By Chad Klassen

Blazers take Balcers in CHL Import Draft

Jun 28, 2016 | 10:04 AM

KAMLOOPS — The Blazers went to Latvia in the CHL Import Draft on Tuesday, taking Rudolfs Balcers with the 43rd pick overall. 

Balcers, a fifth round pick of the San Jose Sharks in 2015, is expected to bring an offensive punch to a Blazers team that scored 237 goals last season, 10th-best in the Western Hockey League. 

Blazers general manager Stu MacGregor saw Balcers play at both the U-18 and U-20 world junior championships and describes him as  “skilled, quick, offensive forward.”

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Scouts describe Balcers as an explosive skater that has a goal-scorers touch.

He lacks strength, according to scouts, but is strong on the puck and has a relentless work ethic. 

The 19 year old has played professional hockey in Norway for the past three seasons with the Stavanger Oilers.

Last season, Balcers scored 15 goals and tallying 24 points in 43 games.