When a team becomes champions, everyone wants a piece. Katowice has seen plenty of talent poached this offseason, but they keep veteran defenseman Maciej Kruczek in the fold. Kruczek’s deal with the club is for two years.

The 34-year-old defenseman won his third PHL championship, his first with Katowice, this past season. In 56 games, he scored nine goals and assisted on twenty. His 29 points were fifth among all defensemen. This was his second season with GKS Katowice, and he played with Cracovia for six years prior. The former KTH Krynica junior star has played in 453 PHL games and has 206 points. The second most points by any defensemen since 2014. He also is a member of the Polish national team and has represented the team at four World Championships, including the 2022 Division 1 Group B World Championships.

GKS Katowice will look to repeat as champions. They will face an uphill battle after losing quite a few players. Mateusz Michalski and top scorer Patryk Wronka moved to Cracovia, Anthon Eriksson signed in the SHL, and Carl Hudson ended his career. They have kept most of their defense together with re-signing Jakub Wanacki, Mateusz Rompkowski, Patryk Wajda, and now the re-signing of Maciej Kruczek. John Murray will also be returning in between the posts.

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