Pilots/Scouts goalie Dobes selected in the NHL Draft

Jakub Dobes played for the Topeka Pilots in the NAHL during the 2019-20 season.

The Kansas City Scouts (formerly the Topeka Pilots) of the North American Hockey League are pleased to announce that goaltender Jakub Dobes was selected in Round 5, Pick #136 overall, by the Montreal Canadiens during the 2020 NHL Draft.

Dobes, 19, played in the NAHL for the Pilots during the 2019-20 season. The 6’4/200 lbs. native of Vitkovice, Czech Republic, was one of the top goalies in the NAHL during his tenure, compiling a 7-3-0 record to go along with a 1.59 goals against average and a .946 save percentage and three shutouts.

He was named the NAHL’s South Division Star of the Week for September 30-October 6 after he picked up two wins in two starts, allowing a single goal on 72 shots. Dobes was also the first Pilots player to make an NCAA Division 1 commitment during the 2019-20 season as he committed to The Ohio State in the B1G on October 9, 2019.

He later would join the Omaha Lancers in the USHL for the remainder of the 2019-20 season.

Watch: Jakub Dobes NAHL highlights

“Jakub is a special talent. It is great for him to get the attention and recognition for his efforts. We are extremely excited for him to be drafted by the Canadiens and further his hockey career. Jakub’s character and work ethic will continue to push him to new heights,” said Scouts head coach Simon Watson. “His poise and patience in high-pressure situations helped our team succeed in close hockey games. Jakub has an extremely bright future, and we couldn’t be happier for his success.”

“We are so pleased to see Jakub take his career to the next level with the Montreal Canadiens. We are proud to have had the opportunity to have someone of his caliber play for our team,” said Lamar Hunt Jr., team owner and governor. “We enjoyed having him in our program last year and cannot wait to see him excel.”