time of the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea, Francouz wasn’t an NHLer. As such, he was able to represent his county.
The Czechs are number three in Group B, having recorded three regulation wins and a regulation loss in four games. The Czechs will play today against the Italian National team.
It’s nice knowing there are still some Colorado Avalanche players playing hockey through mid-June. Yes, if not for a bogus disallowed goal call, they’d still be playing NHL hockey. However, we have to take what the hockey gods send us.
And for now, that’s the IIHF Worlds Championship tournament.