Jakub Vrana Ready for First Full Season with Hershey

HERSHEY, PA – Jakub Vrana looks on at the end of the second day of Hershey Bears training camp. (Kyle Mace / Chocolate Hockey)

At the end of the second day of Hershey Bears training camp, Jakub Vrana got into a stretching position and scooted forward to the center ice dot to lead the team in stretches. He got up, took a few shots into a net, then was called over by Bears PR Director, Scott Stuccio. “What, me for an interview? Are you sure, Stucc?” Vrana said with a laugh and smile. “Just getting to know the kid in whole,” Bears head coach Troy Mann said, “I think he’s fun-loving kid. He’s always got a smile on his face, got a great personality.”

Entering his first full season in North America, the 19-year-old Vrana is ready to take on the challenge put in front of him. “My goal is to give 200% every game and every practice,” Vrana said, “but mostly help this team win games.”

This summer was one that was filled with hockey for the Czech Republic native. After being knocked out by Hartford in the playoffs, Vrana was back on the ice in mid-July for Capitals Development Camp. Right before Capitals training camp, he took part in the Capitals rookie tournament in Florida. “I love hockey, so it was fun. I got some rest too this summer, but I’m excited for a new season.”

Mann saw a lot of Vrana’s play this summer as he was at both camp with the young forward. He said his confidence level is improving with the transition to a smaller ice surface. “Anytime you come to an organization, we have to remember he’s coming from another country and there’s language barrier, there’s always a concern from a coaching perspective whether he’s taking in the information. Sometimes they answer ‘yes’ all the time and then they don’t execute what you’re looking for. I think in all those areas he’s done really well.

“He did make a great impression with us last year for those four to six weeks he was with us and we’re expecting a huge year from him. Hopefully at some point he gets the recall to Washington.” In only three regular season games with Hershey last year, Vrana posted five points. Another 10 playoff games and six more points for the rookie helped him put a lasting impression on Mann. “I think it’s one of those things, he take is as it comes. We’re looking for big things from him this year. He’s going to get lots of power play time, he’s going to be in that top six roll. He’s one of those young kids that’s got a bright future in the NHL and we just got to make sure we’re grooming him in the right way.”