3rd year Slovakian-born left wing Radoslav Illo(61) was originally an Anaheim Ducks‘ 5th round pick in the 2009 draft (#136 overall) but never signed.
He played his rookie season back in his homeland for MHC Martin scoring 5 goals and 8 assists in 37 Slovak Extraliga after playing 2 years of junior hockey in America for Tri-City Storm in the USHL putting up solid numbers before deciding on four years at Bemidji State University getting 10 assists twice and potting 10 goals as a senior.
The small 5’9″ 198 lbs. forward signed his first deal an ato after college with AHL affiliate Norfolk Admirals but saw limited action in 3 games with no points and remained unsigned by the parent club making him an unrestricted free agent.
He returned to the U.S. initially signing with Evansville IceMen before being traded at the start of the season to Tulsa Oilers, but only played a single ECHL game with them before being released from his spc and ultimately finding his way via reported another trade back to Norfolk Admirals but this time in a lower league.
His time on the blocks wouldn’t end there as he was once again he was on the move to Idaho Steelheads to finish up his sophomore campaign but actually starting clicking with 3 goals and 4 assists in 19 games, then another pair of points in 5 Kelly Cup Playoff match-ups.
The 26-year old quickly made a decision to remain in the country signing at the start of the off-season with Missouri Mavericks and looks to be on his way to posting career highs with already 3 goals and 4 assists in only 12 games.
It’s still hard to think he’ll stay put if he can find that scoring touch.