According to iSport.cz and the HC Benátky nad Jizerou website, Washington Capitals defensive prospect Martin Hugo Haš will join HC Benátky nad Jizerou in the Czech’s Chance (second) League while waiting for the season to start in North America. 

Has, 19, was to start the year in the OHL, where he played last year with Guelph, but the OHL season has been delayed until after the new year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Has, who hasn’t played a real game of hockey since March (252 days) has been working out with the Czech Republic’s junior team this month and is expected to participate in his second World Junior Championship at the end of December.

“It’s been almost a year since I played a long-term competition, but maybe it won’t affect my career,” said the 6’-4” defender, who ended last year at the OHL in Guelph Storm, Canada.

“It hasn’t mentally affected me, I’m fine. We probably miss the games, but we play a lot in training, so we try to make up for it. The last time I played was in January/February and then three games in my U20 (Czech Republic training camp) over the summer. The break was long.”

By Jon Sorensen