The Bobcats sign new Rookie forward Dominik Matoňák

Wytheville VA – The Blue Ridge Bobcats have signed Rookie Forward Dominik Matoňák to a professional tryout.

Working as a playmaker, Matoňák spent last season in the pro Latvia league playing 24 games with Dinamo Riga. He earned five goals, ten assists, and 15 points on the season, as well as making a nine-game postseason appearance.

Prior to his pro season, the 22-year-old Kosice Slovakia native worked his way up through different European juniors U20 programs. Starting in the 2016-2017 season with HC Kosice U16 team. 

Throughout the seasons Matoňák continued to work his way up as he played for IFK Österåker J18 and J20 in the J18 and J20 division 1 and 2 leagues (2017-2019), And Ässät U20 Akatemia in both the U20 Suomi-sarja Q and U20 Alueliiga leagues (2019-2020), HC Vita Hästen J20 in the J20 Region(2020-2021).

Earning his best season with Vierumäki United U20 in the U20 Mestis league (2021-2022). During the season Matoňák played in 36 games and earned 12 goals, 21 assists, and 33 points.

Matoňák’s playmaking and work on both sides of the ice were some of the reasons that Bobcats Head Coach Vojtech Zemlicka decided to sign him.

“Dominik Matoňák is going to play in North America for the first time after playing most of his youth career in Sweden and Finland. Last season he played his first PRO season in Latvia. Dominik is a very smart forward with a great ability to create scoring for himself and his teammates. Dominik prides himself on having a good finish and capitalizing on his own opportunities. He has a great hockey sense on both sides of the ice, offense and defense. He uses speed to his advantage and that’s what we’re looking for from our wingers,” Zemlicka said.

You can catch Dominik Matoňák and the rest of the Blue Ridge Bobcats for their home opener and the start of the inaugural season on Friday, October 20th at 7:30 p.m. inside the Apex Center. Don't miss any of the action this season and pick up your season tickets now here.

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