The Spokane Chiefs have selected Marek Kalus from the Czech Republic with the 49^th overall selection in the 2010 CHL Import Draft.  The 6’1”, 180 pound forward will turn 17 on July 22^nd and be eligible for the 2011 NHL Entry Draft.

“We have good reports on Marek as a player and a committed athlete.  We look forward to being a part of his future development,” Chiefs General Manager Tim Speltz said.

“As a 17-year-old player Marek fits in well with the future of our organization.”

Kalus joins 18-year-old forward Dominik Uher, also from the Czech Republic, as one of Spokane’s two import players, the maximum allowed on a Canadian Hockey League roster.  Uher will be entering his second season as a Chief after scoring four goals and 15 points in 53 games last year.

In 46 games this past season with HC Trinec in the Czech Republic, Kalus scored 20 goals and 41 points.  He also appeared in five games for the Czech club at the under 17 World Hockey Challenge in January.

Marek is the younger brother of Petr Kalus, a former Regina Pat and second round pick of the Boston Bruins in 2005.