Checking in on the Buffalo Sabres’ prospects currently playing overseas
By Ryan Brennan
The Buffalo Sabres have loaned forward Matej Pekar to the HC Benátky nad Jizerou in his home country of Czech Republic.
Matej Pekar was a fourth-round draft pick of the Buffalo Sabres back in 2018. He’s a 6-foot-1 forward that weighs 200 pounds that is known to make plays and has done so at various levels over the past few years.
So far in one game with HC Benátky nad Jizerou, Matej Pekar has recorded one goal and one assist, doing what he does best.
During the 2017-18 season, he played in the USHL with the Muskegon Lumberjacks. He totaled 14 goals and 40 assists in 56 games, which was good enough for USHL Rookie of the Year. Pekar’s 40 assists led the team and was also fourth in the USHL.
He has also spent plenty of valuable time with representing the Czech Republic internationally in the U18 and U20 leagues.
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For the past two seasons, Matej Pekar has been in the OHL. He spent the first full season with the Barrie Colts, playing in 33 games. He recorded 14 goals and 22 assists in that time, but was sent to Barri Colts “A” the following season.
After spending 26 games with their minor league team — and recording another 16 goals and 13 assists — he was traded to the Sudbury Wolves. In 25 games, he recorded 12 goals and 22 assists.
There’s no doubt he’s been a playmaker everywhere he’s gone, even notching 4 goals and 14 assists in 27 games with Czech Republic in 2017-18.
He’ll now be playing in his home country again, this time for HC Benatky nad Jizerou in the country’s second-highest hockey league. Expect more success there while on a loan from the Buffalo Sabres.