Rostislav Klesla

Rostislav Klesla (born on March 21, 1982) is a Czech professional ice hockey defenceman. He is currently playing with the Phoenix Coyotes of the National Hockey League (NHL).

Rostislav was selected fourth overall by the Columbus Blue Jackets in the 2000 NHL Entry Draft, making him the first ever pick in an entry draft by the Blue Jackets.

Junior Hockey Career
Czech Republic

Rostislav spent the 1997–98 season with HC Opava Jr. of the Czech Republic Junior League, where in 38 games, he scored 11 goals and 29 points. In eight playoff games, Rostilav had two goals and four points.

Sioux City Musketeers

Rostislav began playing junior hockey in North America in 1998–99, when he played for the Sioux City Musketeers of the USHL. In 54 games, Rostislav had four goals and 16 points, while getting 100 penalty minutes. In five playoff games, he scored two goals.

Brampton Battalion

Rostislav moved to the Brampton Battalion of the OHL for the 1999–2000 season. In 67 games with Brampton, he had 16 goals and 45 points, along with 174 penalty minutes, as he helped the Battalion to their first ever playoff berth.

In six playoff games, Rostislav had a goal and two points. He returned to the Battalion in 2000–01 season, having a break out season offensively. In 45 games, he had 18 goals and 54 points. He then added two goals and 11 points in nine playoff games. Rostislav also played for the Czech Republic in the 2001 World Junior Hockey Championship, where he had three goals and seven points in seven games.