Prospect Update: Roman Horak

Vinny Prospal played with Roman Horak’s father in the Czech League.

Today, Horak, the center/left wing from Ceske Budejovice who has scored in every scrimmage he’s played in, was thrilled with the chance to play with the veteran Czech forward.

“Look at those guys who were my linemates today, Vinny Prospal, Ryan Callahan, those guys know how to play hockey,” said Horak, 19, who scored 21 goals and 46 points in 66 games for WHL Chilliwack last season. “It’s way easier to play with them. They helped me a lot.”

So do you tell Vinny how old he is because he played with Roman senior, who was in the Lillehammer Olympics in 1994?

“I think he knows that,” Roman the younger said with a laugh.

The transition from European hockey has been tricky. “It’s not easy, you always have to work hard. “It’s skating and physical play.” But this camp has given him more confidence. “Even practicing with guys like Vinny and Marian Gaborik, that gives me confidence.”

Rangers development czar Gordie Clark has said that Horak, a fifth-rounder in the 2009 draft, improved last year more than any other prospect, an observation that the youngster appreciated when he was told that today. He had six points (2-4-6) in six playoff games was first among rookies in game-winning goals with six.

“North American hockey helped me a lot, so if Gordie Clark said I improved a lot, I’m happy,” he said. “I have to show a lot, way more than I’ve shown. I’m trying to do my best, hopefully I can stay here longer than last year, then go back to juniors and have a good year.”