Tigers Adam Sykora drafted by the New York Rangers

By MEDICINE HAT NEWS on July 9, 2022.

Adam Sykora’s name has been called out at another draft.

The Slovakian forward was selected in the second round, 63rd overall by the New York Rangers in the NHL’s Entry Draft Friday morning.

The selection comes six days after Sykora was drafted by the Medicine Hat Tigers with the first overall pick in the 2022 CHL Import Draft July 2.

The 17-year-old (18 in September) had 10 goals and 17 points in 46 games last season playing for HK Nitra of the Slovak professional Extraliga league. He helped HK Nitra reach the Slovak Extraliga championship series, amassing two goals and three assists in 19 playoff appearances.

Sykora was part of an historic NHL Draft for the country of Slovakia, with the two top picks being Juraf Slafkovsky, selected No. 1 by the Montreal Canadiens, and Simon Nemec, No. 2 by the New Jersey Devils. They passed Marian Gaborik, who was selected No. 3 by the Minnesota Wild in the 2000 NHL Draft.

Sykora has not yet signed with the Tigers, and where he will play next season has yet to be decided. Sykora told Matej Deraj of Dennik Sport in Slovakia ahead of the draft that he was not sure where he would be playing and that it was up to whichever NHL club.

“It all depends on the NHL club that will draft me. I think it’s more likely they’ll want me in Canada and I’ll go to the WHL,” he said.