Jakub Lauko. (Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
BOSTON (WBZ-AM) -- Call it the unofficial beginning to the NHL season--it's day one of Boston Bruins Development Camp, after a quick turnover from last weekend's draft in Dallas.
All of the Bruins' top picks will be there, including third-round selection Jakub Lauko. The 18-year-old Czech forward skated last season at three different levels: For the Czech World Junior Team, the U-18/U-20 team, and at the top level of the nation's pro circuit.
Bruins brass figured Lauko would be long gone by the time they picked at #77. Take it from Boston Assistant General Manager Scott Bradley.
"On our list, he was a first-round pick," Bradley said. "We're ecstatic to get a player like this at that point of the draft. Fast, energy, plays with a lot of character. Willing to sacrifice, and he can really shoot the puck. And his best asset might be his speed."
As for Lauko, how does he feel about donning the spoked B?
"I think it's one of the biggest moments in my life so far," he said. "I really appreciate it, and I'm really thankful to the Boston organization that they drafted me. I'm really, really excited to meet the organization and Boston, and Boston Bruins fans, and the city and everything in Boston."
Welcome aboard Jakub--now lace 'em up and hit the ice!
WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Chris Fama reports