Bombers Sign Czech Forward Hoang

The Long Beach Bombers are proud to announce their 6th new player signing for the 2017-2018 Western States Hockey League season, Czech forward, Johnny Hoang. The right-shot winger is from Karlovy Vary, and is an April 6, 1999 birthdate. Hoang is no stranger to the Bombers, as he was a practice player for the majority of the 2016-2017 season. In his first season playing North American hockey, he was a billet brother to Bombers veteran, and fellow countryman, Tomas Urbanec.

Last year, Hoang split time between the California Wave U18AA team, and the Los Alamitos HS team in the ADHSHL. With the Wave, Hoang was finished the season as a top-15 scorer in the league, with a stat line of 13GP-8G-11A. For the Griffins Varsity team, Hoang recorded a line of 7GP-7G-6A. He also had 4 points in 3 playoff games. In total, Hoang recorded 36 points in 23 games. In 2014-2015, for his hometown HC Karlovy Vary U16 team, Hoang had 10G-14A in 37GP, good for 6th on the team. Three of the five players ahead of him that season, have represented the Czech Republic in international competition.

Bombers super-vet, Amir Burguev, described Johnny as, “Nice kid, always has a smile on his face, great guy to have around the locker room, and he’s got pretty good skill, especially for his age. It’s gonna be fun to have him on the team, and even more fun to see him on the ice wearing a Bombers jersey.”

Long Beach Bombers Head Coach & General Manager, Chris White, added, “Johnny is the type of kid you just can’t help but root for, and he’s a pretty darn good hockey player, to boot. Last year, he did anything we asked of him, worked hard, and pushed our players to be better. When he shows up to the rink, he brings such a positive energy, and it’s infectious. He understands that he’s going to need to be at his best to stick with the club, but I can guarantee you that the staff and veteran players will all be hoping he does just that. He has a high level of skill, gives all of his effort each time he hits the ice, and I think he’s ready to make this next step in his hockey career. He has the ability to make some eye-opener type of offensive plays, and I’m eager to see him arrive with a different mindset than the young practice player he was, last year.”

Johnny's Player Profile Page:http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=271890

Q & A with Johnny Hoang:

Last season, your first in the US, you showed the ability to produce points at the club and high school levels. What will you be focused on to continue that production at the junior level?

I will focus more on my skate speed and my shot because it will be more difficult to score against the goalie of a higher league than I played.

You often practiced with the Long Beach Bombers in 2016-2017. Did you notice any differences between that team, the practices, and the level, compared to what you were used to?

So there was a bigger difference, all the players were bigger, stronger, higher and they had more experience than the players I played with them last season, I could learn a lot from them.

What are some of your best skills, as a player?

My best skills are my hands and I want to get them better and better.

What are you hoping for individually and for the team, in 2017-2018?

I would do everything for the team to win.

What were some highlights of your time in Southern California, last year?

It was in the match against Valencia, I had 7 points, it was a great enjoyment.