Polish star Patryk Wronka has signed with Orli Znojmo of the Erste Bank Liga, the top league in Austria. At only 20 years old, Wronka had a great year in the PHL scoring at a point per game pace with 42 points in 42 games. He also added 11 points in 12 playoff games. Where Wronka really excelled this year was at the international level. At Olympic qualification, he had a goal and 2 assist in three games and was a key part of Poland beating Hungary and advancing to the next round. The world championships though were his big show. Anytime Wronka was on the ice, he was creating scoring chances whether by him dangling through defensemen or by showing off his playmaking skills. He finished with 1 goal and 3 assists while being named to the tournament all-star team and being named the best forward by the tournament directorate. There are concerns about Wronka though, mostly about his size. Wronka is only 5’8, but I am one who believes size doesn’t matter.

Orli Znojmo is from the Czech Republic and started playing in the Erste Bank Liga in the 2011-12 season after 2 years in the Czech 2 league. Wronka will the first Polish player to ever play for Orli Znojmo.  Last season Orli Znojmo made it to the Erste Bank Liga finals losing to EC Salzburg. Orli Znojmo will also be playing in the champions hockey league this year. Their group features HC Fribourg-Gottéron of the NLA and Red Bull Muenchen who play in the DEL.